BCSP CHST Exam Questions

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61.

What is a half-life in the context of radioactive decay?

  • The time it takes for half of the original radioactive atoms in a sample to decay to a different nuclear configuration

  • The period required for a radioactive material to stop emitting any radiation

  • The duration during which a radioactive material remains entirely stable without any decay

  • The time it takes for a radioactive material to double its radioactivity levels

Correct answer: The time it takes for half of the original radioactive atoms in a sample to decay to a different nuclear configuration

A half-life is defined as the time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a given sample to decay to another nuclear configuration. It is a key concept in understanding radioactive decay, as it indicates the rate at which a radioactive substance undergoes transformation. 

The other answer options are incorrect because they either misunderstand the nature of half-life, suggesting that the material stops emitting radiation, remains stable without decay, or incorrectly increases its radioactivity.

62.

What is an essential maintenance practice for fire hoses to ensure they are ready for use in an emergency?

  • Fire hoses must be visually inspected at least once a year and tested by running water through them twice a year.

  • Fire hoses should be stored in a sealed, airtight container to prevent any exposure to moisture and air, ensuring they remain in pristine condition.

  • Fire hoses should only be reserved for non-emergency purposes, such as routine cleaning or watering, to avoid unnecessary wear and tear from frequent use.

  • Fire hoses must be stored wet after every use to prevent the material from becoming brittle and cracking over time, thus extending their lifespan.

Correct answer: Fire hoses must be visually inspected at least once a year and tested by running water through them twice a year.

Regular maintenance of fire hoses is important for ensuring they are reliable in an emergency. This includes conducting visual inspections at least once a year to detect any signs of wear, mildew, or damage and testing them by running water through them twice a year. 

Storing fire hoses in sealed, airtight containers is not recommended as it could trap moisture, leading to mildew. Reserving fire hoses solely for non-emergency purposes contradicts their primary function of being ready for firefighting. Lastly, storing hoses wet is a poor practice as it can lead to mildew and deterioration; they should always be dried thoroughly after use to prevent damage.

63.

If an employer has 200 employees, what is the minimum required number of toilet facilities according to OSHA?

  • 7

  • 4

  • 5

  • 6

Correct answer: 7

According to OSHA 1910.141, the minimum number of toilet facilities required increases with the number of employees. For 150 employees, 6 toilets are required. For every additional 40 employees beyond 150, one additional fixture is required. Therefore, for 200 employees, the employer will need 6 (for 150 employees) + 1 (for the next 40 employees) = 7 toilet facilities. 

The other options (4, 5, and 6) do not meet the minimum requirement for 200 employees.

64.

What is the PRIMARY purpose of establishing a chain of command in an emergency management plan?

  • To ensure accurate communication and prompt decision-making during a crisis

  • To determine the ranking manager's authority in non-crisis situations

  • To create a hierarchy for routine management tasks

  • To provide a clear structure for managing employee performance evaluations

Correct answer: To ensure accurate communication and prompt decision-making during a crisis

Establishing a chain of command in an emergency management plan is critical to ensure accurate communication and prompt decision-making during a crisis. This structure helps to maintain order, streamline communication, and ensure that decisions are made efficiently and effectively under extreme stress. The chain of command should be as small as practical, with personnel chosen for their ability to respond to a crisis, not based on their rank. The chain of command in an emergency management plan is not meant to determine authority in non-crisis situations; it is focused on managing during a crisis. It also isn’t designed to handle routine management tasks, as its purpose is specific to emergencies. Additionally, the chain of command is not related to managing employee performance evaluations; it’s about ensuring effective crisis response. 

65.

Which type of fire detector reacts to the sudden change or rise in ambient temperature from a normal baseline condition?

  • Rate-of-rise heat detectors

  • Fixed-temperature heat detectors

  • Rate-compensation detectors

  • Smoke detectors

Correct answer: Rate-of-rise heat detectors

Rate-of-rise heat detectors react to the sudden change or rise in ambient temperature from a normal baseline condition. This sudden increase in temperature that matches the predetermined alarm criteria will trigger the alarm, indicating a potential fire. 

