CHSP Hazard Control Practices 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A healthcare facility is evaluating controls for a task where workers are exposed to aerosolized medications during compounding. Which control is MOST preferred under the hierarchy of controls?
- Require N95 respirators for all compounding staff
- Install a biological safety cabinet for closed-system compounding (Correct answer)
- Post warning signs in the compounding area
- Implement a buddy system during compounding tasks
Correct answer: Install a biological safety cabinet for closed-system compounding
Engineering controls such as biological safety cabinets eliminate or reduce exposure at the source, ranking above PPE and administrative controls in the hierarchy.
Question 2: Which OSHA standard specifically addresses control of hazardous energy in healthcare maintenance operations?
- 29 CFR 1910.132
- 29 CFR 1910.147 (Correct answer)
- 29 CFR 1910.1030
- 29 CFR 1910.134
Correct answer: 29 CFR 1910.147
29 CFR 1910.147, the Lockout/Tagout standard, governs the control of hazardous energy during servicing and maintenance of machinery and equipment.
Question 3: A hospital safety officer notices that staff are propping open fire doors to improve workflow. Which hazard control approach should be implemented first?
- Issue disciplinary notices to staff who prop doors open
- Replace fire doors with automatic closing mechanisms triggered by the fire alarm system (Correct answer)
- Place adhesive reminder stickers on all fire doors
- Require annual fire safety training for all employees
Correct answer: Replace fire doors with automatic closing mechanisms triggered by the fire alarm system
Automatic door closers are an engineering control that eliminates the behavior-based hazard without relying on staff compliance.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) in a healthcare setting?
- To document employee performance metrics
- To identify, assess, and control hazards associated with specific job tasks (Correct answer)
- To satisfy Joint Commission accreditation requirements
- To determine staffing ratios for clinical units
Correct answer: To identify, assess, and control hazards associated with specific job tasks
A JHA systematically breaks down a job into steps to identify hazards at each step and implement appropriate controls before injury occurs.
Question 5: In the context of chemical hazard controls, what does the term 'substitution' refer to?
- Replacing a hazardous chemical with a less hazardous one to perform the same task (Correct answer)
- Storing hazardous chemicals in a different location
- Using PPE instead of eliminating the chemical
- Labeling all chemical containers with GHS symbols
Correct answer: Replacing a hazardous chemical with a less hazardous one to perform the same task
Substitution involves replacing a hazardous substance or process with a safer alternative, ranked second in the hierarchy of controls after elimination.
Question 6: A hospital is experiencing frequent needle-stick injuries in the phlebotomy department. After reviewing the data, which control would BEST reduce injury rates long-term?
- Distribute cut-resistant gloves to all phlebotomists
- Mandate a refresher needle safety training course annually
- Transition to safety-engineered needles with passive activation mechanisms (Correct answer)
- Post needle-stick injury rates on the unit bulletin board
Correct answer: Transition to safety-engineered needles with passive activation mechanisms
Safety-engineered devices with passive (automatic) activation are engineering controls that activate without requiring additional staff action, providing the most reliable protection.
Question 7: Which administrative control is MOST effective in reducing musculoskeletal injuries among healthcare workers who perform patient lifting?
- Issuing lumbar support belts to all patient care staff
- Implementing a minimal manual lift policy with mandatory use of mechanical lift equipment (Correct answer)
- Posting ergonomic lifting technique reminders in patient rooms
- Scheduling mandatory stretching breaks every two hours
Correct answer: Implementing a minimal manual lift policy with mandatory use of mechanical lift equipment
A minimal manual lift policy, supported by mechanical lift equipment, reduces the frequency and force of manual patient handling—the root cause of most musculoskeletal injuries.
CHSP Hazard Control Practices 4
A healthcare facility is evaluating controls for a task where workers are exposed to aerosolized medications during compounding.
Which control is MOST preferred under the hierarchy of controls?