CSLB C-13 Fencing (Trade Exam) — All Questions

A crew of 7 works a 6-hour shift where drinking water is not plumbed and there is no plan to bring more during the shift. At the least, how much water must be available at the start of the shift?

• a.84 quarts
• b.42 quarts✓
• c.7 quarts
• d.13 quarts

The rule is one quart per employee per hour for the whole shift, so 7 × 6 = 42 quarts when nothing is brought later (the standard lets an employer start with less only if it has effective replenishment procedures). Thirteen is the number of people plus hours, 7 is one quart each for one hour, and 84 doubles the requirement.8 CCR 3395(c)

The outdoor temperature is 82 degrees Fahrenheit. What does section 3395 require about shade?

• a.No shade is required until the temperature reaches 95
• b.Shade is needed if an employee asks for it first
• c.Shade is needed for employees new to the crew
• d.Shade must be present, since 82 exceeds the 80-degree trigger✓

Shade shall be present when the temperature exceeds 80 degrees, and 82 does. Ninety-five degrees is the trigger for high-heat procedures, not for shade, and shade does not wait for a request or apply only to new employees.8 CCR 3395(d)

The temperature is 96 degrees Fahrenheit. Which additional requirement applies?

• a.Nothing further, because shade and water already satisfy the rule
• b.High-heat procedures, with observation of employees and meetings✓
• c.A written warning to the foreman, and no other duties
• d.Work must stop for the rest of the day at that temperature

High-heat procedures apply when the temperature equals or exceeds 95 degrees, including effective communication, observation for signs of illness, designated emergency callers, water reminders and pre-shift meetings. The standard does not stop all work or reduce the duty to a warning.8 CCR 3395(e)

The predicted high is 91 degrees and the average high over the preceding five days was 80. What is the day?

• a.A heat wave, since 91 is 11 degrees above 80✓
• b.Not a heat wave, because it is under 95
• c.Not a heat wave, because the difference is under 15
• d.A heat wave when it reaches 100

A heat wave is a day whose predicted high is at least 80 and at least 10 degrees higher than the average high of the preceding five days. Ninety-one is 11 degrees above 80, so it qualifies. The 95-degree and 15-degree figures are not part of the definition.8 CCR 3395(g)(1)

A worker takes a preventative cool-down rest in the shade. How long must it last at the least, in addition to the time to reach the shade, before the worker is ordered back?

• a.30 minutes
• b.5 minutes✓
• c.1 minute
• d.15 minutes

The worker shall not be ordered back until signs or symptoms have abated, and in no event less than 5 minutes in addition to the time needed to reach the shade. One, fifteen and thirty minutes are not the minimum.8 CCR 3395(d)(3)

At what AQI for PM2.5 does the employer have to provide respirators for voluntary use under the wildfire smoke standard?

• a.51 or greater
• b.501 or greater
• c.101 or greater
• d.151 or greater✓

Where the current AQI is 151 or greater but does not exceed 500, the employer provides respirators for voluntary use and encourages their use. At 501 and above respirator use is required, and 51 and 101 are below the standard's threshold.8 CCR 5141.1(f)(3)

Which respirator type does the wildfire smoke standard name as an example for voluntary use?

• a.Surgical paper mask
• b.Cloth bandana
• c.Dust mask without NIOSH approval
• d.N95 filtering facepiece✓

The standard names NIOSH-approved devices such as N95 filtering facepiece respirators. A surgical mask, a bandana and an unapproved dust mask do not qualify.8 CCR 5141.1(f)(3)(A)

A claw hammer's handle is split. What does the Safety Orders say about it?

• a.It must be removed from service until it is repaired✓
• b.It may be wrapped with tape and kept in use
• c.It may still be used for light work if the head is tight
• d.It may be used on the ground, but not overhead

Tools with split or defective handles shall be removed from service and not reissued until repaired. Taping the handle, using the tool for light work with a tight head, and limiting it to ground work each keep a defective tool in use, which the section does not permit.8 CCR 1699(a)

A crew member must clear a jam in a pneumatic nailer. What is required first?

