PC Safety Procedures & PPE 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of gloves provides the best protection when handling PVC cement and primer?
- Leather work gloves
- Nitrile chemical-resistant gloves (Correct answer)
- Cotton fabric gloves
- Latex surgical gloves
Correct answer: Nitrile chemical-resistant gloves
Nitrile gloves resist the chemical solvents in PVC cement and primer, unlike leather or cotton which absorb chemicals.
Question 2: When trenching for underground plumbing, what is the minimum depth at which cave-in protection is required by OSHA?
- 3 feet
- 4 feet
- 5 feet (Correct answer)
- 6 feet
Correct answer: 5 feet
OSHA requires protective systems for trenches 5 feet or deeper unless the excavation is in stable rock.
Question 3: A plumber notices a strong rotten-egg odor while working in a crawl space. What action should be taken first?
- Continue working and open a vent
- Evacuate immediately and call the gas company (Correct answer)
- Light a match to test for gas
- Turn on a fan to clear the air
Correct answer: Evacuate immediately and call the gas company
Rotten-egg odor indicates mercaptan-scented natural gas leak requiring immediate evacuation and contacting the gas utility.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) when using power tools near water?
- Increases tool power output
- Trips the circuit when it detects current leakage to prevent electrocution (Correct answer)
- Prevents tools from overheating
- Stabilizes voltage fluctuations
Correct answer: Trips the circuit when it detects current leakage to prevent electrocution
GFCIs detect small current leakages (as little as 5 milliamps) and interrupt power within milliseconds to prevent electrocution.
Question 5: Which fall protection method is required for plumbing work performed at heights of 6 feet or more in construction?
- Non-slip boots only
- Guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems (Correct answer)
- A spotter standing nearby
- Wider ladder base only
Correct answer: Guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems
OSHA 1926.502 requires guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems for construction work at 6 feet or above.
Question 6: What is the correct angle for positioning an extension ladder to ensure stability?
- 1:1 ratio (45 degrees)
- 1:4 ratio (75 degrees) (Correct answer)
- 1:6 ratio (80 degrees)
- Vertical (90 degrees)
Correct answer: 1:4 ratio (75 degrees)
The 1:4 ratio (1 foot out for every 4 feet of height) creates approximately a 75-degree angle, the safe standard for extension ladders.
Question 7: When must a safety data sheet (SDS) be available on a plumbing job site?
- Only when requested by an inspector
- At all times when hazardous chemicals are in use or stored on site (Correct answer)
- Only during chemical application
- Only for new employees
Correct answer: At all times when hazardous chemicals are in use or stored on site
OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) requires SDS documents to be readily accessible whenever hazardous chemicals are present.
PC Safety Procedures & PPE 3
Which type of gloves provides the best protection when handling PVC cement and primer?