Introduction
Controlling chemical hazards is essential in pharmaceutical practice to protect personnel, facilities and the environment. This quiz set focuses on practical control measures—engineering controls, administrative procedures, safe storage and handling, personal protective equipment (PPE), monitoring and emergency response—tailored to the M.Pharm curriculum. Questions emphasize decision-making: selecting appropriate ventilation, containment systems, substitution strategies, spill response, labeling and waste disposal, and interpreting standards such as SDS, GHS and exposure limits. These MCQs are designed to deepen understanding of hierarchical controls, regulatory expectations and real-world application in laboratories and manufacturing settings, helping students prepare for professional responsibilities in safety management.
Q1. Which control measure is considered the most effective in the hierarchy of controls for eliminating chemical hazards?
- Personal protective equipment
- Administrative controls
- Substitution
- Elimination
Correct Answer: Elimination
Q2. Which engineering control is most appropriate for capturing airborne chemical vapors at their source in a laboratory?
- General room ventilation
- Local exhaust ventilation / fume hood
- Respiratory protection
- Administrative scheduling to reduce exposure time
Correct Answer: Local exhaust ventilation / fume hood
Q3. What is the commonly recommended face velocity range for a laboratory chemical fume hood to ensure adequate containment?
- 10–30 feet per minute
- 40–60 feet per minute
- 80–120 feet per minute
- 200–300 feet per minute
Correct Answer: 80–120 feet per minute
Q4. Which practice best exemplifies substitution as a control measure for chemical hazards?
- Using a ventilated cabinet to store a solvent
- Replacing benzene with toluene for a synthesis step
- Wearing laboratory gloves when handling corrosives
- Posting signs and training staff on handling procedures
Correct Answer: Replacing benzene with toluene for a synthesis step
Q5. Which type of glove material is generally preferred for protection against a broad range of organic solvents in pharmaceutical labs?
- Latex
- Nitrile
- Cotton
- Leather
Correct Answer: Nitrile
Q6. Which section of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provides information about toxicological effects and exposure routes?
- Section 3: Composition / Information on Ingredients
- Section 8: Exposure Controls / Personal Protection
- Section 11: Toxicological Information
- Section 14: Transport Information
Correct Answer: Section 11: Toxicological Information
Q7. According to GHS, which pictogram indicates a substance that causes serious health effects such as carcinogenicity or respiratory sensitization?
- Flame
- Exclamation mark
- Health hazard (silhouette with starburst)
- Corrosion
Correct Answer: Health hazard (silhouette with starburst)
Q8. What is the primary purpose of secondary containment for liquid chemical storage?
- To provide shelving for bottles
- To contain spills and leaks, preventing environmental release
- To improve visibility of labels
- To cool flammable liquids
Correct Answer: To contain spills and leaks, preventing environmental release
Q9. Which of the following is an example of an administrative control for reducing chemical exposures?
- Installing a closed transfer system
- Implementing mandatory shift rotation to limit individual exposure time
- Using solvent-resistant gloves
- Substituting a toxic chemical with a less hazardous one
Correct Answer: Implementing mandatory shift rotation to limit individual exposure time
Q10. For flammable liquid handling, what engineering control reduces the risk of static ignition during transfer?
- Using plastic funnels
- Bonding and grounding containers
- Wearing cotton gloves
- Storing in open trays
Correct Answer: Bonding and grounding containers
Q11. What is the recommended minimum duration for flushing the eyes at an emergency eyewash station after chemical exposure?
- 3 minutes
- 5 minutes
- 10 minutes
- 15 minutes
Correct Answer: 15 minutes
Q12. Which monitoring parameter is most appropriate for assessing chronic inhalation risk to a workplace chemical?
- Instantaneous odor threshold measurement
- Time-weighted average (TWA) exposure versus occupational exposure limit
- Visual colorimetric spot test
- Surface wipe sampling only
Correct Answer: Time-weighted average (TWA) exposure versus occupational exposure limit
Q13. Which disposal method is generally recommended for small amounts of non-halogenated organic solvent waste from synthesis labs?
- Pour down the sink with plenty of water
- Neutralize with acid
- Collect in labeled waste container for incineration or solvent recovery
- Mix with solid trash
Correct Answer: Collect in labeled waste container for incineration or solvent recovery
Q14. Which of the following is a key advantage of closed processing systems in pharmaceutical manufacturing?
- Reduced capital cost compared with open benches
- Improved aesthetic appearance of facility
- Minimized operator exposure and fugitive emissions
- Eliminates need for PPE
Correct Answer: Minimized operator exposure and fugitive emissions
Q15. When segregating chemical storage, which pair should be stored separately to avoid dangerous reactions?
- Inert solvents and water
- Oxidizers and organic solvents
- Alkali metals and noble gases
- Buffered saline and glassware
Correct Answer: Oxidizers and organic solvents
Q16. What does control banding primarily provide for chemical hazard management?
- Quantitative exposure concentration calculations
- Prescriptive PPE size specifications
- Simple qualitative grouping to recommend control measures based on hazard and exposure potential
- Detailed toxicokinetic modeling
Correct Answer: Simple qualitative grouping to recommend control measures based on hazard and exposure potential
Q17. Which respiratory protection is appropriate for protection against organic solvent vapors when engineering controls are inadequate?
- N95 disposable particulate respirator
- Half-mask with organic vapor cartridges certified by NIOSH
- Standard surgical mask
- Face shield only
Correct Answer: Half-mask with organic vapor cartridges certified by NIOSH
Q18. Which fire class corresponds to fires involving flammable liquids such as ethanol or hexane?
- Class A
- Class B
- Class C
- Class D
Correct Answer: Class B
Q19. Which of the following is a critical first step when responding to a chemical spill of an unknown substance in the lab?
- Smell the substance to identify it
- Evacuate or isolate the area and consult the SDS or emergency procedures
- Attempt to neutralize the spill without PPE
- Pour water over the spill immediately
Correct Answer: Evacuate or isolate the area and consult the SDS or emergency procedures
Q20. How many standard sections does an internationally-compliant Safety Data Sheet (SDS) contain under the GHS format?
- 12 sections
- 16 sections
- 20 sections
- 8 sections
Correct Answer: 16 sections
I am a Registered Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, and the founder of PharmacyFreak.com. I hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Rungta College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research. With a strong academic foundation and practical knowledge, I am committed to providing accurate, easy-to-understand content to support pharmacy students and professionals. My aim is to make complex pharmaceutical concepts accessible and useful for real-world application.
Mail- Sachin@pharmacyfreak.com