This quiz collection on self-protective measures against workplace hazards is tailored for M.Pharm students preparing for advanced laboratory and industrial responsibilities. It emphasizes practical knowledge of hazard recognition, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), engineering and administrative controls, chemical and biological spill response, waste segregation, and emergency procedures. Questions are designed to reinforce understanding of safety data sheets (SDS), respirator selection and fit testing, ergonomic practices, and regulatory concepts such as hazard communication and exposure limits. Use these MCQs to test applied decision-making in real-world scenarios, strengthen risk mitigation strategies, and ensure compliance with best practices for protecting yourself and others in pharmaceutical environments.
Q1. Which sequence correctly represents the hierarchy of controls for minimizing workplace hazards?
- Elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, personal protective equipment (PPE)
- PPE, administrative controls, engineering controls, substitution, elimination
- Administrative controls, engineering controls, elimination, substitution, PPE
- Substitution, PPE, elimination, administrative controls, engineering controls
Correct Answer: Elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, personal protective equipment (PPE)
Q2. For handling concentrated strong acids in the lab, which combination of PPE is most appropriate?
- Cotton lab coat, nitrile gloves, safety glasses
- Chemical-resistant apron, face shield, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), splash goggles
- Disposable gown, surgical mask, latex gloves
- Cloth apron, safety glasses, vinyl gloves
Correct Answer: Chemical-resistant apron, face shield, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), splash goggles
Q3. Which SDS section provides specific occupational exposure limits and recommended engineering controls?
- Section 2: Hazard identification
- Section 8: Exposure controls/personal protection
- Section 4: First-aid measures
- Section 11: Toxicological information
Correct Answer: Section 8: Exposure controls/personal protection
Q4. Which respirator type is most appropriate for protection against low-to-moderate concentrations of organic solvent vapors?
- Air-supplying respirator with airline
- Powered air-purifying respirator with particulate filters
- Air-purifying respirator with organic vapor (OV) cartridges
- Disposable surgical mask
Correct Answer: Air-purifying respirator with organic vapor (OV) cartridges
Q5. What is the immediate first-aid action for a chemical splash to the skin?
- Apply a neutralizing agent specific to the chemical and then cover with a dressing
- Wipe off with a dry cloth and let the skin air-dry
- Flush with copious water for at least 15 minutes and remove contaminated clothing
- Apply oil-based ointment to block further penetration
Correct Answer: Flush with copious water for at least 15 minutes and remove contaminated clothing
Q6. Which biosafety level (BSL) is appropriate for work with well-characterized, non-pathogenic microorganisms such as E. coli K-12 strains?
- BSL-1
- BSL-2
- BSL-3
- BSL-4
Correct Answer: BSL-1
Q7. On the NFPA 704 diamond, which color and number indicate health hazards that require immediate protective action?
- Red; indicates flammability hazard
- Blue; high number (3–4) indicates serious or lethal health hazard
- Yellow; indicates reactivity hazard
- White; indicates special hazards only
Correct Answer: Blue; high number (3–4) indicates serious or lethal health hazard
Q8. How should sharps contaminated with blood be disposed of in a pharmaceutical laboratory?
- Placed in general waste after labeling
- Washed, dried, and placed in a biohazard bin
- Discarded in a puncture-resistant, leak-proof sharps container labeled with biohazard symbol
- Placed inside pipette tip boxes and autoclaved later
Correct Answer: Discarded in a puncture-resistant, leak-proof sharps container labeled with biohazard symbol
Q9. Which engineering control most effectively reduces inhalation exposure to volatile chemicals at the source?
- General room ventilation
- Local exhaust ventilation such as a chemical fume hood or snorkel hood
- Personal air purifying respirator
- Administrative restriction of access
Correct Answer: Local exhaust ventilation such as a chemical fume hood or snorkel hood
Q10. For which type of respirator is fit testing mandatory to ensure an adequate seal?
