BCSP CHST Exam Questions

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141.

What is the basic function of a safety and health committee?

  • To create and maintain interest in safety and health

  • To increase administrative workload

  • To pass responsibilities to supervisors

  • To reduce employee participation in safety inspections

Correct answer: To create and maintain interest in safety and health

The basic function of a safety and health committee is to create and maintain interest in safety and health, thereby helping to reduce incidents. This objective involves engaging employees actively in the safety program, which increases their awareness and commitment to safe practices. 

Increasing administrative workload is a misconception some organizations have about safety committees. Passing responsibilities to supervisors and reducing employee participation in safety inspections are counterproductive to the goal of stimulating and maintaining interest in safety. Therefore, the main purpose of a safety committee is to foster a proactive safety culture within the organization.

142.

What does the "0" in the reactivity section of the NFPA diamond signify?

  • The material is stable and does not react with other substances under normal conditions

  • The material is highly reactive and may explode under normal conditions

  • The material is reactive with water and must be handled with caution to prevent hazardous reactions

  • The material can undergo a violent chemical change but only under elevated temperatures or pressures

Correct answer: The material is stable and does not react with other substances under normal conditions

A "0" in the reactivity section of the NFPA diamond indicates that the material is stable and does not react with other substances under normal conditions, meaning it poses no significant reactivity hazard. 

The idea that the material is highly reactive and may explode under normal conditions is incorrect because such a material would have a higher reactivity rating. The statement that the material can undergo a violent chemical change under elevated temperatures or pressures applies to a material with a moderate reactivity rating, not a "0." The notion that the material is reactive with water and must be handled with caution is also incorrect for a "0" rating, which signifies stability and lack of reactivity.

143.

Which of the following BEST defines a combustible liquid according to safety standards?

  • A liquid having a flash point at or above 100°F (37.8°C)

  • A liquid having a flash point below 100°F (37.8°C)

  • A liquid that ignites at temperatures below 200°F (93.3°C)

  • A liquid that boils at a temperature below 100°F (37.8°C)

Correct answer: A liquid having a flash point at or above 100°F (37.8°C)

The correct definition of a combustible liquid is one that has a flash point at or above 100°F (37.8°C). This classification distinguishes combustible liquids from flammable liquids, which have flash points below 100°F. 

The other answer options either misstate the flash point or confuse the definition of combustible liquids with other characteristics, such as boiling point or ignition temperature, which are not relevant to this specific classification.

144.

What are the two types of economic losses that a worker and their family can experience when they are injured at work?

  • Loss of earnings and accrual of additional expenses

  • Loss of benefits and decrease in productivity

  • Loss of job satisfaction and increased medical costs

  • Loss of promotion opportunities and reduction in work hours

Correct answer: Loss of earnings and accrual of additional expenses

When a worker is injured at work, they and their family can experience economic losses in the form of loss of earnings and accrual of additional expenses. Loss of earnings refers to the wages that the injured worker is no longer able to earn, while additional expenses might include medical costs, rehabilitation, and other related expenses. 

Loss of benefits, decrease in productivity, loss of job satisfaction, increased medical costs, loss of promotion opportunities, and reduction in work hours, while significant, do not specifically capture the two primary economic losses of earnings and additional expenses.

145.

Which of the following BEST describes a Class I hazardous location according to NFPA 70?

  • A location where flammable gases or vapors are present in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures.

  • A location where combustible dusts are present and have the potential to create explosive mixtures.

  • A location where easily ignitable fibers or filings are present but are not likely to be in suspension in quantities sufficient to produce ignitable mixtures.

  • A location where hazardous liquids are stored in quantities sufficient to pose a significant fire risk.

Correct answer: A location where flammable gases or vapors are present in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures.

A Class I location is defined as an area where flammable gases or vapors are present, creating the potential for explosive or ignitable mixtures. 

This makes it distinct from Class II locations, which involve combustible dusts, and Class III locations, which are associated with easily ignitable fibers or filings. The focus of Class I is on the presence of gases or vapors, which differentiates it from the other classes that deal with solid materials like dusts or fibers. The mention of liquids does not pertain to the specific classifications of Class I, II, or III locations as outlined by NFPA 70.

146.

