CODESP Custodial and Maintenance Operations — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to standard chemical safety practice, what should a custodian do before using an unfamiliar cleaning product?
- Read the product label and its Safety Data Sheet (SDS) (Correct answer)
- Dilute it with bleach to make it safer
- Test it on their skin to check for reactions
- Smell it to identify the active ingredient
Correct answer: Read the product label and its Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
OSHA hazard communication standards require that workers consult the label and Safety Data Sheet, which list proper use, dilution, personal protective equipment, and first-aid measures before handling any chemical.
Question 2: Why should ammonia-based cleaners never be mixed with chlorine bleach?
- The mixture releases toxic chloramine gas (Correct answer)
- The mixture loses all cleaning power
- The mixture stains floor tile permanently
- The mixture becomes too slippery to mop
Correct answer: The mixture releases toxic chloramine gas
Combining ammonia and bleach produces chloramine vapors, which can cause serious respiratory harm or death in enclosed spaces, making this one of the most important chemical-safety rules in custodial work.
Question 3: What is the correct way to lift a heavy box of supplies from the floor?
- Bend at the knees, keep the back straight, and hold the load close to the body (Correct answer)
- Bend at the waist and lift quickly to reduce strain time
- Keep the legs straight and pull the load upward with the arms
- Twist the torso while lifting to build momentum
Correct answer: Bend at the knees, keep the back straight, and hold the load close to the body
Safe lifting technique uses the leg muscles by bending at the knees, keeping the back straight, and holding the load close to the body's center of gravity, which minimizes back injury risk.
Question 4: A custodian must mop a hallway while students are still passing through the building. What is the most important first step?
- Place visible wet-floor warning signs around the work area (Correct answer)
- Mop as fast as possible before anyone walks by
- Use less water so the floor dries invisibly
- Lock all doors leading to the hallway
Correct answer: Place visible wet-floor warning signs around the work area
Posting wet-floor signage before mopping warns pedestrians of the slip hazard and is the standard required safety practice for wet work in occupied buildings.
Question 5: A cleaning concentrate calls for a 1:64 dilution. How much concentrate is needed to make 2 gallons (256 ounces) of solution?
- 4 ounces (Correct answer)
- 8 ounces
- 2 ounces
- 16 ounces
Correct answer: 4 ounces
A 1:64 ratio means 1 part concentrate per 64 parts total solution, so 256 ounces ÷ 64 = 4 ounces of concentrate.
Question 6: Which practice best prevents the spread of germs when cleaning classroom desks and door handles?
- Cleaning surfaces first, then applying disinfectant and letting it remain wet for the labeled dwell time (Correct answer)
- Spraying disinfectant and wiping it off immediately
- Using the same cloth for restrooms and classrooms to save supplies
- Applying disinfectant only once a month
Correct answer: Cleaning surfaces first, then applying disinfectant and letting it remain wet for the labeled dwell time
Disinfectants only work when applied to a pre-cleaned surface and left wet for the contact (dwell) time stated on the label; wiping immediately or skipping cleaning leaves pathogens behind.
CODESP Custodial and Maintenance Operations
According to standard chemical safety practice, what should a custodian do before using an unfamiliar cleaning product?