CTSP Regulatory Compliance (OSHA/Z133) 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under ANSI Z133, a 'qualified arborist' is distinguished from a 'competent person' primarily because the qualified arborist:
- Has more years of field experience than a competent person
- Possesses recognized credentials and broader technical knowledge of arboriculture (Correct answer)
- Is licensed by the state in which they work
- Has completed an OSHA 30-hour training course
Correct answer: Possesses recognized credentials and broader technical knowledge of arboriculture
A qualified arborist holds recognized credentials (e.g., ISA Certified Arborist) demonstrating specialized knowledge, beyond the practical competency of a competent person.
Question 2: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.502 requires fall protection systems when workers are exposed to fall hazards at or above what height in construction?
- 4 feet
- 6 feet (Correct answer)
- 10 feet
- 15 feet
Correct answer: 6 feet
OSHA's construction standard requires fall protection for workers at or above 6 feet, though tree climbing uses a different framework under Z133.
Question 3: According to ANSI Z133, what is required before a climber ascends a tree that has a visible cavity or decay?
- The cavity must be filled with concrete or foam sealant
- A hazard assessment must be performed to determine if the tree can safely support the climber (Correct answer)
- The tree must be removed from the ground before any aerial work
- A structural engineer must inspect and sign off on the tree
Correct answer: A hazard assessment must be performed to determine if the tree can safely support the climber
ANSI Z133 requires a hazard assessment of structurally compromised trees before climbing to determine if safe anchor points exist.
Question 4: An OSHA compliance officer arrives at a tree care job site for an inspection. Under the OSH Act, employees have the right to:
- Refuse to speak with the compliance officer without an attorney present
- Accompany the compliance officer during the workplace inspection (Correct answer)
- Demand that the employer be removed from the premises during the inspection
- Postpone the inspection by 30 days by written request
Correct answer: Accompany the compliance officer during the workplace inspection
Under the OSH Act, employees have the right to participate in OSHA inspections, including accompanying the compliance officer during the walkaround.
Question 5: ANSI Z133 specifies that a saddle (harness) used for tree climbing must be inspected:
- Annually by a third-party testing laboratory
- Before each use by the user (Correct answer)
- Every 500 hours of use or annually, whichever comes first
- Only when visible damage is observed
Correct answer: Before each use by the user
ANSI Z133 requires climbers to inspect their saddle and all climbing equipment before each use to identify wear, damage, or defects.
Question 6: Which OSHA standard applies when tree care workers encounter an energized power line that the utility has NOT de-energized or guarded?
- 29 CFR 1910.303 (Electrical, General)
- 29 CFR 1910.269 (Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution) (Correct answer)
- 29 CFR 1926.416 (General Electrical)
- 29 CFR 1910.147 (Lockout/Tagout)
Correct answer: 29 CFR 1910.269 (Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution)
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269 establishes minimum approach distances and work practices for employees working near energized overhead lines.
Question 7: Under ANSI Z133, when using a bucket truck for aerial tree work, workers must wear what at all times while in the bucket?
- A hard hat and safety glasses only
- A full-body harness connected to an anchor point in the bucket (Correct answer)
- A Type II life jacket rated for aerial work
- Chainsaw-resistant chaps and a climbing saddle
Correct answer: A full-body harness connected to an anchor point in the bucket
ANSI Z133 requires workers in aerial lifts to wear a full-body harness attached to the manufacturer-specified anchor point to prevent ejection.
CTSP Regulatory Compliance (OSHA/Z133) 4
Under ANSI Z133, a 'qualified arborist' is distinguished from a 'competent person' primarily because the qualified arborist: