Hazardous Materials Management Flashcards

What does the NFPA 704 diamond-shaped placard communicate about hazardous materials?

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.

How should chemotherapy waste be segregated and disposed of in a healthcare facility?

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.

What is the maximum time a large quantity generator can accumulate hazardous waste before shipping for disposal under RCRA?

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.

What is the primary hazard of mixing bleach (sodium hypochlorite) with ammonia-based cleaning products?

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.

What personal protective equipment is required as minimum when handling formaldehyde in a healthcare laboratory?

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.

What information must be included on a hazardous waste container label?

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.