Lineman Risk Assessment and Mitigation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which method is used to quantify the likelihood and severity of a hazard during a formal risk assessment?
- Risk matrix scoring (Correct answer)
- Job briefing checklist
- Tailgate safety talk
- Incident command system
Correct answer: Risk matrix scoring
A risk matrix combines probability and consequence ratings to produce a numerical or categorical risk score.
Question 2: A lineman identifies a conductor that may be energized but cannot be verified. The correct action is to:
- Treat it as energized and apply minimum approach distance (Correct answer)
- Proceed cautiously using rubber gloves only
- Test with a non-contact meter and continue if no reading
- Ground one end and assume the other end is safe
Correct answer: Treat it as energized and apply minimum approach distance
OSHA 1910.269 requires treating unverified conductors as energized to protect workers from unexpected contact.
Question 3: What does the hierarchy of controls place as the MOST effective risk mitigation measure?
- Elimination of the hazard (Correct answer)
- Administrative controls
- Personal protective equipment
- Engineering controls
Correct answer: Elimination of the hazard
Elimination removes the hazard entirely and is the most effective control measure in the hierarchy.
Question 4: During switching operations, which document is used to record each step and reduce procedural error risk?
- Switching order (Correct answer)
- Incident action plan
- Job hazard analysis
- Permit to work
Correct answer: Switching order
A switching order lists sequential steps that operators sign off on individually to prevent errors during energized switching.
Question 5: A job hazard analysis (JHA) should be updated when:
- Conditions or personnel change mid-job (Correct answer)
- The crew finishes lunch
- The foreman decides to speed up the schedule
- A new utility truck arrives on site
Correct answer: Conditions or personnel change mid-job
Changed conditions or personnel introduce new hazards that require the JHA to be reviewed and revised before work continues.
Question 6: Which risk factor is MOST associated with contact injuries during line work in adverse weather?
- Reduced insulation effectiveness of wet PPE (Correct answer)
- Increased wind causing conductor sway
- Lower ambient temperature reducing concentration
- Fog reducing visibility to other crew members
Correct answer: Reduced insulation effectiveness of wet PPE
Wet PPE and rubber goods lose a significant portion of their insulating effectiveness, increasing the risk of electrical contact.
Question 7: The term 'residual risk' refers to:
- The risk remaining after controls are applied (Correct answer)
- The initial risk before any assessment
- The risk transferred to a subcontractor
- The risk documented but not yet mitigated
Correct answer: The risk remaining after controls are applied
Residual risk is what remains after all feasible controls have been implemented and must be accepted or further reduced.
Lineman Risk Assessment and Mitigation 2
Which method is used to quantify the likelihood and severity of a hazard during a formal risk assessment?