Fixed-temperature heat detectors respond when the ambient temperature reaches a predetermined point, not to sudden changes. 

Rate-compensation detectors are designed to compensate for normal changes in ambient temperature that are expected under non-fire conditions. 

Smoke detectors, on the other hand, respond to the presence of smoke particles and do not measure temperature changes.

66.

What are the FOUR primary functional areas of a safety professional in training?

  • Anticipate, evaluate, and identify hazards; develop hazard control programs; implement and advise on hazard control; audit and evaluate effectiveness

  • Design, develop, deliver, and evaluate safety programs

  • Analyze, implement, consult, and document safety procedures

  • Plan, design, implement, and review safety measures

Correct answer: Anticipate, evaluate, and identify hazards; develop hazard control programs; implement and advise on hazard control; audit and evaluate effectiveness

The functions of a safety professional include anticipating and identifying hazards, developing hazard control programs, implementing and advising on these programs, and auditing and evaluating their effectiveness. 

Designing, developing, delivering, and evaluating safety programs are specific tasks not aligned with training roles. Analyzing, implementing, consulting, and documenting safety procedures cover tasks but not the core functions. Planning, designing, implementing, and reviewing safety measures are parts of the broader process but do not encapsulate the full range of responsibilities.

67.

What is the guiding principle in radiation safety known as ALARA?

  • Keeping radiation exposures as low as reasonably achievable

  • Increasing the distance from the radiation source

  • Shielding all radiation-producing devices with lead

  • Limiting exposure time to less than 30 minutes per day

Correct answer: Keeping radiation exposures as low as reasonably achievable

The principle of ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) emphasizes minimizing radiation exposure through practical measures such as reducing exposure time, increasing distance from the source, and using appropriate shielding.

Increasing distance is part of ALARA but not the entire principle. Shielding with lead is one method of reducing exposure but is not the guiding principle. Limiting exposure time is important but not specific to the 30-minute rule; the principle aims to reduce exposure as much as possible within reasonable limits.

68.

In the hierarchy of controls, which action is considered the MOST effective in reducing risks?

  • Eliminating or reducing risks in the design and redesign processes

  • Incorporating safety devices into the design

  • Applying administrative controls such as training and work scheduling

  • Providing personal protective equipment (PPE)

Correct answer: Eliminating or reducing risks in the design and redesign processes

In the hierarchy of controls, the most effective action in reducing risks is to eliminate or reduce risks in the design and redesign processes. This approach addresses hazards at the source, preventing them from being introduced in the first place. 

Providing personal protective equipment (PPE) is considered the least effective because it relies on the correct and consistent use by personnel. Applying administrative controls, such as training and work scheduling, and incorporating safety devices are more effective than PPE but less effective than eliminating or reducing risks through design.

69.

What is the definition of ergonomics?

  • Ergonomics is the scientific discipline that studies the physical and behavioral interaction between people and their environments. 

  • Ergonomics is the study of the physical characteristics and capabilities of machinery to ensure maximum productivity and efficiency in industrial settings

  • Ergonomics is the application of psychological principles to enhance the mental well-being and job satisfaction of employees in various work environments

  • Ergonomics is the field that focuses on the development and maintenance of physical fitness and health among workers through structured exercise programs and nutrition plans

Correct answer: Ergonomics is the scientific discipline that studies the physical and behavioral interaction between people and their environments. 

It applies theory, principles, data, and methods to design for optimizing human well-being and system performance. 

The other answer options inaccurately describe ergonomics by focusing on machinery productivity, psychological principles, or physical fitness, none of which fully capture the comprehensive scope of ergonomics. 

70.

Which of the following is NOT one of the three components of attitude as suggested by many theories on attitude formation and change?

  • Behavioral (doing) components

  • Affective (feeling) components

  • Cognitive (knowing) components

  • Action components

Correct answer: Behavioral (doing) components

The three components of attitude as suggested by many theories on attitude formation and change include affective (feeling) components, cognitive (knowing) components, and action components. 

