Virginia Equipment/Machinery Contracting Qualified Individual Examination

Under 18VAC50-22-30, what service does Virginia Equipment/Machinery Contracting (EMC) provide?

• AInstallation or removal of equipment or machinery, including conveyors or heavy machinery
• BInstallation, repair, and service of building electrical systems under the USBC
• CInstallation of hydronic heating boilers and the associated process piping
• DConstruction of commercial buildings that will later house production equipment

Which functions does 18VAC50-22-30 say the EMC specialty does not provide?

• ASetting a CNC mill and grouting its base
• BRemoving a warehouse conveyor and its supports
• CAny electrical, plumbing, process piping, or HVAC functions
• DAnchoring a press to an existing equipment pad

A plant owner wants a 120-foot package-handling belt conveyor installed. Which Virginia specialty covers that mechanical installation?

• AElectronic/communication service contracting (ESC)
• BEquipment/machinery contracting (EMC)
• CElevator/escalator contracting (EEC)
• DHighway/heavy contracting (H/H)

An EMC firm is hired to set a 28,000-pound stamping press on a prepared pad. Which task is inside the EMC specialty?

• ALanding the 480-volt feeder and terminating the motor starter
• BInstalling the hydraulic process-oil piping from the reservoir to adjacent machines
• CConnecting the press to the plant chilled-water HVAC loop
• DRigging the press, setting it on the pad, aligning it, and anchoring it

After an EMC crew sets a new air compressor, the owner asks the same crew to pull and terminate the branch-circuit conductors to the compressor motor. What is the correct license analysis?

• AEMC covers the conductors because they serve equipment the firm just installed
• BEMC covers the work if the circuit is 240 volts or less
• CThe electrical installation requires the ELE classification; EMC does not provide electri…
• DA Class A monetary limit lets any specialty perform incidental electrical work

A food-plant project includes setting a stainless mixer and installing the stainless process piping that carries product between vessels. What may an EMC-only contractor perform?

• ABoth the mixer setting and the process piping, because both are process equipment
• BThe mixer setting only; process piping is outside EMC
• CThe process piping only; setting tanks and mixers requires the VCC specialty
• DNeither task; all food-plant work requires the HVA classification

An EMC contractor sets a rooftop air-handling unit. The owner then asks the same firm to connect the unit to the building’s supply and return ductwork and chilled-water coil piping. What is outside EMC?

• ASetting the unit on the roof curb and anchoring it
• BThe ductwork and chilled-water connections, which are HVAC functions
• CUsing a crane to hoist the unit to the roof
• DVerifying that the curb is level before release of the slings

A dishwasher conveyor is set in a commercial kitchen. Connecting the unit’s potable-water supply and waste receptor is which kind of work?

• AIncidental EMC work because the connections serve equipment the EMC firm installed
• BPlumbing work that EMC does not provide
• CProcess piping that an EMC contractor may run if the pipe is copper
• DHVAC work limited to condensate only

Which boilers does 18VAC50-22-30 include in the EMC specialty?

• AEvery boiler covered by the mechanical provisions of the Virginia USBC
• BOnly cast-iron residential heating boilers in one- and two-family dwellings
• CBoilers exempted by the Virginia USBC but regulated by the Department of Labor and Indust…
• DOnly high-pressure power boilers that also require an HVA license

A contractor with only the EMC specialty is asked to replace a USBC-covered hydronic heating boiler that serves a commercial office building’s occupied spaces. What is the correct analysis?

• AEMC covers the replacement because all boilers are machinery
• BEMC covers the replacement if no electrical disconnect is touched
• CThe work is outside EMC; USBC building heating boilers are HVAC or plumbing functions, no…
• DEMC covers the boiler, the hydronic piping, and the flue because they are one system

A warehouse owner wants a freight elevator installed to move pallets between floors. Why is this not EMC work?

