CTSP Regulatory Compliance (OSHA/Z133) 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269, what is the minimum approach distance (MAD) primarily based on?
- The voltage of the energized conductor (Correct answer)
- The height of the tree being trimmed
- The type of PPE worn by the climber
- The number of workers on the job site
Correct answer: The voltage of the energized conductor
MAD is determined by the voltage level of the energized conductor and must be maintained by all workers.
Question 2: ANSI Z133 requires that before any climbing operation begins, the arborist must conduct what type of assessment?
- A written environmental impact statement
- A hazard assessment of the tree and work zone (Correct answer)
- A soil compaction test around the root zone
- A permit application to the local municipality
Correct answer: A hazard assessment of the tree and work zone
ANSI Z133 mandates a hazard assessment to identify risks associated with the tree, surrounding structures, and work zone before climbing.
Question 3: Which OSHA standard specifically governs the use of chainsaws and personal protective equipment for tree care operations?
- 29 CFR 1926.20 (General Safety Requirements)
- 29 CFR 1910.266 (Logging Operations) (Correct answer)
- 29 CFR 1910.132 (PPE General Requirements)
- 29 CFR 1926.1153 (Silica Standard)
Correct answer: 29 CFR 1910.266 (Logging Operations)
29 CFR 1910.266 covers logging operations including chainsaw use and required PPE, which applies to many tree care tasks.
Question 4: Under ANSI Z133, what must be established around a tree work zone before operations begin?
- A security camera system
- A designated exclusion zone to protect bystanders (Correct answer)
- A written noise ordinance waiver
- A fire suppression perimeter
Correct answer: A designated exclusion zone to protect bystanders
ANSI Z133 requires establishing an exclusion zone that keeps unauthorized persons a safe distance from falling debris and equipment.
Question 5: An employer discovers a worker has not received OSHA-required training for operating a wood chipper. Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.266, what is the correct course of action?
- Allow the worker to operate with supervision until trained
- Remove the worker from chipper duties until training is completed (Correct answer)
- Issue the worker a written warning and continue operations
- Notify OSHA within 24 hours and continue work
Correct answer: Remove the worker from chipper duties until training is completed
OSHA requires workers to be trained before operating hazardous equipment; untrained workers must not be assigned those duties.
Question 6: ANSI Z133 classifies a tree as a 'hazard tree' when it has a condition that poses an unacceptable risk. Who is responsible for identifying hazard trees on a job site?
- The property owner exclusively
- A qualified arborist or competent person (Correct answer)
- The local utility company
- An OSHA compliance officer
Correct answer: A qualified arborist or competent person
A qualified arborist or competent person designated by the employer must assess and identify hazard trees before work begins.
Question 7: Under OSHA's General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1)), employers are required to provide a workplace free from what?
- All forms of physical labor that could cause fatigue
- Recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm (Correct answer)
- Any task not specifically addressed in a written OSHA standard
- Weather conditions that reduce visibility below 500 feet
Correct answer: Recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm
The General Duty Clause requires employers to protect workers from recognized hazards even when no specific standard exists.
