Practice Exam 2 & Final Review

Scenario type 1: Defect found during inspection

Pattern → Remove from service, notify supervisor, do not operate

Example: "Backup alarm on a loader does not sound when you engage reverse" → Tag out; repair before operating

Scenario type 2: Worker in the hazard zone

Pattern → Stop all movement immediately; do not proceed until zone is clear

Example: "A coworker walks behind your excavator during a swing" → Stop immediately

Scenario type 3: Regulatory threshold crossed

Pattern → Apply the regulation's required action without exception

Example: "You dig a 6-foot trench and there is no protective system" → Stop; install protective system before workers enter

Scenario type 4: Ambiguous signal or conflicting direction

Pattern → Stop; wait for resolution; Emergency Stop always overrides

Example: "The signaler waves you forward but the site superintendent says stop" → Stop; the Emergency Stop signal from anyone overrides all movement

Scenario type 5: Classification question

Pattern → Apply the threshold systematically; when in doubt, choose the more conservative classification

Example: "Soil tests 1.8 tsf but has fissure cracks" → Type B (fissuring disqualifies Type A regardless of strength)

Scenario A: Sandy soil, easily crumbles, no cohesion, no water.

→ Type C (granular, <0.5 tsf)

Scenario B: Clay soil, 1.2 tsf strength, no fissures, no prior disturbance, no water.

→ Type B (0.5–1.5 tsf range)

Scenario C: Clay soil, 2.0 tsf strength, no fissures, no disturbance.

→ Type A (≥1.5 tsf, no disqualifiers)

Scenario D: Clay soil, 2.0 tsf, but near active pile driving.

→ Type B at best (vibration disqualifies Type A)

Scenario E: Any soil, 4-inch standing water at trench bottom.

→ Type C (water = automatic Type C)

Scenario F: Hard intact granite — excavated with vertical walls, remains intact.

→ Stable Rock (natural solid mineral, no classification test needed)