CSLB C-46 Solar (Trade Exam) — All Questions

What is the maximum arresting force a personal fall arrest system may put on a worker wearing a body harness?

• a.5,000 pounds
• b.3,000 pounds
• c.900 pounds
• d.1,800 pounds✓

Section 1670 limits the maximum arresting force on an employee to 1,800 pounds when used with a body harness. Five thousand pounds is the anchorage strength per employee, not the force on the body.Cal/OSHA Title 8 section 1670(b)

What is the maximum deceleration distance a personal fall arrest system may allow once it begins to stop a fall?

• a.2 feet
• b.10 feet
• c.6 feet
• d.3.5 feet✓

Section 1670 requires a PFAS to bring the worker to a complete stop and limit the deceleration distance to 3.5 feet. Six feet is the maximum free fall before the system engages.Cal/OSHA Title 8 section 1670(b)

How far may a worker free fall when using a positioning device system?

• a.No more than 2 feet✓
• b.No more than 4 feet
• c.No limit, since it is not fall arrest
• d.No more than 6 feet

Positioning device systems must be rigged so that an employee cannot free fall more than 2 feet. The 6-foot limit applies to personal fall arrest systems.Cal/OSHA Title 8 section 1670(c)

A worker shows up with a body belt instead of a full harness for fall arrest on a steep roof. What does Section 1670 say?

• a.Body belts are allowed if the lanyard is short
• b.Body belts are preferred on roofs
• c.Belts may not be used for fall arrest✓
• d.Body belts are allowed below 20 feet

Section 1670 states that body belts shall not be used as part of a personal fall arrest system; they may be used for restraint and positioning within the section's limits.Cal/OSHA Title 8 section 1670(b)

A crew wants to use a spare fall-arrest harness and lanyard to lift a bundle of rails to the roof. Is that allowed?

• a.Yes, if a second worker holds the line
• b.Yes, if the load is under 100 pounds
• c.Yes, if the harness is new
• d.No; harnesses are for employee protection only✓

Section 1670 states that body belts, harnesses and components shall be used only for employee protection and not to hoist materials.Cal/OSHA Title 8 section 1670(b)

Workers are re-roofing a house with a 9:12 roof before a solar installation. At what height must they be protected from falling?

• a.Only above 20 feet
• b.Only above 6 feet
• c.Only above 7 1/2 feet
• d.At any height✓

Section 1731 requires protection on residential roofs steeper than 7:12 regardless of height; the 6-foot trigger applies to roofs of 7:12 or less.Cal/OSHA Title 8 section 1731 (operative July 1, 2025)

When roof jacks support planks on a steep roof, what is the maximum span between jacks?

• a.16 feet
• b.20 feet
• c.6 feet
• d.10 feet✓

Section 1724 states that intervals (spans) between roof jacks shall not exceed 10 feet, and the supported planks must be at least 2-by-6 material or equivalent.Cal/OSHA Title 8 section 1724

What minimum size does Cal/OSHA set for crawling boards used on a roof?

• a.8 inches wide with no cleats
• b.10 inches wide and 1 inch thick✓
• c.6 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick
• d.12 inches wide and 2 inches thick

Section 1724 requires crawling boards not less than 10 inches wide and 1 inch thick, with cleats at intervals not over 24 inches, secured to the roof by ridge hooks or other effective means.Cal/OSHA Title 8 section 1724

At what elevation does Cal/OSHA call for safety nets when fall arrest, restraint and other conventional protection are clearly impractical?

• a.100 feet or more
• b.6 feet or more
• c.25 feet or more✓
• d.10 feet or more

Section 1671 requires safety nets where the elevation is 25 feet or more above the level below and personal fall protection or more conventional protection is clearly impractical.Cal/OSHA Title 8 section 1671

A plywood cover will guard a roof opening during solar work. How strong must it be?

• a.No minimum, if it is marked
• b.At least 100 pounds per square foot
• c.400 lb or twice the load, whichever is greater✓
• d.Strong enough for one worker

Section 1632 requires covers to safely support the greater of 400 pounds or twice the weight of employees, equipment and materials that may be imposed on any square foot, to be secured, and to be marked "Opening--Do Not Remove."Cal/OSHA Title 8 section 1632

How must a worker climb a portable ladder under Cal/OSHA?

