ASF Risk Management & Mitigation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A technician notices a gas range has a cracked burner cap that could cause uneven flame distribution. What is the MOST appropriate risk mitigation action?
- Clean the burner cap and continue service
- Replace the cracked burner cap before returning the appliance to service (Correct answer)
- Apply high-temperature adhesive to seal the crack
- Advise the customer to avoid using that specific burner
Correct answer: Replace the cracked burner cap before returning the appliance to service
A cracked burner cap poses a fire and safety hazard; replacing it is the only proper corrective action.
Question 2: When working on a refrigerator with a refrigerant leak, which regulatory requirement MUST the technician follow regarding the recovered refrigerant?
- Vent it outdoors to prevent pressure buildup
- Return it to the cylinder and dispose of it in regular trash
- Recover it using EPA-certified equipment and send it to a reclamation facility (Correct answer)
- Mix it with new refrigerant to dilute any contaminants
Correct answer: Recover it using EPA-certified equipment and send it to a reclamation facility
EPA Section 608 requires technicians to recover refrigerants using certified equipment and send them to approved reclamation facilities.
Question 3: A customer reports their dryer takes multiple cycles to dry a full load. The technician finds a heavily clogged lint trap and restricted exhaust duct. What is the PRIMARY risk associated with this condition?
- Increased electricity consumption only
- Motor burnout due to restricted airflow
- Fire hazard from lint accumulation and overheating (Correct answer)
- Drum bearing failure from excess heat
Correct answer: Fire hazard from lint accumulation and overheating
Lint buildup in dryer ducts is a leading cause of residential fires due to overheating and ignition of accumulated lint.
Question 4: Which action BEST reduces electrical shock risk when servicing an appliance with capacitors?
- Wear rubber-soled shoes only
- Discharge capacitors using an insulated resistor before handling (Correct answer)
- Remove capacitors quickly to minimize exposure time
- Test capacitors while energized to confirm they hold charge
Correct answer: Discharge capacitors using an insulated resistor before handling
Capacitors store dangerous electrical charge even when unplugged; discharging them with an insulated resistor eliminates the shock hazard.
Question 5: A technician is asked to service a washing machine installed in a closet with no ventilation and a wet floor. What is the FIRST risk mitigation step?
- Proceed with service while wearing rubber gloves
- Dry the floor and assess the workspace before beginning any work (Correct answer)
- Disconnect power at the breaker only and proceed immediately
- Complete the repair quickly to minimize exposure time
Correct answer: Dry the floor and assess the workspace before beginning any work
A wet floor combined with electrical appliances creates an electrocution hazard; the workspace must be made safe before work begins.
Question 6: Under which condition is a technician REQUIRED to red-tag a gas appliance and refuse to return it to service?
- The appliance is older than 10 years
- A gas leak is detected at the supply line connection (Correct answer)
- The customer cannot provide the original installation paperwork
- The appliance requires a part that is on back order
Correct answer: A gas leak is detected at the supply line connection
An active gas leak is an immediate life-safety hazard that requires the appliance to be taken out of service until the leak is repaired.
Question 7: What does the risk assessment concept of 'probability × consequence' help a technician determine?
- The warranty coverage remaining on an appliance
- The priority level for addressing an identified hazard (Correct answer)
- The total cost of parts needed for a repair
- The number of service calls needed to resolve an issue
Correct answer: The priority level for addressing an identified hazard
Multiplying probability by consequence produces a risk score that helps technicians prioritize which hazards to address most urgently.
