NYC NYCHA SUPERVISOR PAINTER
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCY EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. When applying oil-based coatings to fresh concrete or masonry, which chemical process is
most likely to cause coating failure?
A. Saponification
B. Polymerization
C. Oxidation
D. Hydrolysis
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Saponification is the reaction between the alkali in the concrete
and the oil/fatty acids in the paint, which forms a soap-like substance and destroys
adhesion.
2. According to OSHA 1926.451, at what minimum height must fall protection be provided for
employees working on a supported scaffold?
A. 10 feet
,B. 6 feet
C. 4 feet
D. 15 feet
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: While the general construction fall protection height is 6 feet,
OSHA specific scaffold standards require fall protection at 10 feet above a lower level.
3. Which component of paint is responsible for providing the ‘hiding power’ or opacity of the
coating?
A. Binder
B. Solvent
C. Pigment
D. Additive
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Pigments provide color and opacity; the binder holds it together,
and the solvent controls the viscosity.
4. A Supervisor Painter is calculating the quantity of paint needed for a room with 1,200 sq.
ft. of wall area. If the paint has a spreading rate of 400 sq. ft. per gallon and a 15% waste
factor is expected, how many gallons are required?
A. 3 gallons
, B. 3.45 gallons
C. 4 gallons
D. 3.75 gallons
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: = 3 gallons. 3 * 1.15 = 3.45 gallons.
5. In the context of NYC lead laws, what is the ‘Action Level’ for lead in blood that triggers
specific OSHA medical surveillance?
A. 10 micrograms per deciliter
B. 50 micrograms per deciliter
C. 30 micrograms per deciliter
D. 25 micrograms per deciliter
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: OSHA’s lead standard sets the action level at 30 ug/dL for
medical surveillance and 50 ug/dL for medical removal.
6. Which defect is characterized by the paint film cracking into irregular shapes resembling
the skin of a reptile?
A. Chalking
B. Checking
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCY EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. When applying oil-based coatings to fresh concrete or masonry, which chemical process is
most likely to cause coating failure?
A. Saponification
B. Polymerization
C. Oxidation
D. Hydrolysis
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Saponification is the reaction between the alkali in the concrete
and the oil/fatty acids in the paint, which forms a soap-like substance and destroys
adhesion.
2. According to OSHA 1926.451, at what minimum height must fall protection be provided for
employees working on a supported scaffold?
A. 10 feet
,B. 6 feet
C. 4 feet
D. 15 feet
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: While the general construction fall protection height is 6 feet,
OSHA specific scaffold standards require fall protection at 10 feet above a lower level.
3. Which component of paint is responsible for providing the ‘hiding power’ or opacity of the
coating?
A. Binder
B. Solvent
C. Pigment
D. Additive
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Pigments provide color and opacity; the binder holds it together,
and the solvent controls the viscosity.
4. A Supervisor Painter is calculating the quantity of paint needed for a room with 1,200 sq.
ft. of wall area. If the paint has a spreading rate of 400 sq. ft. per gallon and a 15% waste
factor is expected, how many gallons are required?
A. 3 gallons
, B. 3.45 gallons
C. 4 gallons
D. 3.75 gallons
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: = 3 gallons. 3 * 1.15 = 3.45 gallons.
5. In the context of NYC lead laws, what is the ‘Action Level’ for lead in blood that triggers
specific OSHA medical surveillance?
A. 10 micrograms per deciliter
B. 50 micrograms per deciliter
C. 30 micrograms per deciliter
D. 25 micrograms per deciliter
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: OSHA’s lead standard sets the action level at 30 ug/dL for
medical surveillance and 50 ug/dL for medical removal.
6. Which defect is characterized by the paint film cracking into irregular shapes resembling
the skin of a reptile?
A. Chalking
B. Checking