What are some important considerations for managing the health and safety of older workers in the workplace?

  • Adapting work tasks to match their capabilities and providing support for age-related changes in physical and cognitive functions

  • Encouraging older workers to retire early to avoid workplace injuries, ensuring a younger workforce that may be less prone to accidents

  • Assigning older workers to less demanding tasks without considering their skills or experience

  • Reducing older workers' work hours to prevent fatigue and altering their roles and responsibilities drastically to avoid injury

Correct answer: Adapting work tasks to match their capabilities and providing support for age-related changes in physical and cognitive functions

Managing the health and safety of older workers involves adapting work tasks to match their capabilities and providing support for age-related changes in physical and cognitive functions. This approach helps ensure that older workers can continue to perform effectively and safely in their roles. 

Encouraging early retirement, assigning less demanding tasks without considering skills, or significantly reducing work hours are not effective strategies and can lead to decreased job satisfaction and underutilization of experienced workers.

147.

Which of the following is an effective method to prevent kickback when using a circular saw?

 

  • Keep the blade sharp to reduce the chance of binding

  • Use a bent or warped blade to increase friction

  • Apply maximum force to the saw to ensure a fast cut

  • Overheat the blade to help it cut more efficiently

Correct answer: Keep the blade sharp to reduce the chance of binding

Keeping the blade sharp is an effective method to prevent kickback because a sharp blade cuts more easily and is less likely to bind. 

Using a bent or warped blade increases the risk of binding and kickback, so it should be avoided. Applying too much force or overheating the blade can cause the blade to warp, increasing the chance of kickback rather than preventing it.

148.

How often does OSHA recommend a safety and health program be revised? 

  • Annually

  • Every 10 years

  • Only when accidents happen

  • Every five years

Correct answer: Annually

OSHA recommends that safety and health programs be revised at least annually to ensure they remain effective in addressing current workplace hazards. An annual review allows for the timely identification and mitigation of potential risks. 

Revising the program every 10 years is far too infrequent to keep up with the evolving nature of workplace environments. Revising only when accidents occur is a reactive approach that fails to prevent incidents proactively. Although a five-year revision cycle is better than ten, it still may not be sufficient to address emerging risks and changes in the workplace, making annual revisions the most effective approach.

149.

What is the recommended procedure for cleaning and sanitizing respirators?

  • Dismantle the respirator, wash with the manufacturer's recommended cleaner, rinse in warm water, and air dry

  • Use any available household cleaner and rinse with cold water, ensuring that all visible dirt and debris are removed. Let it dry on a clean cloth

  • Soak the respirator in hot water mixed with a strong detergent for at least an hour, then scrub it with a stiff brush to remove any remaining contaminants. Rinse and pat dry with a towel

  • Clean the respirator with organic solvents to ensure all grease and grime are removed, then dry with a cloth and store immediately in a sealed plastic bag

Correct answer: Dismantle the respirator, wash with the manufacturer's recommended cleaner, rinse in warm water, and air dry

The proper procedure involves dismantling the equipment, washing each part with the manufacturer-recommended cleaner, rinsing thoroughly in warm water, and allowing all parts to air dry in a clean place to ensure effective cleaning without compromising the respirator materials.

Using household cleaners and rinsing with cold water is incorrect because it may not effectively remove all contaminants, and cold water might not rinse off all detergent residues properly. 

Soaking the respirator in hot water with a strong detergent and scrubbing with a stiff brush can damage the respirator materials, leading to reduced effectiveness. 

Cleaning with organic solvents is not recommended because these solvents can deteriorate the elastomeric (rubber or silicone) facepiece, compromising the respirator's integrity and functionality. 

150.

What is a key requirement for conducting compliance audits under the OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) standard?

  • Facilities must conduct compliance audits at least every three years

  • Audits must be conducted by an external team only

  • Facilities must conduct audits annually

  • Audits must focus solely on financial aspects of safety management

Correct answer: Facilities must conduct compliance audits at least every three years

The OSHA PSM standard requires facilities to conduct compliance audits at least every three years to ensure that their process safety management systems are effective and compliant with regulations. 

