Chemical Handling and Storage Flashcards
7 cards from real CPO practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Chemical Handling and Storage flashcards as text
When diluting muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid) for pool use, the correct procedure is to:
Answer: Add the acid slowly to water—never the reverse
Always add acid to water because the heat generated is absorbed by the larger volume of water; reversing this can cause violent spattering.
Cyanuric acid (CYA) is added to outdoor pools primarily to:
Answer: Stabilize free chlorine against UV degradation from sunlight
CYA (stabilizer/conditioner) forms a reversible bond with free chlorine, shielding it from ultraviolet light and extending its useful life.
Sodium bicarbonate is used in pool water management to:
Answer: Raise total alkalinity with minimal impact on pH
Sodium bicarbonate primarily increases total alkalinity and has only a minor elevating effect on pH, making it the preferred alkalinity increaser.
When multiple chemical adjustments are needed, the correct approach is to:
Answer: Add each chemical separately, allowing full distribution before adding the next
Adding chemicals one at a time and waiting for full distribution prevents dangerous in-water reactions between incompatible chemicals.
Chemical storage rooms should have adequate ventilation primarily to:
Answer: Prevent the accumulation of toxic or flammable chemical vapors
Proper ventilation dilutes and removes vapors that can accumulate to toxic or flammable concentrations, protecting workers and reducing fire risk.
Secondary containment around liquid chemical storage tanks is designed to:
Answer: Capture spills or leaks to prevent environmental contamination and chemical mixing
Secondary containment (berms, containment basins) captures chemical releases before they reach floor drains, groundwater, or incompatible chemicals.
Accidentally mixing liquid chlorine (sodium hypochlorite) with muriatic acid produces:
Answer: Chlorine gas, a toxic vapor that is immediately dangerous to life and health
Combining hypochlorite with hydrochloric acid releases chlorine gas (Cl₂), which is highly toxic and can be lethal even at low concentrations.