Mississippi Lathing, Plastering and Stucco Examination

Under OSHA 29 CFR 1926.451, when must employees working on a scaffold be protected from falling to a lower level?

• AWhen the platform is more than 10 feet above a lower level
• BWhen the platform is more than 4 feet above a lower level
• CWhen the platform is more than 6 feet above a lower level
• DOnly when the scaffold is used for exterior plastering

A plastering crew is working from a supported scaffold. What is the maximum allowed distance from the front edge of the platform to the face of the wall for plastering and lathing operations?

• A18 inches
• B14 inches
• C3 inches
• D24 inches

What is the minimum load capacity OSHA requires for a supported scaffold and its components used by a plastering crew?

• AIts own weight plus 2 times the maximum intended load
• BIts own weight plus 3 times the maximum intended load
• CIts own weight plus at least 4 times the maximum intended load
• DThe weight of workers only, with no material factor

Who must inspect a plastering scaffold for visible defects, and when?

• AA competent person, before each work shift and after any occurrence that could affect str…
• BAny journeyman plasterer, once a week
• CThe project owner, only after the scaffold is fully loaded with plaster materials
• DA registered professional engineer, after every rain event only

Except for listed specialty scaffolds, what is the minimum width of a scaffold platform or walkway used for plastering?

• A12 inches
• B14 inches
• C16 inches
• D18 inches

For a supported scaffold manufactured or placed in service after January 1, 2000, what is the required toprail height above the platform?

• ABetween 38 inches and 45 inches
• BBetween 36 inches and 42 inches
• CExactly 42 inches with no tolerance
• DBetween 30 inches and 36 inches

A frame scaffold used for exterior stucco is 20 feet tall and 4 feet wide at the base, with no outriggers. What does OSHA require?

• ANo ties are required because the scaffold is less than 30 feet tall
• BGuys, ties, braces, or equivalent restraint because the height-to-base ratio exceeds 4:1
• COnly a midrail is required; ties are never used on frame scaffolds
• DThe scaffold must be limited to light-duty plaster loads only

A crew is dry-mixing portland cement plaster and sand on a residential stucco job. What is the primary OSHA health control for this task?

• ANo special control is required if the mixer is outdoors
• BHearing protection only, because silica is not present in plaster sand
• CWet methods and the respiratory protection specified by 29 CFR 1926.1153 Table 1, unless…
• DA paper dust mask worn only while dumping the first bag

A plastering platform is 4 feet above the ground. Which access method is acceptable under OSHA 1926.451?

• AClimbing the scaffold crossbraces
• BStepping from a nearby stack of plaster bags
• CA portable ladder, hook-on ladder, stair tower, or other listed access device
• DJumping from a pickup tailgate onto the platform

A plasterer proposes a three-tier horse scaffold 12 feet high for an interior gypsum-plaster ceiling. What is the OSHA limit for horse scaffolds?

• AHorse scaffolds may be any height if each horse is nailed down
• BHorse scaffolds are limited to 6 feet and a single tier only
• CHorse scaffolds may be three tiers if used only for plastering
• DHorse scaffolds shall not be constructed or arranged more than two tiers or 10 feet in he…

When mixing plaster or scratching a cement-plaster coat, what personal protective equipment is required for the eyes?

• ANo eye protection is required for hand mixing
• BSunglasses or a brimmed hat is an acceptable substitute
• CEye or face protection that meets OSHA 1926.102 whenever employees are exposed to flying…
• DEye protection is required only when using a plaster pump

Before applying portland cement plaster directly to a cast-in-place concrete wall, what surface condition must be corrected first?

• AForm-release oil, laitance, and other bond breakers must be removed
• BThe wall must be painted with interior latex to seal suction
• CA polyethylene vapor barrier must be glued over the concrete
• DThe concrete must be frozen so the plaster sets more slowly

What is the purpose of a dash-bond coat on masonry or concrete that will receive cement plaster?