• a.Facing away, with both hands on the load
• b.Sideways, with one hand on the rail
• c.Any way, if the ladder is tied off
• d.Facing the ladder, with three points of contact✓

Section 3276 requires the user to face the ladder and maintain contact at three points at all times — two feet and one hand, or two hands and one foot.Cal/OSHA Title 8 section 3276

A worker wants to carry a PV module up a ladder with both hands. What does Cal/OSHA say?

• a.It is allowed if someone steadies the base
• b.It is allowed if the module is under 50 pounds
• c.It is allowed on extension ladders only
• d.Carrying loads that prevent safe ladder use is prohibited✓

Section 3276 prohibits employees from carrying equipment or materials that prevent the safe use of ladders; materials should be lifted by other means.Cal/OSHA Title 8 section 3276

According to the heat illness standard, how long does acclimatization to heat typically take to peak?

• a.One to two hours
• b.One full summer
• c.Four to fourteen days✓
• d.Six to eight weeks

The standard defines acclimatization as temporary adaptation to heat that peaks in most people within four to fourteen days of regular work for at least two hours a day in the heat.Cal/OSHA Title 8 section 3395

During a heat wave, which employees must be closely observed by a supervisor or designee?

• a.Only employees new to the company
• b.Only employees over age 50
• c.All employees✓
• d.Only employees who report symptoms

The heat standard requires all employees to be closely observed by a supervisor or designee during a heat wave, defined as a predicted high of at least 80 °F and at least 10 °F above the prior five days' average high.Cal/OSHA Title 8 section 3395

What form must an employer's Injury and Illness Prevention Program take?

• a.It may be oral in all cases
• b.It is needed only after an injury
• c.It is kept by the customer
• d.It must be in writing✓

Section 3203 requires every employer to establish, implement and maintain an effective IIPP, and the program shall be in writing. Employers with fewer than 10 employees may communicate safe work practices to employees orally.Cal/OSHA Title 8 section 3203

What written document must a construction employer adopt in addition to its IIPP?

• a.A written Code of Safe Practices✓
• b.A copy of the building code
• c.A marketing plan for new customers
• d.A list of approved suppliers

Section 1509 requires every construction employer to adopt a written Code of Safe Practices relating to its operations, posted at the job site office or provided to each supervisor.Cal/OSHA Title 8 section 1509

When do flooded lead-acid batteries produce hydrogen gas, according to Sandia's NEC guide?

• a.Only when completely discharged
• b.At high charge rates or high cell voltage✓
• c.Never; hydrogen is produced only by lithium
• d.Only when frozen

Sandia's guide says flooded, non-sealed lead-acid batteries produce hydrogen when charged at high rates or when terminal voltage reaches about 2.3 to 2.4 volts per cell; confined and unvented, it is explosive.Sandia, PV Power Systems and the NEC: Suggested Practices

When may insulating gloves and insulated tools be omitted for work on exposed energized parts?

• a.Below 250 V, in all cases
• b.Whenever the work lasts under a minute
• c.When the worker is standing on a dry surface
• d.Below 50 V, after a qualified no-hazard determination✓

Section 2320.2 allows omitting approved gloves or insulated tools for parts energized at less than 50 volts only after a qualified person conclusively determines there will be no exposure to shock, burns, explosion or arc hazards.Cal/OSHA Title 8 section 2320.2

A crew runs a portable generator for tools at a job site. Where must it be operated?

• a.Outdoors, at least 5 feet from openings✓
• b.Under the eave, next to a window
• c.Inside the garage with the door open
• d.Anywhere, if it is fueled while running

The 2022 California Fire Code requires portable generators to be operated only outdoors at least 5 feet from building openings such as windows, doors or air intakes, and prohibits refueling while operating.2022 CFC 1204.5 (County of Lake excerpt)

When exposed energized parts must be worked, what must be in place for protection where needed?

• a.A second inverter on standby nearby
• b.Suitable barricades, tags or signs✓
• c.A spare set of fuses in the truck
• d.The neighbor's written permission slip

Cal/OSHA calls for suitable barricades, tags or signs where needed for protection. A second inverter does not protect anyone. Spare fuses do not warn or block access. A neighbor's permission is irrelevant.Cal/OSHA Title 8 section 2320.2

Which rule protects utility lineworkers from backfeed from a customer's generation?

