Download PrepIQ Rhode Island RI Underground Utilities Contractor License Ultimate Exam and more Exams Technology in PDF only on Docsity!
Underground Utilities Contractor
License Ultimate Exam
Question 1. Under Rhode Island General Laws § 5-65.3, which of the following best describes the primary purpose of the underground utility work statute? A) To set pricing standards for utility contractors B) To protect public safety by regulating excavation activities C) To establish tax rates for utility companies D) To create a licensing exam for all construction workers Answer: B Explanation: § 5-65.3 is designed to protect public safety by setting requirements for excavation, marking, and licensing of underground utility work. Question 2. What is the minimum bond amount required to obtain a Rhode Island underground utilities contractor license? A) $5, B) $10, C) $20, D) $50, Answer: C Explanation: Rhode Island mandates a $20,000 surety bond as part of the licensing requirements for underground utility contractors. Question 3. Which type of liability insurance coverage is required for a Rhode Island underground utilities contractor license? A) $250,000 per occurrence B) $500,000 aggregate C) $1,000,000 per occurrence D) No insurance is required Answer: C Explanation: The state requires contractors to maintain at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance coverage. Question 4. The “Dig Safe” law in Rhode Island requires a minimum notice period before excavation begins. How many hours of notice must be given? A) 24 hours
Underground Utilities Contractor
License Ultimate Exam
B) 48 hours C) 72 hours D) 96 hours Answer: C Explanation: Rhode Island follows the national 72-hour notice requirement for calling the utility locate service before digging. Question 5. According to the APWA color code, which color designates water lines on a utility marking? A) Red B) Yellow C) Orange D) Blue Answer: D Explanation: Blue is the standard APWA color for potable water lines. Question 6. Which of the following is NOT a permissible reason for a municipality to deny a permit for underground utility work in Rhode Island? A) Incomplete site plan submission B) Contractor lacking the required bond C) Failure to provide a 72-hour notice to Dig Safe D) Contractor’s preference for a different brand of pipe Answer: D Explanation: The contractor’s pipe brand preference is not a statutory basis for permit denial; the other options are legitimate reasons. Question 7. In Rhode Island, what is the maximum penalty for performing excavation work without a valid contractor license? A) $500 fine B) $2,000 fine C) $5,000 fine and possible work stoppage D) No penalty, only a warning
Underground Utilities Contractor
License Ultimate Exam
Explanation: Type A soils are stable, firm, and cohesive, allowing for shallower protective systems. Question 11. For a Type C trench (unstable soil), what is the minimum required protective system depth? A) 1.5 ft B) 2 ft C) 3 ft D) 4 ft Answer: C Explanation: OSHA requires a minimum protective system depth of 3 ft for Type C soils. Question 12. What is the required maximum distance between a trench’s edge and the spoil pile to prevent collapse? A) 1 ft B) 2 ft C) 3 ft D) 4 ft Answer: B Explanation: OSHA mandates a minimum of 2 ft distance from the edge of the excavation to the spoil pile. Question 13. Which of the following atmospheric hazards is most commonly associated with deep excavations in Rhode Island’s coastal areas? A) Hydrogen sulfide B) Methane from landfill gas C) High concentrations of carbon dioxide D) Oxygen enrichment Answer: B Explanation: Coastal or reclaimed land can contain methane from historic landfills, posing an explosion risk.
Underground Utilities Contractor
License Ultimate Exam
Question 14. When testing for atmospheric hazards in a trench deeper than 4 ft, which instrument is required? A) Thermometer B) Barometer C) Multi-gas detector capable of measuring O₂, CO, and CH₄ D) Sound level meter Answer: C Explanation: A multi-gas detector is needed to monitor oxygen deficiency and combustible gases. Question 15. Which protective system uses a series of inclined planes to reduce the risk of collapse? A) Shoring B) Shielding (trench box) C) Sloping/Benching D) Soil nailing Answer: C Explanation: Sloping or benching creates inclined surfaces that stabilize the trench walls. Question 16. According to OSHA, ladders used for trench egress must be placed within how many feet of the excavation edge? A) 10 ft B) 15 ft C) 20 ft D) 25 ft Answer: D Explanation: Ladders or ramps must be located within 25 ft of any point of lateral travel in the trench. Question 17. For a trench deeper than 4 ft, what is the minimum required width of a ladder opening? A) 12 inches
Underground Utilities Contractor
License Ultimate Exam
C) HDPE
D) Concrete Answer: C Explanation: HDPE’s flexibility and corrosion resistance make it a preferred choice for service laterals. Question 21. When a water main bends 90°, what is the primary purpose of installing a thrust block? A) To provide a decorative finish B) To prevent pipe movement due to water pressure C) To increase flow velocity D) To act as a vent for air release Answer: B Explanation: Thrust blocks absorb hydraulic forces at bends, preventing pipe displacement. Question 22. According to Rhode Island code, what is the minimum vertical clearance between a water main and a sewer pipe crossing at the same point? A) 6 inches B) 12 inches C) 18 inches D) 24 inches Answer: C Explanation: A minimum of 18 inches vertical separation is required to avoid interference between the two systems. Question 23. Which of the following symbols on a utility plan denotes a clean-out? A) Circle with “C” inside B) Square with diagonal line C) Triangle with “CL” D) Circle with “CO”
