EAWS - Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist Hazardous Materials Control Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An aviation maintenance technician discovers a container of hydraulic fluid has been knocked over inside a HAZMAT locker, and a small amount is leaking onto the deck. According to proper procedure, what is the IMMEDIATE first step the technician should take?
- Attempt to clean up the spill using available rags.
- Immediately report the spill to the Work Center Supervisor. (Correct answer)
- Close the locker door and ignore the spill until the end of the shift.
- Find a new container and transfer the remaining fluid.
Correct answer: Immediately report the spill to the Work Center Supervisor.
The first and most critical step in any hazardous material spill is to report it to the proper authority, which is typically the Work Center Supervisor. This ensures the chain of command is aware and can initiate the correct response protocol, involving trained spill response teams if necessary, and ensures the safety of all personnel. Acting alone without proper training or equipment can be dangerous.
Question 2: What is the primary document that provides comprehensive information about a specific hazardous material, including its properties, health hazards, and measures for safe handling and emergency control?
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS) (Correct answer)
- Naval Aviation Maintenance Program (NAMP)
- Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM)
- Authorized Use List (AUL)
Correct answer: Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
The Safety Data Sheet (SDS), formerly known as the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), is the primary source of detailed information on a hazardous chemical. It is provided by the manufacturer and includes comprehensive data on potential hazards, safe handling procedures, personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, and first-aid measures.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes a primary objective of the Navy's Hazardous Material Control and Management (HMC&M) program?
- To ensure an unlimited supply of all necessary chemicals is available.
- To bypass manufacturer's handling recommendations for faster maintenance.
- To train all personnel as certified HAZMAT emergency responders.
- To minimize the quantity of hazardous materials used and stored by seeking less hazardous substitutes. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To minimize the quantity of hazardous materials used and stored by seeking less hazardous substitutes.
A key goal of the HMC&M program is source reduction, which involves minimizing the introduction of hazardous materials into the Navy system. This is achieved by controlling inventory, seeking less hazardous or non-hazardous substitutes, and safely managing the lifecycle of required chemicals to reduce risks to personnel and the environment.
Question 4: On an NFPA 704 diamond label, commonly found on chemical containers and storage areas, what type of hazard is indicated by the blue quadrant?
- Flammability
- Reactivity/Instability
- Health (Correct answer)
- Special Hazards
Correct answer: Health
The blue quadrant of the NFPA 704 diamond specifically indicates the health hazard posed by the substance. The number inside, ranging from 0 (no hazard) to 4 (can be lethal), communicates the severity of the risk upon exposure.
Question 5: A work center generates rags contaminated with oil and solvents during daily maintenance. To prevent a fire hazard from spontaneous combustion, what is the correct disposal method for these rags?
- Placing them in a designated, approved, and properly labeled fire-safe metal container with a lid. (Correct answer)
- Throwing them into the work center's standard plastic trash can.
- Leaving them in an open pile on the hangar deck to air dry.
- Sealing them in a plastic bag to contain the fumes.
Correct answer: Placing them in a designated, approved, and properly labeled fire-safe metal container with a lid.
Rags soaked with flammable or combustible materials like oils and solvents must be placed in a designated, fire-safe metal container with a self-closing lid. This practice limits oxygen, dissipates heat, and contains any potential fire, mitigating the risk of spontaneous combustion. These containers must be emptied daily.
Question 6: A maintenance technician requires a specific solvent for a task. Which of the following ensures the technician is using a chemical that is approved for use within their specific command and for that particular process?
- The solvent is a well-known brand available at a commercial store.
- A technician from another work center has used it before.
- The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is available online.
- The solvent is listed on the work center's Authorized Use List (AUL). (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The solvent is listed on the work center's Authorized Use List (AUL).
The Authorized Use List (AUL) is a command-specific list of all hazardous materials that are approved for use in a particular work center. Only materials on the AUL may be procured, stored, and used, ensuring they have been properly vetted for safety and mission necessity. The availability of an SDS does not by itself constitute authorization for use.
An aviation maintenance technician discovers a container of hydraulic fluid has been knocked over inside a HAZMAT locker, and a small amount is leaking onto the deck.
According to proper procedure, what is the IMMEDIATE first step the technician should take?