GEORGIA UTILITY CONTRACTOR EXAM –
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026
Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of a utility
contractor?
a. Installation and maintenance of water, gas, or electric utilities
b. Building residential homes
c. Providing landscaping services
d. Conducting environmental assessments
Rationale: Utility contractors specialize in installing, repairing, and
maintaining utility infrastructure, including water, gas, and
electrical systems.
2. Before digging near existing utilities, a contractor must:
a. Obtain a building permit only
b. Notify the property owner only
c. Contact Georgia 811 for utility location
d. Proceed immediately if the site looks clear
Rationale: Georgia law requires contacting Georgia 811 to locate
underground utilities to prevent damage and ensure safety.
3. What is the minimum personal protective equipment (PPE)
required for utility excavation work?
a. Hard hat, safety glasses, high-visibility vest, and steel-toed
boots
, b. Gloves only
c. Earplugs only
d. Respirator only
Rationale: Safety regulations mandate basic PPE for excavation to
protect against falling objects, visibility hazards, and foot injuries.
4. When installing a new underground gas line, the contractor must:
a. Use any available pipe
b. Follow Georgia Gas Safety Code specifications
c. Only mark the line on a plan
d. Excavate without safety measures
Rationale: Compliance with the Georgia Gas Safety Code ensures
proper materials, installation methods, and safety standards.
5. A backflow prevention device is installed to:
a. Increase water pressure
b. Prevent contamination of the potable water supply
c. Regulate flow into sewers
d. Reduce pipeline leaks
Rationale: Backflow prevention devices protect public water
systems from contamination by preventing reverse flow.
6. Which type of trench support is commonly used to prevent
collapse in deep excavations?
a. Traffic cones
b. Shoring or trench boxes
c. Wooden stakes alone
d. Paint markings
Rationale: Shoring or trench boxes provide structural support and
protect workers from cave-ins.
, 7. Which code governs electrical installations for utility contractors in
Georgia?
a. Georgia Plumbing Code
b. National Electrical Code (NEC)
c. Georgia Residential Code
d. OSHA Excavation Standards
Rationale: The NEC sets minimum standards for safe electrical
wiring and installations.
8. What is the maximum slope ratio for a trench less than 5 feet
deep in stable soil without protective systems?
a. 1:1
b. 1:2
c. 1:1.5
d. 2:1
Rationale: OSHA guidelines specify maximum slope angles based
on soil type and trench depth to prevent cave-ins.
9. Before operating heavy machinery near overhead power lines, a
contractor must maintain a minimum clearance of:
a. 5 feet
b. 10 feet
c. 10–20 feet depending on voltage
d. 50 feet
Rationale: Clearance distances vary by voltage; maintaining
proper distance prevents electrocution hazards.
10. When a water main is repaired, which disinfection procedure
is required before returning the line to service?
a. Flushing with air
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026
Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of a utility
contractor?
a. Installation and maintenance of water, gas, or electric utilities
b. Building residential homes
c. Providing landscaping services
d. Conducting environmental assessments
Rationale: Utility contractors specialize in installing, repairing, and
maintaining utility infrastructure, including water, gas, and
electrical systems.
2. Before digging near existing utilities, a contractor must:
a. Obtain a building permit only
b. Notify the property owner only
c. Contact Georgia 811 for utility location
d. Proceed immediately if the site looks clear
Rationale: Georgia law requires contacting Georgia 811 to locate
underground utilities to prevent damage and ensure safety.
3. What is the minimum personal protective equipment (PPE)
required for utility excavation work?
a. Hard hat, safety glasses, high-visibility vest, and steel-toed
boots
, b. Gloves only
c. Earplugs only
d. Respirator only
Rationale: Safety regulations mandate basic PPE for excavation to
protect against falling objects, visibility hazards, and foot injuries.
4. When installing a new underground gas line, the contractor must:
a. Use any available pipe
b. Follow Georgia Gas Safety Code specifications
c. Only mark the line on a plan
d. Excavate without safety measures
Rationale: Compliance with the Georgia Gas Safety Code ensures
proper materials, installation methods, and safety standards.
5. A backflow prevention device is installed to:
a. Increase water pressure
b. Prevent contamination of the potable water supply
c. Regulate flow into sewers
d. Reduce pipeline leaks
Rationale: Backflow prevention devices protect public water
systems from contamination by preventing reverse flow.
6. Which type of trench support is commonly used to prevent
collapse in deep excavations?
a. Traffic cones
b. Shoring or trench boxes
c. Wooden stakes alone
d. Paint markings
Rationale: Shoring or trench boxes provide structural support and
protect workers from cave-ins.
, 7. Which code governs electrical installations for utility contractors in
Georgia?
a. Georgia Plumbing Code
b. National Electrical Code (NEC)
c. Georgia Residential Code
d. OSHA Excavation Standards
Rationale: The NEC sets minimum standards for safe electrical
wiring and installations.
8. What is the maximum slope ratio for a trench less than 5 feet
deep in stable soil without protective systems?
a. 1:1
b. 1:2
c. 1:1.5
d. 2:1
Rationale: OSHA guidelines specify maximum slope angles based
on soil type and trench depth to prevent cave-ins.
9. Before operating heavy machinery near overhead power lines, a
contractor must maintain a minimum clearance of:
a. 5 feet
b. 10 feet
c. 10–20 feet depending on voltage
d. 50 feet
Rationale: Clearance distances vary by voltage; maintaining
proper distance prevents electrocution hazards.
10. When a water main is repaired, which disinfection procedure
is required before returning the line to service?
a. Flushing with air
