Safety and Industrial Hygiene Issues

Question 1

Which of these references should the OHN use to find the most current recommended levels for toxic airborne substances?

Answer 1

The American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) is an organization that disseminates scientifc and technical knowledge regarding the workplace, including annual editions of ACHIH’s Annual Threshold Limit Values (TLV’s) and Biological Exposure Indices (BEIs). Occupational exposure guidelines are recommended for more than 700 substances and agents.

Question 2

The OHN is collaborating with the safety director to determine the root cause of the forklift truck accident that resulted in an above-knee amputation. In investigating the accident, the OHN should take which of these actions?

Answer 2

Since all accidents indicate, at least in part, a system or management problem, it is the responsibility of the OHN to help identify the problem(s) associated with this particular incident.

Question 3

An example of a possible root cause in a forklift truck accident is:

Answer 3

The OHN is looking for underlying factors that led to the accident: a management or system error. Therefore, the only correct answer is a failure to assure effective training.

Question 4

As part of the safety orientation for a job that requires respiratory protection, instructions should include:

Answer 4

For workers required to use respirators, the OSHA respiratory protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134) mandates training prior to using the respirator in the workplace. Specific elements required in the training include how to recognize medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent the effective use of respirators.

Respirators should NOT be stored in sealed plastic bags as this encourages microbial growht.

Respirators may not be worn by workers who have facial hair.

There is no personal respirator cleaning log.

Question 5

What is the most appropriate area to place a sharps container?

Answer 5

In order to reduce needlestick injuries, engineering controls such as placement of sharps containers should be included with limiting sharps use to only those with safety mechanisms. The most appropriate place to place a container is where sharps are generated

Question 6

Respiratory protection programs require that employee training must occur:

Answer 6

Every 12 months.

Question 7

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistic (BLS) workers at most risk for incurring an eye injury include those in:

Answer 7

Manufacturing, construction and trade industries are at most risk for incurring an eye injury according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Question 8

Of the types of hearing protection on the market which statement is true?

Answer 8

Ear muffs offer the most diverse hearing protection
Custom-molded ear plugs are reusable
Hearing protection is not limited to ear muffs and ear plugs
Ear muffs may be worn with ear plugs

Question 9

When developing a work place violence program, the OHN defines an engineering control example as:

Answer 9

1. Establishing a liaison with local law enforcement (administrative and work practice control)
2. Controlling access to work areas (hazard prevention and control)
3. Providing training to staff in areas with potential for assaults (education)
4. Remodeling work stations with deep service counters (engineering control)

Question 10

When developing a hazardous drug education program, the OHN recognizes an example of primary prevention strategy includes:

Answer 10

Personal protective equipment (primary prevention).

Question 11

Primary Prevention of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) problems include:

Answer 11

HVAC system and management education.