SBCA Safety Standards 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the NEC requirement for the minimum wire gauge of a satellite dish grounding conductor?
- 18 AWG minimum
- 10 AWG minimum for most residential installations (Correct answer)
- 14 AWG minimum
- 6 AWG minimum universally
Correct answer: 10 AWG minimum for most residential installations
NEC Article 810 requires a minimum 10 AWG copper grounding conductor for satellite dish installations in most residential scenarios.
Question 2: Which OSHA standard specifically applies to fall protection requirements for general industry workers, including satellite installers working at heights?
- OSHA 1910.132
- OSHA 1910.23 and 1910.29 (Correct answer)
- OSHA 1926.502
- OSHA 1910.147
Correct answer: OSHA 1910.23 and 1910.29
OSHA 1910.23 (Ladders) and 1910.29 (Fall Protection Systems) govern fall protection for general industry workers at elevated heights.
Question 3: A technician is asked to install a satellite dish on a building with asbestos-containing roofing materials. The correct procedure is to:
- Wear a standard dust mask and proceed with installation
- Halt work and consult with the building owner about asbestos abatement before drilling or disturbing any materials (Correct answer)
- Seal all penetrations with silicone and proceed normally
- Only install a surface-mounted bracket to avoid penetrating the roofing material
Correct answer: Halt work and consult with the building owner about asbestos abatement before drilling or disturbing any materials
Disturbing asbestos-containing materials releases dangerous fibers requiring proper abatement by licensed contractors before any work that may disturb those materials.
Question 4: What is the purpose of equipotential bonding in a satellite installation?
- To ensure the satellite signal has equal strength on all cable runs
- To connect all conductive components to the same electrical potential, preventing dangerous voltage differences (Correct answer)
- To distribute the power supply evenly across multiple receivers
- To balance the dish weight on the mounting structure
Correct answer: To connect all conductive components to the same electrical potential, preventing dangerous voltage differences
Equipotential bonding connects all metallic components to the same ground reference, preventing voltage differences that could cause electric shock or equipment damage.
Question 5: When should a satellite dish installation site's Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) be completed?
- After installation is complete as a documentation requirement
- Before work begins to identify and mitigate hazards proactively (Correct answer)
- Only when working on commercial properties
- When an injury occurs to document the circumstances
Correct answer: Before work begins to identify and mitigate hazards proactively
A JHA must be completed before work begins to identify potential hazards and establish safe work procedures for each task.
Question 6: What is the correct first aid response if a co-worker receives a severe electrical shock and is unconscious but still in contact with the electrical source?
- Immediately grab the worker and pull them away from the source
- De-energize the source or use a non-conductive object to separate the worker before touching them (Correct answer)
- Begin CPR immediately while they remain in contact with the source
- Call 911 and wait for emergency responders without taking action
Correct answer: De-energize the source or use a non-conductive object to separate the worker before touching them
Touching a victim in contact with an active electrical source will cause the rescuer to also be electrocuted; the source must be de-energized first.
Question 7: Which document must be posted at a construction site where satellite dish installation is occurring as required by OSHA?
- The installer's professional license
- OSHA Job Safety and Health: It's the Law poster (OSHA 3165) (Correct answer)
- The manufacturer's installation manual
- The building permit only
Correct answer: OSHA Job Safety and Health: It's the Law poster (OSHA 3165)
OSHA requires the Job Safety and Health poster to be prominently displayed at every worksite where employees are present, informing workers of their rights.
SBCA Safety Standards 5
What is the NEC requirement for the minimum wire gauge of a satellite dish grounding conductor?