Health & Safety Protocols Flashcards

A grounds crew is working in an area recently treated with a restricted-use pesticide (RUP). Who is legally authorized to apply RUPs?

Answer: Only a certified or licensed pesticide applicator, or someone under their direct supervision

Restricted-use pesticides may only be applied by a certified applicator or by a person under the direct supervision of a certified applicator as defined by EPA regulations.

During a heat advisory, which symptom indicates heat stroke rather than heat exhaustion in a grounds worker?

Answer: Hot, red, dry or damp skin with confusion or loss of consciousness

Heat stroke is characterized by high body temperature, altered mental status, and skin that may be hot and dry or damp, unlike heat exhaustion where the victim remains alert.

What is the primary reason grounds managers should conduct regular toolbox talks (tailgate safety meetings)?

Answer: To reinforce hazard awareness and safe practices for current job conditions

Toolbox talks provide timely, task-specific safety reinforcement that keeps hazard awareness current with changing seasonal conditions and job assignments.

A grounds worker feels a mild shock while using an electric hedge trimmer. The safest immediate action is:

Answer: Stop using the tool immediately, disconnect it from power, and report it for inspection

Any electrical shock, even mild, indicates a fault that could escalate; the tool must be taken out of service, disconnected, and inspected by a qualified person.

When mixing two different pesticide products, the grounds manager should FIRST:

Answer: Check both product labels for compatibility and mixing instructions

Label compatibility instructions must be consulted before tank-mixing to prevent dangerous chemical reactions, loss of efficacy, or plant injury.

Which OSHA standard specifically addresses the control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) for grounds maintenance equipment?

Answer: 29 CFR 1910.147

29 CFR 1910.147, the Control of Hazardous Energy standard, establishes LOTO procedures to prevent unexpected energization during servicing.

A crew member is assigned to apply fertilizer near a stormwater retention pond. Which safety practice is most important to prevent an environmental incident?

Answer: Maintain the label-required buffer distance from water bodies and avoid application before rain

Fertilizer buffer distances protect water bodies from nutrient runoff, and timing to avoid rain events prevents wash-off that can cause algae blooms and fish kills.