Affective components involve the emotions or feelings toward an attitude object. Cognitive components refer to the beliefs or knowledge about an attitude object. Action components describe the intentions or actual behaviors toward an attitude object. Behavioral (doing) components, while related to actions, are not specifically identified as one of the three main components in this context.

71.

Which of the following is considered an Other Potentially Infectious Material (OPIM) under the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard?

  • Saliva in dental procedures that may contain blood

  • Clean, uncontaminated water used for handwashing

  • Dust particles present in the workplace environment

  • Non-hazardous chemicals used for cleaning surfaces

Correct answer: Saliva in dental procedures that may contain blood

Saliva in dental procedures that may contain blood is considered an OPIM under the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard because it has the potential to carry bloodborne pathogens.

Clean, uncontaminated water used for handwashing does not pose a risk of infection and is not considered OPIM. Dust particles in the workplace are environmental contaminants but not infectious materials. Non-hazardous chemicals used for cleaning surfaces are not biological materials and do not fit the criteria for OPIM.

72.

How can an industrial hygienist BEST be defined?

  • An industrial hygienist is a professional concerned with the control of environmental stresses or occupational health hazards that arise as a result of or during the course of work.

  • An industrial hygienist is a professional who specializes in maintaining workplace cleanliness and proper waste disposal methods.

  • An industrial hygienist is a medical professional conducting regular health check-ups for employees to prevent occupational illnesses.

  • An industrial hygienist is a professional focused on implementing ergonomic practices to reduce worker fatigue and increase productivity.

Correct answer: An industrial hygienist is a professional concerned with the control of environmental stresses or occupational health hazards that arise as a result of or during the course of work.

An industrial hygienist, as defined by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), is a professional dedicated to the anticipation, recognition, evaluation, prevention, and control of environmental factors or stresses that arise in the workplace and can cause sickness, impaired health and well-being, or significant discomfort among workers and the community. This comprehensive definition encompasses the core responsibilities and scope of an industrial hygienist's role. 

The other answer options are incorrect because they narrow down the role to specific activities like cleanliness, health check-ups, or ergonomics without addressing the broader scope of anticipating, recognizing, evaluating, and controlling workplace environmental hazards.

73.

Why should workers avoid wearing loose clothing when working near conveyors?

  • Loose clothing can become caught in moving parts, posing a severe risk of injury

  • Loose clothing can reduce a worker's mobility, leading to slower task completion times

  • Loose clothing may interfere with the operation of the conveyor's emergency stop devices

  • Loose clothing is more likely to get dirty when working near conveyors

Correct answer: Loose clothing can become caught in moving parts, posing a severe risk of injury

Workers should avoid wearing loose clothing near conveyors because it can become caught in the moving parts, posing a severe risk of injury. This is a critical safety concern, as getting caught in the machinery can result in serious harm.

While loose clothing might reduce mobility, the primary risk near conveyors is entanglement with the machinery, not slower task completion. Loose clothing does not interfere with the operation of emergency stop devices, and getting dirty is a minor concern compared to the risk of entanglement.

74.

Instructional designers utilize instructional systems design (ISD) models such as ADDIE. ADDIE's goal is to create effective and engaging learning experiences. What are the correct components of the ADDIE model? 

  • Analysis, design, development, implementation, evaluation

  • Analysis, design, development, investigation, evaluation

  • Analysis, detection, development, implementation, evaluation

  • Assessment, design, development, implementation, evaluation

Correct answer: Analysis, design, development, implementation, evaluation.

ADDIE is an instructional systems design (ISD) model that has the following components: 

  • Analysis
  • Design
  • Development
  • Implementation
  • Evaluation

The other answers do not correctly reflect the components of the ADDIE model.

75.

What is a common characteristic of hazards associated with laboratory settings?

