MASS Power Plant Safety 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which personal protective equipment is required when handling sulfuric acid in a water treatment area?
- Cotton gloves only
- Acid-resistant gloves, goggles, and apron (Correct answer)
- Hearing protection only
- A standard dust mask
Correct answer: Acid-resistant gloves, goggles, and apron
Corrosive acids require chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, and an apron to prevent skin and eye burns.
Question 2: What is the purpose of a relief valve on a boiler?
- To increase steam temperature
- To automatically release pressure that exceeds safe limits (Correct answer)
- To filter feedwater
- To measure fuel flow
Correct answer: To automatically release pressure that exceeds safe limits
A relief valve opens to vent excess pressure, preventing a catastrophic boiler rupture.
Question 3: During a hot work operation near flammable materials, what is the role of a fire watch?
- To operate the welding torch
- To monitor for sparks and ignition during and after the work (Correct answer)
- To inspect the finished weld quality
- To record production output
Correct answer: To monitor for sparks and ignition during and after the work
A fire watch observes for stray sparks or smoldering and remains for a period after work to catch delayed ignition.
Question 4: What hazard does hydrogen used for generator cooling primarily present?
- Radioactivity
- Explosive flammability when mixed with air (Correct answer)
- Corrosion of steel
- Freezing of pipes
Correct answer: Explosive flammability when mixed with air
Hydrogen is highly flammable and forms explosive mixtures with air, requiring leak monitoring and purity control.
Question 5: Why is a permit-to-work system used for high-risk maintenance tasks?
- To slow down production
- To formally document hazards, controls, and authorization before work begins (Correct answer)
- To assign parking spaces
- To track lunch breaks
Correct answer: To formally document hazards, controls, and authorization before work begins
Permit-to-work ensures hazards are identified and controls authorized so work proceeds only under safe conditions.
Question 6: What should a worker do if a colleague collapses inside a confined space?
- Immediately enter to pull them out
- Activate the rescue plan and summon trained rescuers without entering unprotected (Correct answer)
- Wait for the next shift
- Open a window for ventilation only
Correct answer: Activate the rescue plan and summon trained rescuers without entering unprotected
Untrained entry is a leading cause of multiple fatalities, so the rescue plan and trained responders must be activated.
Question 7: What is the function of an arc flash hazard label on a switchgear panel?
- To indicate paint color
- To communicate incident energy and required PPE for safe work (Correct answer)
- To show the manufacturer warranty
- To list maintenance dates
Correct answer: To communicate incident energy and required PPE for safe work
Arc flash labels specify incident energy levels and the PPE category needed to protect workers from an arc flash.
