MRAB Safety Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A meter reader slips and falls on a wet surface while on a customer's property. What should they do FIRST?
- Finish the route before reporting the injury
- Assess themselves for injuries and report the incident to a supervisor immediately (Correct answer)
- Ignore it if no bones are broken
- Bill the customer for medical expenses
Correct answer: Assess themselves for injuries and report the incident to a supervisor immediately
All workplace injuries, no matter how minor they seem, must be reported immediately per OSHA regulations and company policy so that proper medical evaluation and documentation can occur.
Question 2: Proper body mechanics when lifting a heavy meter vault cover include:
- Bending at the waist and using your back
- Squatting down, keeping your back straight, and lifting with your legs (Correct answer)
- Twisting your body to one side while pulling
- Lifting with one hand only
Correct answer: Squatting down, keeping your back straight, and lifting with your legs
Safe lifting technique requires bending at the knees, keeping the back straight, and using leg muscles to lift — this protects the spine from injury.
Question 3: In extreme summer heat, a meter reader should take precautions against heat-related illness by:
- Wearing extra layers to sweat more
- Drinking plenty of water throughout the shift and taking rest breaks in shade (Correct answer)
- Working faster to finish sooner
- Drinking energy drinks instead of water
Correct answer: Drinking plenty of water throughout the shift and taking rest breaks in shade
Hydration and scheduled rest breaks in shaded or cool areas are the primary defenses against heat exhaustion and heat stroke during outdoor fieldwork.
Question 4: When using a meter reading wand or remote reading device near electrical equipment, the reader should:
- Point the wand at power lines to read their voltage
- Keep the device away from high-voltage equipment and use only as directed by the manufacturer (Correct answer)
- Never use electronic devices outdoors
- Use the device as a probe to test outlets
Correct answer: Keep the device away from high-voltage equipment and use only as directed by the manufacturer
Electronic reading devices should only be used for their intended purpose and kept clear of high-voltage equipment to prevent damage to the device or electrical hazards.
Question 5: A meter reader's vehicle breaks down in a hazardous location on a busy road. The safest action is to:
- Attempt to push the vehicle off the road alone
- Stay in the vehicle with seatbelt on and call for assistance
- Stand behind the vehicle to warn approaching traffic
- Move to a safe distance from the vehicle and call for help (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Move to a safe distance from the vehicle and call for help
Moving away from the disabled vehicle to a safe distance (guardrail, hillside, behind a barrier) and calling for help protects the worker from being struck by passing traffic.
Question 6: Why is it important for a meter reader to report a meter location that has excessive vegetation or overgrowth?
- It increases the property's value
- Overgrowth can hide hazards like snakes, insects, or unseen drop-offs that endanger future readers (Correct answer)
- Plants improve air quality near the meter
- It is required for landscaping permits
Correct answer: Overgrowth can hide hazards like snakes, insects, or unseen drop-offs that endanger future readers
Dense vegetation near meters can conceal dangerous animals, trip hazards, or unstable ground, making it a safety issue that needs to be flagged and cleared.
MRAB Safety Procedures 2
A meter reader slips and falls on a wet surface while on a customer's property.
What should they do FIRST?