OSHA Hazard 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the first step in the hazard control hierarchy recommended by OSHA?
- Elimination of the hazard (Correct answer)
- Personal protective equipment
- Administrative controls
- Engineering controls
Correct answer: Elimination of the hazard
Elimination removes the hazard entirely and sits at the top of the hierarchy of controls.
Question 2: In the hierarchy of controls, which method is considered the LEAST effective?
- Personal protective equipment (Correct answer)
- Elimination
- Substitution
- Engineering controls
Correct answer: Personal protective equipment
PPE is the last line of defense and least effective because it relies on the worker.
Question 3: Installing a ventilation system to remove airborne contaminants is an example of which type of control?
- Engineering control (Correct answer)
- Administrative control
- PPE
- Elimination
Correct answer: Engineering control
Ventilation physically isolates people from the hazard, making it an engineering control.
Question 4: Rotating workers to limit exposure time to a hazard is an example of what control type?
- Administrative control (Correct answer)
- Engineering control
- Substitution
- Elimination
Correct answer: Administrative control
Changing work schedules or procedures to reduce exposure is an administrative control.
Question 5: Replacing a toxic solvent with a safer water-based cleaner is an example of what?
- Substitution (Correct answer)
- PPE
- Administrative control
- Isolation
Correct answer: Substitution
Substitution swaps a hazardous material for a less hazardous one.
Question 6: Why does OSHA prefer engineering controls over PPE when both are feasible?
- Engineering controls protect all workers without depending on individual behavior (Correct answer)
- PPE is always more expensive
- Engineering controls require no maintenance
- PPE is prohibited by OSHA
Correct answer: Engineering controls protect all workers without depending on individual behavior
Engineering controls reduce hazards at the source and don't rely on each worker using them correctly.
Question 7: A hazard assessment must be conducted before selecting which control?
- Personal protective equipment (Correct answer)
- None; PPE needs no assessment
- Only substitution
- Only elimination
Correct answer: Personal protective equipment
OSHA requires a hazard assessment to determine the appropriate PPE for the job.
OSHA Hazard 3
What is the first step in the hazard control hierarchy recommended by OSHA?