NYC NYCHA Maintenance Worker Exam:
Practice Questions with Correct Answers
SECTION 1: SAFETY PROCEDURES & HAZARD IDENTIFICATION (Questions 1-10)
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1. What is the first thing a maintenance worker should do before starting any repair job?
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A) Gather all necessary tools
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B) Notify the supervisor
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C) Assess the work area for safety hazards
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D) Begin the repair immediately
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Correct Answer: C jh jh jh
Rationale: Before beginning any repair work, assessing the area for safety hazards is critical to preve
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
nt accidents and injuries. This includes checking for electrical hazards, structural instability, and che
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
mical exposures.jh jh
2. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is most important when working with electri
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
cal circuits?
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A) Steel-toed boots
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B) Rubber-insulated gloves
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C) Hard hat
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D) Safety goggles
jh jh
Correct Answer: B jh jh jh
Rationale: Rubber- jh
insulated gloves provide protection against electrical shock when working with live or potentially live
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
electrical circuits.
jh jh jh
3. What does the term "lockout/tagout" refer to?
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A) Securing tools in a locked toolbox
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B) Locking doors to prevent unauthorized access
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C) De-energizing equipment and locking it to prevent accidental startup
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D) Locking chemical storage cabinets
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Correct Answer: C jh jh jh
,Rationale: Lockout/tagout is a safety procedure that ensures dangerous machines are properly shut
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off and cannot be started again before maintenance or repair work is completed.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
4. Which type of fire extinguisher should be used on electrical fires?
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A) Water (Class A)
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B) Foam (Class B)
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C) Carbon dioxide (CO₂) – Class C
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D) Wet chemical (Class K)
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Correct Answer: C jh jh jh
Rationale: CO₂ fire extinguishers are non-conductive and safe for use on electrical fires. Water-
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
based extinguishers conduct electricity and pose a shock hazard.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
5. What is the proper way to lift a heavy object to avoid injury?
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
A) Bend at the waist and lift with your back
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
B) Bend your knees and lift with your legs
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
C) Pull with your arms only
jh jh jh jh jh
D) Ask someone to throw it to you
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
Correct Answer: B jh jh jh
Rationale: Using your legs, not your back, prevents strain and injury. Squat down, keep the object clo
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
se to your body, and lift smoothly.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
6. What is the maximum allowable concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) in residential b
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
uildings according to NYC regulations? jh jh jh jh
A) 1 ppm
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B) 9 ppm
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C) 25 ppm
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D) 100 ppm
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Correct Answer: B jh jh jh
Rationale: New York City building regulations establish a maximum acceptable CO concentration of
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
9 parts per million (ppm) in residential settings.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
,7. A tenant reports a gas odor in their apartment. What is the most appropriate immediate
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
action?
A) Turn on the lights to see better
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B) Open windows and call 911 or the utility company from outside the building
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
C) Use a match to try to find the leak
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
D) Ask the tenant to stay inside while you investigate
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
Correct Answer: B jh jh jh
Rationale: Natural gas odor (rotten egg smell from mercaptan) requires immediate evacuation, avoi
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
ding sparks or open flames, and calling emergency services from a safe location outside.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
8. What is the proper angle for safe ladder placement (4-to-1 rule)?
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
A) For every 4 feet of height, move the base 1 foot away from the wall
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
B) For every 3 feet of height, move the base 2 feet away from the wall
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
C) Place the ladder straight up and down against the wall
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
D) For every 2 feet of height, move the base 3 feet away from the wall
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
Correct Answer: A jh jh jh
Rationale: The 4-to- jh jh
1 rule is the standard safety guideline: for every 4 feet of ladder height, the base should be 1 foot awa
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
y from the wall, providing a stable angle that prevents tipping.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
