General Workplace Safety and Health Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to the hierarchy of controls, which of the following is considered the MOST effective method for hazard control?
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Administrative Controls
- Engineering Controls
- Elimination (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Elimination
The hierarchy of controls ranks hazard control methods from most to least effective. Elimination, which physically removes the hazard, is at the top and is the most effective method.
Question 2: A worker in a manufacturing plant accidentally spills a flammable liquid, which then ignites. This fire involves ordinary combustible materials as well as the flammable liquid. Which class of fire extinguisher would be most appropriate for this situation?
- Class A
- Class K
- Class ABC (multipurpose) (Correct answer)
- Class D
Correct answer: Class ABC (multipurpose)
This scenario involves both Class A (ordinary combustibles) and Class B (flammable liquids) fires. A Class ABC multipurpose extinguisher is designed to be effective on all three of these common fire types, making it the most appropriate choice.
Question 3: Under OSHA's regulations (29 CFR 1904), when must an employer report a work-related fatality to OSHA?
- Within 24 hours
- Within 48 hours
- Within 8 hours (Correct answer)
- Within 7 calendar days
Correct answer: Within 8 hours
OSHA requires all employers to report a work-related fatality within 8 hours of learning about it. In-patient hospitalizations, amputations, or loss of an eye must be reported within 24 hours.
Question 4: Which of the following pictograms, under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), would be used to indicate a chemical that is a skin sensitizer, is acutely toxic (harmful), or may cause respiratory irritation?
- Flame over Circle
- Exclamation Mark (Correct answer)
- Corrosion
- Health Hazard
Correct answer: Exclamation Mark
The GHS Exclamation Mark pictogram is used for hazards such as irritant (skin and eye), skin sensitizer, acute toxicity (harmful), narcotic effects, and respiratory tract irritation.
Question 5: An employer implements a new policy that rotates workers through a high-noise area to limit individual exposure time. This action is an example of what type of hazard control?
- Substitution
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Engineering Control
- Administrative Control (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Administrative Control
Administrative controls are changes to work practices or procedures that reduce exposure to hazards. Job rotation is a classic example of an administrative control because it changes the way people work to limit their exposure duration.
Question 6: According to OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), what is the primary purpose of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?
- To provide a detailed guide for equipment maintenance and repair.
- To list the cost and supplier information for a chemical.
- To provide comprehensive information about a hazardous chemical's properties and potential dangers. (Correct answer)
- To serve as a legally binding contract between the chemical manufacturer and the employer.
Correct answer: To provide comprehensive information about a hazardous chemical's properties and potential dangers.
The primary purpose of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is to communicate detailed information on the identity, hazards, safe handling procedures, and emergency control measures for a specific hazardous chemical. It is a key element of the Hazard Communication Standard.
General Workplace Safety and Health Questions and Answers
According to the hierarchy of controls, which of the following is considered the MOST effective method for hazard control?