• a.Disconnect it from the air supply at the tool✓
• b.Pull the trigger to fire the jammed fastener out
• c.Keep the muzzle pressed on the work while clearing it
• d.Lower the air pressure at the compressor, then clear it

Pneumatic nailers and staplers shall be disconnected from the air supply at the tool when performing maintenance or repair or clearing a jam. Pulling the trigger, lowering pressure only and keeping the muzzle on the work leave the tool live.8 CCR 1704(c)

Who may operate equipment and machinery on a construction site?

• a.Only qualified persons chosen by the employer✓
• b.Any employee who is on the crew that day
• c.Any visitor who holds a driver's license
• d.The owner of the contracting firm

Title 8 says the employer shall permit only qualified persons to operate equipment and machinery. Anyone on the crew or any licensed driver is not enough, and operation is not limited to the owner.8 CCR 1510(b)

Under the fall-protection rule, at what exposure to a fall must personal fall arrest, restraint or positioning systems be worn?

• a.More than 7-1/2 feet✓
• b.More than 15 feet
• c.More than 30 feet
• d.More than 2 feet

Section 1670 requires systems for exposure to falling in excess of 7 1/2 feet from the perimeter of a structure or an unprotected edge. Two, fifteen and thirty feet are not the threshold.8 CCR 1670(a)

How high is the top rail of a standard Cal/OSHA construction railing?

• a.48 to 54 inches
• b.60 to 66 inches
• c.42 to 45 inches✓
• d.30 to 36 inches

The top rail is not less than 42 inches or more than 45 inches above the walking surface, with a mid-rail halfway between. The other ranges are not given.8 CCR 1620(a)(1)

A person on a road shoulder is exposed to public traffic during a dig. What must the employee wear?

• a.A half-face respirator with particulate filters
• b.Hearing protection with an attached face shield
• c.A warning vest or other high-visibility garment✓
• d.Fire-resistant coveralls with long sleeves

Employees exposed to public vehicular traffic shall be provided with and wear warning vests or other suitable garments marked with or made of reflectorized or high-visibility material. Hearing protection, fire-resistant clothing and a respirator do not make a worker visible.8 CCR 1541(d)

Silica dust may be produced when a crew cuts concrete. At what level is the action level for respirable crystalline silica defined?

• a.2.5 micrograms per cubic meter as a 1-hour average
• b.100 milligrams per cubic meter as a 15-minute average
• c.25 micrograms per cubic meter as an 8-hour average✓
• d.250 micrograms per cubic meter as an 8-hour average

The action level is 25 micrograms per cubic meter, calculated as an 8-hour time-weighted average. The other values change the number, the unit or the averaging time.8 CCR 1532.3(b)

A newly hired fence worker is assigned to a high-heat area. What does the standard require of the supervisor?

• a.Observe the worker during an announced heat wave
• b.Observe the worker on the first day of work
• c.Closely observe the worker for the first 14 days✓
• d.Nothing, because experienced workers are exempt from it

A newly assigned employee in a high-heat area is closely observed by a supervisor or designee for the first 14 days. Experience, one day or heat waves alone are not the limit.8 CCR 3395(g)(2)

Is an employer with fewer than 10 employees required to have a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program?

• a.No, if the employer's crews work at changing job sites
• b.Yes, but oral communication of safe practices is allowed✓
• c.Yes, and the program must be filed with the state yearly
• d.No, because small employers are exempt from the program

Every employer's Program is in writing; employers with fewer than 10 employees may communicate and instruct orally in general safe work practices as compliance with the communication element. Small and mobile employers are not exempt, and annual filing is not a stated requirement.8 CCR 3203(a)

Where is the written Code of Safe Practices posted?

• a.At each job site office, or provided to each supervisor✓
• b.In the glove box of the foreman's truck
• c.On the customer's front door during the job
• d.At the contractor's home office in the shop

Section 1509 posts the Code at each job site office or provides it to each supervisor who keeps it readily available. A home office, a front door and a glove box do not meet that.8 CCR 1509(c)

How often must supervisors conduct tailgate safety meetings at the least?

