The BSO Plus Safety Refresher is an annual checkpoint designed from BSO Plus content. TEST ANSWERS: BSO PLUS SAFETY REFRESHER 1. The Occupational Health & Safety Act defines the minimum requirements for health and safety standards in Ontario. Punishment for a person convicted of not complying with the OHSA could include: a. Fines for a company b. Fines for a worker c. Jail time d. All of the above RATIONALE: The maximum penalties for a contravention of OHSA or its regulations are set out in the OHSA Section 66. A successful prosecution could, for each conviction, result in: A fine of up to $100,000 for an individual person and/or up to 12 months imprisonment; A fine of up to $1,500,000 for a corporation. 2. According to the OHSA, you have 3 basic rights, and they are: (Circle all that apply) a. Right to Know b. Rights to Choose c. Right to Participate d. Right to Refuse RATIONALE: The Occupational Health and Safety Act protects your right to know about health and safety hazards in the workplace; the right to participate in keeping your workplace safe, which can best be done by becoming a Joint Health and Safety Committee member or a Health & Safety Rep; and the right to refuse unsafe work. 3. The General Duty Clause (OHSA, 25.2(h)), states that it is the duty of your employer to: a. Provide you with a Policy and Procedure Manual b. Make sure you get your lunch break c. Take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of the worker d. Conduct a training session on the Occupational Health and Safety Act RATIONALE: In the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the responsibility for taking every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of the worker is known as the General Duty Clause. Even though employers legal responsibilities are for the overall health and safety of the workplace, and supervisors legal duties are more geared for day-to-day work, they both share this same general duty for the protection of workers.
4. When working with a designated substance, the employer has a legal duty to create a written plan specific to each substance present in the workplace. RATIONALE: Employers are required by the OHSA, s.42 (1) to educate workers who are likely to be exposed to a controlled product on the job. To help control exposure to designated substances, your employer must put in place a control program for each substance a worker may be exposed to. This control program must include a written plan, exposure control measures, air monitoring measures and methods of analysis, and a medical surveillance program (OHSA, Reg. 490, s. 20). 5. Designated substances: (Circle all that apply) a. Can be hidden or unknown so they may not be identified on sites b. Are always identified on a safe work permit c. Can be present without workers knowing so it is important to understand where they may be encountered d. Are identified if they are known to exist on sites RATIONALE: It is important to remember that not all dangers are out in the open some may be hidden. In fact, we can come into contact with dangerous substances every day without even realizing it. Some workers encounter hazardous substances by surprise when performing routine tasks. Being aware of where you may encounter these substances can help keep you safe. 6. Friable asbestos poses a greater risk to human health than non-friable asbestos because friable fibres can be easily disturbed and released into the air we breathe. RATIONALE: Friable asbestos can be crumbled, crushed, or pulverized by hand pressure and easily released into the environment. Friable asbestos poses a greater risk to human health than nonfriable asbestos because friable fibres can be easily disturbed and released into the air we breathe. 7. What are potential sources of Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) in the industrial workplace? a. Pipe and boiler insulation b. Sprayed on fireproofing c. Gaskets and packing d. All of the above RATIONALE: ACM may be found in asbestos-insulated towers, sprayed on fireproofing for structural beams, multiple types of insulations (including insulating cement used on pipe elbows), transite used for siding, gaskets and packing, plaster and fire doors.
8. RCFs are considered a probable or suspected human carcinogen. RATIONALE: The amount, size, and durability of RCFs will determine how the body is affected. Short-term health effects include coughing, sneezing, and temporary irritation of skin, eyes, and nose. Higher exposure may cause difficulty breathing, coughing, and chest tightness. Although there is no conclusive proof that RCFs can lead to cancer in humans, both the Canadian Environmental Protection Agency and the American Conference for Governmental Industrial Hygienists list RCFs as probable and suspected human carcinogens respectively. 9. Refractory Ceramic Fibres (RCFs) may be found in: (Circle all that apply) a. Gaskets and seals b. Furnace liners c. Thermal insulation in industrial boilers d. All of the above RATIONALE: RCFs are widely used to replace asbestos in applications requiring high heat resistance, such as: thermal insulation in industrial boilers, high temperature pipe and vessel insulation, furnace liners and heating element supports, high temperature gaskets and seals. RCFs are commonly used in the steel, petrochemical, aerospace, and automotive industries. 10. Which of the following are properties of H₂S? (Circle all the apply) a. Colourless gas b. Highly flammable c. Rotten egg smell d. Lighter than air RATIONALE: H 2S is an extremely toxic colourless gas. It is highly flammable, even explosive in some gas/air mixtures. It has a rotten egg smell at very low concentrations but this cannot always be detected. H 2S gas is heavier than air. It collects in low-lying areas and poorly ventilated areas such as trenches, basements, sewers lines, and pits. 11. Which of the following are reliable warning systems for H₂S? a. Signs b. Personal monitors c. Sense of smell d. (a) & (b) only RATIONALE: According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), H 2S takes only 100 ppm to overwhelm and deaden your sense of smell. You must never rely on you sense of smell to identify H 2S. Signs let you know the areas where H 2S is or may be present, and both personal and audible alarms warn you of a toxic vapour release.
