CSM Health & Safety Protocols 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which chemical used in stormwater pH adjustment poses an inhalation hazard as a caustic vapor and requires respiratory protection during handling?
- Sodium chloride
- Sodium hydroxide (lye) (Correct answer)
- Calcium carbonate
- Potassium permanganate
Correct answer: Sodium hydroxide (lye)
Sodium hydroxide generates caustic aerosols and vapors that can severely damage the respiratory tract, requiring appropriate respiratory PPE.
Question 2: A worker is splashed in the eyes with a coagulant chemical at a stormwater treatment facility. What is the first action?
- Apply neutralizing eye drops
- Cover eyes and wait for medical personnel
- Flush eyes continuously with water for at least 15 minutes (Correct answer)
- Wipe eyes with a dry cloth
Correct 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.
Question 3: In the context of stormwater site safety, what does the acronym 'LOTO' refer to?
- Liquid Overflow Transfer Operations
- Lockout/Tagout energy control procedures (Correct answer)
- Low-Oxygen Threshold Observations
- Lateral Outflow Treatment Operations
Correct answer: Lockout/Tagout energy control procedures
LOTO (Lockout/Tagout) refers to OSHA-required procedures to isolate hazardous energy sources before equipment maintenance or servicing.
Question 4: Which vector-borne disease risk is most relevant to stormwater professionals working near standing water in warm, humid climates in the US?
- Malaria
- West Nile virus (Correct answer)
- Dengue fever
- Zika virus
Correct 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.
Question 5: When working on a steep embankment during wet weather, what type of personal fall arrest system component connects the harness to the anchor point?
- Carabiner clip only
- Self-retracting lifeline or lanyard (Correct answer)
- Safety rope loosely tied at the waist
- Rubber-soled boots alone
Correct 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.
Question 6: Heat illness prevention during summer stormwater fieldwork requires workers to acclimatize gradually. How long does the NIOSH-recommended full acclimatization period typically take?
- 1–2 days
- 3–5 days
- 7–14 days (Correct answer)
- 21–30 days
Correct 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.
Question 7: A stormwater inspector finds a dead animal floating in a retention basin. Which PPE category is most critical when removing the carcass?
- Safety glasses only
- Puncture-resistant gloves and standard work clothes
- Nitrile or chemical-resistant gloves, waterproof waders, and face shield (Correct answer)
- Hard hat and steel-toed boots only
Correct 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.
CSM Health & Safety Protocols 3
Which chemical used in stormwater pH adjustment poses an inhalation hazard as a caustic vapor and requires respiratory protection during handling?