DCI Job Site Safety Practices 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which class of fire extinguisher should be used if electrical equipment catches fire on a data cabling job site?
- Class A
- Class B
- Class C (Correct answer)
- Class D
Correct answer: Class C
Class C extinguishers use non-conductive agents designed for fires involving energized electrical equipment.
Question 2: When should a data cabling technician wear safety glasses on a job site?
- Only when operating power tools
- Only when working overhead in ceiling spaces
- Whenever there is a risk of flying debris, dust, or chemical splash (Correct answer)
- Only when required by the general contractor
Correct answer: Whenever there is a risk of flying debris, dust, or chemical splash
Eye protection should be worn any time there is a potential risk of eye injury, not just when specific tasks are being performed.
Question 3: A technician is pulling cable through a conduit and feels significant resistance. What is the SAFEST course of action?
- Apply maximum force until the cable moves
- Use a cable lubricant and reassess; do not exceed the cable's minimum bend radius (Correct answer)
- Attach a come-along winch to pull harder
- Cut the cable at the blockage point and splice it through
Correct answer: Use a cable lubricant and reassess; do not exceed the cable's minimum bend radius
Forcing cable beyond its bend radius can damage the cable and create injury risk; lubrication and reassessment is the correct approach.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) performed before starting a cabling installation?
- To estimate the cost of the installation project
- To identify potential hazards and establish safe procedures for each task (Correct answer)
- To document the cable pathways for the as-built drawings
- To assign liability in case of an accident
Correct answer: To identify potential hazards and establish safe procedures for each task
A JHA systematically identifies hazards associated with each job task and establishes safe work procedures to mitigate those risks.
Question 5: Which safety device on a power drill prevents it from continuing to spin after the chuck is fully tightened?
- Torque clutch or clutch collar (Correct answer)
- Trigger lock
- Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
- Depth stop collar
Correct answer: Torque clutch or clutch collar
The torque clutch disengages the drill's drive when a preset torque level is reached, preventing over-tightening and protecting the tool and user.
Question 6: An installer is working alone in a remote equipment room. Which safety practice is MOST important in this scenario?
- Carry extra tools in case of equipment failure
- Inform a supervisor or coworker of location and check-in schedule (Correct answer)
- Work faster to minimize solo exposure time
- Bring a personal fan to stay cool
Correct answer: Inform a supervisor or coworker of location and check-in schedule
Working alone increases risk because there is no one to assist in an emergency; a buddy system or check-in schedule is essential.
Question 7: What is the minimum safe working distance from overhead power lines for cabling work that does not require special equipment or permits?
- 1 foot
- 3 feet
- 10 feet (Correct answer)
- 25 feet
Correct answer: 10 feet
OSHA requires a minimum 10-foot clearance from energized overhead power lines up to 50kV for unqualified workers.
DCI Job Site Safety Practices 3
Which class of fire extinguisher should be used if electrical equipment catches fire on a data cabling job site?