Lineman Risk Assessment and Mitigation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When performing an energized line task, the minimum approach distance (MAD) is primarily determined by:
- System voltage and worker training level (Correct answer)
- Length of the task and crew size
- Weather conditions and time of day
- Equipment manufacturer specifications only
Correct answer: System voltage and worker training level
MAD is voltage-dependent and assumes the worker has appropriate training; both factors are used in OSHA and NESC tables.
Question 2: A co-worker refuses to follow the established safety plan on a job site. The appropriate first action is to:
- Stop work and report the refusal to the foreman (Correct answer)
- Continue working and document the refusal later
- Cover for the co-worker to avoid delays
- Perform the task yourself to compensate
Correct answer: Stop work and report the refusal to the foreman
Stop-work authority empowers any worker to halt operations when safety procedures are being violated without penalty.
Question 3: Arc flash boundaries are established primarily to protect workers from:
- Thermal burns caused by radiated heat from an arc (Correct answer)
- Electrical shock from direct contact
- Falling debris after a fault
- Toxic gases from burning insulation
Correct answer: Thermal burns caused by radiated heat from an arc
Arc flash boundaries define zones where incident energy could cause varying degrees of skin burns from radiated heat.
Question 4: Which scenario represents a 'struck-by' hazard on a utility work site?
- A conductor whipping after a cutout fuse operation (Correct answer)
- A worker contacting an energized bare wire
- Slipping on mud while walking to a pole
- Heat exhaustion during summer line work
Correct answer: A conductor whipping after a cutout fuse operation
A conductor snapping back after a fuse operation can strike a worker, classifying it as a struck-by hazard.
Question 5: Before digging near underground utilities, which step is REQUIRED under federal and most state regulations?
- Contact 811 to request utility locates (Correct answer)
- Visually inspect the area for surface markers only
- Dig a small test hole without notification
- Obtain permission from the property owner only
Correct answer: Contact 811 to request utility locates
Calling 811 activates the One Call system, which notifies underground utility owners to mark their facilities before excavation.
Question 6: The purpose of a tailboard/tailgate meeting before work begins is to:
- Brief all crew members on hazards, controls, and job assignments (Correct answer)
- Review the foreman's credentials and certifications
- Log equipment hours for maintenance records
- Fulfill a documentation requirement only
Correct answer: Brief all crew members on hazards, controls, and job assignments
Tailboard meetings ensure every crew member understands the hazards, mitigation measures, and their specific role before work starts.
Question 7: Which condition would MOST increase the risk of a ground fault when working on a distribution pole?
- Wet wooden pole with deteriorated crossarms (Correct answer)
- Dry fiberglass pole with new hardware
- Concrete pole with intact surface coating
- Steel pole with proper bonding and grounding
Correct answer: Wet wooden pole with deteriorated crossarms
A wet, deteriorated wood pole has significantly reduced resistance, increasing the likelihood of current finding a path to ground through the structure.
Lineman Risk Assessment and Mitigation 3
When performing an energized line task, the minimum approach distance (MAD) is primarily determined by: