Safety & Environmental Practices Flashcards
6 cards from real EPA 609 practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Safety & Environmental Practices flashcards as text
What personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn when handling refrigerants?
Answer: Safety glasses and gloves rated for refrigerant exposure
At minimum, safety glasses and gloves should be worn to protect against refrigerant splashes, which can cause frostbite and eye damage.
What should be done immediately if liquid refrigerant splashes in your eyes?
Answer: Flush immediately with large amounts of water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention
Refrigerant in the eyes requires immediate flushing with water for at least 15 minutes followed by prompt medical evaluation.
Refrigerant stored in a hot environment (above 125°F/52°C) poses what risk?
Answer: Cylinder pressure increases and may cause rupture or pressure relief valve activation
High temperatures increase cylinder pressure dramatically; cylinders must be stored below 125°F to prevent relief valve discharge or catastrophic failure.
What hazardous gas can form when refrigerant contacts an open flame or very hot surface?
Answer: Phosgene or hydrofluoric acid gas
When refrigerants decompose in flames, they can produce phosgene (from CFCs) or hydrofluoric acid (from HFCs), both of which are extremely toxic.
Refrigerant work areas should have:
Answer: Adequate ventilation to prevent refrigerant accumulation at floor level
Refrigerant vapors are heavier than air and accumulate at floor level, where they can displace oxygen and cause asphyxiation in enclosed spaces.
What symptom indicates possible refrigerant overexposure?
Answer: Dizziness, headache, or irregular heartbeat
High refrigerant concentrations displace oxygen and can cause dizziness, headache, and cardiac sensitization (irregular heartbeat) that can be fatal.