Safe Handling and Exposure Flashcards
7 cards from real WHMIS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Safe Handling and Exposure flashcards as text
A product classified under WHMIS as a 'sensitizer' caused an allergic reaction in a worker last month. The worker has since recovered. What precaution is MOST critical going forward?
Answer: The worker must avoid any further exposure to that substance, even at trace levels
Once sensitized, a worker can react severely to even tiny amounts of the allergen; continued exposure risks life-threatening reactions like anaphylaxis.
Under WHMIS, employers must provide workers with training on hazardous products. How often must this training be updated?
Answer: Whenever a new hazardous product is introduced, or when workplace conditions change that affect the hazard
WHMIS training must be updated when new hazardous products are introduced or when conditions change that could affect worker safety.
A worker is using a chemical with a vapor pressure of 250 mmHg at room temperature. What does this high vapor pressure indicate for safe handling?
Answer: The chemical evaporates rapidly, creating significant inhalation hazard that requires ventilation controls
High vapor pressure means the substance evaporates quickly, rapidly increasing airborne concentrations and inhalation risk.
When selecting respiratory protection for a hazardous product, the WHMIS SDS indicates the substance is an organic vapor. Which respirator cartridge should the worker use?
Answer: Organic vapor (OV) cartridge matched to the specific contaminant concentration
Organic vapor cartridges are specifically designed to adsorb organic vapors; cartridge selection must match the contaminant class and concentration.
A worker accidentally ingests a small amount of a hazardous product. The SDS for that product states 'do NOT induce vomiting.' Why might this instruction be given?
Answer: The substance may cause more damage to the esophagus and airway if vomited, especially if corrosive or a hydrocarbon
Corrosives and hydrocarbons can cause severe secondary damage to the throat or aspiration into the lungs if vomited, which is why the SDS may prohibit inducing emesis.
Under WHMIS, a 'health hazard' pictogram (exclamation mark) on a label indicates which type of hazard?
Answer: A less severe health effect such as skin/eye irritation, skin sensitization, or acute toxicity Category 4
The exclamation mark pictogram covers moderate health hazards including irritants, skin sensitizers, and lower-category acute toxicants.
A worker is required to wear a supplied-air respirator (SAR) when working with a highly toxic gas. Which condition would make the SAR mandatory over an air-purifying respirator?
Answer: The oxygen level in the work area is below 19.5% or the contaminant concentration exceeds the APF of available air-purifying respirators
Supplied-air respirators are required in oxygen-deficient atmospheres or when contaminant concentrations exceed what air-purifying respirators can safely handle.