Underground Utilities Contractor
License Ultimate Exam
Answer: D Explanation: The standard symbol for a clean-out is a circle containing the letters “CO”. Question 24. On a construction site plan, a dashed line with arrows typically indicates which of the following? A) Property boundary B) Existing utility location C) Proposed pipe alignment D) Right-of-way easement Answer: C Explanation: Dashed lines with arrows are commonly used to show proposed alignments. Question 25. When reading a profile drawing, the “station” is measured from which reference point? A) The nearest road intersection B) The beginning of the project line (zero point) C) The highest point on the site D) The center of the nearest manhole Answer: B Explanation: Stationing starts at the zero point (chainage) of the alignment and increases along the line. Question 26. Which of the following best describes a “type A” protective system for a trench in cohesive soil? A) 4-ft sloping at a 1:1 ratio B) 3-ft trench box (shield) with 2-ft toe boards C) 2-ft benching every 2 ft depth D) No protection required Answer: B
Underground Utilities Contractor
License Ultimate Exam
Question 30. The standard disinfection procedure for a new potable water line involves which chemical? A) Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) B) Hydrogen peroxide C) Chlorine gas D) Calcium hypochlorite Answer: A Explanation: Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) is the most common disinfectant for flushing new water lines. Question 31. Which Rhode Island agency is primarily responsible for enforcing the “Dig Safe” notification requirement? A) Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) B) Rhode Island Utility Safety (RIUS) C) Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (PUC) D) Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) Answer: B Explanation: Rhode Island Utility Safety (RIUS) administers the Dig Safe program and enforces the 72-hour notice rule. Question 32. When a contractor fails to provide the required $1,000, liability insurance, what is the most likely immediate consequence? A) A warning letter from the RICRLB B) Immediate suspension of the contractor’s license C) Mandatory attendance at a safety seminar D) Reduction of the bond amount Answer: B Explanation: Failure to meet insurance requirements results in suspension or revocation of the contractor license. Question 33. Which of the following best defines “benching” in trench excavation? A) Installing a concrete slab at the bottom of the trench
Underground Utilities Contractor
License Ultimate Exam
B) Cutting the side of the trench into a series of step-like levels C) Placing a wooden plank for worker footing D) Using a metal frame to support trench walls Answer: B Explanation: Benching creates step-like levels on the trench walls to improve stability. Question 34. In a trench with a depth of 6 ft, a competent person must perform a daily inspection at what minimum frequency? A) Once per week B) Once per shift C) Every 8 hours of work D) Only after a rainstorm Answer: C Explanation: OSHA requires daily inspections and also after any event that could affect trench safety, such as rain; the minimum is every 8 hours of work. Question 35. Which of the following pipe materials is NOT permitted for use in a potable water main under Rhode Island building code? A) Ductile iron with cement mortar lining B) PVC Schedule 80 C) Galvanized steel D) HDPE SDR- 11 Answer: C Explanation: Galvanized steel is prohibited for new potable water mains due to corrosion concerns. Question 36. When backfilling a trench, the material placed directly beneath the pipe (the bedding) must meet which compaction requirement? A) 50 % of maximum dry density B) 75 % of maximum dry density C) 90 % of maximum dry density
Underground Utilities Contractor
License Ultimate Exam
Explanation: The pipe must first be filled, then pressurized, observed for leaks, and finally depressurized. Question 40. In an excavation, a “competent person” discovers a sudden increase in methane levels. What is the required immediate action? A) Continue work, as methane is not hazardous at low concentrations B) Increase ventilation and continue monitoring C) Evacuate the area and cease work until levels are reduced below 1 % volume D) Call the fire department but keep workers on site Answer: C Explanation: Methane concentrations above 1 % are explosive; evacuation and work stoppage are mandatory. Question 41. Which of the following best describes a “shoring” system? A) A metal or timber support placed against the trench wall to prevent collapse B) A concrete slab placed at the trench bottom C) A series of wooden planks for worker footing D) A flexible membrane used to line the trench Answer: A Explanation: Shoring provides structural support to trench walls to prevent soil movement. Question 42. When installing a manhole, what is the minimum required distance between the manhole crown and the finished ground surface? A) 12 inches B) 24 inches C) 36 inches D) 48 inches Answer: B Explanation: A minimum of 24 inches of cover protects the manhole from surface loads.
