CMI Occupational Health & Safety Guidelines 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When should a custodian report a near-miss incident at work?
- Only if someone was actually injured
- Immediately, since near-misses indicate real hazard conditions (Correct answer)
- At the end of the work shift if time permits
- Only if the near-miss involved a chemical spill
Correct answer: Immediately, since near-misses indicate real hazard conditions
Near-misses must be reported immediately because they reveal existing hazards that could cause actual injuries if not corrected.
Question 2: What is the correct procedure for safely diluting concentrated chemical cleaners?
- Add concentrate to water, never water to concentrate (Correct answer)
- Add water to concentrate for rapid mixing
- Mix equal parts water and concentrate in any order
- Dilution is unnecessary if wearing gloves
Correct answer: Add concentrate to water, never water to concentrate
Always add concentrate to water (not water to concentrate) to prevent dangerous spattering or exothermic reactions.
Question 3: Which piece of PPE is specifically designed to protect against chemical splashes to the face?
- Safety glasses
- Chemical splash goggles (Correct answer)
- A dust mask
- A face shield used alone
Correct answer: Chemical splash goggles
Chemical splash goggles provide a sealed barrier around the eyes, preventing chemical liquids from reaching the eyes from any direction.
Question 4: A custodian uses the same mop for bathroom floors and hallway floors without changing solutions. What is the primary safety concern?
- Increased mop wear and tear
- Cross-contamination of pathogens from restrooms to other areas (Correct answer)
- Inefficient use of cleaning chemicals
- Excessive water usage
Correct answer: Cross-contamination of pathogens from restrooms to other areas
Using the same mop and solution across restroom and general areas spreads potentially infectious microorganisms to non-contaminated zones.
Question 5: What does the term 'ergonomics' refer to in a custodial work context?
- The study of cleaning chemical effectiveness
- Designing work tasks and tools to fit the worker and reduce injury risk (Correct answer)
- The schedule for rotating custodial assignments
- Measuring worker productivity in square feet per hour
Correct answer: Designing work tasks and tools to fit the worker and reduce injury risk
Ergonomics involves designing work tasks, equipment, and environments to fit human physical capabilities, reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
Question 6: What is the minimum height at which a fall protection plan is required for custodial workers in general industry per OSHA?
- 4 feet (Correct answer)
- 6 feet
- 8 feet
- 10 feet
Correct answer: 4 feet
OSHA's general industry standard (29 CFR 1910.28) requires fall protection when workers are exposed to fall hazards of 4 feet or more.
Question 7: Which color label on a chemical container under GHS typically indicates that it is an environmental hazard?
- Red diamond symbol
- Blue circle symbol
- Dead tree and fish symbol (Correct answer)
- Orange square symbol
Correct answer: Dead tree and fish symbol
The GHS environmental hazard pictogram shows a dead tree and fish, indicating the chemical is harmful to the aquatic environment.
CMI Occupational Health & Safety Guidelines 4
When should a custodian report a near-miss incident at work?