CTSP Hazard Identification and Control 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When assessing a tree for work, which condition most strongly indicates the presence of internal decay?
- Epicormic shoots growing from the trunk
- Fungal conks or brackets growing on the bark (Correct answer)
- Yellowing of leaves in the upper canopy
- Presence of moss on the north side of the trunk
Correct answer: Fungal conks or brackets growing on the bark
Fungal conks or brackets (fruiting bodies) on the bark are reliable external indicators of significant internal wood decay.
Question 2: A crew member notices a large dead branch overhead before beginning chainsaw work. The FIRST action should be to:
- Continue work but wear a hardhat
- Mark the area with cones and proceed cautiously
- Remove or avoid the hazard before starting work (Correct answer)
- Notify the supervisor after completing the job
Correct answer: Remove or avoid the hazard before starting work
Identified overhead hazards must be controlled or avoided before any work begins to prevent struck-by injuries.
Question 3: Which type of cut is most likely to create a reaction wood hazard that causes unexpected stem movement?
- A bore cut on a horizontal limb
- A top cut on a leaning stem under compression (Correct answer)
- A notch cut on a tree with included bark
- A flush cut on a co-dominant stem
Correct answer: A top cut on a leaning stem under compression
Cutting a leaning stem under compression can release stored energy suddenly, causing the wood to kick back or spring unpredictably.
Question 4: According to ANSI Z133, the minimum safe approach distance from an energized conductor rated 50–200 kV for an unqualified worker is:
- 5 feet
- 10 feet
- 15 feet (Correct answer)
- 20 feet
Correct answer: 15 feet
ANSI Z133 requires unqualified workers to maintain a minimum 15-foot distance from conductors rated 50–200 kV.
Question 5: A tree's root plate is partially lifted on one side. This condition most directly indicates a hazard of:
- Crown dieback from root damage
- Whole-tree failure by uprooting (Correct answer)
- Sap flow obstruction causing canopy stress
- Soil compaction below the dripline
Correct answer: Whole-tree failure by uprooting
A lifted root plate signals that anchoring roots have already failed on one side, significantly increasing the risk of whole-tree uprooting.
Question 6: When conducting a pre-work site assessment, which utility hazard requires notifying the utility owner before beginning work?
- A telephone pedestal inside the work zone
- Any overhead or underground electric utility near the work (Correct answer)
- A residential irrigation line in the dripline area
- A natural gas meter attached to a nearby structure
Correct answer: Any overhead or underground electric utility near the work
ANSI Z133 and most jurisdictions require notifying the electric utility before performing tree work near electrical conductors.
Question 7: A co-dominant stem union with included bark is hazardous primarily because:
- Included bark prevents nutrient flow to the upper canopy
- It traps moisture and promotes insect infestation
- The embedded bark prevents wood fibers from interlocking, weakening the union (Correct answer)
- Co-dominant stems always grow at angles exceeding 45 degrees
Correct answer: The embedded bark prevents wood fibers from interlocking, weakening the union
Included bark between co-dominant stems prevents the formation of interlocking wood fibers, creating a weak union prone to splitting.
CTSP Hazard Identification and Control 2
When assessing a tree for work, which condition most strongly indicates the presence of internal decay?