FREE Certified Arborist Safe Work Practices Questions and Answers
How does a rope's tensile strength compare to its working-load limit?
Explanation:
A rope's working load limit is always lower than its tensile strength. The maximum load that a rope, piece of machinery, or rope assembly should support while operating normally is known as the working-load limit. The lowest force at which a piece of equipment or rope will fail while it is operating normally and carrying a static load is known as its tensile strength. Tensile strength is divided by design factor to determine the working-load limit. A rope or piece of equipment's design factor is a figure that expresses the impacts of the specific circumstances under which it will be utilized. Poor conditions are indicated by a high design factor, whereas little friction and a tidy workspace are indicated by a low design factor. Under typical circumstances, the conventional design factor for arboriculture work is five.
When limbing or bucking a tree, which side of the tree should workers stand on?
Explanation:
For limbing or bucking, workers should stand uphill from the tree. This is to stop the worker from being crushed by the falling tree. To prevent the tree from shifting, the arborist may occasionally need to use a wedge or a block. When several employees are simultaneously limbing or bucking the same tree, they must be in close contact with one another and have a prearranged plan in place for approaching or warning one another. Cutting off a tree's side branches after it has fallen is known as limbing. Cutting a tree trunk or log into shorter, more manageable pieces is known as bucking.
What is not recommended for starting a chainsaw?
Explanation:
It is not recommended to start a chainsaw by drop starting. Pulling the starter cord while advancing the saw away from the body is known as drop starting. Drop starting presents a risk of operator interaction with a moving chain, which is one of the reasons it is not advised. The saw is positioned behind the right knee while using the leg-lock method. This strategy is occasionally employed instead of using the safest approach, which is to just start the saw while it is resting on the ground.
Which knot is most frequently used to send equipment up to a climber?
Explanation:
The main purpose of the midline clove hitch is to raise equipment to a climber. It is widely used for this reason since it can be quickly tied in a line's bend. On the other hand, limbs are more frequently tied off using the running bowline. A person at the end can send the running bowline up a line, much like a slipknot. Furthermore, it is still simple to knot the running bowline after it has been loaded. An easy-stopper knot to tie quickly is the figure-eight. Lastly, the main purpose of the end-line clove hitch is to fasten limbs or trunk segments. It's a simple knot to learn.
When lifting something heavy off the ground, how should the back be positioned?
Explanation:
Maintaining a normal, comfortable back position above the lower body is important while lifting a large object off the ground. Although it has long been advised to lift large objects with the back straight, new research indicates that maintaining a normal posture may be preferable, at least in terms of back curvature. Some experts think that people make a more serious mistake when they lift primarily using their backs instead of their legs because they pay too much attention to the curvature of the back.
What is the minimum diameter for tying a main branch?
Explanation:
The main branch used for tying in should have a minimum diameter of 4 inches. When choosing the branches to toss the rope through, the arborist needs to use extreme caution. To reduce the amount that the arborist may swing from side to side, the arborist should first try to choose a spot where the rope line will be as vertical as feasible. In addition, the arborist must ensure that the climber won't swing into power lines or any other danger by positioning the rope in that way. The crotch should have enough space inside for the rope to pass through without difficulty. The standard diameter for a branch is four inches, but depending on the wood's strength, it might need to be greater.
What is the term used for the upper part of the guide bar tip on a chainsaw?
Explanation:
The kickback quadrant refers to the upper portion of the guide bar tip of a chain saw. This is due to the saw's propensity to push back towards the user if it makes contact with the bar's top. When utilizing a chain saw, the arborist must always be aware of the kickback quadrant since it can occur very fast. Additionally, the operator must always position themselves so that they are not struck by the saw in the event of a kickback. And lastly, an arborist should never wield a chainsaw higher than his or her shoulders because this will increase the potential for kickback injuries.
While hoisting a heavy object, where should the arborist stand?
Explanation:
The arborist should stand as close to the heavy object as possible when lifting it. Arborists should be skilled in lifting big objects because they are frequently asked to do so. Initially, the arborist has to make sure that the path the object will follow is clear of risks and obstacles.
Examining the object thoroughly, the arborist should search for any sharp edges or splinters. The goal of the survey is to determine the optimal grasp method for the object. To ensure that the task can be completed, it is always a good idea to try lifting anything briefly. The arborist should create a stable center of gravity by placing his or her feet shoulder-width apart.
How far away from a tree that is being felled should an uninvolved worker stand?
Explanation:
When a tree is being felled, an uninvolved worker should stand at least two tree lengths away from the tree. Any worker engaged in the procedure needs to have an escape route and be at least one tree length away.
Involved workers need to make sure that they have a reliable way to get in touch with the workers at the base of the tree. Each employee present on the scene needs to be aware of their specific duties and obligations.
What does it mean when a tree is referred to as a "barber chair"?
Explanation:
When a tree splits upward from a back cut, it is referred to as a "barber chair." The split trunk could collapse on the person tending to the tree, hence this situation should be avoided at all costs.
If a chainsaw operator loses control of the tree while felling it, which way should he go?
Explanation:
When using a chainsaw to fall a tree, the operator should shift 45 degrees to either side of the line which indicates the intended direction of the fall if they lose control of the tree. Furthermore, nobody other should be in the vicinity directly behind the tree. A lot of arborists carry felling wedges with them for when the rear cut is made. These wedges may be helpful if the tree is attempting to pinch the chainsaw's bar. To start and manage the fall, arborists might utilize felling wages.