NABCEP PV Associate (PVA) — Practice Exam
Safety: material handling: practice questions
Our NABCEP PV Associate bank has 4 questions on this topic. Here are 4 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.
Question 1
Why should tools be tethered when working on a roof?
- To keep dropped tools from striking people below
- Tethering is only required for batteries
- To make the tools easier to charge
- To keep tools from rusting by holding them off the wet roof surface between uses
Show the answer
A. To keep dropped tools from striking people below — Tool tethering is an equipment-handling control for work at height.
Question 2
Why is wind a special hazard when carrying PV modules on a roof?
- Wind cools the modules too much
- It is only a hazard at night
- Modules act like sails and can pull a worker off balance
- Wind makes the modules heavier, so each worker can safely carry only one at a time
Show the answer
C. Modules act like sails and can pull a worker off balance — Avoid carrying modules in high wind and use two people or a hoist.
Question 3
What is the safest way to lift a heavy inverter onto a wall mount?
- Use mechanical aids or two people and lift with the legs, keeping the back straight
- Bend at the waist and lift alone quickly
- Carry it overhead
- Twist while lifting to save time
Show the answer
A. Use mechanical aids or two people and lift with the legs, keeping the back straight — Ergonomic lifting prevents back injuries.
Question 4
Why should PV modules be staged across the roof rather than stacked in one spot?
- To spread the load and avoid overloading the roof structure
- It makes the modules produce more power
- Stacking modules in one place voids the module warranty in every case, regardless of the roof type
- Stacking voids the module warranty in every case
Show the answer
A. To spread the load and avoid overloading the roof structure — Equipment staging and roof load distribution are part of the safety plan.