Healthstream: Hazard Communication (PA)

You are preparing to work with a chemical. Prior to opening the container, you inspect the label for any special instructions or warnings. You notice the corrosion pictogram on the chemical hazard label. You are wearing prescription glasses, jeans, a t-shirt, and tennis shoes. Based solely on this information, which of the following types of PPE should you consider including in your PPE ensemble?

All of these The corrosion pictogram indicates that the chemical is corrosive. A corrosive chemical is able to destroy living tissue upon short- or long-term contact. Select PPE to protect the eyes and all exposed skin. You need goggles for the eyes. Remember that prescription glasses are not a substitute for goggles. You will also need gloves for the skin of the hands. You should wear a lab coat to protect the skin of your arms.

Exposure to a chemical that is a health hazard can occur through all of the following EXCEPT:

All of these are exposure routes Exposure to health hazards can occur through the eyes, skin, inhalation, ingestion (mouth), or injection.

Regarding the local and systemic effects of toxic chemicals, all of the following are true EXCEPT:

All toxic chemicals have both local and systemic effects. Toxic chemicals may have local effects only, systemic effects only, or both local and systemic effects.

You are working to bring a healthcare facility into compliance with the SDS-related provisions of OSHA's HCS. You interview administrative personnel at the facility. You learn that the facility has compiled a list of all hazardous chemicals to which workers in the facility might be exposed. An SDS corresponding to each chemical on the list has been obtained and filed. For full compliance, you advise that this facility also must:

Ensure that the SDS file is readily available to all workers in their work areas, at all times. Under the HCS, employers are not responsible for verifying the accuracy of SDS information, or compiling a list of emergency numbers.

In which section of an SDS would you find information about exposure limits?

Exposure controls and personal protection information The exposure limits are listed in the exposure controls and personal protection information section.

You can never use too much PPE when working with a hazardous chemical that has adverse health effects

False Excess PPE can create hazards such as heat stress. Excess PPE can also impair vision, mobility, and communication.

Latex gloves should always be used as PPE when handling chemicals in the healthcare environment.

False Latex gloves are permeable to many types of chemicals. They do not always provide adequate protection.

All gases used in industry have a distinctive odor.

False Many gases do not have a distinctive odor or color.

Solids in the form of dust, fume, or fibers are rarely hazardous.

False Solids are not usually hazardous. Most solid materials are not readily absorbed into the body. Dust, fume, and fibers, however, can be highly hazardous.

The chemical hazard label indicates the class of hazard. It uses three major color-coded categories: Health (yellow), Flammability (red), and Instability (blue).

False The label uses one of 9 pictograms to identify the hazard class.

If a product is an oxidizing agent, a ____ pictogram will appear on the label.

Flame Over Circle An oxidizer is identified with the Flame Over Circle pictogram.

You are preparing a chemical hazard label for a new product. You know that the product is flammable, carcinogenic, and may irritate the respiratory tract. What pictogram(s) should be on the label?

Flame, Health Hazard, and Exclamation Mark This answer choice indicates flammability, carcinogenic health hazard, and respiratory tract irritation.

All of the following chemicals are physical hazards EXCEPT:

Glutaraldehyde TNT, compressed gas in a cylinder, and alcohols are all physical hazards. Glutaraldehyde is a health hazard.

A product labeled with the Skull and Crossbones pictogram:

Has the potential for severe, acute toxicity The Skull and Crossbones pictogram indicates the potential for severe, acute toxicity.

Under the Hazard Communication Act, employers are responsible for:

Maintaining a file of SDSs for all hazardous chemicals used in their facilities Employers are not responsible for creating SDSs or verifying their accuracy. The manufacturer of each hazardous chemical is responsible for creating a corresponding SDSs and providing accurate information.

Which of the following chemical(s) present(s) a physical hazard?

None of these is a physical hazard. Physical hazards explode, ignite, or react violently with other substances. All of the chemicals listed are health hazards. Chemical A is Glutaraldehyde.

Which of the following statements is TRUE?

None of these is true. Inhaled chemicals can irritate the nose or throat, damage the lungs, and/or enter the bloodstream through the lungs. Skin is not impermeable. You should never smoke around hazardous chemicals.

You are preparing to work with Chemical A. You open the appropriate storage cabinet, and notice Chemical B, as well as Chemical A. Based on your knowledge of both chemicals you suspect that they should not be stored together. Which section of the SDS should you consult, in order to confirm your suspicion?

Stability and reactivity The Stability and Reactivity section of an SDS provides information regarding the material's stability, as well as any special storage or use instructions. Any products or substances that should not be stored with the material are listed under Incompatible materials in this section. Relevant information may also be found in the Handling and Storage section.

Under the Hazard Communication Act, all of the following are true of container labeling EXCEPT:

The NFPA 704 symbol is required. Chemical manufacturers and importers must provide a label that includes a signal word, pictogram, and hazard statement for each hazard class and category. Precautionary statements, product identifier, and supplier information must also be provided. The NFPA 704 symbol is not required.

OSHA requires all employers to develop written hazard communication programs.

True Under the Hazard Communication Standard, all employers are required to develop written hazard communication programs.