COHN Workplace Hazard Identification 4

Question 1

The OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) standard (29 CFR 1910.119) applies to facilities that use highly hazardous chemicals above threshold quantities. Which element does the PSM standard specifically require to identify workplace hazards?

Accepted Answer

Process hazard analysis

Answer

OSHA PSM requires process hazard analysis (PHA) as one of its 14 elements to systematically identify, evaluate, and control hazards associated with highly hazardous chemical processes.

Question 2

Which early indicator would MOST alert the occupational health nurse to a potential musculoskeletal hazard in a warehouse operation?

Accepted Answer

Workers self-reporting discomfort during end-of-shift symptom surveys

Answer

End-of-shift symptom surveys capture early musculoskeletal discomfort before injuries occur, providing the earliest and most actionable signal of ergonomic hazards.

Question 3

An industrial hygienist's sampling shows that workers' 8-hour TWA benzene exposure is 0.4 ppm. OSHA's action level for benzene is 0.5 ppm. What should the occupational health nurse recommend?

Accepted Answer

Monitor exposure levels and conduct medical surveillance

Answer

Although currently below the action level, the close proximity warrants continued exposure monitoring and consideration of medical surveillance, as levels can fluctuate above 0.5 ppm.

Question 4

Which component of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is MOST useful for identifying acute health hazards associated with a chemical?

Accepted Answer

Section 2 – Hazard(s) identification

Answer

SDS Section 2 provides the GHS hazard classification, signal words, hazard statements, and pictograms that directly describe acute and chronic health hazards.

Question 5

A construction site occupational health nurse observes workers cutting concrete without wet methods or respiratory protection. Which hazard does this PRIMARILY represent?

Accepted Answer

Crystalline silica inhalation hazard

Answer

Dry cutting of concrete generates respirable crystalline silica dust, which can cause silicosis, lung cancer, and COPD, representing the primary hazard in this scenario.

COHN Exam Practice Test

COHN Exam Practice Test

COHN Workplace Hazard Identification 4