CTSP CTSP Struck-By and Falling Object Hazards 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When rigging a large limb for removal, which rigging point placement best reduces the risk of the limb swinging back and striking workers?
- Attach the rigging above the limb's center of gravity (Correct answer)
- Attach the rigging below the cut point
- Attach the rigging at the limb tip
- Use two rigging points equidistant from the cut
Correct answer: Attach the rigging above the limb's center of gravity
Rigging above the limb's center of gravity keeps the load balanced and prevents uncontrolled swinging that could strike workers.
Question 2: A climber is working in a tree near a road. Which measure is MOST effective in protecting passing motorists from struck-by hazards?
- Posting a flagger and using proper traffic control devices (Correct answer)
- Placing orange cones at the base of the tree only
- Having the ground crew watch for vehicles
- Hanging caution tape between nearby trees
Correct answer: Posting a flagger and using proper traffic control devices
ANSI Z133 requires proper traffic control including flaggers and devices that meet MUTCD standards when working near roadways.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of establishing a 'drop zone' during aerial tree work?
- To designate a controlled area where cut material will land, keeping it clear of personnel (Correct answer)
- To mark where climbing equipment should be stored
- To indicate where the bucket truck should be positioned
- To identify where the chipper should be parked
Correct answer: To designate a controlled area where cut material will land, keeping it clear of personnel
A drop zone is a predetermined, clearly communicated, and personnel-free area where cut material is directed to land safely.
Question 4: Which factor most significantly increases the danger of a struck-by injury from a thrown chain during chainsaw kickback?
- Operating the saw above shoulder height (Correct answer)
- Using a full-chisel chain instead of semi-chisel
- Working on a ladder rather than in a bucket truck
- Cutting limbs smaller than 2 inches in diameter
Correct answer: Operating the saw above shoulder height
Operating a chainsaw above shoulder height places the kickback zone closer to the operator's face and increases the severity of any chain contact.
Question 5: During a tree removal in a confined space, a co-worker is struck by a small piece of wood ejected from the chipper. What does this incident MOST likely indicate?
- The operator fed material into the chipper while a co-worker was within the danger zone (Correct answer)
- The chipper blades were dull and caused irregular ejection
- The wood was too wet for the chipper to process safely
- The chipper discharge chute was not aimed away from the work area
Correct answer: The operator fed material into the chipper while a co-worker was within the danger zone
Chipper struck-by incidents most commonly occur when personnel enter the infeed danger zone or when material is fed while others are nearby.
Question 6: A tree crew is felling a tree near a structure. Which practice BEST protects against struck-by injury from an unpredictable tree fall?
- Establishing a clear retreat path at 45 degrees to the rear of the intended felling direction (Correct answer)
- Standing directly behind the tree during felling
- Retreating parallel to the intended line of fall
- Moving to the side opposite the intended felling direction
Correct answer: Establishing a clear retreat path at 45 degrees to the rear of the intended felling direction
ANSI Z133 specifies retreating at a 45-degree angle to the rear of the intended felling direction to avoid kickback and butt-jump hazards.
Question 7: What is the recommended minimum distance a bystander should be kept from a tree being removed to protect against struck-by hazards?
- Two times the height of the tree (Correct answer)
- The height of the tree plus 10 feet
- 50 feet regardless of tree height
- One tree length in all directions
Correct answer: Two times the height of the tree
ANSI Z133 recommends a minimum exclusion zone of at least two times the height of the tree to account for unpredictable fall patterns.
CTSP CTSP Struck-By and Falling Object Hazards 4
When rigging a large limb for removal, which rigging point placement best reduces the risk of the limb swinging back and striking workers?