CHSP Hazardous Materials Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the NFPA 704 diamond-shaped placard communicate about hazardous materials?
- The material shipping classification
- Health, flammability, instability hazards, and special notices using a color-coded rating system (Correct answer)
- The material weight and volume
- The manufacturer contact information
Correct answer: Health, flammability, instability hazards, and special notices using a color-coded rating system
The NFPA 704 diamond uses four color-coded quadrants (blue for health, red for flammability, yellow for instability, white for special hazards) with ratings 0-4.
Blue (left) indicates health hazards, Red (top) flammability, Yellow (right) instability/reactivity, and White (bottom) special notices. Each is rated 0 (minimal) to 4 (severe).
Question 2: How should chemotherapy waste be segregated and disposed of in a healthcare facility?
- In regular trash containers
- In yellow chemotherapy waste containers separate from other hazardous waste (Correct answer)
- Mixed with other pharmaceutical waste
- Down the standard drain system
Correct answer: In yellow chemotherapy waste containers separate from other hazardous waste
Chemotherapy waste must be placed in designated yellow containers and managed separately due to its cytotoxic properties.
Chemotherapy waste is collected in yellow containers labeled for cytotoxic waste. Disposal typically requires incineration at a licensed hazardous waste facility.
Question 3: What is the maximum time a large quantity generator can accumulate hazardous waste before shipping for disposal under RCRA?
- 30 days
- 90 days (Correct answer)
- 1 year
- No time limit exists
Correct answer: 90 days
Under RCRA, large quantity generators (over 2,200 pounds per month) must ship hazardous waste within 90 days of accumulation start date.
LQGs have 90 days, SQGs have 270 days (or 180), and VSQGs have no specific time limit but capacity limits. Accumulation areas must be labeled with Hazardous Waste and start date.
Question 4: What is the primary hazard of mixing bleach (sodium hypochlorite) with ammonia-based cleaning products?
- The mixture becomes less effective at cleaning
- It produces toxic chloramine gas that can cause respiratory damage (Correct answer)
- It creates a slippery floor surface
- The mixture changes color but poses no health risk
Correct answer: It produces toxic chloramine gas that can cause respiratory damage
Mixing bleach with ammonia produces toxic chloramine gas, which can cause severe respiratory irritation and potentially fatal pulmonary edema.
The reaction produces chloramine gases (NH2Cl, NHCl2, NCl3) that are highly toxic when inhaled. Prevention includes proper labeling, separate storage, and staff training on incompatibilities.
Question 5: What personal protective equipment is required as minimum when handling formaldehyde in a healthcare laboratory?
- Standard exam gloves only
- Chemical-resistant gloves, splash-proof goggles, and a lab coat at minimum (Correct answer)
- Surgical mask and gown
- No PPE is required below the permissible exposure limit
Correct answer: Chemical-resistant gloves, splash-proof goggles, and a lab coat at minimum
Handling formaldehyde requires chemical-resistant gloves, splash-proof goggles, and a lab coat, with respiratory protection when airborne levels may exceed limits.
OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.1048 sets a PEL of 0.75 ppm TWA and STEL of 2 ppm. Nitrile or butyl rubber gloves are required, not latex.
Question 6: What information must be included on a hazardous waste container label?
- Only the chemical name
- The words Hazardous Waste, contents description, hazard properties, and accumulation start date (Correct answer)
- Just the department name
- A barcode for inventory tracking
Correct answer: The words Hazardous Waste, contents description, hazard properties, and accumulation start date
Labels must include Hazardous Waste prominently, description of contents, hazard warnings, and accumulation start date.
RCRA mandates labels with Hazardous Waste, contents description, hazardous properties, accumulation start date, generator name and address, and EPA waste codes.
CHSP Hazardous Materials Management 2
What does the NFPA 704 diamond-shaped placard communicate about hazardous materials?