• a.At least every 10 working days✓
• b.Quarterly, at the start of each season
• c.Every 30 working days, once a month
• d.Daily, before each shift begins

Section 1509 requires toolbox or tailgate meetings at least every 10 working days. Daily meetings are not required, and 30 working days or a quarter is too seldom.8 CCR 1509(e)

A new employee starts work on a fence crew. What must the employer give at the start?

• a.A map of the job sites for the coming week
• b.Hazard instruction and a direction to read the Code✓
• c.A tax form, a time card and a work schedule
• d.A written warning about the crew's past injuries

When workers are first employed they receive instructions regarding the hazards and safety precautions applicable to the work and are directed to read the Code of Safe Practices. A job-site map, tax and schedule paperwork, and a warning about past injuries are not safety instructions.8 CCR 1510(a)

Before employees are on a new site, what must the employer do about the site conditions?

• a.Skip the survey if the job lasts under a week
• b.Wait for the first injury and then survey it
• c.Ask the customer to inspect the site for hazards
• d.Survey the site for the predictable hazards beforehand✓

Section 1511 requires the employer to survey the conditions of the site beforehand to determine the predictable hazards and safeguards. Waiting for an injury, delegating to the customer or skipping short jobs does not meet it.8 CCR 1511(b)

What first-aid kit must an employer provide on a construction project?

• a.A kit that is stocked once and not inspected again
• b.A kit kept at the contractor's main office
• c.At least one weatherproof kit that is inspected regularly✓
• d.A kit if the crew has more than 200 employees

The employer provides at least one first-aid kit in a weatherproof container, and its contents are inspected regularly so expended items are promptly replaced. A kit that is never inspected goes stale, a kit left at the main office is not at the project, and the 200-employee threshold applies only to some supplies, not to having a kit.8 CCR 1512(c)

A crew of 4 works on a fence far from any facility, but with a truck that can reach a toilet quickly. What does section 1526 say?

• a.No sanitation is required on private land of any kind
• b.Two toilets are required for any crew, whatever its size
• c.A separate toilet must be provided for each worker
• d.The rule does not apply to mobile crews with ready transport✓

The section does not apply to mobile crews having readily available transportation to nearby toilet facilities. A separate toilet for each worker and two toilets per crew are not stated, and private land is not an exemption from sanitation rules.8 CCR 1526(e)

How must drinking-water containers be handled on a site?

• a.Unmarked jugs may be used by anyone on the job
• b.A single shared cup is fine for the whole crew
• c.No dipping from them, and no sharing of cups✓
• d.Water may be dipped out with one shared cup

The section says water shall not be dipped from containers and that individual containers and cups are not shared or used in common; individual containers are marked. Shared cups and unmarked jugs do not comply.8 CCR 1524

A crew will dig on Thursday. Which statement about the notice is correct?

• a.The day of the call counts as the first of the two days
• b.The call may be made on Thursday morning before work
• c.Call at least two working days ahead, excluding the call day✓
• d.No call is needed when the work is on private property

The notice is at least two working days and the date of the notification does not count. Calling the morning of the dig is too late, and the statute does not exempt private property.Cal. Gov. Code 4216.2(b); 8 CCR 1541(b)(2)

A crew digs a hole 3 feet deep in firm soil. A competent person sees no sign of a cave-in. Is a protective system required?

• a.Yes, for any hole that is deeper than 2 feet
• b.Yes, a protective system is needed for a hole this deep
• c.Yes, unless the soil happens to be wet
• d.No, since it is under 5 feet with no sign of cave-in✓

Section 1541.1 does not require a protective system when the excavation is less than 5 feet deep and a competent person finds no indication of a potential cave-in. A hole of 3 feet is under that limit, so the 2-foot rule, a blanket requirement for a hole this deep and a wet-soil condition are not in the section.8 CCR 1541.1(a)(1)(B)

At what trench depth must a stairway, ladder, ramp or other egress be located so as to require no more than 25 feet of lateral travel?

