NYC NYCHA Maintenance Worker Exam
Practice Test Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download
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1. Before beginning any electrical repair work inside a NYCHA building,
what must a maintenance worker do first for safety?
A) Start work immediately to save time
B) Turn off or disconnect the electrical power source at the breaker
C) Ask the tenant to leave the apartment
D) Use metal tools without checking the circuit
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: B
Rationale: Power must always be secured and locked out before electrical work to
prevent shock hazards. Lockout/tagout procedures ensure the power stays off while
work is in progress .
2. A resident reports a strong smell of natural gas in their kitchen. What is the
proper immediate response?
A) Light a match to try to locate the source of the leak
B) Open windows and use fans to ventilate the apartment
C) Report the gas smell immediately to the supervisor and/or utility company, then
,evacuate
D) Attempt to locate and tighten the gas line fitting yourself
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: C
Rationale: Gas leaks are extremely dangerous; you must never create sparks or
attempt DIY repairs on gas lines. Evacuate the area and report immediately to
proper authorities .
3. Which type of fire extinguisher is specifically designed for use on electrical
fires?
A) Class A – water-based extinguisher
B) Class B – foam extinguisher
C) Class C – non-conductive extinguisher
D) Class D – dry powder for metals
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: C
Rationale: Class C fire extinguishers contain non-conductive extinguishing agents
that won't conduct electricity back to the operator. Using water on electrical fires
can cause electrocution .
4. When lifting a heavy object, what is the proper technique to avoid back
injury?
A) Bend at the waist with your legs straight
B) Keep your back straight and lift with your legs
,C) Twist your body while lifting to pivot toward the destination
D) Lift quickly to minimize strain on your muscles
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: B
Rationale: Proper lifting technique involves bending at the knees, keeping the back
straight, and using leg muscles to lift. Twisting while lifting can cause spinal
injuries .
5. What is the purpose of a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)?
A) To increase circuit voltage for better performance
B) To protect against electrical shock by shutting off power when a ground fault is
detected
C) To reduce energy consumption in residential buildings
D) To prevent circuit breakers from tripping during normal use
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: B
Rationale: A GFCI monitors current flow and quickly shuts off power if it detects
an imbalance, indicating current is leaking through an unintended path such as
through a person .
6. What safety procedure must be followed before repairing electrical
equipment?
A) Notify the fire department
B) Lockout and tag out the power source
, C) Remove all light bulbs
D) Cover the equipment with a tarp
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: B
Rationale: Lockout/tagout procedures ensure that power sources are de-energized
and cannot be accidentally re-energized while work is in progress .
7. What is the most appropriate action when encountering suspected asbestos-
containing material?
A) Remove the material immediately to prevent tenant exposure
B) Do not disturb it; report the suspected asbestos to your supervisor immediately
C) Wet the material down to prevent fibers from becoming airborne and proceed
D) Cover it with plastic and ignore the issue
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: B
Rationale: Asbestos fibers are carcinogenic when airborne. Maintenance workers
must never disturb suspected asbestos-containing materials and must report them
immediately so that certified professionals can handle abatement .
8. When using a ladder, what is the proper angle for safe placement?
A) For every 4 feet of height, move the base 1 foot away from the wall (4-to-1
ratio)
B) For every 3 feet of height, move the base 2 feet away from the wall
Practice Test Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download
1. Before beginning any electrical repair work inside a NYCHA building,
what must a maintenance worker do first for safety?
A) Start work immediately to save time
B) Turn off or disconnect the electrical power source at the breaker
C) Ask the tenant to leave the apartment
D) Use metal tools without checking the circuit
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: B
Rationale: Power must always be secured and locked out before electrical work to
prevent shock hazards. Lockout/tagout procedures ensure the power stays off while
work is in progress .
2. A resident reports a strong smell of natural gas in their kitchen. What is the
proper immediate response?
A) Light a match to try to locate the source of the leak
B) Open windows and use fans to ventilate the apartment
C) Report the gas smell immediately to the supervisor and/or utility company, then
,evacuate
D) Attempt to locate and tighten the gas line fitting yourself
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: C
Rationale: Gas leaks are extremely dangerous; you must never create sparks or
attempt DIY repairs on gas lines. Evacuate the area and report immediately to
proper authorities .
3. Which type of fire extinguisher is specifically designed for use on electrical
fires?
A) Class A – water-based extinguisher
B) Class B – foam extinguisher
C) Class C – non-conductive extinguisher
D) Class D – dry powder for metals
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: C
Rationale: Class C fire extinguishers contain non-conductive extinguishing agents
that won't conduct electricity back to the operator. Using water on electrical fires
can cause electrocution .
4. When lifting a heavy object, what is the proper technique to avoid back
injury?
A) Bend at the waist with your legs straight
B) Keep your back straight and lift with your legs
,C) Twist your body while lifting to pivot toward the destination
D) Lift quickly to minimize strain on your muscles
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: B
Rationale: Proper lifting technique involves bending at the knees, keeping the back
straight, and using leg muscles to lift. Twisting while lifting can cause spinal
injuries .
5. What is the purpose of a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)?
A) To increase circuit voltage for better performance
B) To protect against electrical shock by shutting off power when a ground fault is
detected
C) To reduce energy consumption in residential buildings
D) To prevent circuit breakers from tripping during normal use
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: B
Rationale: A GFCI monitors current flow and quickly shuts off power if it detects
an imbalance, indicating current is leaking through an unintended path such as
through a person .
6. What safety procedure must be followed before repairing electrical
equipment?
A) Notify the fire department
B) Lockout and tag out the power source
, C) Remove all light bulbs
D) Cover the equipment with a tarp
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: B
Rationale: Lockout/tagout procedures ensure that power sources are de-energized
and cannot be accidentally re-energized while work is in progress .
7. What is the most appropriate action when encountering suspected asbestos-
containing material?
A) Remove the material immediately to prevent tenant exposure
B) Do not disturb it; report the suspected asbestos to your supervisor immediately
C) Wet the material down to prevent fibers from becoming airborne and proceed
D) Cover it with plastic and ignore the issue
Correct ,,,,answer,,,,: B
Rationale: Asbestos fibers are carcinogenic when airborne. Maintenance workers
must never disturb suspected asbestos-containing materials and must report them
immediately so that certified professionals can handle abatement .
8. When using a ladder, what is the proper angle for safe placement?
A) For every 4 feet of height, move the base 1 foot away from the wall (4-to-1
ratio)
B) For every 3 feet of height, move the base 2 feet away from the wall
