ASTTBC Tech Exam flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

SI base unit of force

The newton (N) is the SI derived unit of force, defined as the force giving a one-kilogram mass an acceleration of one metre per second squared.

Percent error formula

Percent error equals the absolute difference between measured and true value, divided by the true value, multiplied by one hundred.

Significant figures in division

When dividing or multiplying, the answer carries the same number of significant figures as the input with the fewest significant figures.

Calibration traceability

An unbroken chain of comparisons, each with stated uncertainty, linking an instrument's calibration to a national or international measurement standard.

Expanded uncertainty

Expanded uncertainty equals the combined standard uncertainty multiplied by a coverage factor, commonly k equals two, giving roughly ninety-five percent coverage.

Standard deviation denominator

For a sample standard deviation, the sum of squared deviations is divided by n minus one, correcting for bias in estimating population variance.

Worst-case tolerance stack-up

Total assembly variation equals the arithmetic sum of all individual part tolerances, assuming every part simultaneously sits at its extreme permitted limit.

Derived unit of pressure

The pascal (Pa) is one newton per square metre; common multiples are the kilopascal and megapascal used for stress and fluid pressure.

Paramount professional duty

A practitioner must protect public safety, health, and welfare above employer interests, personal gain, and client convenience when these conflict.

Scope of seal

A professional seal or signature may be applied only to work the practitioner personally prepared or directly supervised and reviewed.

Conflict of interest disclosure

Any financial or personal interest that could bias professional judgement must be disclosed in writing before the affected decision is made.

Confidentiality limits

Client information stays confidential unless disclosure is required by law, a court order, or the need to protect public safety.

Competence limit rule

A practitioner accepts only work within their training and experience, and obtains qualified specialist review when the scope exceeds it.

Error reporting duty

A discovered error affecting safety or compliance must be reported promptly in writing to the responsible party and escalated if unresolved.

Falsification of data

Altering, fabricating, or suppressing test results is professional misconduct and a reportable offence, even when the intent was to avoid delay.

Record retention duty

Practitioners keep legible records of calculations, tests, and decisions for the period required by statute, contract, and insurer.

Statute versus regulation

A statute is law enacted by the legislature; regulations made under it set detailed technical requirements and carry legal force.

Incorporation by reference

A published code or standard named in a regulation becomes legally enforceable as though written into the regulation itself.

No-fault workers compensation

Injured workers receive statutory benefits without proving employer fault, and generally give up the right to sue the employer.

Negligence elements

A negligence claim requires a duty of care, a breach of that duty, causation of harm, and actual damages recognized by law.

Standard of care

The degree of care and skill expected of a reasonably competent practitioner in the same field under similar circumstances.

Limitation period

The statutory time limit within which a claim must be filed, sometimes running from the date the defect was discovered.

Reserved title offence

Using a title restricted by the governing act without registration, or practising beyond a defined scope, is a statutory offence.

Professional liability insurance

Errors and omissions coverage pays damages from negligent professional acts; it excludes deliberate wrongdoing and unlicensed activity.

Hierarchy of controls

Risk controls are applied in order: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and finally personal protective equipment.

Lockout tagout sequence

Isolate all energy sources, release stored energy, apply a personal lock and tag, then verify zero energy before starting work.

Test before touch

Circuits are treated as energized until verified dead with a correctly rated meter, using an instrument rated for the available fault current.

Leaning ladder slope

A leaning ladder is set at a four-to-one ratio, one unit out for every four units up, and secured at the top.

Confined space entry

Entry requires hazard assessment, atmospheric testing, ventilation, an attendant outside, and a rescue plan before anyone enters.

Machine guard interlock

An interlock prevents machine operation while the guard is open and cannot be easily bypassed or defeated during normal operation.

Risk score formula

Risk is estimated as likelihood multiplied by severity; controls reduce the score, and residual risk is recorded after controls.

Incident reporting steps

Secure the scene, give first aid, notify the regulator within the statutory time, and record findings for corrective action.