CMI Compliance with Environmental Sustainability Standards 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which labeling system is used in the US to communicate hazardous chemical information on cleaning product containers?
- GHS Hazard Communication Standard (Correct answer)
- EPA Safer Choice Label
- OSHA 300 Log
- LEED Certification Label
Correct answer: GHS Hazard Communication Standard
The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) Hazard Communication Standard requires standardized labels and Safety Data Sheets for hazardous chemicals.
Question 2: What does 'dwell time' mean in the context of environmentally responsible disinfection?
- Time a product must remain wet on a surface to be effective (Correct answer)
- Time between mop changes
- Duration of a cleaning shift
- How long a product is stored before use
Correct answer: Time a product must remain wet on a surface to be effective
Dwell time is the contact time a disinfectant must remain on a surface to kill pathogens, and respecting it prevents overuse of chemicals.
Question 3: A custodian notices a chemical product has an EPA Safer Choice logo. What does this indicate?
- Every ingredient has been evaluated for human and environmental safety (Correct answer)
- The product is approved for food-contact surfaces only
- The product contains no fragrance
- The product meets LEED building standards
Correct answer: Every ingredient has been evaluated for human and environmental safety
The EPA Safer Choice label means the EPA has reviewed every ingredient for potential human health and environmental impacts.
Question 4: Which type of mop system is considered more sustainable because it reduces water and chemical usage?
- Flat microfiber mop system (Correct answer)
- String cotton mop with bucket
- Sponge mop with wringer
- Disposable paper mop
Correct answer: Flat microfiber mop system
Flat microfiber mop systems use significantly less water and cleaning solution compared to traditional string mop-and-bucket methods.
Question 5: Under the Clean Air Act, what restriction applies to aerosol cleaning products used indoors?
- Products must have low volatile organic compound (VOC) content (Correct answer)
- Products must be EPA Safer Choice certified
- Products must use compressed air only
- Products must be biodegradable within 24 hours
Correct answer: Products must have low volatile organic compound (VOC) content
The Clean Air Act limits VOC emissions because they contribute to smog and indoor air quality problems, affecting aerosol and spray cleaning products.
Question 6: What is the primary environmental benefit of using concentrated cleaning products?
- Reduced packaging waste and lower transportation emissions (Correct answer)
- Higher disinfection efficacy
- Longer shelf life without preservatives
- Compliance with OSHA Right-to-Know laws
Correct answer: Reduced packaging waste and lower transportation emissions
Concentrated products require less packaging and fewer shipments, significantly reducing plastic waste and carbon emissions.
Question 7: A facility wants to reduce its environmental impact from cleaning operations. Which action directly reduces stormwater pollution?
- Properly disposing of mop water in a utility sink drain rather than outdoors (Correct answer)
- Using white microfiber cloths instead of colored ones
- Switching from powder to liquid detergents
- Replacing paper towels with hand dryers
Correct answer: Properly disposing of mop water in a utility sink drain rather than outdoors
Mop water containing chemicals must be disposed of in utility sinks connected to wastewater treatment, not poured outdoors where it can enter storm drains.
CMI Compliance with Environmental Sustainability Standards 2
Which labeling system is used in the US to communicate hazardous chemical information on cleaning product containers?