Health and Safety Technician flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Hierarchy of Controls

Ranking of hazard controls from most to least effective: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, then personal protective equipment. PPE is the last line of defense because it protects only the individual wearer and depends on correct use.

Risk Assessment Formula

Risk equals the probability that harm occurs multiplied by the severity of that harm. Hazards are ranked by this product so that limited resources are applied to the highest-risk exposures first.

OSHA PEL vs NIOSH REL

A permissible exposure limit is legally enforceable. A recommended exposure limit is NIOSH guidance and is often lower. The PEL sets the legal minimum; the lower recommended value is the preferred target.

8-Hour TWA Calculation

Sum each concentration multiplied by its exposure duration in hours, then divide by eight. Compare the resulting time-weighted average to the eight-hour permissible exposure limit for that substance.

Ceiling Limit

A concentration that must never be exceeded during any part of the work shift, even briefly. Ceiling limits apply to fast-acting substances where short high exposures cause acute harm.

Noise Action Level

An eight-hour time-weighted average of 85 dBA. At or above this level, a hearing conservation program including monitoring, audiometric testing, and training is required.

Noise Dose

Exposure to 90 dBA for eight hours equals a 100 percent dose. Under OSHA's five-decibel exchange rate, each five dBA increase halves the permitted exposure duration.

Hazard Communication Program

Requires a chemical inventory, accessible safety data sheets, labeled containers, and worker training on hazards and protective measures. Applies to all workplaces where employees may be exposed to hazardous chemicals.

SDS Section 8

The safety data sheet section covering exposure controls and personal protection. It lists exposure limits, engineering controls, and required respiratory and skin protection for the substance.

Lockout/Tagout Zero Energy

Before servicing equipment, isolate all energy sources, apply locks and tags, and verify a zero energy state by attempting startup or testing. Only the authorized employee who applied a lock removes it.

Root Cause vs Immediate Cause

The immediate cause is the unsafe act or condition at the incident. The root cause is the management system failure that allowed it, such as missing training, poor design, or absent enforcement.

OSHA 300A Posting Period

The annual summary of work-related injuries and illnesses must be posted from February 1 through April 30. Injury and illness logs must be retained for five years following the year they cover.

Fatality Reporting Deadline

Work-related fatalities must be reported to OSHA within eight hours. In-patient hospitalizations, amputations, and losses of an eye must be reported within twenty-four hours.

PPE Hazard Assessment

A written evaluation of each job to identify hazards and select appropriate personal protective equipment. The employer must certify the assessment in writing and communicate selection decisions to employees.

Emergency Action Plan Elements

Minimum contents include escape procedures and routes, procedures for critical operations, accounting for all employees, rescue and medical duties, alarm systems, and training for designated employees.

Job Hazard Analysis

A method that breaks a task into sequential steps, identifies hazards at each step, and specifies controls. It is most useful for high-risk or infrequent tasks with significant injury potential.

Excavation Protective System

Required for trenches five feet or deeper, and for any depth where examination shows instability. Options include sloping, benching, shoring, or shielding; a competent person must inspect daily.

Competent Person Definition

One who can identify existing and predictable hazards and has authority to take prompt corrective action. Required for scaffolding, excavations, fall protection, and other high-hazard activities.

Fall Protection Trigger Height

In general construction, fall protection is required at six feet or more above a lower level. Specific activities such as scaffolds and steel erection have different thresholds.

Confined Space Entry Permit

A written authorization listing the space, hazards, atmospheric test results, attendants, entrants, rescue provisions, and duration. It must be posted at the entry point and cancelled when the entry ends.

Atmospheric Testing Order

Test oxygen content first, then flammables, then toxic gases. Testing in this order prevents instrument damage and false readings, and oxygen deficiency or enrichment changes combustible readings.

Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control

Requires an exposure control plan, universal precautions, engineering controls, hepatitis B vaccination offered at no cost, post-exposure evaluation, and labeled biohazard containers.

Respirator Fit Test Frequency

Fit testing is required before initial use and at least annually thereafter for tight-fitting respirators. A failed fit test means the employee may not use that respirator model.

Heat Stress Controls

Use acclimatization, water, rest, and shade. Acclimatization builds tolerance over one to two weeks; new and returning workers are at highest risk for heat illness.

Safety Training Effectiveness

Training is effective when workers can demonstrate the required knowledge and behavior. Verification methods include observation, questioning, and performance testing rather than attendance records alone.

Behavior-Based Safety Observation

A structured process where trained observers record safe and at-risk behaviors, then provide feedback. It supplements engineering controls and should never replace hazard elimination.

Inspection Prioritization

Schedule inspections by risk: higher frequency for high-hazard areas, new processes, and after incidents. Document findings, assign an owner and due date, and verify closure.

Corrective Action Verification

A corrective action is closed only after confirming the fix was implemented and the hazard no longer exists. Tracking completion dates without effectiveness verification leaves residual risk.

Lead Exposure Medical Surveillance

Blood lead monitoring is required when airborne lead exceeds the action level of 30 micrograms per cubic meter averaged over eight hours. Medical removal protections apply at higher levels.

Silica Exposure Control

Construction tasks involving crystalline silica require wet methods, local exhaust ventilation, or respirators. Exposure limits are based on an eight-hour time-weighted average with an action level of 25 micrograms per cubic meter.

Machine Guarding Requirements

Guards must prevent contact with points of operation, in-running nip points, rotating parts, and flying chips. Guards must be attached to the machine and not removable without tools.

Electrical Safety Qualified Person

A person trained and authorized to work on or near exposed energized electrical parts. Unqualified workers must maintain safe approach distances and may not perform energized work.