• a.4 feet or more✓
• b.2 feet or more
• c.8 feet or more
• d.12 feet or more

Trench excavations 4 feet or more deep need a safe means of egress within 25 feet of lateral travel. Two, eight and twelve feet are not the threshold.8 CCR 1541(c)(2)

What must the employer have for each hazardous chemical it uses, such as a concrete product or a wood preservative?

• a.A purchase order
• b.A photo of the label
• c.A safety data sheet✓
• d.A receipt for the product

Title 8 requires employers to have a safety data sheet for each hazardous chemical they use, under the written hazard communication program. A receipt, a photo and a purchase order do not give the hazard information.8 CCR 5194(g)(1)

A post-hole auger strikes a natural gas line and gas escapes. What does the Government Code require the excavator to do first?

• a.File a report with the state next month
• b.Immediately call 911 emergency services✓
• c.Call the neighbor and ask for advice
• d.Wait to see if the leak stops by itself

The excavator must immediately call 911 when damage to a gas or hazardous liquid pipeline results in the escape of a flammable, toxic or corrosive gas or liquid, and then contact the operator. Reporting next month, asking a neighbor and waiting for the leak to stop all delay the emergency call.Cal. Gov. Code 4216.4(c)(1)

After damaging a subsurface installation, how soon must the excavator notify the regional notification center?

• a.Within 24 hours of the ticket expiring
• b.Within 7 days
• c.When asked
• d.Within 48 hours✓

The excavator shall notify the center within 48 hours of discovering or causing damage to any subsurface installation. Seven days or waiting to be asked is too slow, and the ticket expiry is not the trigger.Cal. Gov. Code 4216.4(c)(3)

An excavator finds a buried line that appears abandoned. How should it be treated?

• a.As safe to cut, since it carries no service
• b.As unimportant, since it is not on the ticket
• c.As the property of the landowner, to be removed
• d.As active, with the same care as an active line✓

The excavator shall presume all subsurface installations are active and use the same care around those that may be inactive. A line that looks abandoned may still carry service, a line missing from the ticket is still there, and ownership by the landowner does not make it safe to remove.Cal. Gov. Code 4216.4(a)(3)

What does the air district notice say about chemically treated wooden stakes and end posts?

• a.They may be burned when they are fully dry
• b.They may not be burned or chipped at any time✓
• c.They may be chipped and used as garden mulch
• d.They may be used as firewood in a home stove

The notice says chemically treated wooden stakes and end posts may not be burned or chipped at any time, and may not be sold as firewood. Dry burning, mulch and firewood are the uses it rules out.San Joaquin Valley APCD, Chemically Treated Wood Waste Disposal (AB 332)

Wood preservatives are described by the Forest Products Laboratory as what?

• a.Harmless oils that need no label review
• b.Paints that color the wood surface
• c.Decorative stains with no biocide in them
• d.Fungicides, which are classed as pesticides✓

The bulletin says wood preservatives contain fungicides and fungicides are pesticides, so the label directions apply. They are not harmless oils, paints or only stains.USDA Forest Products Laboratory, Protecting Wood Fences for Yard and Garden

Applying a water-repellent preservative by spray rather than brush can cause what?

• a.Faster curing of concrete
• b.Better penetration into wood
• c.Stronger posts
• d.Drift onto non-target areas✓

The bulletin says spraying can easily contaminate non-target areas with drift, and that brushing improves penetration and lessens the environmental hazard. Spraying does not affect concrete or strength.USDA Forest Products Laboratory, Protecting Wood Fences for Yard and Garden

How does the bulletin say pesticides should be stored?

• a.In an empty milk jug marked with a pen
• b.In unlabeled jars kept on a shelf in the shop
• c.In the cab of the truck with the tools
• d.In original containers, away from children✓

The bulletin says to store pesticides in original containers, out of reach of children and pets. Unlabeled jars, a cab or a food container are unsafe.USDA Forest Products Laboratory, Protecting Wood Fences for Yard and Garden

Why should concrete washwater not be dumped on the ground, according to the EPA fact sheet?