• ATo color the finish coat before the brown coat is applied
• BTo replace the weather-resistive barrier on wood-framed walls
• CTo create a rough, cement-rich mechanical key that improves bond of the following plaster…
• DTo act as the finish coat on interior gypsum plaster

A smooth, dense concrete wall has low suction and will receive two-coat cement plaster without metal lath. What preparation is most appropriate after cleaning?

• AApply an approved plaster bonding agent and follow the manufacturer’s open time
• BSaturate the wall so water stands on the surface when plaster is applied
• CPrime the wall with oil-based enamel
• DSkip preparation because dense concrete already provides a mechanical key

Where must a foundation weep screed be placed on an exterior stud wall receiving three-coat stucco?

• ANot less than 4 inches above earth or 2 inches above paved areas
• BFlush with finished grade so the plaster can be buried for a clean look
• CNot less than 12 inches above earth and 8 inches above pavement
• DAt the midpoint of the first stud bay, regardless of grade

On a wood-sheathed exterior wall in a moist climate that will receive traditional three-coat portland cement plaster, what water-resistive barrier arrangement is the accepted code practice?

• ANo barrier is required if self-furring lath is used
• BA single layer of 4-mil polyethylene stapled over the studs
• CTwo layers of Grade D paper, or an approved water-resistive barrier system that provides…
• DOne layer of asphalt-saturated felt placed over the metal lath

How should the water-resistive barrier and metal lath meet a foundation weep screed?

• AThe barrier laps the attachment flange, and the lath covers and terminates on that flange
• BThe barrier stops 6 inches above the screed so the plaster can bond to bare sheathing
• CThe lath is held 2 inches above the screed to create a drip gap
• DBoth the barrier and the lath are tucked behind the foundation plate

A CMU wall has high suction and dries a test dash of plaster in seconds. What is the correct surface-preparation response before the scratch coat?

• ADampen the masonry uniformly so it is surface-moist but without standing water
• BApply plaster to the bone-dry wall so the masonry can steal water and speed the set
• CFlood the wall until water runs down and puddles at the base
• DSeal the block with oil-based primer to stop all suction

A morning temperature of 28°F has left frost on a masonry wall scheduled for a cement-plaster scratch coat. What should the contractor do?

• AApply plaster immediately so the heat of hydration melts the frost
• BDo not apply plaster to the frozen or frost-covered surface
• CAdd extra gypsum gauging plaster to the cement mix so it sets before it freezes
• DDouble the sand content to reduce water and ignore the frost

Unless the work is enclosed and heated, portland cement plaster should be applied only when the ambient temperature is:

• AHigher than 40°F, and the plaster is protected so it stays above 40°F during application…
• BAt least 20°F if calcium chloride is added to the mix
• CAny temperature as long as the mix water is hot
• DBelow 40°F so the plaster will not dry too quickly

In plastering, what is the function of grounds?

• AThey are the sand particles in the finish coat
• BThey are temporary weather enclosures around the scaffold
• CThey are the vertical studs that support metal lath
• DThey are strips or beads set to the required plaster thickness to guide rodding and strik…

Where should a casing bead (plaster stop) be installed?

• AAt plaster terminations such as door and window openings, dissimilar-material joints, and…
• BOnly at the center of large unbroken wall panels
• CUnder every horizontal lath lap
• DAs a substitute for the foundation weep screed

A stucco wall changes from wood-framed sheathing to a CMU wing wall in the same plane. What accessory is required at that change?

• AOnly extra staple fasteners in the lath
• BA second weep screed at mid-wall height
• CA control or expansion joint, because the two substrates move differently
• DKeene’s cement brushed into the joint

In the setup sequence for exterior three-coat stucco on a framed wall, when are window head flashing and kick-out flashing installed?

