CWT Safety Procedures & Compliance 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When inspecting a floor scale pit, which confined space entry requirement typically applies?
- No special requirements if the pit is shallow
- Atmospheric testing for oxygen and hazardous gases before entry (Correct answer)
- Entry is permitted after visually checking for standing water only
- A co-worker must stand nearby but no atmospheric test is needed
Correct answer: Atmospheric testing for oxygen and hazardous gases before entry
Confined space entry regulations require atmospheric testing for oxygen deficiency and hazardous gases before any worker enters a pit or enclosed area.
Question 2: What is the correct action if a technician discovers a scale has been knowingly used to defraud buyers by a client?
- Recalibrate the scale and leave without reporting
- Complete the service call and note discrepancies in the private log
- Refuse to certify the scale and report the suspected fraud to weights and measures authorities (Correct answer)
- Advise the client to recalibrate before the next inspection
Correct answer: Refuse to certify the scale and report the suspected fraud to weights and measures authorities
A CWT must refuse to certify equipment used for fraudulent purposes and is obligated to report suspected fraud to the appropriate regulatory authority.
Question 3: Which PPE is most critical when working around energized electrical components of a weighing system?
- Hard hat and safety glasses only
- Insulated gloves rated for the voltage level present (Correct answer)
- Steel-toed boots and high-visibility vest
- Hearing protection and dust mask
Correct answer: Insulated gloves rated for the voltage level present
Insulated gloves rated for the appropriate voltage are essential to protect against electric shock when working near energized components.
Question 4: A truck scale approach ramp has a crack extending across its full width. The appropriate response is to:
- Continue operating and schedule repair within 90 days
- Place cones around the crack and resume operations at reduced speed
- Take the scale out of service until the structural defect is repaired (Correct answer)
- Fill the crack with epoxy immediately and reopen
Correct answer: Take the scale out of service until the structural defect is repaired
A full-width crack in a structural approach ramp is a safety hazard that requires the scale to be taken out of service until properly repaired.
Question 5: Under NIST Handbook 44, which action must a W&M inspector take if a device is found to violate a 'Type Evaluation' requirement?
- Issue a warning and allow continued use for 30 days
- Condemn and seal the device against use (Correct answer)
- Impose a fine only, without affecting device operation
- Request the manufacturer re-evaluate and resubmit
Correct answer: Condemn and seal the device against use
Devices that fail type evaluation requirements must be condemned and sealed to prevent their continued use in commerce.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures when servicing a scale conveyor system?
- To document the service activity for billing purposes
- To prevent unexpected energization or movement that could injure the technician (Correct answer)
- To alert nearby workers that calibration is in progress
- To comply with environmental reporting requirements
Correct answer: To prevent unexpected energization or movement that could injure the technician
LOTO procedures prevent unexpected startup or release of stored energy, protecting technicians from injury during servicing.
Question 7: When lifting test weights exceeding 50 lbs, the safest practice is to:
- Lift quickly to minimize the time the weight is in motion
- Use mechanical lifting aids or team lift with a partner (Correct answer)
- Bend at the waist and keep legs straight for stability
- Carry weights at arm's length to keep them away from the body
Correct answer: Use mechanical lifting aids or team lift with a partner
Mechanical lifting aids or team lifting prevents musculoskeletal injuries when handling test weights above safe solo lifting thresholds.
CWT Safety Procedures & Compliance 2
When inspecting a floor scale pit, which confined space entry requirement typically applies?