• a.It can run to storm drains and on to surface waters✓
• b.It evaporates at once without leaving residue
• c.It will make the soil stronger around the posts
• d.It is harmless if it is diluted with some water

The fact sheet says washwater dumped on the ground can run off the site to adjoining roads and enter storm drains that discharge to surface waters. It is caustic, not helpful to soil, and not harmless because of dilution.EPA, Stormwater Best Management Practice: Concrete Washout

What is the EPA fact sheet's objective for concrete washout?

• a.Bury it in the post hole with the extra concrete
• b.Discharge it through a hose to the nearest street
• c.Let it dry on the bare soil beside the work
• d.Collect all of it in leak proof containers✓

The objective is to collect and retain all the washout water and solids in leak-proof containers so the caustic material does not reach soil or surface water. Street discharge, burying and drying on soil do not collect it.EPA, Stormwater Best Management Practice: Concrete Washout

According to the conservation standard, how should a fence be designed, located and installed with regard to wildlife?

• a.To keep wildlife off the property with a continuous barrier
• b.To draw wildlife along the fence line for easy viewing
• c.To minimize impacts on local wildlife as appropriate✓
• d.To leave wildlife out of the plan unless the owner asks

The standard says to design, locate and install fences to minimize impacts on local wildlife as appropriate. Drawing animals to the fence line, sealing the property with a continuous barrier and leaving wildlife out of the plan each ignore that instruction.NRCS Conservation Practice Standard 382, Fence

How does the conservation standard say to handle old fence material removed during construction?

• a.Dispose of it properly so no one is harmed✓
• b.Burn it on the site in a pile after clearing
• c.Leave it in the pasture where it came down
• d.Bury it along the fence line in a trench

The standard calls for proper disposal of removed fencing materials to prevent harm to animals, people or equipment. Leaving the material in the pasture leaves a hazard, and burying it in a trench or burning it in a pile on site is not proper disposal.NRCS Conservation Practice Standard 382, Fence

Why handle wet concrete with care, according to the EPA fact sheet?

• a.It sets when it is in direct sun
• b.It is cold enough to cause frostbite
• c.It shrinks steel tools that touch it
• d.It can irritate skin and damage the eyes✓

The fact sheet says construction workers should handle wet concrete and washout water with care because it may cause skin irritation and eye damage. Wet concrete is not cold enough to cause frostbite, it does not shrink steel tools, and setting in the sun is not a hazard to the worker.EPA, Stormwater Best Management Practice: Concrete Washout

After a utility line is struck, who must the excavator contact immediately besides emergency services when gas is escaping?

• a.The operator of the damaged line itself✓
• b.The local newspaper that covers the area
• c.The county assessor who maps the parcel
• d.The customer's lender for the project

After calling 911 the excavator must contact the operator immediately, and later notify the regional notification center within 48 hours. The assessor, a lender and a newspaper have no role.Cal. Gov. Code 4216.4(c)(2)

What do the Caltrans specifications say to do with surplus excavated material from fence construction?

• a.Burn it in a pile on the right-of-way
• b.Spread it evenly along the adjacent roadway✓
• c.Pile it up against the finished fence line
• d.Dump it in a storm drain at the end of the day

Caltrans says to uniformly spread surplus excavated material along the adjacent roadway where designated by the Engineer. Burning it on the right-of-way, piling it against the finished fence and dumping it in a storm drain all leave it where it does not belong or pollute water.Caltrans 2024 Standard Specifications 80-1.03

What does the Forest Products Laboratory say about vapor from wood treated with pentachlorophenol?

• a.It is harmless to plants and leaves nearby
• b.It affects metal fittings and hardware
• c.It feeds plants with a mild nutrient
• d.It may poison plants and burn leaves that touch it✓

The bulletin says vapor from wood treated with pentachlorophenol may poison plants and burn leaves that contact the wood. It is not harmless, nutritive or limited to metal.USDA Forest Products Laboratory, Protecting Wood Fences for Yard and Garden