Workplace Safety and Hazard Awareness
What this domain tests
This domain tests hazard recognition and the guard’s role in protecting workers, visitors, and yourself. The exam covers reporting, personal protective equipment, bloodborne pathogens, fire, electrical, slip/trip, weather, and workplace-violence hazards.
Core rules
- Inspect for hazards continually: wet floors, damaged stairs, blocked exits, exposed wiring, poor lighting, accumulated trash, and unsafe behavior. Report and isolate hazards promptly.
- Use the hierarchy of controls: eliminate the hazard, substitute, engineer it out, administrate, then use PPE. A wet-floor sign does not replace drying the floor.
- Bloodborne pathogens require universal precautions. Use gloves, eye protection, and barrier devices; do not eat or drink in contaminated areas; dispose of sharps in approved containers; report exposures immediately. OSHA’s bloodborne pathogens standard is 29 CFR 1910.1030.
- Fire safety: know extinguisher locations and PASS; keep exits and extinguishers clear; never use water on electrical or grease fires.
- Electrical safety: do not touch downed lines; keep cords out of walkways; report damaged plugs and panels.
- Weather and workplace violence: monitor alerts, secure loose objects, and follow shelter or lockdown instructions. Report threats and concerning behavior.
Worked example
A guard on rounds sees water spreading from a restroom toward an electrical outlet. He does not step in the water or touch the outlet. He calls maintenance, places cones and a wet-floor sign at a safe distance, warns passersby, and documents the location and time. He does not use water-absorbing equipment near the outlet.
Traps
Stepping over a hazard without reporting it; using a wet-floor sign as the only control; handling blood without gloves; and assuming small leaks are maintenance’s problem.