Underground Utilities Contractor
License Ultimate Exam
Question 43. During a pneumatic (air) test, the test pressure is held for a minimum of how many minutes to consider the pipe leak-free? A) 5 minutes B) 15 minutes C) 30 minutes D) 60 minutes Answer: C Explanation: OSHA and industry standards require holding the pressure for at least 30 minutes. Question 44. Which of the following is a required element on a utility plan to indicate the location of a “thrust block”? A) A filled circle with the letters “TB” B) A square with a diagonal line C) A triangle with the word “Thrust” D) A half-circle with “B” inside Answer: A Explanation: The standard symbol for a thrust block is a filled circle labeled “TB”. Question 45. In Rhode Island, the “RICRLB” stands for which of the following? A) Rhode Island Contractors Registration and Licensing Board B) Rhode Island Construction Regulation and Licensing Bureau C) Rhode Island Civil Rights and Labor Board D) Rhode Island Regional Compliance Review Liaison Bureau Answer: A Explanation: RICRLB is the Rhode Island Contractors Registration and Licensing Board. **Question 46. Which of the following statements about “soil nailing” is correct? ** A) It is a primary method for protecting shallow trenches in Type C soils B) It involves inserting steel bars into the soil to improve stability
Underground Utilities Contractor
License Ultimate Exam
Question 50. When a trench is excavated through a zone of frozen ground, which additional protective measure is required? A) No additional measure; frozen ground is stable B) Install heating blankets to keep the soil thawed C) Increase the shoring depth by 50 % D) Conduct continuous atmospheric monitoring for methane Answer: B Explanation: Frozen ground can thaw and become unstable; heating blankets maintain stability. Question 51. Which of the following is the correct sequence for backfilling a trench after pipe installation? A) Place spoil directly on pipe → compact → place sand bedding → compact B) Place sand bedding → place pipe → place spoil → compact in layers C) Place pipe → place sand bedding → place spoil → compact each 6-inch layer D) Place pipe → fill with water → place sand → compact Answer: C Explanation: The proper method is pipe placement, sand bedding, then spoil backfill with 6-inch layer compaction. Question 52. In Rhode Island, what is the maximum allowable slope for a sewage pipe serving a single-family residence? A) 0.5 % B) 1 % C) 2 % D) 4 % Answer: B Explanation: Residential sewer lines are typically limited to a 1 % slope to maintain adequate flow without excessive velocity. Question 53. Which of the following is NOT a required component of a standard utility locate request in Rhode Island?
Underground Utilities Contractor
License Ultimate Exam
A) Project name and description B) Exact GPS coordinates of the proposed excavation C) Contractor’s license number D) List of all subcontractors on the job site Answer: D Explanation: Subcontractor lists are not required for a locate request; the other items are. Question 54. A “type B” soil is identified on a job site. Which of the following protective systems is acceptable? A) No protection required B) 3-ft trench box with toe boards C) 4-ft sloping at a 1:1 ratio D) 2-ft shoring with timber beams Answer: B Explanation: Type B soils require a protective system such as a trench box; a 3-ft box is acceptable. Question 55. Which test is used to verify the continuity of a newly installed HDPE water main before backfilling? A) Visual inspection only B) Low-pressure air test at 25 psi C) Hydrostatic pressure test at 1.5 times design pressure D) Ultrasonic thickness measurement Answer: C Explanation: A hydrostatic test at 1.5 times the design pressure confirms continuity and integrity. Question 56. In a utility plan, the symbol of a “square with a diagonal cross” typically represents which component? A) Valve B) Manhole
Underground Utilities Contractor
License Ultimate Exam
Explanation: Contaminated soil must be taken to a licensed hazardous waste disposal facility. Question 60. The “maximum allowable water hammer” in a water main is controlled primarily by which factor? A) Pipe diameter B) Pipe material stiffness C) Valve closure speed D) Soil type surrounding the pipe Answer: C Explanation: Rapid valve closure creates water hammer; controlling closure speed mitigates the effect. Question 61. Which of the following is the most appropriate method for locating existing underground utilities before excavation? A) Visual inspection of the surface only B) Using a metal detector only C) Requesting a “One-Call” locate service and marking the utilities D) Guessing based on old plans Answer: C Explanation: The One-Call system provides accurate utility location and marking per the Dig Safe law. Question 62. When installing a ductile-iron water main, what is the recommended minimum concrete cover over the pipe? A) 6 inches B) 12 inches C) 18 inches D) 24 inches Answer: B Explanation: A minimum of 12 inches of concrete cover protects ductile-iron pipes from external damage.
Underground Utilities Contractor
License Ultimate Exam
Question 63. In a trench deeper than 20 ft, what additional safety requirement must be met according to OSHA? A) Use of a trench box only B) Installation of a protective canopy over the trench C) Provision of a standby rescue team on site D) No additional requirements beyond standard protection Answer: C Explanation: OSHA requires a rescue plan and standby personnel for deep excavations (greater than 20 ft). Question 64. Which of the following best describes the “bench” in a bench-type trench? A) The topmost layer of backfill B) A horizontal ledge cut into the side of the trench wall C) The concrete slab at the bottom of the trench D) A temporary wooden platform for workers Answer: B Explanation: Benches are step-like horizontal ledges cut into the trench wall to provide stability. Question 65. For a water main installation, the term “SDR” (Standard Dimension Ratio) refers to what? A) The ratio of pipe wall thickness to outside diameter B) The ratio of pipe length to diameter C) The ratio of water pressure to pipe diameter D) The ratio of pipe weight to its strength Answer: A Explanation: SDR = outside diameter / wall thickness; it defines pipe strength. Question 66. When a contractor must install a pipe under a roadway, which method is most commonly used in Rhode Island?
