Emergency Management and Safety Flashcards
7 cards from real UMC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Emergency Management and Safety flashcards as text
What is the primary purpose of surge protection devices installed on utility SCADA systems?
Answer: To protect electronic controls from voltage spikes caused by lightning or switching
Surge protection devices absorb transient voltage spikes—often from lightning or switching events—that could damage sensitive SCADA control equipment.
During a chlorine gas leak at a water treatment plant, the wind is blowing toward the plant office. According to emergency response protocols, personnel should:
Answer: Evacuate crosswind or upwind away from the release
Personnel should evacuate perpendicular or upwind of a chlorine release to avoid exposure, as chlorine is heavier than air and spreads downwind.
Which NFPA standard specifically addresses emergency and standby power systems critical to utility operations?
Answer: NFPA 110
NFPA 110 covers the installation, testing, and maintenance of emergency and standby power systems, including generators used by water and wastewater utilities.
A utility's emergency operations center (EOC) becomes operational during a major event. What is the EOC's primary function?
Answer: Coordinate strategic decision-making and resource management for the incident
The EOC provides a central location for management, coordination, and resource allocation to support field operations during a large-scale emergency.
What does a utility's Vulnerability Assessment (VA) required under America's Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) 2018 primarily evaluate?
Answer: Physical security, cyber security, and resilience of critical infrastructure
AWIA 2018 mandates that community water systems assess the physical and cyber security of their infrastructure and overall resilience to natural and man-made threats.
When a utility activates its Emergency Response Plan (ERP), who typically serves as the primary point of contact with state drinking water regulators?
Answer: The Utility Director or designated Emergency Coordinator
The Utility Director or designated Emergency Coordinator serves as the official liaison with state regulators to provide status updates and ensure regulatory compliance.
Which type of electrical grounding method protects utility workers from step potential hazards when working near downed power lines?
Answer: Equipotential grounding zone
An equipotential grounding zone bonds all conductors and the worker to the same potential, eliminating dangerous voltage differences caused by step potential.