• AElevators are equipment, so EMC covers them if no electrical work is included
• BElevator/escalator contracting (EEC) is the specialty that provides for elevators permane…
• COnly the accessibility-services specialties may install any vertical transportation
• DFreight elevators are highway/heavy work because they move materials

An EMC contractor is setting a packaging line. Which combination of tasks can the EMC firm complete without another classification?

• AUncrate the machines, set and anchor them, align the shafts, and land the 480-volt homeru…
• BUncrate the machines, set and anchor them, align the shafts, and install the stainless pr…
• CUncrate the machines, set and anchor them, align the shafts, and connect the rooftop HVAC…
• DUncrate the machines, set and anchor them, align the shafts, and install the conveyor tha…

A project includes (1) setting a process chiller skid, (2) connecting the skid to the building chilled-water HVAC loop, and (3) installing the process piping from the skid to a reactor. How should the EMC specialty be applied?

• AEMC may perform all three tasks because they serve one piece of machinery
• BEMC may set the skid; the HVAC loop connection and process piping require other classific…
• CEMC may set the skid and run process piping, but not the HVAC loop
• DEMC may set the skid and connect the HVAC loop, but not the process piping

A factory wants a USBC-exempt, DOLI-regulated process boiler set on a new pad, with fuel-train wiring, feedwater piping, and steam process piping completed in the same contract. What is the EMC-only contractor authorized to do?

• AThe complete contract, because 18VAC50-22-30 includes those boilers in EMC
• BSet and remove the boiler equipment only; electrical, plumbing, process piping, and HVAC…
• CSet the boiler and install the steam process piping, but not the fuel-train wiring
• DSet the boiler and the feedwater piping, because feedwater is part of the boiler, not pro…

What is the primary purpose of aligning a machine’s driver and driven shafts before coupling them?

• ATo increase the motor nameplate horsepower
• BTo keep coupling, bearing, and seal loads within the manufacturer’s intended limits
• CTo satisfy the electrical inspector’s torque specification on lugs
• DTo eliminate the need for a grouted baseplate

In millwright terms, what is soft foot?

• AA machine foot that does not sit solidly on the base, so tightening the anchor distorts t…
• BA vibration isolator that is rated for less than the machine weight
• CA grout void under the center of a sole plate
• DA coupling spacer that is shorter than the manufacturer’s gap

What is the correct use of stainless or carbon-steel shims under a machine foot?

• ATo fill a large grout void after the grout has already cured
• BTo make small elevation and level adjustments so the foot lands solidly before final alig…
• CTo replace missing anchor bolts on one corner of the base
• DTo electrically isolate a 480-volt motor from the building steel

What is the principal job of equipment anchor bolts?

• ATo carry the full operating weight so the grout never sees compression
• BTo hold the machine in position against overturning, shear, and vibration once the base i…
• CTo serve as the only leveling device after the grout has cured
• DTo provide the equipment grounding conductor required by the electrical code

A millwright reports 0.018 inch of parallel (offset) misalignment and 0.004 inch per inch of angular misalignment at a coupling. What do those terms describe?

• AOffset is shaft centerlines that are parallel but not coincident; angular is shafts that…
• BOffset is the coupling spacer length; angular is the motor rotation direction
• COffset is vertical thermal growth only; angular is horizontal pipe strain only
• DOffset is the difference in pulley diameters; angular is belt tension

What is the preferred field sequence for setting a grouted pump and motor on a new sole plate?

• AFinal-align the coupling, then pour grout, then set the anchors
• BSet and rough-level the equipment, correct soft foot, grout the base, allow the grout to…
• CTension the anchors to final torque, start the motor, then grout while it is running
• DGrout first with the machine absent, then drop the machine onto the cured grout without s…

Which instruments are commonly used to measure shaft alignment on industrial equipment?

• AA clamp meter and an insulation-resistance tester
• BDial indicators or a laser alignment system
• CA sling angle inclinometer and a load cell only
• DA concrete rebound hammer and a rebar locator

Why is non-shrink grout specified under machinery baseplates?

