COHN Workplace Hazard Identification 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which OSHA standard requires employers to maintain a written hazard communication program that includes a list of hazardous chemicals present in the workplace?
- 29 CFR 1910.147
- 29 CFR 1910.1200 (Correct answer)
- 29 CFR 1910.132
- 29 CFR 1910.95
Correct answer: 29 CFR 1910.1200
29 CFR 1910.1200 (Hazard Communication Standard) requires employers to maintain a written hazard communication program including a chemical inventory list.
Question 2: A worker reports chronic headaches and dizziness only when working in a specific area of the plant. The occupational health nurse's FIRST step in hazard identification should be to:
- Order a comprehensive blood panel
- Conduct a walk-through of the specific work area (Correct answer)
- Refer the employee to a specialist
- Review the employee's medical history
Correct answer: Conduct a walk-through of the specific work area
A work-site walk-through allows the occupational health nurse to observe environmental conditions, potential chemical exposures, and ventilation issues that may explain the symptoms.
Question 3: Ergonomic hazards in the workplace are BEST identified through which combination of methods?
- Job hazard analysis and symptom surveys (Correct answer)
- MSDS review and air sampling
- Biological monitoring and audiometric testing
- Accident reports and fire inspection records
Correct answer: Job hazard analysis and symptom surveys
Job hazard analysis reveals physical task demands while symptom surveys identify musculoskeletal discomfort trends, together providing a comprehensive ergonomic hazard picture.
Question 4: When performing a hazard assessment for personal protective equipment (PPE) selection, which document does OSHA require employers to certify?
- Material Safety Data Sheet
- Written hazard assessment certification (Correct answer)
- Job safety analysis log
- Exposure control plan
Correct answer: Written hazard assessment certification
OSHA's PPE standard (1910.132) requires employers to conduct a hazard assessment and certify it in writing, identifying the workplace evaluated and the person conducting the assessment.
Question 5: Which hierarchy of controls level is considered MOST effective when eliminating a workplace chemical hazard?
- Administrative controls
- Engineering controls
- Elimination (Correct answer)
- PPE
Correct answer: Elimination
Elimination—removing the hazard entirely—is the most effective control because it removes the risk at the source rather than managing exposure.
Question 6: A new chemical process is being introduced to a manufacturing facility. The occupational health nurse should participate in a pre-startup safety review (PSSR) primarily to:
- Determine the chemical's market value
- Identify potential health hazards before workers are exposed (Correct answer)
- Negotiate workers' compensation rates
- Establish production quotas
Correct answer: Identify potential health hazards before workers are exposed
Participating in PSSR allows the occupational health nurse to identify and address health hazards proactively before employees are exposed to new process chemicals.
Question 7: Which type of workplace hazard is BEST detected through biological monitoring rather than air sampling?
- Noise-induced hearing loss risk
- Dermal absorption of toxic chemicals (Correct answer)
- Slip-and-fall hazards
- Radiation exposure from X-ray equipment
Correct answer: Dermal absorption of toxic chemicals
Biological monitoring measures internal dose of chemicals that penetrate through the skin, capturing dermal absorption that air sampling alone cannot quantify.
COHN Workplace Hazard Identification 2
Which OSHA standard requires employers to maintain a written hazard communication program that includes a list of hazardous chemicals present in the workplace?