CHSP Hazard Control Practices 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to the hierarchy of controls, which method is most effective at eliminating workplace hazards?
- Personal protective equipment
- Administrative controls
- Engineering controls
- Elimination of the hazard (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Elimination of the hazard
Elimination, the top of the hierarchy of controls, is the most effective method because it completely removes the hazard from the workplace.
The hierarchy of controls ranks methods from most to least effective: Elimination, Substitution, Engineering Controls, Administrative Controls, and PPE.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of a lockout/tagout (LOTO) program in a healthcare facility?
- To secure patient rooms during isolation procedures
- To prevent unauthorized access to pharmaceutical storage
- To ensure hazardous energy sources are isolated during equipment maintenance (Correct answer)
- To lock exterior doors after visiting hours
Correct answer: To ensure hazardous energy sources are isolated during equipment maintenance
Lockout/tagout programs ensure that machines and equipment are properly shut off and cannot be started during maintenance, protecting workers from hazardous energy release.
LOTO programs, governed by OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.147, protect workers from the unexpected release of hazardous energy during service and maintenance of machines and equipment.
Question 3: What type of engineering control is used to protect healthcare workers from exposure to airborne infectious agents?
- Safety data sheets
- Negative pressure isolation rooms (Correct answer)
- Written infection control policies
- Annual training programs
Correct answer: Negative pressure isolation rooms
Negative pressure isolation rooms prevent airborne infectious agents from escaping to adjacent areas by maintaining lower air pressure within the room.
Negative pressure isolation rooms maintain air pressure lower than surrounding areas, causing air to flow into the room. They require a minimum of 12 air changes per hour and air exhausted directly outside or through HEPA filtration.
Question 4: Which OSHA standard requires employers to provide and maintain Safety Data Sheets for hazardous chemicals?
- Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
- Hazard Communication Standard (Correct answer)
- Respiratory Protection Standard
- Electrical Safety Standard
Correct answer: Hazard Communication Standard
The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS/HazCom) requires employers to maintain Safety Data Sheets for all hazardous chemicals present in the workplace.
OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) requires maintaining SDSs, proper GHS labeling, a written hazard communication program, and employee training.
Question 5: What is the recommended approach for managing slip, trip, and fall hazards in a healthcare facility?
- Only address hazards after an injury occurs
- Implement a proactive program including regular inspections, prompt spill cleanup, and appropriate flooring (Correct answer)
- Post warning signs and consider the issue resolved
- Rely solely on employee awareness training
Correct answer: Implement a proactive program including regular inspections, prompt spill cleanup, and appropriate flooring
A comprehensive approach including regular inspections, immediate spill cleanup, appropriate flooring, adequate lighting, and clear walkways is the most effective strategy.
Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common workplace injuries in healthcare. An effective prevention program includes multiple elements working together.
Question 6: In a healthcare setting, what is the purpose of a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)?
- To evaluate employee job performance
- To systematically identify hazards associated with specific job tasks and determine appropriate controls (Correct answer)
- To calculate workers compensation premiums
- To develop job descriptions for recruitment
Correct answer: To systematically identify hazards associated with specific job tasks and determine appropriate controls
A Job Hazard Analysis systematically breaks down job tasks to identify potential hazards at each step and determine the best control measures.
A JHA involves selecting the job, breaking it into steps, identifying hazards at each step, and determining preventive measures using the hierarchy of controls.
According to the hierarchy of controls, which method is most effective at eliminating workplace hazards?