• AIt remains permanently plastic so the machine can be slid for later alignment
• BIt maintains volume as it cures, so the plate stays supported without gaps from grout shr…
• CIt replaces the need for anchor bolts on all equipment under 2,000 pounds
• DIt is an electrical insulator required by the USBC for all motors

When are vibration isolation pads or spring isolators used under equipment?

• AWhenever the manufacturer or the design requires reduction of transmitted vibration into…
• BOn every machine, because isolation pads replace shaft alignment
• COnly under boilers, never under rotating equipment
• DOnly when the concrete pad was poured less than 24 hours earlier

A pump was rough-aligned, grouted, and the grout has reached specified strength. What should the crew do next before coupling the motor for operation?

• ACut the anchor bolts off flush so they cannot disturb the grout
• BPerform final shaft alignment and apply the specified anchor-bolt tension
• CFill the coupling with grout to lock the hubs
• DStart the motor uncoupled at full voltage to “seat” the bearings

Why do millwrights sometimes set a hot-running pump slightly low or offset when aligning it cold?

• ATo compensate for expected thermal growth so the shafts are aligned at operating temperat…
• BBecause OSHA requires all pumps to be aligned 0.030 inch low
• CTo preload the coupling so it never needs lubrication
• DTo keep the suction flange from needing a gasket

A 4-foot by 8-foot by 1-inch steel baseplate is to be set. Using 490 pounds per cubic foot for steel, what is the plate weight to the nearest pound?

• A490 pounds
• B1,307 pounds
• C3,920 pounds
• D15,680 pounds

When is a cast-in-place anchor generally preferred over a post-installed expansion or adhesive anchor for new machinery?

• AWhenever the pad already exists and the layout cannot be changed
• BOn a new pad, when the design locates the bolts before the pour so embedment and template…
• CWhenever the machine weighs less than 500 pounds
• DWhenever the crew does not have a torque wrench

During a soft-foot check, tightening one anchor changes the shaft-to-coupling reading by 0.006 inch, and a 0.008-inch feeler slides under that foot when the bolt is loose. What should the crew do before final alignment?

• AIgnore the gap if the other three feet are tight
• BCorrect the soft foot with shims or base repair so all feet bear, then restart alignment
• CDouble the final bolt torque on that corner only
• DFill the gap with silicone caulk and proceed

Jacking screws were used to level a compressor baseplate. After the grout has cured, what should be done with those screws before final alignment?

• ALeave them fully loaded so they continue to carry the compressor weight
• BBack them off or remove them as the manufacturer or grout procedure requires so the grout…
• CWeld them to the plate so they become permanent anchors
• DTighten them an extra half-turn to prestress the grout

A motor must be moved 0.012 inch toward the north and shimmed 0.009 inch under the outboard feet to correct combined offset and angular error. The inboard feet already match the coupling end. What is the correct action?

• AMake only the 0.012-inch move and ignore the angular shim because offset is more important
• BAdd the 0.009-inch shims under all four feet so the motor rises without changing angle
• CApply the planned shim difference at the outboard feet and the planned lateral move, then…
• DLoosen the pump instead, because motors must never be moved

On a typical troughed belt conveyor, which pulley is usually the drive pulley?

• AThe head pulley at the discharge end
• BA return-side snub used only to clean the belt
• CThe take-up pulley, which must always be the drive
• DAny idler that contacts the carrying side

What is the function of a conveyor belt take-up?

• ATo start the drive motor gradually
• BTo maintain proper belt tension and provide length for stretch and splice work
• CTo replace the emergency stop system
• DTo keep material from falling off the sides without skirt boards

Under OSHA 1926.555, what warning is required immediately before a conveyor is started?

• AA written tag on the head pulley is enough
• BAn audible warning signal
• CA text message to the plant manager
• DNo warning is required if the operator can see the tail pulley

OSHA 1926.555 requires screw conveyors to be guarded for what reason?

• ATo keep weather off the drive motor
• BTo prevent employee contact with the turning flights
• CTo increase the conveyor’s rated tons per hour
• DTo replace the need for lockout during repairs

After an emergency stop switch stops a conveyor, when may the conveyor be started again under OSHA 1926.555?

