NCCER Risk Assessment & Mitigation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When is a confined space permit required before entry?
- Any space smaller than 4 feet wide
- When a space has limited entry/exit and contains a hazardous atmosphere or engulfment risk (Correct answer)
- Whenever the space requires bending to enter
- Only in commercial buildings, not residential
Correct answer: When a space has limited entry/exit and contains a hazardous atmosphere or engulfment risk
OSHA defines a permit-required confined space as one with limited entry/exit AND a recognized serious safety or health hazard.
Question 2: A client's home was recently flooded. Before entering to perform repairs, what hazard should be assessed FIRST?
- Cosmetic water stains on walls
- Compromised structural integrity and electrical safety (Correct answer)
- Whether the carpet needs replacement
- Mold color classification
Correct answer: Compromised structural integrity and electrical safety
Flooding can weaken structural members and saturate electrical systems, creating collapse and electrocution risks that must be assessed before entry.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) before beginning a task?
- To estimate the project cost
- To identify hazards associated with each step and determine controls (Correct answer)
- To schedule material deliveries
- To document tool inventory on site
Correct answer: To identify hazards associated with each step and determine controls
A JHA breaks each job step down to identify potential hazards and establish controls before work begins, reducing injury risk.
Question 4: Which condition makes a trench excavation require protective systems (shoring, sloping, or shielding) per OSHA?
- Any trench regardless of depth
- Trenches 5 feet or deeper, or less if a competent person sees a cave-in risk (Correct answer)
- Only trenches in clay soil
- Trenches exceeding 10 feet in depth only
Correct answer: Trenches 5 feet or deeper, or less if a competent person sees a cave-in risk
OSHA 1926.652 requires protective systems for excavations 5 feet or deeper, or shallower if a competent person determines cave-in risk exists.
Question 5: When using a reciprocating saw to cut through wall material, what scanning step reduces hidden hazard risk?
- Tap the wall to hear if it is hollow
- Use a stud finder with AC wire detection before cutting (Correct answer)
- Check the exterior of the wall only
- Measure the wall thickness to estimate clearance
Correct answer: Use a stud finder with AC wire detection before cutting
A multi-function stud finder with AC detection locates both framing and live electrical wires, preventing accidental contact while cutting.
Question 6: A handyman notices a gas odor while working inside a home. What is the correct immediate action?
- Turn on ventilation fans to dilute the gas
- Open windows, leave immediately, and call the gas company from outside (Correct answer)
- Locate the source before exiting to inform the owner
- Light a candle to help identify the odor location
Correct answer: Open windows, leave immediately, and call the gas company from outside
Gas leaks require immediate evacuation without activating any switches or electronics, then calling the utility from a safe distance.
Question 7: What does the color ORANGE on a safety label or tag typically indicate on a construction site?
- Radiation hazard
- Warning — hazardous condition that could cause serious injury (Correct answer)
- Biological hazard
- Fire hazard only
Correct answer: Warning — hazardous condition that could cause serious injury
ANSI Z535 designates orange as a WARNING signal word color indicating a potentially hazardous situation that could result in serious injury.
NCCER Risk Assessment & Mitigation 3
When is a confined space permit required before entry?