• AAfter the brown coat so they can be bedded in plaster
• BAfter the finish coat as a cosmetic trim
• CBefore the water-resistive barrier and lath, so water is directed out of the wall
• DOnly if the architect remembers to show them on the elevations

Metal lath applied over a solid masonry or sheathed surface must be self-furred. What furring depth is required so plaster can key behind the lath?

• A1/16 inch
• B1/8 inch
• C1/4 inch
• D3/4 inch

White, powdery efflorescence is present on a masonry wall that will be plastered. What should be done before plastering?

• ALeave it in place because the salts improve cement bond
• BPaint over it with oil-based primer
• CRemove the deposits and identify and correct the moisture source
• DCover it with a layer of dry sand before the scratch coat

How should the water-resistive barrier be detailed at a window opening on a stucco wall?

• APaper is cut flush with the rough opening and the gap is filled with plaster
• BA single piece of paper is stretched over the closed window and plastered in place
• CNo barrier is needed within 12 inches of any opening
• DThe barrier is lapped shingle-fashion with sill flashing first, then jambs, then head, in…

A two-piece expansion joint is specified where a stucco-clad framed wall meets a structural slab edge. Why is a two-piece joint used instead of a one-piece control joint?

• ATwo-piece joints are cheaper and are used everywhere by default
• BA two-piece expansion joint accommodates greater structural movement across a full break…
• COne-piece joints cannot be used on any exterior wall
• DTwo-piece joints replace the need for a weather-resistive barrier

Before scratch-coat application begins, what protection should already be in place?

• AAdjacent windows, doors, roofs, and finished surfaces should be covered, and grounds and…
• BNo protection is needed because plaster washes off with rain
• COnly the scaffold planks should be wrapped in plastic
• DInterior floors should be flooded so dropped plaster will not stick

Metal furring channels that will receive lath and plaster are out of plumb by 3/4 inch in 8 feet. What is the correct action before lathing?

• AIgnore the error because the brown coat can hide 3/4 inch of variation
• BShim or reset the furring so it is plumb, level, and in a true plane
• CAdd a fourth plaster coat to build out the hollow
• DSwitch from metal lath to gypsum lath, which does not require alignment

What is cornerite and where is it used?

• AA finish-coat pigment used only on exterior corners
• BA strip of expanded-metal reinforcement placed at interior plaster corners
• CA type of weep screed used at window heads
• DA gypsum joint-tape product used only on drywall

A framed exterior wall will receive 2.5 lb/yd² diamond-mesh metal lath and three-coat stucco. What is the maximum support spacing permitted for that lath weight on a vertical wall?

• A12 inches on center
• B16 inches on center
• C24 inches on center
• D32 inches on center

A plasterer dashes a small test patch on masonry. The water is sucked out instantly and the patch crumbles. A second area stays wet and glossy for several minutes. How should each area be treated?

• ATreat both areas the same because suction cannot be adjusted
• BPredampen the high-suction area until it is uniformly surface-moist; let the low-suction…
• CApply extra gypsum to the high-suction area and oil primer to the low-suction area
• DSkip plaster on the high-suction area and use only paint

Which gypsum panel is specified for a one-hour fire-resistance-rated partition in typical Gypsum Construction Handbook and IBC assemblies?

• A1/4-inch flexible gypsum board
• B3/8-inch gypsum lath used as drywall
• C1/2-inch regular gypsum board without a fire rating
• D5/8-inch Type X gypsum board

When hanging gypsum board in a room, which installation sequence is recommended in the Gypsum Construction Handbook?

• ACeiling first, then the walls, so the wall boards support the ceiling edges
• BWalls first, then the ceiling so the wall boards can support the ceiling
• CFlooring first, then walls, skipping the ceiling until paint
• DEither sequence is acceptable because joints are taped later

For 1/2-inch gypsum board applied without adhesive to wood framing 16 inches on center, what screw spacing does IRC Table R702.3.5 require?