- Loose-fitting powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) with hood
- Tight-fitting respirators such as N95 filtering facepiece or elastomeric half/full facepiece
- Disposable surgical masks
- Escape-only atmosphere-supplying devices
Correct Answer: Tight-fitting respirators such as N95 filtering facepiece or elastomeric half/full facepiece
Q11. At what minimum frequency should respirator training and medical evaluation be repeated for users in an occupational setting?
- Once every five years
- Only at initial issue
- Annually (at least once a year) or when workplace conditions change
- Every two months
Correct Answer: Annually (at least once a year) or when workplace conditions change
Q12. According to common consensus standards, how quickly must an emergency eyewash or shower be reachable from a chemical handling area?
- Within 60 minutes
- Within 10 seconds (approximately 55 feet / 16.8 meters)
- Within 24 hours by calling emergency services
- Only if volatile chemicals are used
Correct Answer: Within 10 seconds (approximately 55 feet / 16.8 meters)
Q13. Which glove material provides the best general protection against organic solvents like dichloromethane?
- Latex
- Butyl rubber or laminated barrier gloves such as SilverShield
- Vinyl (PVC)
- Cotton-lined nitrile for routine tasks
Correct Answer: Butyl rubber or laminated barrier gloves such as SilverShield
Q14. Which SDS section should you consult immediately for instructions on treating inhalation exposure?
- Section 1: Identification
- Section 4: First-aid measures
- Section 7: Handling and storage
- Section 13: Disposal considerations
Correct Answer: Section 4: First-aid measures
Q15. If a fire alarm sounds while you are performing a reaction with hazardous reagents, what is the correct immediate action?
- Continue the experiment until it finishes to avoid waste
- Secure and stop the experiment if safe to do so, close containers, turn off ignition sources if possible, and evacuate by the designated route
- Hide hazardous materials and leave through the nearest window
- Call a colleague to finish the work for you
Correct Answer: Secure and stop the experiment if safe to do so, close containers, turn off ignition sources if possible, and evacuate by the designated route
Q16. What is the recommended practice regarding needle recapping in clinical or lab settings?
- Recap using two hands to be precise
- Never recap; if recapping is unavoidable use a one-handed scoop technique or a mechanical device
- Recap immediately after use to prevent spills
- Recap and place the needle back on the bench
Correct Answer: Never recap; if recapping is unavoidable use a one-handed scoop technique or a mechanical device
Q17. A spill kit for antineoplastic (cytotoxic) drugs should minimally contain which items?
- Paper towels and a broom
- Absorbent pads, appropriate PPE (double gloves, gown), cytotoxic waste bags, and a sharps container
- Neutralizing acid and a vacuum cleaner
- Standard household bleach and a mop
Correct Answer: Absorbent pads, appropriate PPE (double gloves, gown), cytotoxic waste bags, and a sharps container
Q18. According to the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for hazard communication, which elements must appear on a chemical label?
- Only the chemical name and manufacturer phone number
- Product identifier, signal word, hazard statements, pictograms, precautionary statements, and supplier identification
- Only storage temperature and expiry date
- Only the MSDS reference number
Correct Answer: Product identifier, signal word, hazard statements, pictograms, precautionary statements, and supplier identification
Q19. Which occupational exposure term is published by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)?
- PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit)
- REL (Recommended Exposure Limit)
- TLV (Threshold Limit Value)
- IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health)
Correct Answer: TLV (Threshold Limit Value)
Q20. Which interventions most effectively reduce ergonomic hazards for personnel performing repetitive compounding tasks?
- Increase work speed and reduce breaks
- Introduce adjustable workstations and chairs, anti-fatigue mats, ergonomic tools, and job rotation with scheduled breaks
- Require longer shifts to build tolerance
- Eliminate PPE to increase dexterity
Correct Answer: Introduce adjustable workstations and chairs, anti-fatigue mats, ergonomic tools, and job rotation with scheduled breaks
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