CFA Safety and Environmental Protection Questions and Answers

Question 1

An applicator is loading liquid UAN (28-0-0) into a sprayer tank when a hose ruptures, causing a significant spill onto a concrete containment pad. What is the IMMEDIATE first priority for the applicator?

Accepted Answer

Stop the flow of the fertilizer from the source.

Answer

The first step in any spill response is to control the source of the spill to prevent it from worsening. Before any containment or cleanup can effectively begin, the flow of the material must be stopped. This is often referred to as the 'Control' step in the 'Control, Contain, Clean up' spill response model.

Question 2

When handling anhydrous ammonia (82-0-0), which piece of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is most critical for protecting the applicator from severe chemical burns and respiratory damage?

Accepted Answer

Non-vented chemical splash goggles and ammonia-rated rubber gloves.

Answer

Anhydrous ammonia aggressively seeks water and can cause severe, permanent damage to moist tissues like the eyes, skin, and lungs. Therefore, non-vented goggles (to prevent gas from entering) and ammonia-rated rubber gloves are the minimum essential PPE to prevent devastating injuries. A respirator is also required for many situations.

Question 3

To protect surface water quality from nutrient contamination, which of the following is a critical best management practice when applying fertilizer near a river?

Accepted Answer

Establish and observe a mandatory no-application setback or buffer zone.

Answer

Establishing a setback or buffer zone where no fertilizer is applied is a key regulatory requirement and best management practice. This untreated strip of land helps prevent direct application into the water and filters runoff, protecting against nutrient losses that can cause issues like algal blooms.

Question 4

A facility stores liquid fertilizer in multiple large above-ground tanks. To comply with environmental regulations and prevent groundwater contamination in case of a tank failure, what structural feature is required?

Accepted Answer

Secondary containment capable of holding at least 110-125% of the largest tank's volume.

Answer

Secondary containment, such as a dike or basin, is a standard legal requirement for bulk liquid fertilizer storage. Its purpose is to contain a catastrophic leak from the primary tank. Regulations typically require the containment volume to be 110% to 125% of the largest tank's volume, plus displacement for other tanks and sometimes precipitation.

Question 5

Certain fertilizer materials, such as ammonium nitrate, are regulated by the Department of Homeland Security. Why is this specific fertilizer of particular concern from a safety and security standpoint?

Accepted Answer

It can be misused as a component in the manufacturing of illegal explosives.

Answer

Ammonium nitrate, while an excellent fertilizer, can also be used as an oxidizer in homemade explosives. Because of this potential for misuse in terrorist activities, its sale, transfer, and storage are regulated to prevent theft and ensure it is only sold to legitimate users.

CFA Practice Test

CFA Practice Test

CFA Safety and Environmental Protection Questions and Answers