12. Benzene is not frequently found on local plant sites. RATIONALE: Benzene can be found on many local plant sites as it is an important component of gasoline, it is often held in pipelines or full tanks. It is frequently present as it is being shipped, in large quantities, by trucks, rail, and boats. 13. Short-term exposures to benzene may result in: a. Headache or nausea b. Dizziness or confusion c. Unconsciousness d. All of the above RATIONALE: Short-term exposures to benzene can irritate the nose and throat. Symptoms may include headache, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness and confusion. A severe exposure can cause unconsciousness. Long-term exposure affects the bone marrow s ability to produce red blood cells, leading to anemia and a depressed immune system. 14. Exposure to breathable crystalline silica can cause: (Circle all that apply) a. Silicosis b. Asbestosis c. Bronchitis d. Emphysema RATIONALE: Long term exposure to this crystalline silica dust can result in silicosis - a lung disease caused by inflammation and scarring in the upper lobes of the lungs, for which there is no cure. Exposure has been also associated with other respiratory diseases, such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (including bronchitis and emphysema), as well as kidney and immune system diseases. 15. Materials common on construction sites where silica can be found include: (Circle all that apply) a. Granite b. Concrete c. Sand d. Soil RATIONALE: Silica is found in many materials common on construction sites, including soil, sand, concrete, masonry, rock, granite, and landscaping materials.
16. Lead is toxic to almost all of our organs and can affect virtually every system of the body. RATIONALE: The most common route of entry of lead is inhalation and ingestion. It is not readily absorbed through the skin. Once absorbed into the body, 95% of this metal accumulates in the bones and can be released back throughout the body over time, causing damage to the liver, kidneys, brain, bones, and nervous system. Lead can affect virtually every system of the body. 17. Exposure to lead can occur when performing which of the following tasks? (Circle all that apply) a. Welding b. Cutting c. Grinding d. Sanding RATIONALE: Lead, especially lead paint, is found on many local plant sites in painted piping or equipment, some galvanized surfaces, and the lining of some vessels or equipment. Exposure to this hazard is most likely to occur during sanding, soldering, welding, torch cutting, grinding, and abrasive blasting. Lead is also used in things like pipe, solders, lead sheets for e-ray protection, etc. The dust from this metal can be transported off the worksite if it becomes lodged in a worker s hair or clothing such as cuffs, collars, and folds. 18. Repeated long-term exposure to mercury can result in the following: (Circle all that apply) a. Kidney damage b. Excessive bleeding c. Tremors d. Hearing loss RATIONALE: Repeated, long-term exposure to mercury can cause: kidney damage, central nervous system problems (stupor, tremors), vision and hearing changes, hearing loss, cognitive and behavioral abnormalities (including irritability, excessive shyness, a loss of confidence, nervousness, sleeplessness, memory loss), and reduction in fertility or harm to a developing fetus. 19. Heating of mercury should be avoided because this will increase the amount of vapours that may be inhaled. RATIONALE: Avoid ALL unprotected contact with this product or with contaminated equipment/surfaces. Avoid generating vapors or mists. Avoid heating that will increase the amount of vapours.
