CTSP Hazard Identification and Control 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A tree worker identifies a 'hangar' (widow maker) lodged in the canopy above the work area. The safest course of action is to:
- Work quickly beneath it to minimize exposure time
- Dislodge it with a pole pruner from beneath
- Remove all personnel from the area and dislodge it using rigging from a safe position (Correct answer)
- Mark it with ribbon and continue work on the opposite side of the trunk
Correct answer: Remove all personnel from the area and dislodge it using rigging from a safe position
Hangars must be removed with all personnel clear of the drop zone, using rigging or tools that keep workers out from beneath the falling material.
Question 2: Which environmental condition most significantly increases the risk of tree failure during pruning or removal operations?
- Overcast skies reducing visibility
- High winds exceeding recommended safe limits (Correct answer)
- Cold temperatures below 32°F
- Wet leaves adding marginal weight to branches
Correct answer: High winds exceeding recommended safe limits
High winds increase dynamic loading on trees and falling material, dramatically raising the risk of unexpected failures and loss of directional control.
Question 3: When is it appropriate to use the 'two-second rule' during tree felling?
- To time the gap between saw cuts during plunge cutting
- To ensure the saw engine has idled for two seconds before re-engaging
- To allow the tree to begin moving for two seconds before retreating on the escape route (Correct answer)
- To confirm the felling notch is cut within two seconds of the back cut
Correct answer: To allow the tree to begin moving for two seconds before retreating on the escape route
The feller should watch the tree begin to move and then immediately retreat on the planned escape route without waiting longer than necessary.
Question 4: Girdling roots are a hazard to tree stability primarily because they:
- Block phloem transport, starving roots of sugars
- Compress the root flare, reducing the effective diameter of the structural root zone (Correct answer)
- Increase water uptake, causing trunk swell and crown overload
- Harbor wood-boring insects that move into the trunk
Correct answer: Compress the root flare, reducing the effective diameter of the structural root zone
Girdling roots constrict the trunk and structural root zone, reducing the tree's ability to anchor itself and transport water and nutrients, leading to decline and instability.
Question 5: Under ANSI Z133, who bears primary responsibility for ensuring that all crew members are informed of job hazards before work begins?
- The property owner or client
- The crew member with the most experience
- The employer and the qualified supervisor or crew leader on site (Correct answer)
- The local arborist licensing board
Correct answer: The employer and the qualified supervisor or crew leader on site
ANSI Z133 places primary responsibility on the employer and the on-site qualified supervisor to brief all crew members on identified hazards before work begins.
Question 6: A tree has a decay column extending from the base to approximately 40% of its total height. Which factor would be MOST important to evaluate next?
- The species of fungi causing the decay
- The ratio of residual sound wall thickness to the total trunk diameter at the decay column (Correct answer)
- The number of previous pruning wounds on the tree
- The direction of prevailing wind at the site
Correct answer: The ratio of residual sound wall thickness to the total trunk diameter at the decay column
The residual wall thickness relative to trunk diameter at the decay column determines whether enough structural wood remains to support the tree safely.
Question 7: Which of the following is an example of an administrative hazard control in tree care operations?
- Installing a safety guard on a chipper feed roller
- Requiring all chainsaw operators to complete documented training before operating equipment (Correct answer)
- Issuing cut-resistant chaps to every crew member
- Engineering a rope redirect to keep the climber away from a weak branch
Correct answer: Requiring all chainsaw operators to complete documented training before operating equipment
Administrative controls reduce exposure to hazards through policies, procedures, and training requirements rather than physical modifications or PPE.
CTSP Hazard Identification and Control 5
A tree worker identifies a 'hangar' (widow maker) lodged in the canopy above the work area.
The safest course of action is to: