General Workplace Safety and Health 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)?
- To calculate worker productivity rates
- To identify and control hazards before a job task begins (Correct answer)
- To document workplace injuries after they occur
- To evaluate employee performance on safety knowledge
Correct answer: To identify and control hazards before a job task begins
A JHA breaks a job into steps to proactively identify hazards and determine appropriate controls before work begins.
Question 2: Which OSHA form is used to record work-related injuries and illnesses throughout the year?
- OSHA Form 300 (Correct answer)
- OSHA Form 300A
- OSHA Form 301
- OSHA Form 101
Correct answer: OSHA Form 300
OSHA Form 300 (the Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses) is used to record each case during the calendar year.
Question 3: What does the term 'immediately dangerous to life or health' (IDLH) refer to?
- Any concentration of a chemical above its TLV
- An atmospheric condition that poses immediate threat of death, incapacitation, or irreversible health effects (Correct answer)
- A workspace with more than two recognized hazards
- Noise levels exceeding 100 dB
Correct answer: An atmospheric condition that poses immediate threat of death, incapacitation, or irreversible health effects
IDLH is a specific threshold concentration in air that is immediately dangerous to life or health, requiring the highest level of respiratory protection.
Question 4: In electrical safety, what does 'lockout/tagout' (LOTO) primarily protect workers from?
- Electrostatic discharge during assembly
- Unexpected energization or startup of machines during maintenance (Correct answer)
- Overloading electrical circuits
- Lightning strikes at outdoor worksites
Correct answer: Unexpected energization or startup of machines during maintenance
LOTO procedures ensure that hazardous energy sources (electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc.) are isolated before maintenance begins.
Question 5: A worker is exposed to a chemical with a skin absorption notation. What does this mean?
- The chemical causes skin rashes only
- The chemical can enter the body through skin contact, adding to inhalation exposure (Correct answer)
- Skin exposure is less dangerous than inhalation
- The worker must wear a full-body chemical suit at all times
Correct answer: The chemical can enter the body through skin contact, adding to inhalation exposure
A skin absorption notation means the chemical can penetrate skin and contribute to total body dose, so skin protection is also needed alongside respiratory protection.
Question 6: Which type of fire extinguisher should NEVER be used on an electrical fire?
- Class C extinguisher
- CO2 extinguisher
- Water extinguisher (Correct answer)
- Dry chemical extinguisher
Correct answer: Water extinguisher
Water conducts electricity and can cause electrocution or spread the fire if used on energized electrical equipment.
Question 7: What is the purpose of industrial hygiene in the workplace?
- Ensuring employees maintain personal cleanliness
- Anticipating, recognizing, evaluating, and controlling workplace health hazards (Correct answer)
- Enforcing dress code and grooming standards
- Managing sanitation services for facilities
Correct answer: Anticipating, recognizing, evaluating, and controlling workplace health hazards
Industrial hygiene is the science of protecting worker health by anticipating, recognizing, evaluating, and controlling chemical, physical, and biological hazards.
General Workplace Safety and Health 4
What is the purpose of a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)?