  • Hazardous materials are present in small quantities and are easily managed by one person

  • Hazardous materials are typically used in large industrial quantities

  • Engineering controls are not commonly implemented

  • Laboratory safety relies solely on automated systems without human intervention

Correct answer: Hazardous materials are present in small quantities and are easily managed by one person

Hazards in laboratory settings are characterized by the presence of hazardous materials in small quantities that can be easily and safely managed by one person. Unlike industrial settings, laboratories use small amounts of hazardous chemicals, necessitating specific safety protocols. 

Engineering controls such as fume hoods and biological safety cabinets are typically implemented to ensure safety. Laboratory safety depends significantly on the expertise of the workers and administrative controls rather than solely on automated systems. 

Large industrial quantities of hazardous materials are not used in typical laboratory settings, differentiating them from industrial-scale operations.

76.

How often must employees be trained on emergency action plans by their employer? 

  • As a new employee and annually thereafter

  • Annually

  • Only when the plan is first implemented

  • Biannually

Correct answer: As a new employee and annually thereafter

Employees must be trained on emergency action plans as new employees and annually thereafter to ensure continuous familiarity and preparedness, in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.38. Regular training ensures that all employees, including new hires, are aware of the procedures and can respond effectively in an emergency. Annual training helps maintain this knowledge and readiness, preventing complacency and ensuring that everyone is up-to-date with any changes in the plan. 

Training biannually, only at implementation, or only annually does not meet OSHA’s requirement and would likely lead to decreased preparedness and increased risk during emergencies. 

77.

Which of the following materials is most likely to be involved in a Class A fire?

  • Common combustibles such as wood, paper, or cloth

  • Electrical equipment such as wiring and controls

  • Flammable liquids like gasoline or oil

  • Combustible metals like magnesium and sodium

Correct answer: Common combustibles such as wood, paper, or cloth

Class A fires involve common combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber, and plastics. These materials are typically found in both residential and commercial settings, and they ignite easily when exposed to a heat source. 

Electrical equipment, which is associated with Class C fires, flammable liquids (Class B fires), and combustible metals (Class D fires) are not involved in Class A fires. Therefore, wood, paper, and cloth are the correct answer when identifying the materials most likely to be involved in a Class A fire.

78.

When planning spill control for flammable or combustible liquids, which of the following is the MOST critical design consideration?

  • Ensure the structure can contain the full volume of the largest container, including leakage from tanks, pipes, and valves

  • Install a ventilation system to reduce vapor concentration in the air surrounding the tank

  • Apply aluminum or white paint to reduce internal vapor pressure within the tank

  • Maintain a constant watch on the filling rate and the liquid level during transfer operations.

Correct answer: Ensure the structure can contain the full volume of the largest container, including leakage from tanks, pipes, and valves

Designing a containment structure that can hold the full volume of the largest container is essential in preventing hazardous liquids from escaping, ensuring environmental safety. 

While ventilation systems are important for managing vapors, and painting can help reduce vapor pressure, these measures are secondary to the need for proper containment. 

Monitoring the filling process is also important but does not replace the importance of an effective containment design.

79.

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of using an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employers?

  • Increases the amount of paperwork and administrative tasks for managers

  • Morale improves as disruptive employees are helped

  • Managers spend less time working with troubled employees

  • Safety improves and liability declines

Correct answer: Increases the amount of paperwork and administrative tasks for managers

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) provide various benefits for employers, including improving employee morale, reducing the time managers spend dealing with troubled employees, and enhancing safety while decreasing liability. However, EAPs are designed to streamline processes and reduce the burden on management, not increase paperwork and administrative tasks.

80.

What style of training combines sight, sound, and animation in a single presentation?

  • Interactive training

  • Conceptualization

  • Simulation

  • Computer-managed training

Correct answer: Interactive training

Interactive training combines sight, sound, and animation in a single presentation, reinforcing learning. 

Conceptualization typically involves abstract ideas and soft skills training. 

Simulation duplicates real experiences but doesn't necessarily combine sight, sound, and animation in the same integrated manner. 

Computer-managed training focuses more on tracking and managing the training process rather than combining multiple media elements in a single presentation.