UMC Emergency Management and Safety 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a utility emergency, which federal agency coordinates the National Response Framework to support state and local responders?
- FEMA (Correct answer)
- EPA
- OSHA
- DOT
Correct answer: FEMA
FEMA coordinates the National Response Framework, which provides guidance for federal support to state and local emergency management.
Question 2: What is the purpose of a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) in utility emergency management?
- To ensure essential functions continue during a disruption (Correct answer)
- To train employees on evacuation routes
- To document post-incident financial losses
- To coordinate media communications only
Correct answer: To ensure essential functions continue during a disruption
A COOP ensures that essential utility functions and operations continue or quickly resume during an emergency or major disruption.
Question 3: Which type of hazard analysis method assigns probability and severity ratings to potential emergencies to prioritize planning efforts?
- Hazard Vulnerability Analysis (HVA) (Correct answer)
- Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
- Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)
- Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
Correct answer: Hazard Vulnerability Analysis (HVA)
A Hazard Vulnerability Analysis rates each potential hazard by probability and severity to help utilities focus emergency planning resources.
Question 4: A utility worker discovers a colleague unresponsive near high-voltage equipment. What is the FIRST action to take?
- Ensure the area is de-energized before approaching (Correct answer)
- Immediately begin CPR
- Call 911 and wait at the entrance
- Move the victim to a safe area immediately
Correct answer: Ensure the area is de-energized before approaching
The first priority is confirming the area is de-energized to prevent a second victim before any rescue or medical aid is provided.
Question 5: Which document outlines how a utility will communicate with customers, media, and regulatory agencies during a major service outage?
- Emergency Communications Plan (Correct answer)
- Standard Operating Procedure
- Hazard Mitigation Plan
- Asset Management Plan
Correct answer: Emergency Communications Plan
An Emergency Communications Plan defines protocols, spokespersons, and messaging strategies for notifying stakeholders during a utility emergency.
Question 6: Under OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom), what must be posted at fixed work locations where hazardous chemicals are used?
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS) (Correct answer)
- Emergency Action Plans only
- OSHA 300 injury logs
- NFPA diamond placards only
Correct answer: Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
OSHA HazCom requires Safety Data Sheets to be readily accessible to employees in areas where hazardous chemicals are present.
Question 7: What is the minimum number of personnel required for a safe confined space entry under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146?
- Three: entrant, attendant, and entry supervisor (Correct answer)
- Two: entrant and attendant
- One trained entrant with radio contact
- Four: two entrants and two attendants
Correct answer: Three: entrant, attendant, and entry supervisor
OSHA's permit-required confined space standard mandates at least an authorized entrant, an attendant outside, and an entry supervisor.
UMC Emergency Management and Safety 2
During a utility emergency, which federal agency coordinates the National Response Framework to support state and local responders?