9. What is the purpose of a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)?
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
A) To increase circuit voltage
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B) To protect against electrical shock by shutting off power when a ground fault is detected
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
C) To reduce energy consumption
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D) To prevent circuit breakers from tripping
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Correct Answer: B jh jh jh
Rationale: A GFCI monitors current flowing in a circuit and quickly shuts off power if it detects an im
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
balance, indicating current is leaking through an unintended path.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
10. A maintenance worker discovers a frayed extension cord being used with a power tool.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
What should be done first? jh jh jh jh
A) Wrap the damaged section with tape
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B) Remove the cord from service immediately
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, C) Continue using it until replacement arrives
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D) Reduce the tool's operating time
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Correct Answer: B jh jh jh
Rationale: Damaged electrical cords present shock, burn, and fire hazards. The correct action is to re
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
move the cord from service and replace it.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
SECTION 2: TOOL IDENTIFICATION & USE (Questions 11-18)
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11. Which tool is primarily used to measure electrical voltage?
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A) Hammer
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B) Screwdriver
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C) Multimeter
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D) Wrench
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Correct Answer: C jh jh jh
Rationale: Multimeters are used to measure voltage, current, and resistance in electrical circuits.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
12. Which tool is most appropriate for tightening a standard household screw?
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
A) Hammer
jh
B) Screwdriver
jh
C) Wrench
jh
D) Pliers
jh
Correct Answer: B jh jh jh
Rationale: A screwdriver is specifically designed to tighten or loosen screws.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
13. Which tool is best for cutting a 2-inch PVC pipe straight?
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
A) Hacksaw
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B) Pipe cutter
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C) Circular saw
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D) Utility knife
jh jh
Correct Answer: B jh jh jh
Rationale: A pipe cutter is specifically designed to cut PVC pipe cleanly and straight, producing a squ
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
are cut essential for proper joint assembly.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
Practice Questions with Correct Answers
SECTION 1: SAFETY PROCEDURES & HAZARD IDENTIFICATION (Questions 1-10)
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
1. What is the first thing a maintenance worker should do before starting any repair job?
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
A) Gather all necessary tools
jh jh jh jh
B) Notify the supervisor
jh jh jh
C) Assess the work area for safety hazards
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
D) Begin the repair immediately
jh jh jh jh
Correct Answer: C jh jh jh
Rationale: Before beginning any repair work, assessing the area for safety hazards is critical to preve
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
nt accidents and injuries. This includes checking for electrical hazards, structural instability, and che
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
mical exposures.jh jh
2. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is most important when working with electri
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
cal circuits?
jh
A) Steel-toed boots
jh jh
B) Rubber-insulated gloves
jh jh
C) Hard hat
jh jh
D) Safety goggles
jh jh
Correct Answer: B jh jh jh
Rationale: Rubber- jh
insulated gloves provide protection against electrical shock when working with live or potentially live
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
electrical circuits.
jh jh jh
3. What does the term "lockout/tagout" refer to?
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
A) Securing tools in a locked toolbox
jh jh jh jh jh jh
B) Locking doors to prevent unauthorized access
jh jh jh jh jh jh
C) De-energizing equipment and locking it to prevent accidental startup
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
D) Locking chemical storage cabinets
jh jh jh jh
Correct Answer: C jh jh jh
,Rationale: Lockout/tagout is a safety procedure that ensures dangerous machines are properly shut
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
off and cannot be started again before maintenance or repair work is completed.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
4. Which type of fire extinguisher should be used on electrical fires?
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
A) Water (Class A)
jh jh jh
B) Foam (Class B)
jh jh jh
C) Carbon dioxide (CO₂) – Class C
jh jh jh jh jh jh
D) Wet chemical (Class K)
jh jh jh jh
Correct Answer: C jh jh jh
Rationale: CO₂ fire extinguishers are non-conductive and safe for use on electrical fires. Water-
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
based extinguishers conduct electricity and pose a shock hazard.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
