CHSP Hazard Control Practices — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to the hierarchy of controls, which method is most effective at eliminating workplace hazards?
- Personal protective equipment
- Administrative controls
- Engineering controls
- Elimination of the hazard (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Elimination of the hazard
Elimination, the top of the hierarchy of controls, is the most effective method because it completely removes the hazard from the workplace.
The hierarchy of controls ranks methods from most to least effective: Elimination, Substitution, Engineering Controls, Administrative Controls, and PPE.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of a lockout/tagout (LOTO) program in a healthcare facility?
- To secure patient rooms during isolation procedures
- To prevent unauthorized access to pharmaceutical storage
- To ensure hazardous energy sources are isolated during equipment maintenance (Correct answer)
- To lock exterior doors after visiting hours
Correct answer: To ensure hazardous energy sources are isolated during equipment maintenance
Lockout/tagout programs ensure that machines and equipment are properly shut off and cannot be started during maintenance, protecting workers from hazardous energy release.
LOTO programs, governed by OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.147, protect workers from the unexpected release of hazardous energy during service and maintenance of machines and equipment.
Question 3: What type of engineering control is used to protect healthcare workers from exposure to airborne infectious agents?
- Safety data sheets
- Negative pressure isolation rooms (Correct answer)
- Written infection control policies
- Annual training programs
Correct answer: Negative pressure isolation rooms
Negative pressure isolation rooms prevent airborne infectious agents from escaping to adjacent areas by maintaining lower air pressure within the room.
Negative pressure isolation rooms maintain air pressure lower than surrounding areas, causing air to flow into the room. They require a minimum of 12 air changes per hour and air exhausted directly outside or through HEPA filtration.
Question 4: Which OSHA standard requires employers to provide and maintain Safety Data Sheets for hazardous chemicals?
- Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
- Hazard Communication Standard (Correct answer)
- Respiratory Protection Standard
- Electrical Safety Standard
Correct answer: Hazard Communication Standard
The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS/HazCom) requires employers to maintain Safety Data Sheets for all hazardous chemicals present in the workplace.
OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) requires maintaining SDSs, proper GHS labeling, a written hazard communication program, and employee training.
Question 5: What is the recommended approach for managing slip, trip, and fall hazards in a healthcare facility?
- Only address hazards after an injury occurs
- Implement a proactive program including regular inspections, prompt spill cleanup, and appropriate flooring (Correct answer)
- Post warning signs and consider the issue resolved
- Rely solely on employee awareness training
Correct answer: Implement a proactive program including regular inspections, prompt spill cleanup, and appropriate flooring
A comprehensive approach including regular inspections, immediate spill cleanup, appropriate flooring, adequate lighting, and clear walkways is the most effective strategy.
Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common workplace injuries in healthcare. An effective prevention program includes multiple elements working together.
Question 6: In a healthcare setting, what is the purpose of a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)?
- To evaluate employee job performance
- To systematically identify hazards associated with specific job tasks and determine appropriate controls (Correct answer)
- To calculate workers compensation premiums
- To develop job descriptions for recruitment
Correct answer: To systematically identify hazards associated with specific job tasks and determine appropriate controls
A Job Hazard Analysis systematically breaks down job tasks to identify potential hazards at each step and determine the best control measures.
A JHA involves selecting the job, breaking it into steps, identifying hazards at each step, and determining preventive measures using the hierarchy of controls.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of a Permit-Required Confined Space program in a healthcare facility?
- To manage visitor access during restricted hours
- To ensure safe entry into spaces with potential atmospheric or physical hazards (Correct answer)
- To control access to sterile operating rooms
- To regulate parking lot capacity
Correct answer: To ensure safe entry into spaces with potential atmospheric or physical hazards
A Permit-Required Confined Space program protects workers entering spaces like boiler rooms and utility tunnels that may contain hazardous atmospheres.
OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.146 requires hazard evaluation, written entry procedures, atmospheric testing, an attendant, and rescue provisions for confined spaces.
Question 8: Which type of ventilation system is used in healthcare to protect workers from chemical fume exposure in laboratories?
- Natural ventilation through open windows
- Recirculating air systems
- Chemical fume hoods with direct exhaust (Correct answer)
- Portable fans
Correct answer: Chemical fume hoods with direct exhaust
Chemical fume hoods capture hazardous fumes at their source and exhaust them directly outside, providing effective engineering control.
Chemical fume hoods draw air across the work surface, capturing fumes before they reach the worker breathing zone. They must be tested annually for proper face velocity.
Question 9: What is the OSHA Recordkeeping standard requirement for maintaining a log of work-related injuries and illnesses?
- Records must be kept for 1 year
- Records must be kept for 5 years following the year they relate to (Correct answer)
- Records are only required for fatal injuries
- Recordkeeping is voluntary for healthcare facilities
Correct answer: Records must be kept for 5 years following the year they relate to
OSHA requires employers to maintain the OSHA 300 Log and related forms for five years following the end of the year to which they relate.
Under 29 CFR 1904, employers must maintain Forms 300, 301, and 300A for five years. The 300A Summary must be posted February 1 through April 30 each year.
Question 10: What is the purpose of a pre-construction risk assessment (PCRA) in a healthcare facility?
- To estimate the total construction budget
- To identify and mitigate safety risks to patients and staff before construction begins (Correct answer)
- To select the lowest-cost contractor
- To determine the aesthetic design of the renovation
Correct answer: To identify and mitigate safety risks to patients and staff before construction begins
A PCRA identifies potential hazards from construction activities and establishes preventive measures to protect patients, staff, and visitors.
The PCRA evaluates risks in air quality, infection control, utility interruptions, noise, vibration, fire safety, and emergency access. It must involve clinical, safety, and infection prevention personnel.
Question 11: Which type of guard is required on machines with rotating parts to prevent contact injuries in maintenance areas?
- Warning labels only
- Fixed barrier guards or interlocked guards (Correct answer)
- Painted floor markings around the machine
- Verbal warnings from supervisors
Correct answer: Fixed barrier guards or interlocked guards
Fixed barrier guards or interlocked guards provide physical barriers preventing contact with rotating parts, the most effective machine guarding method.
OSHA machine guarding standards (29 CFR 1910 Subpart O) require that machines with moving parts be properly guarded with fixed, interlocked, adjustable, or self-adjusting guards.
Question 12: What administrative control measure helps reduce ergonomic injuries among healthcare workers who perform patient handling tasks?
- Providing back braces for all staff
- Implementing a safe patient handling program with mechanical lifting equipment and job rotation (Correct answer)
- Requiring employees to sign injury waivers
- Limiting patient care to only physically strong employees
Correct answer: Implementing a safe patient handling program with mechanical lifting equipment and job rotation
A safe patient handling program combining mechanical lifting equipment, training, task rotation, and assessment tools effectively reduces musculoskeletal injuries.
Safe patient handling programs combine engineering controls (mechanical lifts), administrative controls (rotation, adequate staffing), and training to reduce musculoskeletal injuries by 40-60%.
