CPS Chemical Services & Safety 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A product SDS lists the flash point as 73°F (23°C). This means the product is classified as:
- Flammable (Correct answer)
- Combustible
- Non-flammable
- Corrosive only
Correct answer: Flammable
A flash point below 100°F (38°C) classifies a liquid as flammable, requiring special storage away from heat and ignition sources.
Question 2: When performing a texturizing or coat-stripping chemical service on a terrier, the groomer should first:
- Conduct a patch test and review the dog's coat and skin history (Correct answer)
- Apply the product to the full coat immediately
- Use the same dilution as for a standard conditioner
- Skip the patch test if the dog has been groomed before
Correct answer: Conduct a patch test and review the dog's coat and skin history
A patch test and coat/skin history review help detect sensitivities before full-coat chemical application.
Question 3: Which statement about quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) is correct?
- They are inactivated by heavy organic matter such as feces or blood (Correct answer)
- They work better in the presence of organic matter
- They are safe to mix with bleach for stronger disinfection
- They require no dilution before use on surfaces
Correct answer: They are inactivated by heavy organic matter such as feces or blood
Quaternary ammonium compounds lose effectiveness when organic matter is present, so surfaces must be cleaned before disinfection.
Question 4: If a chemical splashes into a groomer's eyes, the correct first-aid response is to:
- Flush with clean water for at least 15–20 minutes, then seek medical attention (Correct answer)
- Rub the eyes gently with a clean cloth
- Apply eye drops immediately and return to work
- Flush for 30 seconds and cover with a bandage
Correct answer: Flush with clean water for at least 15–20 minutes, then seek medical attention
OSHA recommends flushing chemical eye exposures with water for 15–20 minutes before seeking medical care.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of an enzymatic cleaner in a grooming salon?
- Break down organic waste such as urine, feces, and saliva at a molecular level (Correct answer)
- Disinfect surfaces by killing bacteria on contact
- Degrease grooming tools after clipping
- Neutralize acidic chemical residues on coats
Correct answer: Break down organic waste such as urine, feces, and saliva at a molecular level
Enzymatic cleaners use biological enzymes to digest organic matter, eliminating odors and stains at their source.
Question 6: A cat is exposed to a permethrin-based flea spray intended for dogs. The most likely result is:
- Severe toxicity, seizures, or death because cats cannot metabolize permethrin (Correct answer)
- Mild itching that resolves within an hour
- No effect since it is a topical product
- Temporary sedation only
Correct answer: Severe toxicity, seizures, or death because cats cannot metabolize permethrin
Cats lack the liver enzymes to metabolize permethrin, making dog-labeled permethrin products extremely toxic and potentially fatal to cats.
Question 7: The SDS section that lists first-aid measures for accidental ingestion is:
- Section 4 (Correct answer)
- Section 2
- Section 7
- Section 9
Correct answer: Section 4
GHS-compliant SDS Section 4 contains all first-aid measures for routes of exposure including ingestion, inhalation, and skin/eye contact.
CPS Chemical Services & Safety 3
A product SDS lists the flash point as 73°F (23°C).
This means the product is classified as: