CET Hazard Communication and GHS 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The written Hazard Communication Program required by OSHA HCS must include:
- A list of all chemicals on site with their purchase dates
- How labels, SDSs, and training will be implemented (Correct answer)
- Employee signatures confirming chemical avoidance
- A quarterly audit schedule approved by OSHA
Correct answer: How labels, SDSs, and training will be implemented
The written HazCom program must describe how the employer will implement labeling, SDS maintenance, and employee training.
Question 2: GHS classification for 'Acute Toxicity Category 1' represents:
- The least toxic category
- A moderate toxicity level
- The most severe toxicity level (Correct answer)
- A category reserved for carcinogens
Correct answer: The most severe toxicity level
In GHS, Category 1 is the most severe hazard category, indicating the highest acute toxicity and requiring the 'Danger' signal word.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes a 'trade secret' exception under OSHA HCS?
- Employers can withhold all SDS information for proprietary chemicals
- Chemical identity may be withheld from the SDS label but must be disclosed to health professionals in emergencies (Correct answer)
- Employees cannot request trade secret information under any circumstance
- Trade secret chemicals are exempt from hazard communication requirements
Correct answer: Chemical identity may be withheld from the SDS label but must be disclosed to health professionals in emergencies
OSHA allows chemical identity to be withheld as a trade secret on SDSs, but manufacturers must disclose it to healthcare professionals in medical emergencies.
Question 4: A CET trainer conducting HazCom training should verify employee competency by:
- Having employees sign an attendance sheet
- Administering a practical exercise where employees locate SDS information and read a label (Correct answer)
- Providing a verbal overview and assuming comprehension
- Sending a follow-up email with key points
Correct answer: Administering a practical exercise where employees locate SDS information and read a label
Competency is best verified through performance-based exercises that require employees to demonstrate they can use labels and SDSs correctly.
Question 5: Under OSHA HCS, the term 'hazardous chemical' is defined as:
- Any chemical regulated by EPA under CERCLA
- Any chemical for which there is evidence of a physical or health hazard (Correct answer)
- Chemicals with a flash point below 60°C only
- Only chemicals listed on the OSHA Z-tables
Correct answer: Any chemical for which there is evidence of a physical or health hazard
OSHA defines a hazardous chemical as any chemical for which there is statistically significant evidence of a physical or health hazard.
Question 6: When updating a written HazCom program after new chemicals are introduced to the workplace, the trainer's role includes:
- Notifying OSHA within 30 days
- Ensuring employees are retrained on the new hazards before exposure (Correct answer)
- Updating the chemical inventory list without additional training
- Replacing all existing SDSs with new ones from the supplier
Correct answer: Ensuring employees are retrained on the new hazards before exposure
When new chemical hazards are introduced, employees must be trained on those hazards before they are exposed to them.
CET Hazard Communication and GHS 3
The written Hazard Communication Program required by OSHA HCS must include: