NSC Hazard Recognition 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which tool is MOST commonly used to systematically identify hazards for a specific job task?
- Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS)
- Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) (Correct answer)
- OSHA 300 Log
- Incident investigation report
Correct answer: Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)
A Job Hazard Analysis breaks down a task into steps and identifies the potential hazards and controls for each step.
Question 2: An employee working outdoors in summer heat begins to experience dizziness and excessive sweating. What hazard is involved?
- Radiation hazard from UV exposure
- Environmental physical hazard from heat stress (Correct answer)
- Ergonomic hazard from heavy lifting
- Biological hazard from insect exposure
Correct answer: Environmental physical hazard from heat stress
Heat stress is a physical environmental hazard that can progress to heat exhaustion or heat stroke if unrecognized.
Question 3: Which of the following represents a 'struck-by' hazard on a construction site?
- Working in a trench without shoring
- Tools or materials falling from upper levels onto workers below (Correct answer)
- Breathing silica dust during concrete cutting
- Touching energized electrical equipment
Correct answer: Tools or materials falling from upper levels onto workers below
Struck-by hazards occur when an object makes forceful contact with a worker, such as falling tools or equipment.
Question 4: When conducting a safety inspection, the color-coding of pipes and containers is reviewed. What hazard does color-coding primarily help workers recognize?
- Radiation hazards
- Chemical and material content hazards (Correct answer)
- Ergonomic risks
- Noise exposure levels
Correct answer: Chemical and material content hazards
Color-coding systems like ANSI pipe marking alert workers to the type of substance contained, helping identify chemical and safety hazards.
Question 5: A newly hired worker is most at risk for workplace injury during which period?
- After five years of service
- During the first days and weeks on the job (Correct answer)
- During mandatory overtime shifts
- After returning from vacation
Correct answer: During the first days and weeks on the job
New workers lack familiarity with workplace hazards, equipment, and procedures, making the first weeks the highest-risk period.
Question 6: Which of the following describes a 'caught-in or caught-between' hazard?
- A worker slipping on a wet floor
- A worker's clothing becoming entangled in rotating machinery (Correct answer)
- A worker being struck by a swinging load
- A worker developing carpal tunnel syndrome from typing
Correct answer: A worker's clothing becoming entangled in rotating machinery
Caught-in or caught-between hazards occur when a body part or clothing is caught in moving machinery or between objects.
Question 7: Which step should IMMEDIATELY follow hazard recognition according to the NSC safety process?
- Document the hazard in the OSHA 300 log
- Evaluate the risk level of the hazard (Correct answer)
- Purchase new PPE for all workers
- Notify OSHA of the finding
Correct answer: Evaluate the risk level of the hazard
After recognizing a hazard, evaluating its risk—considering likelihood and severity—guides the selection of appropriate controls.
NSC Hazard Recognition 4
Which tool is MOST commonly used to systematically identify hazards for a specific job task?