C33 Public Works 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: On a California public works painting project, who is responsible for ensuring subcontractors submit certified payroll records?
- The project owner
- The prime contractor (Correct answer)
- The subcontractor alone
- The Department of Industrial Relations
Correct answer: The prime contractor
The prime contractor is responsible for ensuring that all subcontractors comply with certified payroll reporting requirements under the Labor Code.
Question 2: Which agency administers the DIR's public works registration program that painting contractors must use before bidding?
- CSLB
- Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) (Correct answer)
- Labor Commissioner's Office
- Cal/OSHA
Correct answer: Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE)
The Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) administers the contractor registration program required under Labor Code Section 1725.5.
Question 3: A public works painting contract in California requires the contractor to pay workers the 'prevailing wage.' This rate is set by:
- The general contractor on the project
- The project architect
- The Director of Industrial Relations (Correct answer)
- The local city council
Correct answer: The Director of Industrial Relations
Under California Labor Code Section 1770, the Director of Industrial Relations determines and publishes prevailing wage rates.
Question 4: A painting subcontractor on a public works job fails to register with the DIR. What is the consequence?
- A warning letter only
- They may be awarded the job but fined later
- They are ineligible to perform the work and the prime contractor may face penalties (Correct answer)
- They must simply register before the final inspection
Correct answer: They are ineligible to perform the work and the prime contractor may face penalties
Unregistered subcontractors are ineligible to perform public works, and the prime contractor can face penalties for using them.
Question 5: On a public works project, how long must a painting contractor retain certified payroll records after the project is completed?
- 1 year
- 2 years
- 3 years (Correct answer)
- 5 years
Correct answer: 3 years
California Labor Code Section 1776 requires payroll records to be kept for at least three years after the completion of the work.
Question 6: Which of the following is NOT typically included in a California public works painting contract's required documents?
- Bid bond
- Performance bond
- Workers' compensation certificate
- Contractor's personal tax return (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Contractor's personal tax return
Personal tax returns are not a public works contract requirement; bonds and insurance certificates are standard required documents.
Question 7: A C-33 contractor discovers that lead paint is present on a public works bridge repainting project. The FIRST required action is to:
- Begin abatement immediately to avoid delays
- Notify the awarding body and stop work until a lead-compliance plan is approved (Correct answer)
- Apply a paint encapsulant over the existing lead paint
- Hire a separate abatement contractor and continue other painting work
Correct answer: Notify the awarding body and stop work until a lead-compliance plan is approved
Work must stop and the awarding body must be notified; a written lead compliance plan is required before repainting can proceed on lead-painted surfaces.
C33 Public Works 2
On a California public works painting project, who is responsible for ensuring subcontractors submit certified payroll records?