5. What is the proper way to lift a heavy object to avoid injury?
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
A) Bend at the waist and lift with your back
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
B) Bend your knees and lift with your legs
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
C) Pull with your arms only
jh jh jh jh jh
D) Ask someone to throw it to you
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
Correct Answer: B jh jh jh
Rationale: Using your legs, not your back, prevents strain and injury. Squat down, keep the object clo
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
se to your body, and lift smoothly.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
6. What is the maximum allowable concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) in residential b
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
uildings according to NYC regulations? jh jh jh jh
A) 1 ppm
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B) 9 ppm
jh jh
C) 25 ppm
jh jh
D) 100 ppm
jh jh
Correct Answer: B jh jh jh
Rationale: New York City building regulations establish a maximum acceptable CO concentration of
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
9 parts per million (ppm) in residential settings.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
,7. A tenant reports a gas odor in their apartment. What is the most appropriate immediate
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
action?
A) Turn on the lights to see better
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
B) Open windows and call 911 or the utility company from outside the building
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
C) Use a match to try to find the leak
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
D) Ask the tenant to stay inside while you investigate
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
Correct Answer: B jh jh jh
Rationale: Natural gas odor (rotten egg smell from mercaptan) requires immediate evacuation, avoi
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
ding sparks or open flames, and calling emergency services from a safe location outside.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
8. What is the proper angle for safe ladder placement (4-to-1 rule)?
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
A) For every 4 feet of height, move the base 1 foot away from the wall
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
B) For every 3 feet of height, move the base 2 feet away from the wall
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
C) Place the ladder straight up and down against the wall
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
D) For every 2 feet of height, move the base 3 feet away from the wall
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
Correct Answer: A jh jh jh
Rationale: The 4-to- jh jh
1 rule is the standard safety guideline: for every 4 feet of ladder height, the base should be 1 foot awa
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
y from the wall, providing a stable angle that prevents tipping.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
9. What is the purpose of a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)?
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
A) To increase circuit voltage
jh jh jh jh
B) To protect against electrical shock by shutting off power when a ground fault is detected
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
C) To reduce energy consumption
jh jh jh jh
D) To prevent circuit breakers from tripping
jh jh jh jh jh jh
Correct Answer: B jh jh jh
Rationale: A GFCI monitors current flowing in a circuit and quickly shuts off power if it detects an im
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
balance, indicating current is leaking through an unintended path.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
10. A maintenance worker discovers a frayed extension cord being used with a power tool.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
What should be done first? jh jh jh jh
A) Wrap the damaged section with tape
jh jh jh jh jh jh
B) Remove the cord from service immediately
jh jh jh jh jh jh
, C) Continue using it until replacement arrives
jh jh jh jh jh jh
D) Reduce the tool's operating time
jh jh jh jh jh
Correct Answer: B jh jh jh
Rationale: Damaged electrical cords present shock, burn, and fire hazards. The correct action is to re
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
move the cord from service and replace it.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
SECTION 2: TOOL IDENTIFICATION & USE (Questions 11-18)
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
11. Which tool is primarily used to measure electrical voltage?
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
A) Hammer
jh
B) Screwdriver
jh
C) Multimeter
jh
D) Wrench
jh
Correct Answer: C jh jh jh
Rationale: Multimeters are used to measure voltage, current, and resistance in electrical circuits.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
12. Which tool is most appropriate for tightening a standard household screw?
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
A) Hammer
jh
B) Screwdriver
jh
C) Wrench
jh
D) Pliers
jh
Correct Answer: B jh jh jh
Rationale: A screwdriver is specifically designed to tighten or loosen screws.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
13. Which tool is best for cutting a 2-inch PVC pipe straight?
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
A) Hacksaw
jh
B) Pipe cutter
jh jh
C) Circular saw
jh jh
D) Utility knife
jh jh
Correct Answer: B jh jh jh
Rationale: A pipe cutter is specifically designed to cut PVC pipe cleanly and straight, producing a squ
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
are cut essential for proper joint assembly.
jh jh jh jh jh jh jh