• a.Only the utility's lineworkers may ever touch inverters
• b.Positive means to prevent backfeed✓
• c.A warning sign at the meter is enough by itself
• d.Backfeed is allowed for systems under 10 kW when labeled

Section 2320.9 bars connecting a power source to premises wiring unless positive means prevent transmission beyond it, unless the utility authorized the interconnection. A sign does not physically prevent backfeed. The rule has no 10 kW exemption. Installers may work on inverters; the rule concerns preventing backfeed.Cal/OSHA Title 8 section 2320.9

After rapid shutdown has been initiated, what should a firefighter assume about the array?

• a.That the conductors are safe to cut with insulated tools
• b.That the array can still be energized in sunlight✓
• c.That it has been brought down to zero volts
• d.That it is isolated from the sun by the shutdown

Rapid shutdown lowers the voltage to set limits; it does not make the array dead while light falls on it. Zero volts is not what rapid shutdown delivers. Modules keep producing voltage whenever light reaches them. Cutting energized conductors is dangerous.DOE-hosted fire service presentation; CEC 690.12

How far must an outdoor residential ESS on an exterior wall be from doors and windows directly entering the dwelling?

• a.Not less than 10 feet
• b.Not less than 3 feet✓
• c.Not less than 5 feet
• d.Not less than 1 foot

The 2022 CRC allows outdoor and exterior-wall locations not less than 3 feet from doors and windows directly entering the dwelling. 1 foot is closer than allowed. 5 feet is farther than the minimum. 10 feet is farther than the minimum.2022 CRC R328 (County of Lake excerpt)

What is the purpose of the roof pathways and ridge setbacks required around a rooftop PV array?

• a.To improve the array's appearance from the street
• b.To leave room for future expansion modules
• c.To let firefighters walk and ventilate✓
• d.To reduce the array's wind load on the roof

Firefighters must be able to walk to the ridge and ventilate a burning house, and the pathways and setbacks provide that access. Pathways are not planned expansion space. Wind load is addressed by structural design, not by pathways. Appearance is not the purpose of the fire access rules.2022 CRC R324.6 (City of Berkeley checklist)

On a construction site, who may be required or knowingly permitted to work in an unsafe place, and for what purpose?

• a.A worker, to save the cost of a ladder
• b.A worker, to finish the day's schedule
• c.A worker, to meet a customer's deadline
• d.A worker, only to make it safe✓

Section 1511 says no worker shall be required or knowingly permitted to work in an unsafe place unless for the purpose of making it safe. A schedule is not a reason to accept an unsafe place. A deadline does not justify exposure to a hazard. Saving a ladder's cost is not an exception.Cal/OSHA Title 8 section 1511

What marking must a cover over a roof opening carry?

• a.Opening--Do Not Remove✓
• b.Danger--High Voltage
• c.Caution--Wet Paint
• d.Fragile--Handle With Care

Section 1632 requires covers to be secured against displacement and marked Opening--Do Not Remove. Wet Paint has nothing to do with an opening. High Voltage does not describe a cover over a hole. Fragile does not warn people away from removing it.Cal/OSHA Title 8 section 1632

An ESS with an integrated shutdown button is installed indoors. What else does San Diego County's checklist say is needed?

• a.A second button next to the first
• b.A sign on the garage door
• c.Nothing; the button satisfies every rule
• d.A separate outdoor disconnect✓

An integrated shutdown button can satisfy 706.15, but if the ESS is installed indoors a separate outdoor disconnect is needed. The button alone does not give responders an outdoor means of shutdown. A second button indoors adds nothing outside. A sign does not disconnect anything.County of San Diego PDS 081S (2025 codes)

Under Section 1730, other roofing operations call for fall protection on roofs of what height?

• a.More than 6 feet
• b.More than 20 feet✓
• c.More than 10 feet
• d.More than 7 1/2 feet

Section 1730 protects against falls from roofs of a height of more than 20 feet for other roofing operations. 7 1/2 feet is the general trigger in Section 1670. 6 feet is the residential roofing trigger in Section 1731. 10 feet is not the trigger height in Section 1730.Cal/OSHA Title 8 section 1730

A lanyard allows a 6-foot free fall, and the system limits deceleration to 3.5 feet. How much clear space is needed below the anchorage before adding the worker's height?

