Lineman Safety and Technical Skills 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum approach distance (MAD) for a qualified lineman working on 15 kV lines without insulated tools?
- 1 foot 5 inches
- 2 feet 2 inches (Correct answer)
- 7 inches
- 3 feet 6 inches
Correct answer: 2 feet 2 inches
OSHA Table R-6 specifies a minimum approach distance of 2 feet 2 inches for voltages between 15.1 and 17.5 kV.
Question 2: When performing CPR on an adult victim, what is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single rescuer?
- 15:2
- 30:2 (Correct answer)
- 5:1
- 10:2
Correct answer: 30:2
Current American Heart Association guidelines specify a 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio for single-rescuer adult CPR.
Question 3: What type of glove must be worn when working on energized electrical conductors rated above 750 volts?
- Leather gloves with gauntlet cuffs
- Class 00 rubber insulating gloves
- Rubber insulating gloves of the appropriate voltage class (Correct answer)
- Cotton gloves with rubber dots
Correct answer: Rubber insulating gloves of the appropriate voltage class
OSHA 1910.137 requires rubber insulating gloves rated for the specific voltage class of the work being performed.
Question 4: A lineman is asked to work in an excavation that is 6 feet deep in Type C soil. What is required before entry?
- A competent person inspection only
- Shoring, sloping, or a trench box (Correct answer)
- A hard hat and safety vest only
- Verbal authorization from the supervisor
Correct answer: Shoring, sloping, or a trench box
OSHA 1926.652 requires excavations 5 feet or deeper in Type C soil to be protected by shoring, sloping to 1.5:1, or a trench box.
Question 5: What does the term 'equipotential zone' mean in lineman safety?
- A zone where all tools are stored at equal height
- An area where all conductive objects are bonded to the same electrical potential (Correct answer)
- A buffer zone around high-voltage equipment
- A location where voltage is measured to be zero
Correct answer: An area where all conductive objects are bonded to the same electrical potential
An equipotential zone bonds all conductive surfaces so no dangerous voltage difference exists between them, protecting workers from step and touch potential hazards.
Question 6: Which OSHA standard governs electric power generation, transmission, and distribution work?
- 29 CFR 1910.147
- 29 CFR 1926.502
- 29 CFR 1910.269 (Correct answer)
- 29 CFR 1910.303
Correct answer: 29 CFR 1910.269
29 CFR 1910.269 is the OSHA standard specifically covering electric power generation, transmission, and distribution operations.
Question 7: When climbing a wood utility pole, a lineman notices a crack running along the grain near the groundline. What is the correct action?
- Climb carefully and avoid placing gaffs near the crack
- Report it and do not climb until the pole is inspected by a competent person (Correct answer)
- Wrap the crack with electrical tape before climbing
- Only climb if the crack is less than 6 inches long
Correct answer: Report it and do not climb until the pole is inspected by a competent person
A crack at the groundline is a serious structural defect; the pole must be inspected by a competent person and condemned if necessary before any climbing.
Lineman Safety and Technical Skills 2
What is the minimum approach distance (MAD) for a qualified lineman working on 15 kV lines without insulated tools?