MASS Power Plant Safety 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which personal protective equipment is required when handling sulfuric acid in a water treatment area?
- Cotton gloves only
- Acid-resistant gloves, goggles, and apron (Correct answer)
- Hearing protection only
- A standard dust mask
Correct answer: Acid-resistant gloves, goggles, and apron
Corrosive acids require chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, and an apron to prevent skin and eye burns.
Question 2: What is the purpose of a relief valve on a boiler?
- To increase steam temperature
- To automatically release pressure that exceeds safe limits (Correct answer)
- To filter feedwater
- To measure fuel flow
Correct answer: To automatically release pressure that exceeds safe limits
A relief valve opens to vent excess pressure, preventing a catastrophic boiler rupture.
Question 3: During a hot work operation near flammable materials, what is the role of a fire watch?
- To operate the welding torch
- To monitor for sparks and ignition during and after the work (Correct answer)
- To inspect the finished weld quality
- To record production output
Correct answer: To monitor for sparks and ignition during and after the work
A fire watch observes for stray sparks or smoldering and remains for a period after work to catch delayed ignition.
Question 4: What hazard does hydrogen used for generator cooling primarily present?
- Radioactivity
- Explosive flammability when mixed with air (Correct answer)
- Corrosion of steel
- Freezing of pipes
Correct answer: Explosive flammability when mixed with air
Hydrogen is highly flammable and forms explosive mixtures with air, requiring leak monitoring and purity control.
Question 5: Why is a permit-to-work system used for high-risk maintenance tasks?
- To slow down production
- To formally document hazards, controls, and authorization before work begins (Correct answer)
- To assign parking spaces
- To track lunch breaks
Correct answer: To formally document hazards, controls, and authorization before work begins
Permit-to-work ensures hazards are identified and controls authorized so work proceeds only under safe conditions.
Question 6: What should a worker do if a colleague collapses inside a confined space?
- Immediately enter to pull them out
- Activate the rescue plan and summon trained rescuers without entering unprotected (Correct answer)
- Wait for the next shift
- Open a window for ventilation only
Correct answer: Activate the rescue plan and summon trained rescuers without entering unprotected
Untrained entry is a leading cause of multiple fatalities, so the rescue plan and trained responders must be activated.
Question 7: What is the function of an arc flash hazard label on a switchgear panel?
- To indicate paint color
- To communicate incident energy and required PPE for safe work (Correct answer)
- To show the manufacturer warranty
- To list maintenance dates
Correct answer: To communicate incident energy and required PPE for safe work
Arc flash labels specify incident energy levels and the PPE category needed to protect workers from an arc flash.
MASS Power Plant Safety 3
Which personal protective equipment is required when handling sulfuric acid in a water treatment area?