CHMM Storage 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following chemicals must NOT be stored together due to the risk of forming shock-sensitive explosive compounds?
- Acetone and water
- Ammonia and bleach (sodium hypochlorite) (Correct answer)
- Hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid
- Ethanol and methanol
Correct answer: Ammonia and bleach (sodium hypochlorite)
Ammonia and bleach react to form chloramine gases and, in concentrated forms, can produce nitrogen trichloride, which is explosive and toxic.
Question 2: Under RCRA, what is the required aisle space between containers in a hazardous waste storage area?
- No specific width is required, only that containers can be visually inspected
- At least 2 feet wide to allow inspection and emergency access (Correct answer)
- At least 30 inches as specified by OSHA fire code
- At least 6 feet to accommodate emergency equipment
Correct answer: At least 2 feet wide to allow inspection and emergency access
40 CFR 265.35 requires that sufficient aisle space be maintained to allow unobstructed movement of personnel and emergency equipment, and EPA guidance specifies at least 2-foot aisles.
Question 3: What is the primary reason that oxidizers must be stored separately from flammable and combustible materials?
- Oxidizers produce corrosive vapors that degrade flammable material containers
- Oxidizers supply oxygen that can intensify or initiate combustion of nearby flammables (Correct answer)
- Both classes carry the same DOT placard, causing labeling confusion
- Oxidizers lower the flash point of nearby flammable liquids
Correct answer: Oxidizers supply oxygen that can intensify or initiate combustion of nearby flammables
Oxidizers release oxygen, which can dramatically accelerate combustion and turn otherwise manageable fires into severe hazards when flammables are nearby.
Question 4: A facility discovers that a hazardous waste storage container has begun to leak. Under RCRA interim status standards, the facility must:
- Continue use if the leak rate is less than 1 drop per minute
- Transfer the waste to a new container immediately or overpak the leaking container (Correct answer)
- Notify EPA within 24 hours and wait for guidance
- Place the container in secondary containment and document the date
Correct answer: Transfer the waste to a new container immediately or overpak the leaking container
40 CFR 265.171 requires that leaking containers be immediately transferred to good containers or overpackaged to prevent releases.
Question 5: Which label element is specifically required on hazardous waste containers at the point of accumulation under RCRA?
- The EPA waste code and accumulation start date
- The generator's EPA ID number and the waste's physical state
- The words 'Hazardous Waste' and the accumulation start date (Correct answer)
- The quantity in the container and the generator's address
Correct answer: The words 'Hazardous Waste' and the accumulation start date
RCRA requires containers to be labeled 'Hazardous Waste' and marked with the date accumulation began, among other required information.
Question 6: Under NFPA 30, the maximum quantity of flammable liquids (Class I) that may be stored in a flammable storage cabinet is:
- 30 gallons
- 60 gallons (Correct answer)
- 120 gallons
- No limit if cabinet is listed by UL
Correct answer: 60 gallons
NFPA 30 and OSHA 1910.106 limit each flammable storage cabinet to no more than 60 gallons of Class I and II liquids combined.
Question 7: Which storage scenario would trigger EPA's Risk Management Program (RMP) requirements under 40 CFR Part 68?
- Storing 5,000 lbs of anhydrous ammonia at an agricultural facility that qualifies for the exemption
- Storing 10,000 lbs of anhydrous ammonia at a food processing plant above the 10,000 lb threshold (Correct answer)
- Storing 500 lbs of chlorine in cylinders at a water treatment plant
- Storing any quantity of a listed toxic substance at any facility
Correct answer: Storing 10,000 lbs of anhydrous ammonia at a food processing plant above the 10,000 lb threshold
RMP is triggered when a regulated substance is present above its threshold quantity; anhydrous ammonia has a 10,000 lb threshold and food processing is not exempt.
CHMM Storage 4
Which of the following chemicals must NOT be stored together due to the risk of forming shock-sensitive explosive compounds?