CTSP Incident Prevention and Response 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which investigation method focuses on understanding the sequence of events and decisions that led to an incident, rather than assigning blame?
- Punitive investigation
- Root cause analysis (Correct answer)
- Witness interrogation
- Regulatory inspection
Correct answer: Root cause analysis
Root cause analysis systematically traces an incident back to its underlying systemic failures to prevent recurrence.
Question 2: When a chainsaw operator experiences 'kickback,' the saw's bar tip rotates upward and toward the operator primarily because:
- The chain brake is disengaged
- The upper quadrant of the bar tip contacts wood and the chain's rotational force is redirected (Correct answer)
- The chain is installed in the wrong direction
- The saw's throttle is released too slowly
Correct answer: The upper quadrant of the bar tip contacts wood and the chain's rotational force is redirected
Kickback occurs when the rotating chain at the bar tip's upper quadrant contacts an object, converting chain energy into rapid rotational force toward the operator.
Question 3: An OSHA recordable injury in tree care is defined as one that results in:
- Any injury requiring the worker to stop work for even a few minutes
- Death, days away from work, restricted duty, medical treatment beyond first aid, or loss of consciousness (Correct answer)
- Any injury requiring an emergency room visit, regardless of treatment
- Any injury occurring on a public right-of-way
Correct answer: Death, days away from work, restricted duty, medical treatment beyond first aid, or loss of consciousness
OSHA defines recordable injuries by specific criteria including fatalities, lost workdays, restricted duty, or treatment beyond basic first aid.
Question 4: A crew is felling a tree and the escape route becomes blocked by a fallen limb mid-cut. The operator should FIRST:
- Complete the cut as quickly as possible before the tree falls
- Stop cutting, secure the saw, and clear the escape route before continuing (Correct answer)
- Signal the ground crew to clear the route while the cut continues
- Move to the opposite side of the tree and continue
Correct answer: Stop cutting, secure the saw, and clear the escape route before continuing
A clear escape route is non-negotiable; work must stop to restore the route before any felling cut continues.
Question 5: Which personal protective equipment item is SPECIFICALLY designed to protect an arborist from chainsaw contact to the legs while working on the ground?
- Cut-resistant gloves
- Chainsaw-protective chaps or pants (Correct answer)
- Steel-toed boots
- Impact-resistant eye protection
Correct answer: Chainsaw-protective chaps or pants
Chainsaw chaps or pants contain cut-resistant fibers that clog the chainsaw drive sprocket, stopping the chain upon contact with the legs.
Question 6: After a serious incident on a tree care job site, OSHA requires employers to report an in-patient hospitalization within:
- 8 hours
- 24 hours (Correct answer)
- 72 hours
- 5 business days
Correct answer: 24 hours
OSHA 29 CFR 1904.39 requires employers to report any in-patient hospitalization within 24 hours of learning about the incident.
Question 7: Which signal should be used between a climber and ground crew when verbal communication is impossible due to equipment noise?
- Prearranged hand signals reviewed and agreed upon during the pre-job briefing (Correct answer)
- Shouting louder through the noise
- Waiting until equipment is off to communicate all instructions
- Using a personal cell phone to text
Correct answer: Prearranged hand signals reviewed and agreed upon during the pre-job briefing
Pre-established hand signals agreed upon before work begins ensure clear, unambiguous communication when noise prevents verbal exchange.
CTSP Incident Prevention and Response 5
Which investigation method focuses on understanding the sequence of events and decisions that led to an incident, rather than assigning blame?