CAR Appliance Recycler Safety & Hazardous Material Handling 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may be found in which component of older large household appliances?
- Compressor motor windings
- Ballast capacitors in fluorescent-lit appliance interiors (Correct answer)
- Plastic door gaskets
- Stainless steel drum liners
Correct answer: Ballast capacitors in fluorescent-lit appliance interiors
PCBs were used as dielectric fluid in capacitors, including ballast capacitors in older fluorescent lighting found in some appliance interiors.
Question 2: When using a refrigerant recovery machine, the technician should stop recovery operations when:
- The recovery cylinder feels warm to the touch
- The system pressure reaches 0 psig
- The recovery cylinder reaches 80% of its rated capacity by weight (Correct answer)
- The compressor of the appliance stops running
Correct answer: The recovery cylinder reaches 80% of its rated capacity by weight
Recovery cylinders must not be filled beyond 80% of their rated capacity by weight to allow for liquid expansion and prevent overpressure.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes a Class D fire hazard in an appliance recycling facility?
- Burning rubber insulation on wiring
- Ignition of compressor oil
- Fire involving combustible metals such as magnesium found in some appliance housings (Correct answer)
- Electrical fire in a motor starter panel
Correct answer: Fire involving combustible metals such as magnesium found in some appliance housings
Class D fires involve combustible metals like magnesium, which may be present in lightweight appliance components and require specialized dry powder extinguishers.
Question 4: According to EPA regulations, who is authorized to purchase refrigerant in containers larger than 2 pounds?
- Any person with a valid business license
- Only EPA Section 608 certified technicians (Correct answer)
- Any individual 18 years of age or older
- Only licensed HVAC contractors with state certification
Correct answer: Only EPA Section 608 certified technicians
EPA Section 608 requires that purchasers of refrigerant in containers larger than 2 lbs must be certified under the applicable type of certification.
Question 5: What is the primary risk of mercury tilt switches found in some older appliances when the unit is crushed without prior de-manufacturing?
- The switch can generate an electrical arc
- Mercury is released as a vapor or liquid, contaminating the environment (Correct answer)
- The switch can cause a chemical fire when compressed
- The switch emits radiation when broken
Correct answer: Mercury is released as a vapor or liquid, contaminating the environment
Crushing appliances with intact mercury tilt switches releases liquid mercury or mercury vapor, both of which are acutely toxic and create environmental contamination.
Question 6: A worker develops skin redness and blistering after handling insulation foam from a refrigerator. This reaction is most likely caused by:
- Fiberglass particles embedded in the foam
- Residual blowing agents such as cyclopentane trapped in the foam cells (Correct answer)
- Normal reaction to cold temperatures
- Static electricity discharge from the foam surface
Correct answer: Residual blowing agents such as cyclopentane trapped in the foam cells
Cyclopentane and other hydrocarbon blowing agents trapped in polyurethane foam can irritate skin on prolonged contact; proper gloves and respiratory protection are required.
Question 7: Under OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom), which document provides workers with detailed information about chemical hazards, safe handling, and emergency procedures for a specific substance?
- Material Requisition Form
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS) (Correct answer)
- Chemical Inventory Log
- Incident Report Form
Correct answer: Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is the OSHA-required document containing 16 standardized sections covering chemical identity, hazards, safe handling, and emergency response.
CAR Appliance Recycler Safety & Hazardous Material Handling 3
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may be found in which component of older large household appliances?