C34 – Pipeline Contractor

A pipeline contractor fabricates and installs pipelines for the conveyance of fluids, such as water, gas, or petroleum, or for the containment or protection of any other material, including the application of protective coatings or systems and the trenching, boring, shoring, backfilling, compacting, paving and surfacing necessary to complete the installation of such pipelines.

Authority cited: Sections 7008 and 7059, Reference: Sections 7058 and 7059 (Business and Professions Code)

The Pipeline (C-34) Examination is divided into four major sections. These sections are:

1. Estimating and Planning (29%)

• Plans, specifications, and soil conditions
• Field verification
• Equipment and materials calculations
• Removal and placement

2. Trenching and Excavation (25%)

• Pre-construction verification
• Excavation techniques and calculations
• Backfill, compaction, and resurfacing
• Demolition and removal

3. Pipeline System Installation (31%)

• Water distribution systems
• Sewer and storm drain systems
• Electrical and communication systems
• Petroleum and gas systems
• Heavy equipment operation

4. Job Site Safety (15%)

• Traffic control
• Trench shoring and sloping
• Confined spaces
• Personal protective equipment
• Equipment safety

*Percentages are approximate*

The following questions are typical of the types of items that are on the examination. The correct answer is highlighted.

1. When the soils report indicates that compaction of a trench will result in 10% less volume, what should be expected during backfill?

1. Fill will have to be exported.
2. Soil will have to be imported.
3. Water will need to be added to increase compaction.
4. More asphalt will be needed during resurfacing.

2. If a 12', 45-degree offset is required when laying a pipeline, how much extra pipe is required in order to avoid the obstruction?

1. 5 lf
2. 12 lf
3. 16 lf
4. 24 lf

3. According to OSHA, what should be the minimum distance between ladders inside a trench that is 4' or deeper?

1. 25'
2. 50'
3. 75'
4. 100'

*All questions are written and reviewed by licensed contractors who are actively working in the field*

Cal/OSHA Construction Safety Orders.

California Code of Regulations, Title 8,

Industrial Relations, Chapter 4, Subchapter 4,

Barclays Law Publishers,

P.O. Box 95767,

Chicago, IL 60694.

(800) 888-3600. FAX (415) 732-8875.

OR

Building News, Inc.

1612 S. Clementine Street,

Anaheim, CA 92802.

(888) 264-2665.

INTERNET: ccr.oal.ca.gov/cgi-bin/om_isapi.dll

or www.bni-books.com

Water Distribution Systems Handbook.

Larry Mays.

McGraw-Hill,

P.O. Box 552,

Blacklick, OH, 43004-0552.

(800) 262-4729.

INTERNET: www.books.mcgraw-hill.com

Manual of Traffic Controls - Metric.

California Department of Transportation.

Publications Distribution Unit.

1900 Royal Oaks Drive,

Sacramento, CA 95815-3800.

(916) 323-5606 or (916) 445-3520.

FAX (916) 324-8997.

INTERNET: www.caltrans-opac.ca.gov/publicat.htm

*Publisher information is current as of 03/02*