CATS - Certified Arborist Tree Service of Albuquerque Arborist Safety and ANSI Questions and Answers

Question 1

An arborist crew is performing pruning work near a secondary distribution line with a voltage of 7.2 kV (7,200 volts).
A homeowner, who is an unqualified person according to ANSI Z133, walks into the work zone.
What is the minimum approach distance (MAD) that must be maintained between the homeowner and the energized conductor?

Accepted Answer

10 feet

Answer

5 feet

Answer

15 feet

Answer

2 feet

Question 2

According to ANSI Z133 safety standards, which of the following is NOT considered mandatory personal protective equipment (PPE) for an arborist operating a chainsaw on the ground?

Accepted Answer

Wire-core lanyard

Answer

Hard hat meeting ANSI Z89.1 standards

Answer

Hearing protection

Answer

Leg protection (chainsaw chaps or pants)

Question 3

A certified arborist is setting up a work site for a tree removal adjacent to a public sidewalk. According to ANSI Z133 standards for work-site safety, what is the primary purpose of establishing a clearly marked drop zone?

Accepted Answer

To prevent pedestrians and unauthorized personnel from entering the area where overhead hazards exist.

Answer

To provide a designated area for the wood chipper.

Answer

To keep tools and equipment organized.

Answer

To provide a designated rest area for crew members.

Question 4

ANSI Z133 mandates that a job briefing be conducted before any tree care operation begins. In addition to discussing the work plan and potential hazards, what critical safety component must be confirmed as available on-site?

Accepted Answer

A working means of communication and emergency contact numbers.

Answer

A detailed schematic of the tree's root system.

Answer

A certified mechanic to service equipment.

Answer

At least three ground workers per climber.

Question 5

Which of the following actions is a direct violation of ANSI Z133 safety standards for operating a brush chipper?

Accepted Answer

Wearing loose-fitting clothing or gloves with cuffs.

Answer

Standing to the side of the infeed chute while feeding material.

Answer

Inspecting the chipper for defects before starting it.

Answer

Feeding short, brushy material into the chipper using a longer branch.

Question 6

An arborist is rigging a large limb with a calculated weight of 800 pounds. They are using a block and a rope that each have a Working Load Limit (WLL) of 1,000 pounds. According to ANSI Z133 principles, why is this setup potentially unsafe?

Accepted Answer

The forces generated during rigging can easily exceed the static weight of the limb.

Answer

The WLL of the block and rope must be added together.

Answer

The tree itself is not rated with a Working Load Limit.

Answer

The setup is safe because the limb's weight is under the WLL of each component.