Understanding Hazards

What is a chemical hazard?

• AAny substance in the workplace
• BA substance or preparation that can harm health or damage property✓
• COnly toxic gases
• DOnly liquids

Answer: Chemical hazards include toxic, corrosive, flammable, or reactive substances that can harm health or damage property.

What information should be checked before using a chemical?

• ACost only
• BSafety data sheet (SDS) for hazards, exposure limits, and precautions✓
• COnly the label color
• DBrand name only

Answer: Safety Data Sheets provide detailed hazard information, exposure limits, first aid measures, and appropriate controls.

What are physical hazards?

• AInjuries from fighting
• BNoise, vibration, temperature, radiation, and mechanical forces✓
• COnly moving machinery
• DWeather conditions

Answer: Physical hazards include noise, vibration, heat/cold, ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, and mechanical forces like shearing or crushing.

What is a biological hazard?

• ALiving organisms that can cause disease✓
• BOnly bacteria
• CGenetic engineering only
• DPlant growth

Answer: Biological hazards include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that can cause infections and diseases.

Who is most at risk from biological hazards?

• AOnly doctors
• BHealthcare workers and waste handlers✓
• CFarmers and gardeners
• DEveryone equally

Answer: Healthcare workers, laboratory staff, waste handlers, and agricultural workers face higher biological hazard exposure.

What is an ergonomic hazard?

• AA chemical spill
• BAspects of work design that can cause musculoskeletal disorders✓
• CLoud noise
• DHigh temperatures

Answer: Ergonomic hazards include poor posture, repetitive movements, lifting, vibration, and workstation design that can cause MSDs.

What is a common ergonomic problem in office work?

• AExposure to chemicals
• BRepetitive strain from keyboard use and poor posture✓
• CInfectious disease
• DExtreme temperatures

Answer: Repetitive strain injury, neck and shoulder pain, and lower back pain are common in office environments due to posture and prolonged sitting.

What is a psychosocial hazard?

• APsychological disorders
• BWork-related factors affecting mental health and well-being✓
• CStress from commuting
• DFamily problems

Answer: Psychosocial hazards include workload, control, role clarity, relationships, change, and other work factors affecting mental health.

Which factors contribute to workplace stress?

• AExcessive workload only
• BLack of control and support, unclear roles, and change✓
• COnly technical incompetence
• DWeather conditions

Answer: Multiple factors contribute: excessive workload, lack of control, unclear roles, poor support, interpersonal conflict, and organizational change.

What is the relationship between noise exposure and hearing damage?

• ANo relationship
• BHigh noise levels over time can cause permanent hearing loss✓
• CHearing protects itself
• DDamage occurs immediately

Answer: Prolonged exposure to high noise levels (above 80 dB) can cause permanent hearing loss. Hearing protection and exposure limits are essential.

What action should be taken if vibration exposure is identified?

• AIgnore it
• BReduce exposure, implement controls, monitor health✓
• COnly wear gloves
• DRetire workers immediately

Answer: Vibration exposure must be reduced through equipment changes, breaks, job rotation, health monitoring, and personal protection.

What is heat stress?

• AStress about temperature
• BInability to thermoregulate due to high environmental temperature and work demands✓
• CAnxiety disorder
• DFever

Answer: Heat stress occurs when the body cannot cool itself adequately, leading to dehydration, exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat stroke.