CATS Safety and ANSI 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: ANSI Z133 is the primary safety standard governing which type of work?
- Pesticide application near trees
- Arboricultural operations (Correct answer)
- Landscape irrigation installation
- Tree nursery growing practices
Correct answer: Arboricultural operations
ANSI Z133 is the American National Standard for Arboricultural Operations — Safety Requirements, covering climbing, aerial lifts, and ground operations.
Question 2: When using a chainsaw in a tree, the operator must ensure the chain brake is functional primarily to protect against:
- Bar tip contact causing kickback (Correct answer)
- Chain derailment during plunge cuts
- Saw vibration causing hand-arm syndrome
- Overheating of the drive sprocket
Correct answer: Bar tip contact causing kickback
The chain brake is designed to stop the chain instantly if kickback occurs, most commonly caused by contact with the upper tip (kickback zone) of the bar.
Question 3: Under ANSI Z133, what minimum distance must workers maintain from energized power lines when using aerial lift equipment rated under 46 kV?
- 3 feet
- 5 feet
- 10 feet (Correct answer)
- 15 feet
Correct answer: 10 feet
ANSI Z133 requires a minimum approach distance of 10 feet from energized conductors up to 50 kV when using aerial lift equipment.
Question 4: A work zone for tree removal on a public street should be established using traffic control measures that comply with which document?
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910
- ANSI A10.1
- MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) (Correct answer)
- NFPA 70E
Correct answer: MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices)
The MUTCD sets the national standard for traffic control devices and work zone setup on public roadways.
Question 5: Which Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is specifically required by ANSI Z133 when operating a chainsaw on the ground?
- Full-face shield and fire-resistant gloves
- Cut-resistant leg protection (chainsaw chaps or pants) (Correct answer)
- High-visibility vest and steel-toed boots
- Hearing protection and chemical-resistant gloves
Correct answer: Cut-resistant leg protection (chainsaw chaps or pants)
ANSI Z133 mandates cut-resistant leg protection such as chaps or chainsaw pants whenever a chainsaw is operated on the ground.
Question 6: Before beginning any tree work near an electrical utility line, the arborist's FIRST action should be to:
- Install insulating rubber sleeves on the conductors
- Contact the utility company to identify line voltage (Correct answer)
- Erect plastic barrier tape around the work zone
- Don rubber insulating gloves rated for high voltage
Correct answer: Contact the utility company to identify line voltage
Identifying line voltage by contacting the utility is the essential first step before determining safe approach distances and required PPE.
Question 7: The term 'qualified line-clearance arborist' under ANSI Z133 refers to a worker who:
- Holds an ISA Certified Arborist credential and a OSHA 10-hour card
- Has been trained and authorized to work within the minimum approach distance of energized conductors (Correct answer)
- Owns aerial lift equipment rated for use near power lines
- Has completed a four-year apprenticeship in utility forestry
Correct answer: Has been trained and authorized to work within the minimum approach distance of energized conductors
A qualified line-clearance arborist is specifically trained and authorized by their employer to work within the established minimum approach distances of energized lines.
CATS Safety and ANSI 2
ANSI Z133 is the primary safety standard governing which type of work?