CMI Occupational Health & Safety Guidelines 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct way to dispose of used sharps (needles) found during custodial duties?
- Place in a regular trash bag and tie it shut
- Use tongs or a scoop to place in a puncture-resistant sharps container (Correct answer)
- Flush down the toilet to avoid contamination
- Break the needle before disposing in the trash
Correct answer: Use tongs or a scoop to place in a puncture-resistant sharps container
Found sharps must be picked up with tongs or a scoop (never bare hands) and placed directly into a designated puncture-resistant sharps container.
Question 2: What does SDS Section 8 specifically address?
- Physical and chemical properties
- Exposure controls and personal protective equipment (Correct answer)
- Ecological information
- Regulatory information
Correct answer: Exposure controls and personal protective equipment
SDS Section 8 covers exposure controls and personal protective equipment, including permissible exposure limits and recommended PPE.
Question 3: A custodian working in a school notices a student has vomited in a hallway. Which type of cleaner should be used first?
- A general-purpose floor cleaner
- An EPA-registered disinfectant appropriate for biological contamination (Correct answer)
- A simple soap and water solution
- A bleach-free deodorizer spray
Correct answer: An EPA-registered disinfectant appropriate for biological contamination
Vomit is a biological contaminant that may contain norovirus or other pathogens, requiring an EPA-registered disinfectant after initial cleanup.
Question 4: When is it appropriate for a custodian to enter a permit-required confined space such as a utility vault?
- Anytime cleaning is needed with proper PPE
- Only after completing all required permit-required confined space entry procedures (Correct answer)
- When accompanied by one other employee
- After ventilating the space for at least five minutes
Correct answer: Only after completing all required permit-required confined space entry procedures
Permit-required confined spaces may only be entered after completing all required procedures including atmospheric testing, ventilation, and securing a signed entry permit.
Question 5: Which practice best prevents repetitive strain injuries for custodians who frequently mop large floor areas?
- Using a single consistent pushing motion for the entire shift
- Alternating grip positions and taking scheduled micro-breaks (Correct answer)
- Wearing wrist braces only after pain begins
- Increasing speed to finish the task faster
Correct answer: Alternating grip positions and taking scheduled micro-breaks
Alternating grip positions and taking regular micro-breaks reduces cumulative stress on muscles and tendons, helping prevent repetitive strain injuries.
Question 6: What does the phrase 'hierarchy of controls' mean in workplace safety?
- The chain of command for reporting safety incidents
- A prioritized framework for eliminating or reducing hazards, from elimination to PPE (Correct answer)
- A ranking of which hazards are most dangerous
- The order in which safety equipment should be put on
Correct answer: A prioritized framework for eliminating or reducing hazards, from elimination to PPE
The hierarchy of controls is a prioritized framework that ranks hazard control methods from most effective (elimination) to least effective (PPE).
Question 7: What action should a custodian take if they experience symptoms of chemical overexposure such as dizziness or difficulty breathing?
- Finish the current task, then report to a supervisor
- Immediately leave the area, get fresh air, and seek medical attention (Correct answer)
- Drink water and rest for a few minutes before continuing
- Increase ventilation in the area and keep working
Correct answer: Immediately leave the area, get fresh air, and seek medical attention
Symptoms of chemical overexposure are a medical emergency; the worker must immediately leave the contaminated area, get fresh air, and seek prompt medical attention.
CMI Occupational Health & Safety Guidelines 5
What is the correct way to dispose of used sharps (needles) found during custodial duties?