NCT Risk Assessment & Mitigation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 (Lockout/Tagout), a technician must verify zero-energy state by:
- Visually confirming the key is removed from the ignition
- Attempting to start the equipment after applying lockout devices (Correct answer)
- Notifying the supervisor in writing before beginning work
- Waiting 10 minutes after disconnecting the battery
Correct answer: Attempting to start the equipment after applying lockout devices
LOTO procedures require an attempt to actuate the equipment after applying energy-isolating devices to confirm zero energy state.
Question 2: A fleet safety audit reveals that 60% of rear-end collisions occur between 3–5 PM. The MOST targeted mitigation would be to:
- Replace all vehicles in the fleet with newer models
- Analyze route scheduling and driver fatigue patterns during that window (Correct answer)
- Increase insurance coverage limits
- Mandate dash cam installation on all vehicles
Correct answer: Analyze route scheduling and driver fatigue patterns during that window
Analyzing route scheduling and fatigue during the identified high-risk window addresses the root cause before investing in broad equipment changes.
Question 3: Which type of fleet inspection is specifically designed to identify latent defects not visible during routine pre-trip checks?
- Driver vehicle inspection report (DVIR)
- Annual/periodic vehicle inspection (Correct answer)
- Pre-trip walk-around inspection
- Post-accident damage assessment
Correct answer: Annual/periodic vehicle inspection
Annual/periodic inspections use systematic procedures and specialized tools to uncover latent defects that daily visual checks typically miss.
Question 4: When assessing the risk of a hydraulic lift failure, which condition increases BOTH likelihood and severity simultaneously?
- Operating the lift below its rated capacity
- Performing lifts with a technician positioned under the raised vehicle (Correct answer)
- Inspecting hydraulic fluid level weekly
- Using OEM-specified hydraulic fluid
Correct answer: Performing lifts with a technician positioned under the raised vehicle
Positioning personnel under a raised load increases both the probability of injury if a failure occurs and the severity of that injury.
Question 5: A 'near-miss' reporting program primarily mitigates risk by:
- Reducing insurance premiums directly
- Capturing leading indicators before incidents cause harm (Correct answer)
- Satisfying OSHA recordkeeping requirements
- Documenting technician competency
Correct answer: Capturing leading indicators before incidents cause harm
Near-miss data are leading indicators that reveal hazards and system weaknesses before they result in injuries or property damage.
Question 6: Which factor MOST significantly elevates risk when a fleet vehicle is operated in a school zone?
- Increased fuel consumption
- Higher probability of encountering unpredictable pedestrian behavior (Correct answer)
- Reduced tire tread life from stop-and-go traffic
- Greater exposure to road debris
Correct answer: Higher probability of encountering unpredictable pedestrian behavior
School zones present elevated pedestrian risk due to children's unpredictable movements and limited traffic awareness.
Question 7: The purpose of a vehicle risk scoring matrix in fleet management is to:
- Determine the resale value of aging vehicles
- Prioritize maintenance and replacement decisions based on quantified risk (Correct answer)
- Establish driver performance bonuses
- Calculate fuel budget allocations
Correct answer: Prioritize maintenance and replacement decisions based on quantified risk
A risk scoring matrix quantifies vehicle condition, age, and incident history so fleet managers can objectively prioritize resources.
NCT Risk Assessment & Mitigation 3
Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147 (Lockout/Tagout), a technician must verify zero-energy state by: