Health & Safety Protocols Flashcards
7 cards from real CSM practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Health & Safety Protocols flashcards as text
Which chemical used in stormwater pH adjustment poses an inhalation hazard as a caustic vapor and requires respiratory protection during handling?
Answer: Sodium hydroxide (lye)
Sodium hydroxide generates caustic aerosols and vapors that can severely damage the respiratory tract, requiring appropriate respiratory PPE.
A worker is splashed in the eyes with a coagulant chemical at a stormwater treatment facility. What is the first action?
Answer: Flush eyes continuously with water for at least 15 minutes
Immediate and continuous eye flushing with clean water for a minimum of 15 minutes is the standard first-aid response for chemical eye exposure.
In the context of stormwater site safety, what does the acronym 'LOTO' refer to?
Answer: Lockout/Tagout energy control procedures
LOTO (Lockout/Tagout) refers to OSHA-required procedures to isolate hazardous energy sources before equipment maintenance or servicing.
Which vector-borne disease risk is most relevant to stormwater professionals working near standing water in warm, humid climates in the US?
Answer: West Nile virus
West Nile virus, transmitted by Culex mosquitoes that breed in stagnant water, is the primary vector-borne disease risk for stormwater workers in the continental US.
When working on a steep embankment during wet weather, what type of personal fall arrest system component connects the harness to the anchor point?
Answer: Self-retracting lifeline or lanyard
A self-retracting lifeline (SRL) or shock-absorbing lanyard connected to a rated anchor point is required as part of a complete personal fall arrest system.
Heat illness prevention during summer stormwater fieldwork requires workers to acclimatize gradually. How long does the NIOSH-recommended full acclimatization period typically take?
Answer: 7–14 days
NIOSH and OSHA recommend a 7–14 day gradual acclimatization schedule to allow the body to safely adapt to working in hot environments.
A stormwater inspector finds a dead animal floating in a retention basin. Which PPE category is most critical when removing the carcass?
Answer: Nitrile or chemical-resistant gloves, waterproof waders, and face shield
Decomposing carcasses harbor zoonotic pathogens; nitrile gloves, waterproof waders, and face shield prevent skin, mucous membrane, and splash exposure.