Hazard Communication (HazCom) and Chemical Safety Flashcards

The GHS signal word 'DANGER' versus 'WARNING' on a chemical label indicates:

Answer: Danger = more severe hazard categories, Warning = less severe hazard categories

DANGER is used for the most severe hazard categories (1 and 2), while WARNING is used for less severe categories (3 and 4).

Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) for construction chemicals are set by:

Answer: OSHA (as 8-hour time-weighted averages or ceiling/peak limits)

OSHA sets legally enforceable PELs, while NIOSH sets recommended exposure limits (RELs) and ACGIH sets threshold limit values (TLVs).

A written Hazard Communication (HazCom) program must include which of the following elements?

Answer: A list of hazardous chemicals, labeling procedures, SDS access procedures, and employee training

The written HazCom program must address: chemical inventory, labeling, SDS management, and training — these are the four pillars of HCS compliance.

When a construction worker shows symptoms of chemical overexposure (dizziness, nausea, difficulty breathing), the first step should be:

Answer: Remove the worker from exposure to fresh air and call for medical assistance

Removing the person from further exposure and calling for medical help are the immediate priorities in chemical overexposure.

Under GHS, the exclamation mark (!) pictogram is used for chemicals that are:

Answer: Irritants, harmful substances, or chemicals causing skin/eye sensitization

The exclamation mark GHS08 pictogram covers less severe but still significant hazards: irritants, harmful substances, and sensitizers.

How long must employers retain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for chemicals that were used in the workplace?

Answer: 30 years after the last employee exposure to the chemical

OSHA requires SDS records to be retained for 30 years after the last employee exposure, to support future occupational illness investigations.