HT Safety & Chemical Hazards 3

Question 1

Which chemical hazard does mercury-containing compounds (e.g., B-5 fixative) primarily pose?

Accepted Answer

Heavy metal toxicity with strict waste disposal requirements

Answer

Mercury-based fixatives pose heavy metal toxicity risks and generate regulated hazardous waste requiring special disposal procedures.

Question 2

An employee experiences skin sensitization after repeated xylene exposure. According to GHS, xylene's skin sensitization hazard is indicated by which pictogram?

Accepted Answer

Exclamation mark

Answer

The GHS exclamation mark pictogram covers skin sensitizers (category 1), irritants, and acute toxicity category 4 chemicals.

Question 3

When a large formaldehyde spill occurs in the grossing area, what is the FIRST action the histotechnician should take?

Accepted Answer

Evacuate the area and alert others

Answer

Evacuating and alerting others limits additional exposure and ensures the spill is handled by trained personnel with appropriate PPE.

Question 4

Chromic acid (used in some histology procedures) is classified as which type of hazard?

Accepted Answer

Oxidizer and corrosive

Answer

Chromic acid is a strong oxidizer and corrosive that can ignite organic materials on contact and cause severe chemical burns.

Question 5

According to NFPA 704 (fire diamond), a blue quadrant rating of '3' indicates:

Accepted Answer

Serious health hazard — short exposure could cause serious injury

Answer

NFPA 704 blue quadrant rating 3 means short-term exposure could cause serious temporary or residual injury.

(HT) Histotechnician Certification Practice Test

(HT) Histotechnician Certification Practice Test

HT Safety & Chemical Hazards 3