MST Safety & Environmental Regulations 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A technician is about to sandblast antifouling paint on a vessel hull. Which hazard requires the highest priority personal protective equipment (PPE)?
- Toxic heavy metals such as tributyltin and copper in old paint dust (Correct answer)
- UV radiation from sunlight
- Noise from the compressor only
- Slipping on the boatyard surface
Correct answer: Toxic heavy metals such as tributyltin and copper in old paint dust
Old antifouling paints often contain toxic biocides like copper and historically tributyltin; airborne dust during sanding or blasting requires respiratory and skin protection.
Question 2: Which NFPA standard covers fire protection for marinas and boatyards?
- NFPA 303 (Correct answer)
- NFPA 101
- NFPA 70
- NFPA 25
Correct answer: NFPA 303
NFPA 303, 'Fire Protection Standard for Marinas and Boatyards,' establishes fire safety requirements specific to marine facilities.
Question 3: A customer's outboard motor leaks a quart of oil into a marina slip. As the servicing technician, what is your FIRST obligation under federal law?
- Immediately contain the spill and report it to the National Response Center if it causes a sheen (Correct answer)
- Wait to see if natural dispersion eliminates the sheen within one hour
- File a written report with the EPA within 30 days
- Notify the marina harbormaster only, no federal report required
Correct answer: Immediately contain the spill and report it to the National Response Center if it causes a sheen
Any oil discharge that causes a sheen on navigable waters must be reported immediately to the National Response Center (1-800-424-8802) under 33 USC 1321.
Question 4: What does the acronym HAZWOPER stand for in the context of marine spill response training?
- Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (Correct answer)
- Hazardous Water Operations and Environmental Regulations
- Hazardous Waste Oversight Program for Environmental Remediation
- Hazard Analysis and Workplace Operations Regulations
Correct answer: Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response
HAZWOPER (29 CFR 1910.120) stands for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response and governs training for workers involved in hazardous substance releases.
Question 5: Under ABYC standards, what is the minimum ventilation requirement for a gasoline engine compartment to prevent explosive vapor accumulation?
- One powered exhaust blower capable of moving the compartment volume at least once per minute (Correct answer)
- Two passive vents with a combined area of at least 5 square inches
- A blower that runs only while the engine is operating
- No specific requirement if the compartment has a bilge drain
Correct answer: One powered exhaust blower capable of moving the compartment volume at least once per minute
ABYC and USCG regulations require at least one powered exhaust blower capable of exchanging the compartment air volume at least once per minute before starting the engine.
Question 6: Which label system must marine technicians use to communicate chemical hazards on containers in the workplace?
- OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom) GHS labels (Correct answer)
- NFPA 704 diamond labels only
- DOT placard system
- IMO MARPOL labels
Correct answer: OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom) GHS labels
OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200), aligned with GHS, requires standardized labels and Safety Data Sheets for all workplace chemicals.
Question 7: A technician drains and replaces engine coolant. Under EPA regulations, used coolant is classified as what type of waste if it contains high levels of lead?
- Hazardous waste requiring proper disposal under RCRA (Correct answer)
- Universal waste that can be poured into any sewer
- Non-regulated solid waste
- Recyclable material with no disposal restrictions
Correct answer: Hazardous waste requiring proper disposal under RCRA
Used coolant contaminated with regulated metals like lead is classified as hazardous waste under RCRA and must be disposed of through a licensed hazardous waste hauler.
MST Safety & Environmental Regulations 3
A technician is about to sandblast antifouling paint on a vessel hull.
Which hazard requires the highest priority personal protective equipment (PPE)?