WHMIS - Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System Safe Handling and Exposure Questions and Answers

Question 1

When implementing safety measures for a hazardous product, which of the following represents the most effective type of control according to the hierarchy of controls?

Accepted Answer

Eliminating the hazardous product or substituting it with a less hazardous one.

Answer

The hierarchy of controls ranks hazard control methods from most to least effective. Eliminating the hazard entirely or substituting it with a safer alternative is the most effective and preferred approach because it removes the risk at the source.

Question 2

A worker is required to handle a chemical whose Safety Data Sheet (SDS) specifies the use of nitrile gloves. The only gloves available are standard leather work gloves. What is the appropriate course of action?

Accepted Answer

Inform their supervisor that the specified PPE is unavailable and do not proceed with the task.

Answer

The specific type of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) listed in the SDS (Section 8) is mandatory for safe handling. If the required PPE is not available, the task must not be performed. The worker has a responsibility to inform their supervisor to obtain the correct equipment before starting the work.

Question 3

An employee accidentally splashes a hazardous liquid, which they know is corrosive, onto their arm. What is the most critical and immediate action they should take?

Accepted Answer

Proceed to an emergency shower or flushing station and rinse the affected area with large amounts of water.

Answer

For corrosive chemical exposures to the skin or eyes, the immediate priority is to flush the area with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes to dilute and remove the chemical. All other steps, such as notifying a supervisor and consulting the SDS, should happen after this critical first-aid measure has begun.

Question 4

Which of the following is the best example of an engineering control used to minimize exposure to airborne contaminants from a hazardous product?

Accepted Answer

A local exhaust ventilation system, such as a fume hood.

Answer

An engineering control is a physical modification to the workplace that isolates workers from the hazard. A local exhaust ventilation system physically captures and removes the contaminant from the air before it can be inhaled. Respirators are PPE, while shorter shifts and warning signs are types of administrative controls.

Question 5

A worker must store a container of a flammable liquid and a container of a strong oxidizing agent. According to general safe handling principles under WHMIS, what should the worker do?

Accepted Answer

Store them in separate, designated areas or in a cabinet that provides segregation for incompatible materials.

Answer

Oxidizers can cause or contribute to the combustion of other materials, especially flammables, creating a significant fire or explosion risk. It is a critical safe storage practice to segregate incompatible chemicals according to the instructions found on their respective SDSs (Section 7).

(WHMIS) Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System Practice Test

(WHMIS) Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System Practice Test

WHMIS - Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System Safe Handling and Exposure Questions and Answers