While external expertise can be included, the audit team does not have to be solely external; it can be internal or a combination of both. Audits conducted annually are not required under the PSM standard, though more frequent audits might be a good practice. The focus of these audits is on safety management systems, not financial aspects, making the last distractor incorrect.

151.

Which of the following review criteria must every existing and new product go through?

  • Compliance with all relevant safety standards and regulations

  • Market demand and customer feedback analysis

  • Environmental impact assessment

  • Cost-benefit analysis and profitability review

Correct answer: Compliance with all relevant safety standards and regulations

Every existing and new product must undergo a review for compliance with all relevant safety standards and regulations. This ensures that the product meets necessary safety requirements and does not pose risks to users. 

While market demand and customer feedback analysis, environmental impact assessment and cost-benefit analysis and profitability review are important factors in product development and evaluation, they are not universally required for all products in the same way that safety compliance is. Compliance with safety standards is a mandatory step to ensure the product's safety and legal adherence.

152.

What is a key consideration when placing bulletin boards in the workplace?

  • They should be centered at eye level and in well-lit locations

  • They should be placed in low-traffic areas

  • They should be small and unobtrusive

  • They should only display safety posters exclusively

Correct answer: They should be centered at eye level and in well-lit locations

A key consideration when placing bulletin boards in the workplace is that they should be centered at eye level (about 63 inches from the floor) and in well-lit locations. This ensures that employees can easily see and read the information during break times or other moments of pause. Proper placement enhances visibility and effectiveness, encouraging employees to engage with the content displayed.

Placing bulletin boards in low-traffic areas would reduce the number of employees who see the information, thus decreasing their effectiveness. Small and unobtrusive bulletin boards might not capture attention effectively and could be overlooked. Displaying only safety posters exclusively on bulletin boards limits their potential to communicate other important messages. Incorporating various types of information can increase overall engagement and interest. Therefore, ensuring visibility and accessibility is crucial for bulletin boards to serve their purpose effectively.

153.

What is a key safety precaution when moving a crane over short distances on a public roadway? 

  • The boom should point forward, and someone with a flag should walk ahead of it

  • The crane should travel with a load suspended from the boom to minimize repositioning time

  • The crane must always travel on a public roadway to avoid obstacles

  • The crane should always transport loads at maximum height to clear obstacles

Correct answer: The boom should point forward, and someone with a flag should walk ahead of it

When moving a crane over short distances, it's essential to ensure that the boom is pointed forward and someone with a flag walks ahead of it. This helps to alert others to the crane’s movement and ensures the path is clear of obstacles.

Traveling with a load suspended from the boom, even over short distances, is unsafe because it increases the risk of the load swinging and causing instability. While a crane might travel on a public roadway, this isn't always necessary or advisable, depending on the situation. Additionally, transporting loads at maximum height to clear obstacles is dangerous and should be avoided, as the load should be kept as low as possible to maintain stability.

154.

Which class of freight elevator is designed specifically for industrial truck loading where the truck itself is carried by the elevator?

  • Class C1

  • Class A

  • Class B

  • Class C2

Correct answer: Class C1

Class C1 elevators are specifically designed for industrial truck loading where the truck is carried by the elevator. This is different from Class C2, which also involves industrial truck loading but without the truck being carried by the elevator. 

Class A elevators are typically used for general freight, and Class B elevators are used to carry passenger vehicles. 

Understanding the correct class of elevator is important for ensuring safe and appropriate use based on the load requirements.

155.

What is the PRIMARY purpose of providing an enclosed area with sufficient ventilation in spray booths during paint-spraying operations?

  • To prevent explosive mixtures of vapor and air

  • To maintain a comfortable temperature for workers

  • To ensure even application of paint

  • To reduce noise levels in the surrounding environment

Correct answer: To prevent explosive mixtures of vapor and air

The enclosed area with proper ventilation is designed to prevent hazardous vapors from building up, which could lead to explosions. 

Maintaining a comfortable temperature for workers is not the main goal of the ventilation system.

Ensuring even application of paint has to do with the spraying technique, not ventilation. 

Reducing noise levels is unrelated to the ventilation system; it’s focused on safety from potential explosions.

156.

Which of the following is NOT recommended protective clothing for cold environments?

