CTSP OSHA 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under OSHA regulations, when must a competent person inspect scaffolding used in tree care operations?
- Once per week
- Before each work shift and after any event that could affect structural integrity (Correct answer)
- Only after rain or wind events
- Once per month during the project
Correct answer: Before each work shift and after any event that could affect structural integrity
OSHA's Scaffolding Standard (29 CFR 1926.502) requires a competent person to inspect scaffolding before each shift and after any event that could affect its integrity.
Question 2: What is the OSHA requirement for a safety line used in conjunction with a body harness during aerial tree work?
- It must have a minimum breaking strength of 2,000 lbs
- It must be independently anchored from the work positioning line (Correct answer)
- It can be omitted if the worker is in a bucket truck
- It must be at least 50 feet long
Correct answer: It must be independently anchored from the work positioning line
A separate, independently anchored lanyard or safety line is required so that a failure of the work positioning system does not result in a free fall.
Question 3: Which OSHA standard applies to tree workers performing clearing operations near underground utilities?
- 29 CFR 1926.651 (Excavations) (Correct answer)
- 29 CFR 1910.269
- 29 CFR 1926.57
- 29 CFR 1910.303
Correct answer: 29 CFR 1926.651 (Excavations)
29 CFR 1926.651 covers excavation safety and includes requirements for locating underground utilities before digging.
Question 4: Under OSHA's heat illness prevention guidance, which factor is NOT considered when assessing heat stress risk?
- Humidity
- Air temperature
- Worker's years of experience (Correct answer)
- Radiant heat from the sun
Correct answer: Worker's years of experience
Heat stress risk is assessed using environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and radiant heat—worker experience does not reduce physiological heat load.
Question 5: OSHA requires that a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) for tree felling operations must be reviewed and updated when:
- Quarterly, regardless of conditions
- A near-miss or incident occurs, or job conditions change significantly (Correct answer)
- Only when a new employee joins the crew
- Annually at the start of the season
Correct answer: A near-miss or incident occurs, or job conditions change significantly
JHAs must be revisited whenever an incident or near-miss occurs or when site conditions change to ensure controls remain adequate.
Question 6: According to OSHA's chipper safety guidance, what is the minimum safe distance a bystander should maintain from an operating chipper?
- 10 feet
- 25 feet
- 50 feet (Correct answer)
- 100 feet
Correct answer: 50 feet
OSHA and ANSI Z133 recommend a minimum bystander exclusion zone of at least 50 feet (one tree-length) from an operating chipper.
Question 7: Under OSHA standards, what must an employer do if a required engineering control is not feasible to eliminate a noise hazard?
- Terminate the noisy operation immediately
- Implement administrative controls and provide hearing protection (Correct answer)
- Reduce work hours to 4 hours per day
- File a variance request and do nothing until approved
Correct answer: Implement administrative controls and provide hearing protection
When engineering controls are infeasible, OSHA requires a combination of administrative controls and personal protective equipment (hearing protection) to protect workers.
CTSP OSHA 4
Under OSHA regulations, when must a competent person inspect scaffolding used in tree care operations?