Hazard Communication (HazCom) and Chemical Safety Flashcards

Under OSHA's HazCom standard, who is responsible for ensuring that Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are accessible to employees during their shifts?

Answer: The employer

Employers must ensure SDSs are readily accessible to employees during each work shift in their work areas.

A construction worker finds an unlabeled container of liquid in a storage area. What is the correct first action?

Answer: Do not use it and report it to the supervisor

Unlabeled containers must never be used; the supervisor should be notified so the contents can be identified or properly disposed of.

Which GHS pictogram specifically indicates a substance that is acutely toxic and may cause death or serious injury even in small amounts?

Answer: Skull and crossbones pictogram

The skull and crossbones GHS pictogram signals acute toxicity categories 1–3, representing severe or fatal hazards.

What does Section 8 of a Safety Data Sheet address?

Answer: Exposure controls and personal protective equipment

SDS Section 8 covers exposure limits, engineering controls, and required PPE to minimize worker exposure.

A supervisor notices that a chemical's container label has become unreadable due to weather exposure. What must be done before the chemical is used again?

Answer: Re-label the container with the required label elements

Containers with damaged or missing labels must be re-labeled with the required GHS label elements before use.

Which of the following is NOT a required element on a GHS-compliant chemical label?

Answer: The chemical's purchase price

GHS labels require the product identifier, signal word, hazard/precautionary statements, pictograms, and supplier info — not pricing.

When two chemicals stored near each other can react violently if they come into contact, they are described as what?

Answer: Incompatible

Incompatible chemicals must be segregated in storage because mixing them can cause fires, explosions, or toxic gas release.