  • Wear a single thick layer of clothing to trap heat

  • Wear insulated underwear and insulated overalls

  • Use wind-resistant outer garments to reduce wind chill

  • Wear lined, waterproof footwear

Correct answer: Wear a single thick layer of clothing to trap heat

Wearing a single thick layer of clothing is not recommended for cold environments as it can limit movement and may not provide adequate insulation. 

Instead, wearing insulated underwear and overalls, using wind-resistant outer garments, and wearing lined, waterproof footwear are all recommended practices to ensure proper protection against the cold.

157.

What factors should be considered when selecting protective eyewear for employees in a hazardous work environment?

  • The level of protection afforded, comfort with which they can be worn, and ease of repair

  • The brand and color of the eyewear to ensure it matches company uniforms

  • The price of the eyewear and its availability in bulk quantities

  • The style and fashion appeal of the eyewear to ensure employees are happy to wear them 

Correct answer: The level of protection afforded, comfort with which they can be worn, and ease of repair

Selecting protective eyewear based on the level of protection afforded, comfort with which they can be worn, and ease of repair is essential to ensure maximum safety and usability for employees.

Choosing eyewear based on brand and color to match company uniforms does not ensure adequate protection or comfort, making it an inappropriate factor for selection. 

Considering the price and bulk availability of eyewear might help with budgetary concerns but does not guarantee the necessary level of protection and comfort required for hazardous environments. 

Focusing on the style and fashion appeal of eyewear is also inappropriate as it prioritizes aesthetics over critical safety features and protection levels.

158.

What is the PRIMARY difference between training and education in the context of workplace safety programs?

  • Training focuses on providing the "why" only to the extent that people need to know the information necessary to accomplish the goal, while education offers a more theoretical emphasis focused on future applications.

  • Training emphasizes theoretical knowledge for future applications, while education focuses on immediate job performance and practical skills.

  • Both training and education focus solely on immediate job tasks without providing any theoretical background.

  • Education and training are the same, both providing practical skills and immediate job performance improvements.

Correct answer: Training focuses on providing the "why" only to the extent that people need to know the information necessary to accomplish the goal, while education offers a more theoretical emphasis focused on future applications.

Training is centered on immediate job performance, emphasizing the skills and behaviors required for current tasks and providing the "why" only as necessary. Education, on the other hand, is more theoretical and future-oriented. 

The statement that training emphasizes theoretical knowledge is incorrect because it confuses the roles of training and education. The claim that both focus solely on immediate job tasks is incorrect because education also involves theoretical background. The idea that education and training are the same is wrong because it ignores the distinct focus and methods of each approach.

159.

How can electric current BEST be described? 

  • The total number of electrons moving past a certain point in a given length of time

  • The total volume of protons moving past a certain point in a given length of time

  • The total number of neutrons moving past a certain point in a given length of time

  • The total number of atoms moving past a certain point in a given length of time

Correct answer: The total number of electrons moving past a certain point in a given length of time

Protons moving past a point do not constitute electric current because they are positively charged and not mobile within conductors. 

Neutrons moving past a point do not form electric current because they are neutral particles and do not carry charge. 

Atoms moving past a point do not represent electric current as electric current specifically refers to the flow of charged particles, namely electrons.

160.

What is the general requirement for the placement of exits in buildings according to the NFPA 101? 

  • Exits should be placed so that no part of the building is more than 150 ft away from an exit in buildings with medium- and low-hazard processes.

  • Exits should be placed so that no part of the building is more than 75 ft away from an exit regardless of the process hazard level.

  • Exits should be placed 100 ft away from each other.

  • Exits should be located within 30 ft of each other in all buildings.

Correct answer: Exits should be placed so that no part of the building is more than 150 ft away from an exit in buildings with medium- and low-hazard processes.

This is based on the guidelines provided by NFPA 101, which sets specific distance requirements depending on the hazard level within the building.

The idea that exits should be placed no more than 75 ft away from any part of the building is incorrect because this distance applies to high-hazard areas, not to medium- or low-hazard areas. Suggesting that exits should be placed 100 ft apart is also incorrect because exit placement is determined by the distance from any part of the building to an exit, not by the distance between exits themselves. The idea that exits should be within 30 ft of each other in all buildings is not accurate, as this would be an unnecessarily strict requirement not supported by safety codes.