• AAs soon as the operator presses the normal start button
• BOnly after the actuating emergency stop switch has been reset to the running or “on” posi…
• CAfter a 10-second time delay, even if the e-stop is still pulled
• DOnly after a new motor starter is installed

A belt conveyor will run above a plant aisle. What does OSHA 1926.555 require?

• ANo extra protection if the belt speed is under 100 feet per minute
• BSuitable guards to protect employees who must work below the conveyor
• COnly a painted stripe on the floor
• DThat the conveyor be converted to a screw conveyor

During conveyor repair, OSHA 1926.555 requires the conveyor to be locked out or otherwise rendered inoperable and tagged. What tag language does that section specify?

• A“Out of Service for Quality Hold”
• B“Do Not Operate”
• C“Authorized Start Only”
• D“Reduced Speed Permitted”

A new belt consistently walks off the idlers toward one side. What is the first mechanical check an EMC installer should make?

• AIncrease drive horsepower until the belt centers itself
• BVerify that the head and tail pulleys are square, idlers are aligned, and the frame is le…
• CRemove the take-up so the belt can float
• DDisable the emergency stop so tracking adjustments can be made while standing on the belt

Where are in-running nip points commonly found on a belt conveyor that must be guarded or kept clear during commissioning?

• AOnly at the electrical disconnect handle
• BWhere the belt runs onto pulleys or snubs and at other in-running interfaces between belt…
• COnly under the concrete pad
• DAt the emergency-stop reset button

OSHA 1926.555 requires crossovers, aisles, and passageways at conveyors to be:

• ALeft unmarked so traffic can choose any path
• BConspicuously marked by suitable signs
• CPainted only on the conveyor belt itself
• DUsed as storage for spare idlers during operation

If a conveyor operator’s station is remote from the drive, OSHA 1926.555 also requires a means for stopping the motor or engine where?

• AOnly on the plant manager’s desk
• BAt the motor or engine location, in addition to the operator’s station
• COnly on a smartphone app
• DNowhere else; one remote stop is sufficient

During installation, a crew must install a gravity take-up on a long belt conveyor. What must be controlled besides belt tension?

• AThe falling-weight hazard and the travel limits of the take-up carriage
• BOnly the color of the take-up frame
• CThe take-up must be electrically interlocked to the plant fire alarm
• DThe take-up weight must equal the conveyor’s hourly tonnage

A belt jams at a transfer chute during commissioning. What is the correct action before anyone reaches into the chute?

• AJog the belt repeatedly while a helper pulls on the material
• BStop the conveyor, lock it out or otherwise render it inoperable, tag it “Do Not Operate,…
• COnly turn the local selector to “hand” and then enter the chute
• DRemove the e-stop pull cord so it cannot trip while the jam is cleared

An EMC crew finishes installing a 200-foot belt conveyor. Which start-up control arrangement meets OSHA 1926.555?

• AA start button only, with no audible warning and with e-stops that restart the belt as so…
• BA stop at the operator station, an audible warning sounded immediately before start, e-st…
• CAn audible warning only, with no stop at the operator station
• DLockout hardware stored in the office, to be used after the first injury

What is the governing limit on how much a mobile crane may lift for a given boom length, radius, and configuration?

• AThe operator’s estimate of what “feels” stable
• BThe applicable load chart for that crane and configuration, including deductions
• CTwice the weight stamped on the hook block
• DThe breaking strength of the newest sling on the job

When must rigging equipment used to hoist materials be inspected under OSHA 1926.251?

• AOnly when a manufacturer’s representative is on site
• BPrior to use on each shift and as necessary during use
• COnce each calendar year, regardless of use
• DOnly after a sling has already failed

Why must the crane hook be placed over the load’s center of gravity before the lift?

• ATo make the load chart read a higher capacity
• BSo the load rises level and does not swing, kick, or side-load the gear when it leaves th…
• CTo satisfy an electrical bonding requirement
• DBecause OSHA requires every load to hang at a 30-degree list