ITMC Safety Procedures 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom/GHS), employers must ensure that all chemical containers in the workplace are:
- Color-coded according to the NFPA 704 diamond system
- Labeled with the product identifier, signal word, hazard pictograms, and supplier information (Correct answer)
- Stored in a central location with a master SDS binder nearby
- Inspected monthly by a certified industrial hygienist
Correct answer: Labeled with the product identifier, signal word, hazard pictograms, and supplier information
GHS-aligned HazCom requires container labels to include the product identifier, signal word, pictograms, hazard/precautionary statements, and supplier details.
Question 2: A maintenance technician is asked to perform work on a pneumatic system while the air supply is still connected. The correct response is to:
- Proceed if the pressure is below 30 PSI
- Refuse the task and apply LOTO to isolate and bleed the pneumatic energy first (Correct answer)
- Wear heavy gloves and work quickly
- Open a downstream valve to release pressure incrementally while working
Correct answer: Refuse the task and apply LOTO to isolate and bleed the pneumatic energy first
Pneumatic energy is a stored energy source covered by LOTO — it must be isolated and bled to zero before maintenance begins.
Question 3: What does the NFPA 70E standard specifically govern?
- Fire suppression system design in industrial facilities
- Electrical safety in the workplace, including arc flash and shock hazards (Correct answer)
- National electrical installation codes for new construction
- OSHA enforcement procedures for electrical violations
Correct answer: Electrical safety in the workplace, including arc flash and shock hazards
NFPA 70E establishes electrical safety work practices to protect workers from shock, electrocution, arc flash, and arc blast.
Question 4: A flammable liquid storage room in an industrial facility must be equipped with:
- A dry chemical fire extinguisher mounted inside the room near the door
- Explosion-proof electrical fixtures, proper ventilation, and bonding/grounding for containers (Correct answer)
- A halon suppression system and negative air pressure system
- Standard fluorescent lighting and a water-based sprinkler system
Correct answer: Explosion-proof electrical fixtures, proper ventilation, and bonding/grounding for containers
Flammable storage areas require explosion-proof electrical equipment, ventilation to prevent vapor accumulation, and bonding/grounding to prevent static ignition.
Question 5: After responding to a near-miss incident in the maintenance department, the MOST important immediate action is to:
- Determine fault and issue a written warning to the worker involved
- Report and document the near-miss so the hazard can be investigated and corrected (Correct answer)
- Review the incident only during the next scheduled safety meeting
- Notify OSHA within 24 hours as required by regulation
Correct answer: Report and document the near-miss so the hazard can be investigated and corrected
Near-misses must be reported and investigated immediately so the underlying hazard is identified and corrected before a serious injury occurs.
Question 6: The minimum safe distance from overhead power lines for workers using non-insulated equipment is defined by:
- 10 feet regardless of voltage level
- OSHA tables based on the voltage of the power line (Correct answer)
- The utility company's posted warnings at each pole
- 50 feet as a universal industrial standard
Correct answer: OSHA tables based on the voltage of the power line
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269 specifies minimum approach distances based on voltage — the higher the voltage, the greater the required clearance.
Question 7: When a maintenance worker receives a chemical splash to the eyes, the FIRST action should be:
- Consult the SDS to identify the appropriate treatment before acting
- Immediately flush the eyes with water for at least 15 minutes (Correct answer)
- Apply a neutralizing solution to counteract the chemical
- Cover the eye and proceed to an emergency room without delay
Correct answer: Immediately flush the eyes with water for at least 15 minutes
Immediate and continuous eye flushing with water for 15–20 minutes is the first response to chemical eye exposure, per ANSI Z358.1.
ITMC Safety Procedures 5
Under OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom/GHS), employers must ensure that all chemical containers in the workplace are: