NSC Hazard Recognition 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is the BEST example of a chemical hazard in a manufacturing facility?
- Inadequate lighting in a stairwell
- Exposure to airborne solvent vapors without ventilation (Correct answer)
- A torn floor mat near an exit
- A malfunctioning fire alarm
Correct answer: Exposure to airborne solvent vapors without ventilation
Airborne solvent vapors represent a chemical hazard because inhalation can cause acute and chronic health effects.
Question 2: Which technique involves workers systematically walking through their work area to identify hazards before starting a task?
- Job hazard analysis (JHA)
- Pre-task hazard assessment (Correct answer)
- Incident investigation
- Root cause analysis
Correct answer: Pre-task hazard assessment
A pre-task hazard assessment is performed before beginning work to identify and control hazards specific to that task.
Question 3: A forklift operator notices the floor in a warehouse aisle is uneven and cracked. Which hazard category does this MOST represent?
- Ergonomic hazard
- Radiation hazard
- Struck-by hazard
- Surface/trip hazard (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Surface/trip hazard
Uneven and cracked floors create trip and vehicle stability hazards in pedestrian and forklift traffic areas.
Question 4: During a safety walkthrough, you see extension cords running under a rug in a high-traffic area. What is the PRIMARY hazard?
- Fire hazard from heat buildup and potential overload (Correct answer)
- Biological contamination from the rug material
- Chemical exposure from the cord insulation
- Ergonomic strain from reaching over the cord
Correct answer: Fire hazard from heat buildup and potential overload
Extension cords under rugs can overheat due to trapped heat, creating a fire hazard and also a hidden trip hazard.
Question 5: Which of the following would be considered a biological hazard in a healthcare setting?
- Heavy lifting of patients
- Bloodborne pathogen exposure from needlestick injuries (Correct answer)
- Loud alarm systems
- Slippery floors from mopping
Correct answer: Bloodborne pathogen exposure from needlestick injuries
Bloodborne pathogens transmitted through needlestick injuries are a recognized biological hazard in healthcare.
Question 6: What does the hierarchy of hazard controls prioritize as the MOST effective control method?
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Administrative controls
- Elimination of the hazard (Correct answer)
- Engineering controls
Correct answer: Elimination of the hazard
Elimination removes the hazard entirely and is the most effective control because it prevents exposure completely.
Question 7: A worker performing overhead work complains of neck pain after repeated upward gazing. Which hazard type is this?
- Chemical hazard
- Ergonomic hazard from awkward posture (Correct answer)
- Biological hazard
- Physical hazard from vibration
Correct answer: Ergonomic hazard from awkward posture
Sustained awkward postures such as overhead work cause musculoskeletal strain and are classified as ergonomic hazards.
NSC Hazard Recognition 3
Which of the following is the BEST example of a chemical hazard in a manufacturing facility?