Safety and Environmental Protection Flashcards

Which sign or symptom would MOST likely indicate acute nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) inhalation exposure during fertilizer handling?

Answer: Delayed onset of coughing, shortness of breath, and pulmonary edema

NO₂ is insidiously dangerous because symptoms of pulmonary edema may be delayed 4–24 hours after exposure, making it critical to seek medical care even if the worker initially feels fine.

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) requires facilities to report fertilizer spills that exceed reportable quantities because:

Answer: Spills above threshold quantities that reach the environment must be reported to the National Response Center

CERCLA Section 103 requires immediate notification to the National Response Center for releases of hazardous substances in quantities at or above their reportable quantity.

Which soil characteristic most increases the risk of phosphorus movement to tile drains and subsurface water?

Answer: Preferential flow paths such as macropores and biopores in structured soils

Macropores (earthworm channels, root channels, cracks) allow water and dissolved phosphorus to bypass the soil matrix and move rapidly to tile drains.

When working with anhydrous ammonia, the minimum recommended distance for an emergency eyewash station from transfer points is:

Answer: Within 10 seconds travel time or approximately 10–25 feet

ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 and ammonia safety standards require eyewash stations within 10 seconds travel time (approximately 10–25 feet) of hazardous chemical handling points for immediate flush response.

Under an Integrated Nutrient Management approach, which combination of practices best reduces total nitrogen loss to the environment?

Answer: Combine soil testing, realistic yield goals, enhanced efficiency fertilizers, and cover crops

Integrated management combines precision application (soil testing, realistic goals), efficiency-enhancing technologies, and cover crops to capture residual nitrogen and minimize losses.

A farmer notices fish kill in a pond adjacent to a field where liquid fertilizer was applied the previous day following heavy rain. The FIRST regulatory notification action should be to:

Answer: Contact the state environmental agency or department of natural resources immediately

Most states require immediate reporting of spills or pollution events causing fish kills to the state environmental agency, which can investigate, document, and initiate cleanup or mitigation.

Which fertilizer handling scenario is most likely to create a confined space hazard requiring special entry procedures?

Answer: Entering a fertilizer storage pit, tank, or grain bin to clear a blockage

Storage pits, tanks, and grain bins are permit-required confined spaces where oxygen displacement by ammonia or CO₂ from decomposition can be immediately dangerous to life and health.