20. The Safety Partnership s Heat Stress guidelines recommend the following controls for heat stress: (Circle all that apply) a. Issuing alerts b. Reducing physical activity c. Drinking water only when thirsty d. Stopping non-essential work RATIONALE: The Safety Partnership released their Heat Stress Guidelines on July 30th, 2013. They updated the guideline on April 20, 2017. These guidelines list heat stress controls for various humidex ranges & working conditions for un-acclimatized workers. Following a heat stress guideline an important measure in preventing heat stress. Different companies may use different guidelines, but all of them should have a policy in place. 21. Match the physical condition caused by heat stress to its symptoms. a. Heat Rash b Painful cramps in the most worked muscles, like the arms, legs, or stomach, which can occur suddenly or later at home. b. Heat Cramps a Red bumpy rash with severe itching. c. Heat Exhaustion d Body temperature over 41 o C plus any one of the following: weak, confused or acting strangely; hot, dry, red skin; fast pulse; headache or dizziness. Possible fainting or convulsions in late stages. d. Heat Stroke c Heavy sweating; cool moist skin; body temperature over 38 o C; weak pulse; nausea and vomiting; very thirsty; panting or breathing rapidly. RATIONALE: The physical conditions caused by heat stress affect the body s ability to cool itself. These conditions can range from minor disorders to severe disorders, each with their own set of causes, symptoms and treatment. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of heat stress so that you can seek immediate treatment when necessary. 22. When exposed to the cold, your body expends much of its energy in keeping your internal temperature warm. Which body parts are at the greatest risk for exposure? a. Feet and hands b. Toes, fingers, ears, and nose c. Torso, ears, and nose d. Torso and legs RATIONALE: When the body reacts to cold environments it automatically protects your internal organs. Frostbite occurs when the skin tissue becomes damaged due to lack of blood flow. After prolonged exposure, your core loses heat faster than it can be generated, resulting in hypothermia. The toes, fingers, ears, and nose are at the greatest risk for exposure because they do not have a major muscle group for heat production.
23. If you are not shivering, then you can assume that your body has warmed up and you may continue working. RATIONALE: Prolonged exposure to cold can lead to hypothermia, which can lead to symptoms of confusion and disorientation. A person in this state is unable to recognize what is happening to them, and they won t be able to take steps to protect themselves. 24. Radiation poisoning can result in: a. Nausea and vomiting b. Premature aging c. Death d. All of the above RATIONALE: People can be exposed to radiation without any sensation or awareness. When the body absorbs radiation, it can cause changes on a cellular level leading to cancer and reproductive abnormalities. Workers may also experience burns or radiation sickness/poisoning. Radiation Poisoning can result in nausea, vomiting, premature aging, and death. Non-ionizing radiation is unlikely to cause cancer. However, if the energy level is high enough, there may be other effects on human health. 25. Radiation from various sources is known to be present in some of the local refineries. These sources include non-destructive testing equipment and crude streams containing Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM). RATIONALE: Low levels of radiation are known to be present in some of the local refineries, including Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM). 26. Hearing protection is only required when sound levels exceed 85 dba. RATIONALE: The Noise Regulation (O. Reg. 381/15) applies to all workplaces covered under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). The regulation requires that every employer shall ensure that no worker is exposed to a sound level greater than a time-weighted average exposure limit of 85 dba measured over an 8-hour work day. A constant exposure to 84 dba over a 12 hour period would mean that worker protection is still mandated, because the exposure limit for noise would be exceeded.
27. Common signs of hearing loss can include the following: (Circle all that apply) a. Straining to hear b. Misunderstanding conversations c. Favoring one ear d. Withdrawing from social contact RATIONALE: As noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) develops slowly over time, it is hard to notice in the early stages. Due to its subtle nature, workers often don t notice, or they ignore signs of hearing loss until more pronounced symptoms emerge. Early recognition of NIHL is important for proper management and protection from further hearing loss. 28. Vibration-induced white finger (VWF) is the most common condition among the operators of hand-held vibrating tools. RATIONALE: Vibrating objects, such as power tools, send vibration through the hands and arms. Exposed occupational groups include operators of chain saws, chipping tools, jackhammers, jack leg drills, grinders and many other workers who operate hand-held vibrating tools. Groups exposed to whole-body vibration include operators of trucks, buses, tractors and those who work on vibrating floors. 29. Whole-body vibration may result in which symptoms? (Circle all that apply) a. Fatigue b. Tingling and loos of sensation in the fingers c. Loss of balance d. Stomach issues RATIONALE: Whole-body vibration energy enters the body through a seat or the floor, and it affects the entire body or a number of organs in the body. Exposed groups include operators of trucks, buses, tractors and those who work on vibrating floors. 30. Identify the possible sources of biological hazards. (Circle all that apply) a. Bacteria b. Airborne viruses c. Insects d. Birds RATIONALE: Sources of biological hazards may include bacteria, viruses, insects, plants, birds, animals, and other humans.
