Free CSO Hazard Recognition and Control Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to the hierarchy of controls, which of the following is the most effective method for controlling a workplace hazard?
- Using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Implementing administrative controls like job rotation
- Eliminating the hazard from the workplace entirely (Correct answer)
- Substituting a hazardous chemical with a less hazardous one
Correct answer: Eliminating the hazard from the workplace entirely
The hierarchy of controls ranks hazard control methods from most to least effective. Elimination, which means physically removing the hazard, is at the top and is considered the most effective control measure because it removes the source of the danger.
Question 2: A worker is tasked with cleaning a large tank. Before starting, they and their supervisor break the job down into steps, identify potential dangers for each step (like hazardous atmosphere and confined space entry), and decide on protective measures. This process is best described as:
- A workplace inspection
- An incident investigation
- A Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) (Correct answer)
- An emergency drill
Correct answer: A Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)
A Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), also known as a Job Safety Analysis (JSA), is a systematic process that involves breaking a job into its component tasks, identifying the hazards associated with each task, and determining the safest way to perform the job.
Question 3: Which of the following is a worker's primary responsibility immediately after identifying a potential hazard, such as a frayed electrical cord on a power tool?
- Attempt to repair the cord themselves
- Report the hazard to their supervisor (Correct answer)
- Wait for the next scheduled safety inspection
- Inform their coworkers but continue using the tool
Correct answer: Report the hazard to their supervisor
Health and safety legislation requires workers to report any observed hazards to their employer or supervisor immediately. This allows for prompt action to be taken to control the hazard and prevent an incident from occurring.
Question 4: A construction site has a designated walkway, but it is frequently blocked by stored materials, forcing workers to walk through an area with moving vehicles. This situation represents what type of hazard?
- Ergonomic hazard
- Chemical hazard
- Biological hazard
- Safety hazard (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Safety hazard
This is a safety hazard, which includes unsafe conditions that can cause injury. Blocked aisles, tripping hazards, and exposure to moving equipment are classic examples of safety hazards.
Question 5: When conducting a formal workplace inspection, what is the primary goal?
- To assign blame for unsafe conditions
- To discipline workers for not following rules
- To proactively identify and document existing or potential hazards (Correct answer)
- To fulfill a monthly administrative requirement only
Correct answer: To proactively identify and document existing or potential hazards
The primary goal of a workplace inspection is to be proactive. It involves a critical walk-through of the work area to identify and report potential hazards so they can be corrected before an incident occurs.
Question 6: Installing a guard on a piece of rotating machinery to prevent workers from making contact with moving parts is an example of what type of hazard control?
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Administrative Control
- Engineering Control (Correct answer)
- Substitution
Correct answer: Engineering Control
Engineering controls involve physically changing the work environment or equipment to isolate people from the hazard. A machine guard is a physical barrier, making it an engineering control.
According to the hierarchy of controls, which of the following is the most effective method for controlling a workplace hazard?