• A7 inches on center on ceilings and 8 inches on center on walls
• B16 inches on center on ceilings and 24 inches on center on walls
• C12 inches on center on ceilings and 16 inches on center on walls
• D24 inches on center on both ceilings and walls

According to ASTM C840 and GA-216, where must control joints be installed in a gypsum-board partition?

• AOnly in ceilings, never in walls
• BAt every stud, whether or not the wall is long
• COnly when 1/4-inch flexible board is used
• DWhere a wall or partition runs in an uninterrupted straight plane exceeding 30 linear feet

Why are gypsum-board long edges manufactured with a taper?

• ATo make the panel lighter for ceiling work
• BTo create a recess that can receive joint tape and compound flush with the face
• CTo lock into metal lath on plaster jobs
• DTo mark the factory edge that must be left unfinished

A residential tub surround will see direct water. Which substrate is appropriate behind the tile?

• AStandard 1/2-inch regular gypsum board
• BWater-resistant (green) gypsum board as the finished wet-area panel
• CCement board or another panel listed for wet areas, not ordinary or water-resistant gypsu…
• DGypsum lath with a lime-putty finish

A room is 14 feet by 12 feet with 8-foot ceilings. There is one 3-foot by 7-foot door and one 3-foot by 5-foot window. How many 4-foot by 8-foot gypsum boards are needed for walls and ceiling if 10 percent waste is added and the result is rounded up?

• A16 sheets
• B17 sheets
• C19 sheets
• D24 sheets

A ceiling will be finished with a water-based texture and will support attic insulation. Which gypsum panel choice follows Gypsum Construction Handbook sag-resistance guidance?

• A3/8-inch regular board applied parallel to 24-inch joists
• B1/4-inch flexible board applied in two layers without regard to framing
• C5/8-inch gypsum board, or 1/2-inch sag-resistant ceiling board, applied perpendicular to…
• DAny leftover wall board, because texture hides sag

What is the standard three-coat joint-treatment sequence for gypsum-board finish?

• APaint, then tape, then a single skim of topping
• BEmbed tape in the first coat, apply a fill (second) coat, then a finish (third) coat
• COne heavy coat of setting compound with no tape on tapered edges
• DSpray texture only, with no compound at fasteners or beads

A screw is driven so the gypsum face paper is broken and the core is crushed. What is the correct action?

• ALeave it; compound will hide the damage
• BDrive a properly set fastener nearby and treat the broken-paper fastener as a defect
• CBack the screw out halfway so the paper lifts
• DCover the spot with metal lath and plaster

For 1/2-inch gypsum board on wood studs 16 inches on center, what are the IRC Table R702.3.5 nail spacings compared with the screw spacings?

• ANails 16 inches on walls and 12 inches on ceilings; screws 8 inches and 7 inches
• BNails 8 inches on walls and 7 inches on ceilings; screws 16 inches on walls and 12 inches…
• CNails and screws are both 24 inches on center
• DNails 4 inches on center everywhere; screws are not permitted on wood

What is the nominal total thickness of a traditional three-coat portland cement plaster (stucco) system applied over metal lath?

• A3/8 inch
• B1/2 inch
• C7/8 inch
• D1-1/2 inches

In a standard three-coat stucco wall over metal lath, what are the nominal thicknesses of the scratch, brown, and finish coats?

• A3/8-inch scratch, 3/8-inch brown, and 1/8-inch finish
• B1/8-inch scratch, 1/8-inch brown, and 5/8-inch finish
• C3/4-inch scratch, 1/8-inch brown, and no finish
• D1/2-inch scratch, 1/2-inch brown, and 1/2-inch finish

What is the nominal total thickness of two-coat portland cement plaster applied directly to a solid masonry or concrete base?

• A7/8 inch, the same as metal-lath three-coat work
• B1/2 inch (typically a 3/8-inch base coat plus a 1/8-inch finish)
• C1/4 inch total, applied in one pass
• D1-1/4 inches to match interior gypsum plaster