CHST Health Hazards and PPE 3

Question 1

Under OSHA 1910.134, which type of respirator is required when entering an Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) atmosphere?

Accepted Answer

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) operated in pressure-demand mode, or a supplied-air respirator with escape SCBA

Answer

OSHA 1910.134(d)(2)(i)(A) requires that workers entering IDLH atmospheres use a full-facepiece pressure-demand SCBA certified by NIOSH, or a combination full-facepiece pressure-demand supplied-air respirator with auxiliary self-contained air supply.

Question 2

What health hazards are associated with prolonged exposure to Portland cement on construction sites?

Accepted Answer

Silicosis risk from crystalline silica content, skin sensitization from hexavalent chromium, and severe chemical burns from wet cement's high alkalinity

Answer

Portland cement contains crystalline silica (carcinogen), hexavalent chromium (skin and respiratory sensitizer), and has a pH of 12–13 when wet, causing severe chemical burns with prolonged skin contact.

Question 3

In the hierarchy of controls, where does personal protective equipment (PPE) rank, and why?

Accepted Answer

PPE is the lowest-order (last resort) control because it protects workers from exposure but does not eliminate or reduce the hazard itself

Answer

PPE is the lowest-order control in the hierarchy (elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, PPE) because it does nothing to reduce the hazard — it only protects the worker from it, and relies on correct use every time.

Question 4

Which sign and symptom combination is the cardinal indicator that distinguishes heat stroke from heat exhaustion?

Accepted Answer

Core body temperature above 104°F combined with central nervous system dysfunction such as confusion, disorientation, or loss of consciousness

Answer

Heat stroke is a medical emergency defined by core body temperature above 104°F combined with CNS dysfunction including confusion, disorientation, slurred speech, or unconsciousness — requiring immediate cooling and emergency medical care.

Question 5

Under the GHS-format SDS, which section contains exposure controls and personal protective equipment requirements?

Accepted Answer

Section 8 — Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Answer

Section 8 of the GHS-format SDS covers Exposure Controls and Personal Protection, including OSHA PELs, ACGIH TLVs, engineering controls, and specific PPE recommendations for each exposure route.

CHST - Construction Health and Safety Technician Practice Test

CHST - Construction Health and Safety Technician Practice Test

CHST Health Hazards and PPE 3