Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP) Practice Exam

What is the correct sequence of controls when lifting and transporting logs, according to the Hierarchy of Controls?

1. Cut logs smaller, use two people to lift, lift with bent knees and straight back, wear a back belt

2. Use machinery to lift logs, wear gloves, ensure a clear path, lift with straight arms

3. Employ only one person, lift quickly, avoid wearing a back belt, use comfortable shoes

4. Only rely on strength, skip planning, lift with back bent, always wear gloves

The correct answer is: Use machinery to lift logs, wear gloves, ensure a clear path, lift with straight arms

The correct response emphasizes the use of machinery as a primary method of lifting logs, aligning well with the Hierarchy of Controls, which prioritizes eliminating or reducing hazards before relying on personal protective equipment. Machinery significantly minimizes the physical strain placed on workers, thus addressing safety concerns right at the source. In addition to using machinery, wearing gloves enhances grip and protects the hands from potential injuries. Ensuring a clear path is crucial to prevent trips and falls, further enhancing safety during the lifting and transporting process. While lifting with straight arms could be misleading in the context of ergonomic lifting techniques, the overall focus on machine assistance is foundational to a safer work environment. This sequence reflects a proactive approach to safety by emphasizing engineering controls (using machinery), administrative controls (ensuring a clear path), and personal protective equipment (wearing gloves), which is how the Hierarchy of Controls is ideally structured. Other choices fail to follow this structured priority, as they suggest less effective strategies or lack essential safety measures.