31. Biological hazards can cause which of the following health effects: (Circle all that apply) a. Skin irritation b. Allergies c. Chronic disease d. Death RATIONALE: Biological hazards can cause a variety of health effects ranging from skin irritation and allergies to infections, chronic diseases, and even death. 32. Ergonomics is the study of the: a. Kind of work you do b. Environment you work in c. Tools you use to do your job d. All of the above RATIONALE: Ergonomics is the study of the kind of work you do, the environment you work in, and the tools you use to do your job. More specifically, it is the science of designing equipment and devices to fit the work to the worker. 33. Ergonomic hazards can lead to what type of injuries/illnesses? a. Chemical burns b. Sprains and strains to joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons c. Slip and fall injuries d. Lacerations and amputations RATIONALE: Ergonomic hazards can lead to injuries of the musculoskeletal system. These may include such injuries as herniated discs, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and sprains and strains to muscles, tendons and ligaments. These health effects are collectively referred to as Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD). 34. Employers can be fined for failing to ensure that a work surface is kept free of slip and fall hazards. RATIONALE: Certain regulations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act describe the proper maintenance of floor conditions and aisle ways, lighting, machinery, equipment, and materials storage. Since maintaining a clean and safe workspace is a legal obligation under the Act, all workplace parties are subject to Ministry of Labour fines if they fail to ensure housekeeping practices are properly followed.
35. Which of the following actions will help minimize slips, trips, and falls? (Circle all that apply) a. Pay attention to your footing b. Wear appropriate footwear c. Only clean up at the end of a task d. (a) & (b) only RATIONALE: Both slips and trips result from some a kind of unintended or unexpected change in the contact between the feet and the ground or walking surface. This fact shows that good housekeeping, quality of walking surfaces (flooring), selection of proper footwear, and appropriate pace of walking are critical for preventing fall incidents. 36. Ontario Regulation 213/91, Section 26 states that fall protection equipment is required when a worker could be exposed to the hazard of falling more than 3 meters (10 feet), but the Safety Partnership best practice is to use fall protection equipment when working above 1.8 meters (6 feet). RATIONALE: The Safety Partnership has gone above the standard of Ontario Regulation 213/91 s. 26 with the aim of reducing fatalities. While the OHSA requires workers to use fall protection equipment when working above 3 meters (10 feet), the Safety Partnership requires protections at 1.8 meters (6 feet). Make sure to use the appropriate fall protection equipment. 37. A 3-tag system is used for scaffold inspections. What does the yellow tag mean? a. Not safe to use b. Okay to use with supervisor s permission c. Must follow listed precautions before using d. Safe to use RATIONALE: It is important to understand the three tag system. A red inspection tag on a scaffold indicates that the scaffold is unsafe to use, and only the people who are qualified to erect and dismantle scaffolds may use a red-tagged scaffold. A yellow tag indicates the need for caution. Follow the precautions listed on the yellow tag prior to using the scaffold. The green tag means the scaffold is safe to use. If no tag is present, the scaffold must be treated as if it has a red tag. 38. When working off an extension ladder, which of the following rules need to be adhered to? a. For every 4 feet up place the ladder 1 foot out b. Extend the ladder 3 feet above the work platform c. Maintain 3 point contact d. All the above
RATIONALE: Placing the ladder 1 foot out for every 4 feet up will make the appropriate angle so that your ladder doesn t slide out from underneath you or fall backwards while you climb. For better access and egress to the work platform, allow 3 feet to extend above to the work platform. The extra length acts as a railing to hold onto while climbing on and off the ladder. Always maintain 3 points of contact while climbing up and down the ladder and also while working off it. If you are working off a ladder with both hands, then your 3rd point of contact would be a tie off point to an adequate anchor point. 39. Common causes of dropped objects include: (Circle all that apply) a. Inadequate risk assessment b. Environmental factors c. Poor housekeeping d. Properly tethered tools RATIONALE: Many factors can contribute to a dropped object. In order to stop dropped and falling objects when working at height, an understanding of the primary causes of the incidents can help conduct more thorough risk assessments and avoid overlooking some fundamental reasons why drops happen. Objects to consider with potential to cause accidents are hand tools, tools or equipment left behind after a task, or equipment mounted in an elevated location that has the potential to fall due to movement or environmental conditions. 40. According to the WSIB, Struck By/Caught in Objects is the third highest cause of workrelated deaths in Ontario. RATIONALE: When working at heights, dropped tools and other implements can pose a significant safety hazard. Even smaller objects, if falling from a considerable height, can be fatal. According to the WSIB, Struck By/Caught in Objects is the third highest cause of work-related deaths in Ontario (13%). 41. Before executing work with hazardous energy, the permit receiver is responsible for: a. Isolating, draining, depressurizing, and purging equipment of hazardous energy b. Establishing limits to create a safe work envelope c. Verifying with Operations that hazardous energy has been controlled or isolated d. None of the above RATIONALE: Before the work can begin, a worker needs to verify that hazardous energy has been controlled. At least one qualified trade technician from each trade must apply a trade lock and information tag on the electrical isolation points. All workers have the right to apply a personal lock and confirm the effectiveness of the isolation points. All verification checks must be done in the presence of Operations.