• a.9.5 feet✓
• b.21 feet
• c.6 feet
• d.3.5 feet

The free fall and the deceleration distance add: 6 + 3.5 = 9.5 feet. 6 feet counts only the free fall. 3.5 feet counts only the deceleration. 21 feet multiplies the two figures.Cal/OSHA Title 8 section 1670(b)

How must a fall restraint system be rigged?

• a.To allow free movement over the whole roof
• b.To permit reaching the edge when tied to a guardrail
• c.To limit movement to the sides of the work area✓
• d.To allow a 6-foot free fall and a stop

Section 1670 says restraint is rigged to allow movement only as far as the sides of the working level or area. A 6-foot free fall describes arrest, not restraint. Guardrails are not anchorages. Free movement over the whole roof would let the worker reach the edge.Cal/OSHA Title 8 section 1670

To what must roof safety lines be attached under Section 1724?

• a.Substantial roof anchorages✓
• b.Plumbing vents poking through the roof
• c.Antennas and chimney flue pipes
• d.The ladder used to reach the roof

Section 1724 calls for safety lines attached in a secure manner to substantial anchorages on the roof. A vent pipe is not a substantial anchorage. An antenna or flue can fail under load. A ladder can slide or tip.Cal/OSHA Title 8 section 1724

What does Section 3276 prohibit regarding a ladder?

• a.Setting it at the one-quarter angle
• b.Moving or extending it while occupied✓
• c.Climbing it while facing the rungs
• d.Placing it on firm, level ground

Ladders are not moved or extended while occupied. Level ground is the proper place for a ladder. The one-quarter angle is the recommended setup. Facing the ladder is the required way to climb.Cal/OSHA Title 8 section 3276

Which is an accepted way to observe employees under the high-heat procedures?

• a.A sign posted at the yard
• b.An annual survey
• c.A mandatory buddy system✓
• d.A weekly e-mail

The high-heat procedures include observation by a supervisor or designee of 20 or fewer employees, or a mandatory buddy system. A yearly survey does not observe anyone on the job. A sign does not observe employees. A weekly message does not observe anyone.Cal/OSHA Title 8 section 3395

How must the employer's workplace assessment for personal protective equipment be certified?

• a.By a vote of the crew
• b.By the supplier's catalog
• c.Orally
• d.In writing✓

Section 3380 requires the hazard assessment to be certified in writing. Oral certification leaves no record. A catalog does not certify the employer's assessment. A vote is not a hazard assessment.Cal/OSHA Title 8 section 3380

What does Section 3380 say about defective or damaged personal protective equipment?

• a.It shall never be used✓
• b.It may be used on short jobs
• c.It may be used after monthly inspection
• d.It may be used once taped

Defective or damaged personal protective equipment shall not be used. Taping does not restore protection. Job length does not change the rule. Monthly inspection does not permit using defective equipment.Cal/OSHA Title 8 section 3380

What must a construction employer keep in writing for medical emergencies?

• a.A plan to provide emergency medical services✓
• b.A copy of each owner's mortgage and loan papers
• c.A map of nearby parks
• d.A list of the employees' favorite restaurants

Section 1512 requires a written plan to provide emergency medical services. Restaurants are irrelevant to emergencies. A mortgage has nothing to do with it. Park maps do not help in an emergency.Cal/OSHA Title 8 section 1512

What procedure must a written IIPP include for workplace injuries?

• a.A procedure to waive written reports for minor injuries at work
• b.A procedure to investigate occupational injury or illness✓
• c.A procedure to keep injuries secret from the employer and insurer
• d.A procedure to send the employee home unpaid

Section 3203 requires a procedure to investigate occupational injury or occupational illness. Sending an injured worker home unpaid is not a required procedure. Injuries cannot be hidden from the employer. Reports are not waived by size of injury.Cal/OSHA Title 8 section 3203

What does Section 3203 require for methods of correcting unsafe conditions?

• a.Correction in a timely manner by severity✓
• b.Correction only after an injury
• c.Correction at the end of the project
• d.Correction when a customer complains

The IIPP must include methods of correcting unsafe conditions in a timely manner based on the severity of the hazard. Waiting for an injury defeats prevention. Waiting for the project end leaves workers exposed. Customer complaints are not the trigger.Cal/OSHA Title 8 section 3203

Workers exposed to known hazards such as flammable liquids, caustics or toxic materials must be instructed in what?

