CFD Risk Assessment & Mitigation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A bride reports she is allergic to latex after the florist has already begun assembling bouquets with latex gloves. What is the most immediate risk mitigation step?
- Switch to nitrile gloves and rewash hands before continuing (Correct answer)
- Proceed with the bouquet since the latex won't touch the bride
- Cancel the order to avoid liability
- Inform the bride the allergy is her responsibility to disclose earlier
Correct answer: Switch to nitrile gloves and rewash hands before continuing
Switching to nitrile gloves and washing hands removes latex residue that could trigger an allergic reaction on contact with flowers the bride will handle.
Question 2: Which practice BEST reduces the risk of water-borne bacterial contamination in a floral cooler?
- Changing vase water and cleaning buckets with a bleach solution weekly (Correct answer)
- Keeping cooler temperature below 50°F at all times
- Using only distilled water for all arrangements
- Adding fresh flower food packets to each bucket daily
Correct answer: Changing vase water and cleaning buckets with a bleach solution weekly
Regularly changing water and sanitizing containers with a diluted bleach solution (1 tsp per gallon) prevents bacterial buildup that shortens flower life.
Question 3: A floral designer is assembling centerpieces for an outdoor summer wedding. Which environmental risk poses the greatest threat to arrangement longevity?
- Direct sunlight and high heat accelerating ethylene production and wilting (Correct answer)
- Wind causing petals to detach during the ceremony
- Guests touching and disturbing arrangements
- Insects pollinating and spreading pollen
Correct answer: Direct sunlight and high heat accelerating ethylene production and wilting
Direct sunlight raises ambient temperature around flowers, dramatically accelerating ethylene gas production and cellular breakdown, causing rapid wilting.
Question 4: When a floral shop receives a large shipment that will not be used for five days, what is the primary risk management action?
- Hydrate stems, place in floral preservative solution, and store in the cooler immediately (Correct answer)
- Leave flowers in original boxes in a cool room to minimize handling stress
- Process and arrange all flowers immediately to assess quality
- Return the shipment and reorder closer to the event date
Correct answer: Hydrate stems, place in floral preservative solution, and store in the cooler immediately
Prompt hydration and cold storage in preservative solution maintains turgidity and inhibits bacterial growth, maximizing vase life over the storage period.
Question 5: A floral designer notices mold on several stems in a cooler arrangement. What risk does this pose to adjacent flowers?
- Botrytis (gray mold) spores can spread rapidly to nearby blooms through air circulation (Correct answer)
- The mold produces ethylene gas that hardens adjacent flower stems
- Mold on stems only affects that specific stem and poses no airborne risk
- Mold indicates the cooler is too warm but does not directly harm other flowers
Correct answer: Botrytis (gray mold) spores can spread rapidly to nearby blooms through air circulation
Botrytis cinerea spores are airborne and spread easily in cool, humid cooler environments, infecting adjacent flowers and causing widespread loss.
Question 6: Which scenario represents the highest liability risk for a floral designer?
- Using Euphorbia without warning a client who handles the arrangement that the sap is a skin irritant (Correct answer)
- Delivering arrangements 30 minutes early without confirming with the venue
- Substituting white roses for ivory roses when ivory is unavailable
- Using floral foam in a sustainable-conscious client's arrangement without disclosure
Correct answer: Using Euphorbia without warning a client who handles the arrangement that the sap is a skin irritant
Euphorbia sap is a known skin and eye irritant; failing to warn clients handling arrangements constitutes negligence that can result in injury and legal liability.
Question 7: A florist's delivery vehicle breaks down two hours before a wedding. What risk mitigation strategy should be activated FIRST?
- Contact a backup transportation source (rental, colleague, rideshare with cargo capacity) immediately (Correct answer)
- Call the client to inform them and ask for guidance on next steps
- Begin remaking any perishable arrangements that may not survive the delay
- Contact the venue to request a postponement of the ceremony start time
Correct answer: Contact a backup transportation source (rental, colleague, rideshare with cargo capacity) immediately
Securing alternative transportation first preserves the option of on-time delivery, whereas informing the client before having a solution creates unnecessary panic.
CFD Risk Assessment & Mitigation 2
A bride reports she is allergic to latex after the florist has already begun assembling bouquets with latex gloves.
What is the most immediate risk mitigation step?