Free ISA Arboricultural Safe Work Practices Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An arborist who is NOT a qualified line-clearance arborist is assigned to prune a tree with branches that are 12 feet away from a 45 kV (45,000 volts) primary distribution line. According to ANSI Z133 standards, what is the required action?
- Use a fiberglass pole pruner to maintain a safe distance.
- Proceed with the work as long as a spotter is present to monitor clearance.
- Notify the electric utility and halt work until the lines are de-energized or shielded. (Correct answer)
- Trim only the branches that are more than 10 feet away from the line.
Correct answer: Notify the electric utility and halt work until the lines are de-energized or shielded.
According to ANSI Z133 and OSHA standards, unqualified persons must maintain a minimum approach distance of at least 10 feet from energized conductors up to 50 kV. Since the work requires encroaching within that zone, the only safe and compliant action is to stop work and contact the utility to have the hazard abated, either by de-energizing the line or installing protective covering.
Question 2: Rotational kickback is a primary hazard when operating a chainsaw. This violent, upward and backward motion of the saw is most likely to occur when which part of the guide bar makes contact with a solid object?
- The bottom edge of the bar, used for a pulling chain.
- The upper quadrant of the guide bar's tip. (Correct answer)
- The top edge of the bar near the powerhead.
- The body of the bar, when it gets pinched in a cut.
Correct answer: The upper quadrant of the guide bar's tip.
The upper quadrant of the guide bar's tip is known as the kickback zone. When the moving chain in this area snags on wood or another object, it can cause a rapid and dangerous rotational force, pivoting the saw back toward the operator. Safe work practices involve never cutting with the tip of the bar to avoid this hazard.
Question 3: Which of the following is a critical and mandatory step in emergency preparedness that must be completed BEFORE an arborist begins any tree climbing or aerial lift operation?
- Ensure the client has paid for the job in full.
- Have at least one other worker on-site who is trained in aerial rescue and first aid. (Correct answer)
- Complete a full inventory of all ground tools.
- Position the wood chipper for immediate use.
Correct answer: Have at least one other worker on-site who is trained in aerial rescue and first aid.
ANSI Z133 standards require that an aerial rescue plan be established before work aloft begins. This includes having at least one other person on the job site who is trained in emergency procedures, including aerial rescue and first aid/CPR, to assist if the worker aloft becomes injured or incapacitated.
Question 4: A ground worker is tasked with operating a chainsaw to buck logs into smaller pieces at a job site. According to ANSI Z133 standards, which of the following combinations represents the MINIMUM required personal protective equipment (PPE) for this task?
- Hard hat, hearing protection, eye protection, and cut-resistant leg protection. (Correct answer)
- Steel-toed boots, gloves, and safety glasses.
- A high-visibility vest and a hard hat.
- Hearing protection and cut-resistant chaps.
Correct answer: Hard hat, hearing protection, eye protection, and cut-resistant leg protection.
The ANSI Z133 standard specifies that anyone operating a chainsaw on the ground must, at a minimum, wear head protection (hard hat), eye protection, hearing protection, and cut-resistant leg protection (such as chaps or pants). While other PPE like gloves and appropriate footwear are also essential for overall safety, this combination is the specified minimum requirement for the chainsaw operator.
Question 5: During a rigging operation to remove a large limb, an arborist needs to attach the rigging line to the piece being cut. Which of the following knots is most appropriate for this application because it forms a secure, non-jamming sliding loop that cinches tightly around the limb?
- Figure 8 on a bight
- Taut-line hitch
- Prusik knot
- Running bowline (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Running bowline
A running bowline creates a sliding loop (a noose) that tightens securely around an object, such as a limb, when a load is applied. It is a standard rigging knot because it is strong, secure, and easy to untie even after being subjected to a heavy load. The other knots are unsuitable for this specific purpose: a Figure 8 creates a fixed loop, while the Taut-line and Prusik are friction hitches used for climbing or positioning.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes the primary safety function of the ground person responsible for managing the drop zone during tree removal operations?
- To operate the chipper and keep the work area tidy.
- To direct the climber on which cuts to make next.
- To secure the area from entry by all unauthorized people and vehicles. (Correct answer)
- To sharpen chainsaws and refuel equipment for the climber.
Correct answer: To secure the area from entry by all unauthorized people and vehicles.
A primary and critical responsibility of the ground crew is to establish and maintain a safe work zone. This includes controlling the drop zone to prevent unauthorized individuals (pedestrians, clients) and vehicles from entering the hazardous area where limbs are being cut and lowered. Clear communication between the ground crew and the climber is essential for this process.
Free ISA Arboricultural Safe Work Practices Questions and Answers 1
An arborist who is NOT a qualified line-clearance arborist is assigned to prune a tree with branches that are 12 feet away from a 45 kV (45,000 volts) primary distribution line.
According to ANSI Z133 standards, what is the required action?