CTSP Hazard Identification and Control 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is specifically required when operating a chainsaw during tree work?
- Chainsaw-resistant chaps, gloves, helmet, eye protection, and hearing protection (Correct answer)
- Hard hat and safety glasses only
- Cut-resistant gloves and steel-toed boots only
- Full-body harness and lanyard
Correct answer: Chainsaw-resistant chaps, gloves, helmet, eye protection, and hearing protection
ANSI Z133 requires chainsaw operators to wear chainsaw-resistant chaps, gloves, a helmet, eye protection, and hearing protection during operation.
Question 2: During a site assessment, a worker observes cracks running vertically through a major crotch. This defect is classified as:
- A compression crack indicating root zone problems
- A seam crack or shear crack indicating structural failure risk (Correct answer)
- A normal growth feature of hardwood trees
- A superficial wound from past pruning
Correct answer: A seam crack or shear crack indicating structural failure risk
Vertical cracks through a crotch are classified as seam or shear cracks and indicate a serious structural failure risk in the union.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of establishing a drop zone before beginning aerial work?
- To designate where the crew will stand to catch falling material
- To define the area where material is expected to land and keep it clear of personnel and property (Correct answer)
- To comply with OSHA recordkeeping requirements
- To ensure ropes are positioned for efficient rigging
Correct answer: To define the area where material is expected to land and keep it clear of personnel and property
A drop zone defines the area where cut material will fall and must be kept clear of all personnel and property to prevent struck-by injuries.
Question 4: A tree shows a lean of approximately 15 degrees toward a target. Which assessment factor would MOST increase concern about failure risk?
- The tree is a deciduous species in full leaf
- The lean is away from the prevailing wind direction
- Fungal conks are present at the base of the lean side (Correct answer)
- The tree has been pruned within the last five years
Correct answer: Fungal conks are present at the base of the lean side
Fungal conks at the base combined with a lean indicate decay in the compression wood, which dramatically increases failure risk.
Question 5: Ground personnel should position themselves relative to a felling operation by:
- Standing directly behind the operator at a safe distance
- Remaining at least two tree lengths away and to the side of the intended fall path (Correct answer)
- Holding the base of the tree to stabilize it during the cut
- Waiting inside the cab of a nearby vehicle
Correct answer: Remaining at least two tree lengths away and to the side of the intended fall path
Ground personnel must stay at least two tree lengths away and to the side to avoid being struck by the falling tree or any material kicked back by it.
Question 6: Which of the following is considered a target in a hazard tree risk assessment?
- The decay column inside the trunk
- A person, vehicle, or structure that could be struck by a failing tree (Correct answer)
- The root system beneath a target tree
- A nearby tree that may be damaged during the work
Correct answer: A person, vehicle, or structure that could be struck by a failing tree
In risk assessment, a target is any person, vehicle, structure, or high-value asset that could be struck if the tree or a part of it fails.
Question 7: When a crew is working near a road, which traffic control measure is required before beginning work?
- Placing a single cone at the nearest intersection
- Notifying local residents by door hanger the day before
- Establishing a traffic control plan with flaggers, signs, and cones per local regulations (Correct answer)
- Parking a company vehicle with hazard lights on at the curb
Correct answer: Establishing a traffic control plan with flaggers, signs, and cones per local regulations
Work near roadways requires a formal traffic control plan including proper signage, cones, and flaggers in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and local regulations.
CTSP Hazard Identification and Control 3
Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is specifically required when operating a chainsaw during tree work?