42. The Construction Regulation 213/91 s.190.(6) states that a danger tag shall: (Circle all that apply) a. Be made of non-conducting material and shall be installed so as not to become energized b. Be placed and secured in a noticeable location c. Indicate why disconnected; name of person who disconnected; name of person s employer; and date of disconnect d. The employee ID number of the person who attached the tag RATIONALE: A danger tag must be used with all lock outs. According to Construction Regulation 213/91 s.190(6), the tag must also be made of non-conducting material and shall be installed so as not to become energized, as well as be placed and secured in a noticeable location. 43. Before letting a worker enter a confined space, the employer must: a. Enter the confined space first to check for hazards b. Develop, implement and maintain a written Confined Space Program c. Meet with the entrant and Safety Attendant to address any concerns d. Ensure that the area has been marked by caution tape RATIONALE: Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, reg. 632/05, the employer is obligated to develop, implement and maintain a written Confined Space Program. This overall program sets out methods by which the employer intends to comply with the legislation. The program must include: the method used to recognize a confined space, hazard assessment, how plans to control the hazards will be developed, worker training, and entry permit measures and procedures. 44. A safety attendant shall not enter a confined space at any time: RATIONALE: Section 15(2) of the Confined Spaces regulation states that no attendant shall enter a confined space at any time. The attendant s role is to monitor the safety of the worker inside; to provide assistance to him or her from outside the confined space; and to summon an adequate rescue response if required. 45. In order to minimize distractions while driving, the driver should: a. Adjust seat, mirrors, and climate controls prior to operating the vehicle b. Only answer the phone while driving if it is an emergency c. Pull the vehicle over safely to the side of the road before responding to a text d. (a) and (c) only RATIONALE: A driver s first responsibility is the safe operation of the vehicle. Engaging in any secondary activity which takes the operator s attention away from driving is deemed unsafe.
46. Common daily distractions in the workplace may include: (Circle all that apply) a. Rushing to complete work b. Complacency c. Cell phones d. Poor housekeeping RATIONALE: Employees are more susceptible to injuries when they focus on finishing on time instead of safety. Complacency can increase distraction because as work becomes mundane, employees can become automatic to the point that they forget doing the work they just completed. Then, when a new hazard emerges during a task, employees may be distracted, and this can lead to injuries. Not all distractions are workplace-related: a bad drive in to work, financial problems or aging parents are all examples of distractions employees may deal with every day. These types of mental distractions can cause workers to miss potential risks that lead to injuries. 47. WHMIS provides information to workers about hazardous materials through which of the following method(s)? (Circle all that apply) a. Supplier & Workplace labels b. Safety Data Sheets c. Workplace inspections d. Worker education & training RATIONALE: WHMIS is a Canada-wide system that provides workers with information about hazardous materials through supplier and workplace labels, safety data sheets (SDSs), and worker education and training. 48. A Safety Data Sheets is available in the workplace to: a. Assist the purchasing department in buying chemicals b. Describe workplace policy c. Provide detailed hazard and safety information about a controlled product d. None of the above RATIONALE: Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are a worker s Right-To-Know and provide detailed information about the hazards of a product and how to use it safely. 49. TASC s must be reviewed: a. At the start of the shift and every 2 hours after b. At the end of the shift, after breaks, or when workplace circumstances change c. At the start of the shift, after breaks, or when workplace circumstances change d. At the start of the shift
RATIONALE: Because a variety of factors can affect the work environment throughout the day, the TASC should be reviewed when returning to the job site after breaks and any time something about the job changes. 50. Supervisors are responsible for: (Circle all that apply) a. Reviewing the job s expected step(s) with the workers b. Provide information on known hazards c. Discuss methods to control or eliminate the risks d. Review the quality of the completed TASC and provide feedback to workers RATIONALE: Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that TASC s are effectively completed by all workers within their work group(s) for every job. Supervisors will review the quality of the completed TASC and provide feedback to workers before signing off the TASC.