ISA Arborist Safety and Standards 2

Question 1

What is the ANSI Z133 standard and what does it govern?

Accepted Answer

The national consensus safety standard for arboricultural operations, covering personnel safety, equipment use, electrical hazards, and safe work practices for tree care

Answer

A voluntary design standard for tree houses and aerial platforms

Answer

A federal regulation requiring all tree workers to be ISA certified

Answer

A standard for manufacturing chainsaw safety equipment

Question 2

What are the OSHA requirements for training tree care workers regarding electrical hazards?

Accepted Answer

All tree workers must be trained to recognize and avoid electrical hazards; only qualified line-clearance arborists may work within the minimum approach distance of energized conductors

Answer

Only electricians need electrical hazard training

Answer

Any tree worker may work near power lines if wearing rubber gloves

Answer

Electrical hazard training is optional in the tree care industry

Question 3

What documentation and training records should a tree care company maintain for each employee?

Accepted Answer

Training records for safety topics, equipment operation, first aid/CPR certifications, certification credentials, incident reports, and equipment inspection logs

Answer

Only a signed employment contract

Answer

Only records of ISA certification

Answer

No documentation is required for tree care workers

Question 4

What is the ISA's role in the tree care industry and how does ISA certification benefit practicing arborists?

Accepted Answer

ISA is an international professional organization that sets educational standards, administers certifications, conducts research, and advances the science of arboriculture — certification demonstrates competency and commitment to professional standards

Answer

ISA is a government regulatory agency that licenses arborists

Answer

ISA only provides insurance for tree care companies

Answer

ISA certification is only relevant for academic researchers, not field arborists

Question 5

What emergency response plan elements should be in place before beginning aerial tree work operations?

Accepted Answer

A written plan including aerial rescue procedures, first aid equipment location, emergency contact numbers, hospital route, communication protocols, and designation of trained rescue personnel

Answer

A phone number for the nearest hospital is sufficient

Answer

Emergency plans are only needed for crane operations

Answer

The property owner is responsible for emergency planning, not the tree care company

Question 6

According to industry standards, who is responsible for identifying underground utilities before tree work involving excavation?

Accepted Answer

The party performing the excavation work must contact 811 (or local one-call center) at least the required number of days before digging to have utilities located and marked

Answer

The tree care company does not need to worry about underground utilities

Answer

Underground utilities are automatically detected by modern excavation equipment

Answer

Only the property owner can request utility locates