CTSP Aerial Lift Operations Safety 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of aerial lift is specifically designed for tree care work and allows 360-degree continuous rotation?
- Scissor lift
- Telescoping aerial device
- Articulating knuckle boom with continuous rotation (Correct answer)
- Personnel hoist
Correct answer: Articulating knuckle boom with continuous rotation
Articulating knuckle booms with continuous rotation are preferred in tree care because they allow full access around a tree without repositioning the truck.
Question 2: Before entering the aerial lift work zone, what must a tree care crew establish?
- A minimum 10-foot perimeter fence around the truck
- A hazard communication plan and designated drop zone with cones or flagging (Correct answer)
- Radio contact with the nearest utility company
- A written permit signed by the property owner
Correct answer: A hazard communication plan and designated drop zone with cones or flagging
Establishing a defined drop zone with visible barriers and a hazard communication plan protects ground crew and the public from aerial hazards.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of the boom's load moment indicator (LMI) or capacity chart on an aerial lift?
- To measure the height of the work zone
- To warn the operator when the load and reach combination approaches the machine's tip-over limit (Correct answer)
- To calculate the weight of removed wood debris
- To display boom extension speed in feet per second
Correct answer: To warn the operator when the load and reach combination approaches the machine's tip-over limit
The LMI or capacity chart tells operators the safe load limits at various boom angles and extensions to prevent tip-over caused by exceeding stability limits.
Question 4: A worker in an aerial lift bucket is struck by a falling branch and becomes unresponsive. The ground crew's first action should be:
- Climb the tree to reach the injured worker
- Activate the ground controls to lower the bucket immediately (Correct answer)
- Call 911 and wait for emergency services to arrive
- Attempt to swing the boom to a lower position manually
Correct answer: Activate the ground controls to lower the bucket immediately
The ground crew must use the emergency ground controls to lower the incapacitated worker to safety as quickly and carefully as possible.
Question 5: Which hazard is unique to aerial lift operations compared to conventional tree climbing?
- Falling objects
- Electric shock from power lines
- Tip-over of the support equipment (Correct answer)
- Struck-by from branches
Correct answer: Tip-over of the support equipment
Tip-over of the truck itself is a hazard specific to aerial lift operations that tree climbers do not face; improper setup or slope can cause catastrophic vehicle overturn.
Question 6: How often must aerial lift operators receive formal training per OSHA and ANSI standards?
- Once at initial hire, no renewal required
- Every 5 years or whenever a new lift type is introduced
- Every 3 years and whenever an operator is observed operating unsafely (Correct answer)
- Annually as a mandatory calendar requirement
Correct answer: Every 3 years and whenever an operator is observed operating unsafely
OSHA 1910.67 and ANSI A92.2 require retraining every 3 years and immediately whenever an operator demonstrates unsafe behavior or is assigned a different equipment type.
Question 7: What is the minimum safe approach distance for an unqualified worker operating an aerial lift near 7,200-volt distribution lines?
- 1 foot
- 2 feet
- 10 feet (Correct answer)
- 3 feet
Correct answer: 10 feet
OSHA Table S-5 requires a minimum approach distance of 10 feet for voltages up to 50 kV for unqualified workers using aerial equipment.
CTSP Aerial Lift Operations Safety 4
Which type of aerial lift is specifically designed for tree care work and allows 360-degree continuous rotation?