NSC Chemical Safety 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which section of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) contains first-aid measures?
- Section 2
- Section 3
- Section 4 (Correct answer)
- Section 6
Correct answer: Section 4
Section 4 of the GHS-aligned SDS provides first-aid measures for inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, and ingestion.
Question 2: What does the term 'permissible exposure limit' (PEL) refer to?
- Maximum amount of chemical that can be stored on site
- Maximum airborne concentration of a substance a worker can be exposed to over a work shift (Correct answer)
- Minimum ventilation rate required in a chemical storage room
- Maximum skin contact time allowed with a hazardous substance
Correct answer: Maximum airborne concentration of a substance a worker can be exposed to over a work shift
OSHA's PEL is the maximum concentration of an airborne chemical to which most workers can be exposed over an 8-hour workday without adverse health effects.
Question 3: Which PPE is required when handling chemicals that can cause severe skin burns?
- Latex examination gloves only
- Chemical-resistant gloves and protective apron (Correct answer)
- Standard cotton work gloves
- Safety glasses only
Correct answer: Chemical-resistant gloves and protective apron
Chemicals that cause burns require chemical-resistant gloves and a protective apron to prevent skin contact and serious injury.
Question 4: An 'incompatible chemicals' scenario occurs when:
- Two chemicals are stored at different temperatures
- Two chemicals react dangerously when combined (Correct answer)
- A chemical exceeds its shelf-life date
- A chemical is used in a poorly ventilated area
Correct answer: Two chemicals react dangerously when combined
Incompatible chemicals are substances that, when mixed or stored together, can cause dangerous reactions such as fire, explosion, or toxic gas release.
Question 5: What is the purpose of an eyewash station in a chemical work area?
- To rinse chemical containers before disposal
- To flush chemical splashes from the eyes with water for at least 15 minutes (Correct answer)
- To dilute chemicals before use
- To test the pH of unknown liquids
Correct answer: To flush chemical splashes from the eyes with water for at least 15 minutes
ANSI standards require eyewash stations that deliver a continuous flow of water to flush chemical splashes from the eyes for a minimum of 15 minutes.
Question 6: Which GHS pictogram represents an acute toxicity hazard (fatal or toxic if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through skin)?
- Flame
- Skull and crossbones (Correct answer)
- Exclamation mark
- Biohazard symbol
Correct answer: Skull and crossbones
The skull and crossbones GHS pictogram signifies acute toxicity at categories 1–3, indicating the chemical can be fatal or toxic through various exposure routes.
Question 7: Before entering a confined space where chemical vapors may be present, workers must:
- Wear a dust mask and enter quickly
- Test the atmosphere for oxygen, flammable gases, and toxic vapors (Correct answer)
- Ventilate with a fan for 5 minutes
- Post a warning sign and enter in pairs
Correct answer: Test the atmosphere for oxygen, flammable gases, and toxic vapors
OSHA's permit-required confined space standard mandates atmospheric testing for oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic contaminants before entry.
NSC Chemical Safety 3
Which section of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) contains first-aid measures?