• a.The cost of the material per container
• b.Hazard recognition, self-protection and first aid✓
• c.Only how to dispose of the empty container safely
• d.The supplier's warranty and return terms

Section 1510 requires instruction in recognition of the hazard, procedures for protection and first aid in case of injury. Cost does not protect anyone. Disposal alone leaves out safe use and first aid. Warranty terms are not safety instruction.Cal/OSHA Title 8 section 1510

What must a contractor hold to remove hazardous substances from a site?

• a.A signed letter of consent from the property owner or tenant
• b.A training card from the module manufacturer
• c.Only a C-46 license plus a general liability policy on file
• d.A hazardous substance removal certification from CSLB✓

CSLB says contractors who do hazardous substance removal work must be certified by CSLB. A C-46 license does not carry that authority. A manufacturer card is not a state certification. Owner permission cannot substitute for certification.CSLB, Before You Apply (hazardous substance removal certification)

What does the Hazard Communication standard require of all employers?

• a.To keep chemical information away from customers
• b.To inform employees about their chemical exposures✓
• c.To buy unlabeled chemicals from any vendor
• d.To store chemicals at the contractor's home office

The standard requires employers to give employees information about the hazardous chemicals to which they may be exposed. Labels are required, not avoided. The duty is to employees, and it is not about hiding information. Chemicals on a job must be where the work is, with information at hand.Cal/OSHA Title 8 section 5194

Which asbestos examination must a new CSLB license applicant complete if it has not been done before?

• a.A hazardous substance field test
• b.No asbestos examination is required
• c.A closed-book abatement examination
• d.The asbestos open-book examination✓

CSLB requires all new applicants to complete the asbestos open-book examination if it has not been done previously, and it does not certify anyone for asbestos work. A hazardous substance field test is not part of the application. The required exam is open-book, not closed-book. Saying none is required contradicts CSLB's page.CSLB, Asbestos Open Book Examination

Besides high short-circuit current, which hazards does Sandia list for storage batteries?

• a.Noise above 85 decibels
• b.Ultraviolet exposure and radio interference
• c.Acid or caustic electrolyte, and shock✓
• d.Radioactive decay

Sandia lists high short-circuit current, acid or caustic electrolyte, and shock hazards for batteries. Batteries do not emit ultraviolet or radio interference as a hazard. Noise is not a battery hazard. Batteries are not radioactive.Sandia, PV Power Systems and the NEC: Suggested Practices

What does Sandia say hydrogen from battery charging poses if it is confined and not properly vented?

• a.A corrosion-proofing benefit
• b.A visual nuisance
• c.No hazard at any concentration
• d.An explosive hazard✓

Sandia says this gas, if confined and not properly vented, poses an explosive hazard. Hydrogen is a safety hazard, not just a nuisance. Hydrogen is not a protective coating. Hydrogen can ignite at ordinary concentrations in a closed space.Sandia, PV Power Systems and the NEC: Suggested Practices

According to DOE, who should service pressurized glycol loops?

• a.A homeowner with a pipe wrench at hand
• b.A qualified solar heating professional✓
• c.The nearest hardware store's clerk on duty
• d.A neighborhood pool cleaning service

DOE says pressurized glycol systems should be serviced only by a qualified solar heating professional. A homeowner risks injury and fluid loss. A pool service is not trained on solar loops. A store clerk is not a service provider.DOE Energy Saver, Solar Water Heaters

Why must ethylene glycol not be used in a solar water heating loop?

• a.It is toxic✓
• b.It is too thin to pump
• c.It costs more than water
• d.It freezes at a higher temperature

DOE says ethylene glycol must not be used due to toxicity, so non-toxic propylene glycol is used. Cost is not the stated reason. Its freeze protection is not the problem. Viscosity is not the stated reason.DOE Energy Saver, Solar Water Heaters

What does Section 1510 require for new workers regarding hazards?

• a.A copy of the company's payroll records
• b.A guided tour of the contractor's office
• c.Hazard and precaution instructions for the work✓
• d.A sales brochure for the products in use

New workers must be given instructions on the hazards and safety precautions applicable to the type of work in question. Payroll records are not safety instruction. A tour of the office does not cover site hazards. A brochure is not safety instruction.Cal/OSHA Title 8 section 1510