Occupational Health and Safety Flashcards

While working in the decontamination area, a technician must add a concentrated enzymatic detergent to the sink. They notice the WHMIS 2015 pictogram shown (a person with a starburst on the chest) on the container. What type of hazard does this symbol primarily represent?

Answer: A long-term or serious health hazard, such as carcinogenicity

The WHMIS 2015 'Health Hazard' pictogram (person with a starburst) is used to indicate substances that may cause or are suspected of causing serious long-term health effects. These include carcinogenicity (cancer-causing), mutagenicity (causing genetic defects), reproductive toxicity, respiratory sensitization, target organ toxicity, and aspiration toxicity.

To reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) from prolonged standing and repetitive tasks in the decontamination and prep-and-pack areas, which of the following is the MOST effective engineering control?

Answer: Using height-adjustable workstations and anti-fatigue mats

Engineering controls are designed to remove the hazard at the source and are the most effective type of control. Height-adjustable workstations allow technicians of different statures to work at an optimal height, reducing bending and reaching. Anti-fatigue mats reduce strain from standing on hard surfaces. While training, breaks, and PPE are important, they are less effective than engineering out the hazard itself.

A technician is manually cleaning instruments in a sink and notices a strong chemical odor that is causing eye irritation. What is the most important FIRST action to take?

Answer: Immediately and safely move away from the area to fresh air

The immediate priority in any potential chemical exposure is personal safety. The first action should always be to remove oneself from the source of the exposure to prevent further harm. Once safe, the technician can then alert a supervisor and consult the SDS to determine the next steps, but the primary action is to stop the exposure.

Which of the following practices is most effective at minimizing the creation of aerosols containing biohazardous material during the manual cleaning of lumened instruments?

Answer: Brushing and flushing the instrument below the surface of the water

Performing cleaning actions such as brushing and flushing below the waterline contains splashes and droplets, preventing them from becoming airborne aerosols. This is a critical work practice control to reduce the technician's risk of inhaling contaminated particles. While PPE is essential, it is a last line of defense; preventing aerosol creation is a more effective primary measure.

An MDRD has several large pieces of equipment, such as a cart washer and ultrasonic cleaners, that generate significant noise. If noise levels are found to exceed the 85 dBA action level, what is the employer required to implement?

Answer: A hearing conservation program

Occupational health and safety regulations, such as those from OSHA, require employers to implement a hearing conservation program when the time-weighted average noise exposure equals or exceeds 85 decibels (dBA) over an 8-hour shift. This program includes noise monitoring, audiometric testing, hearing protection, training, and record keeping.

A technician discovers a small fire in a linen hamper in the sterile storage area. Following the RACE fire response protocol, what is the absolute FIRST action the technician must take?

Answer: Rescue anyone in immediate danger

The RACE acronym stands for Rescue, Alarm, Confine, and Extinguish/Evacuate. The first and most critical step is to ensure human safety by rescuing anyone who is in immediate danger from the fire before taking any other action.