WHMIS Emergency Procedures and Spill Response 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a flammable liquid spill occurs, which action must be taken immediately to prevent fire or explosion?
- Mop up the spill with paper towels quickly
- Eliminate all ignition sources in the area (Correct answer)
- Pour water on the spill to dilute it
- Use a fan pointed at the spill to disperse vapors outdoors
Correct answer: Eliminate all ignition sources in the area
Flammable liquid vapors can ignite from any spark or open flame; eliminating ignition sources is the critical first step to prevent fire or explosion.
Question 2: In a chemical emergency involving an inhalation hazard, what is the correct first aid priority?
- Administer CPR immediately
- Move affected persons to fresh air (Correct answer)
- Call a doctor before taking any action
- Apply oxygen using a portable tank
Correct answer: Move affected persons to fresh air
Removing the affected person from continued exposure by moving them to fresh air is the primary first aid step for inhalation injuries.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of a spill kit in a WHMIS-compliant workplace?
- To store and organize chemical containers safely
- To provide materials needed to contain and clean up hazardous spills (Correct answer)
- To transport hazardous materials between work areas
- To measure chemical vapor concentrations in the air
Correct answer: To provide materials needed to contain and clean up hazardous spills
Spill kits contain absorbents, neutralizers, PPE, and disposal bags that allow workers to safely contain and clean up hazardous chemical spills.
Question 4: Under WHMIS, who bears primary responsibility for ensuring workers are trained in emergency response procedures for hazardous products?
- The federal government
- The supplier of the hazardous product
- The employer (Correct answer)
- The local fire department
Correct answer: The employer
WHMIS places the responsibility on employers to provide workers with training that includes emergency procedures for all hazardous products used in the workplace.
Question 5: When skin contact with a corrosive chemical occurs, what is the recommended first aid action?
- Apply a chemical neutralizing agent to the skin immediately
- Flush the affected area with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes (Correct answer)
- Cover the area with a dry sterile bandage
- Apply burn cream and wrap the area tightly
Correct answer: Flush the affected area with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes
Flushing with water for at least 15 minutes dilutes and physically removes corrosive chemicals from skin, reducing the depth and severity of chemical burns.
Question 6: What information in the SDS helps workers determine whether a chemical spill requires calling emergency services?
- Section 1 – Identification
- Section 2 – Hazard Identification and Section 6 – Accidental Release Measures (Correct answer)
- Section 9 – Physical and Chemical Properties only
- Section 15 – Regulatory Information only
Correct answer: Section 2 – Hazard Identification and Section 6 – Accidental Release Measures
Section 2 identifies the severity of hazards and Section 6 specifies emergency notification requirements, together determining whether external emergency services are needed.
Question 7: Which type of fire extinguisher should NOT be used on a flammable liquid (Class B) fire?
- CO2 (carbon dioxide) extinguisher
- Dry chemical extinguisher
- Water extinguisher (Correct answer)
- Foam extinguisher
Correct answer: Water extinguisher
Water can spread burning flammable liquids, enlarging the fire; CO2, dry chemical, or foam extinguishers are appropriate for Class B fires.
WHMIS Emergency Procedures and Spill Response 2
When a flammable liquid spill occurs, which action must be taken immediately to prevent fire or explosion?