Hazard Communication Standard Flashcards
21 cards from real OSHA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 20 Hazard Communication Standard flashcards as text
How many pictograms are used in the GHS labeling system under OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard?
Answer: 9
GHS uses nine standardized pictograms, though OSHA enforces eight of them.
What shape and color border do GHS pictograms use?
Answer: Red-bordered diamond (square set on a point)
GHS pictograms are diamonds (squares set on a point) with a red border and black symbol.
Which signal word indicates a more severe hazard on a GHS label?
Answer: Danger
"Danger" is used for more severe hazards while "Warning" is used for less severe ones.
A worker finds an unlabeled secondary container of a chemical left overnight. What should they do?
Answer: Label it or ask the supervisor before use
Secondary containers must be properly labeled before use to identify hazards.
Which pictogram represents a health hazard such as carcinogenicity?
Answer: Human silhouette with a starburst on the chest
The health hazard pictogram shows a human silhouette with a starburst, used for carcinogens and respiratory sensitizers.
What does the skull and crossbones pictogram indicate?
Answer: Acute toxicity (fatal or toxic)
The skull and crossbones pictogram signals acute toxicity that can be fatal or toxic.
Under HazCom, who is responsible for classifying chemical hazards and providing the initial label?
Answer: The chemical manufacturer or importer
Chemical manufacturers and importers must classify hazards and provide labels and SDSs.
How many sections are in a standardized Safety Data Sheet (SDS) under HazCom 2012?
Answer: 16
The GHS-aligned SDS format has 16 standardized sections in a set order.
Which SDS section contains first-aid measures?
Answer: Section 4
Section 4 of an SDS covers first-aid measures.
Sections 12 through 15 of an SDS are which type of information?
Answer: Not enforced by OSHA but included for GHS consistency
Sections 12–15 (ecological, disposal, transport, regulatory) are not enforced by OSHA but retained for GHS consistency.
Where must SDSs be kept in the workplace?
Answer: Readily accessible to employees during their shift
SDSs must be readily accessible to employees in their work area during each work shift.
Which SDS section lists exposure limits like the OSHA PEL?
Answer: Section 8 (Exposure controls/personal protection)
Section 8 covers exposure controls and personal protection, including PELs and TLVs.
If a new SDS arrives showing new hazard information, what must the employer do?
Answer: Update files and inform affected employees of new hazards
Employers must maintain current SDSs and inform employees of newly identified hazards.
Within what timeframe must a manufacturer provide an updated SDS after learning of significant new hazard information?
Answer: Within 3 months
Manufacturers must update the SDS within three months of learning of new significant hazard information.
What is the primary purpose of a written hazard communication program?
Answer: To document how the employer will meet HazCom requirements
The written program describes how the employer implements labeling, SDSs, and training.
Which of these must a written HazCom program include?
Answer: A list of hazardous chemicals in the workplace
The written program must include a list of hazardous chemicals present in the workplace.
When must employees receive HazCom training?
Answer: At initial assignment and whenever a new hazard is introduced
Training is required at initial assignment and whenever a new chemical hazard is introduced.
For non-routine tasks involving chemicals, the employer must ensure employees are informed of what?
Answer: The hazards associated with those specific tasks
Employees must be informed of hazards of non-routine tasks, such as cleaning a reactor vessel.
A contractor works on-site where hazardous chemicals are used. Who must exchange hazard information?
Answer: Both the host employer and the contractor employer
Host and contractor employers must exchange information on hazards and protective measures at multi-employer worksites.
What must employee training cover regarding detecting chemical presence?
Answer: Methods to detect a release, like monitoring or odor
Training must include methods and observations used to detect the presence or release of a hazardous chemical.
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Sources & references
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- osha.gov — Score validity, test delivery, eligibility, passing score, renewal, retake policy, score release · verified Nov 2026