HAZWOPER in Construction practice questions for the CHST exam

During excavation on a construction site, a backhoe ruptures a drum buried in fill, and a liquid of unknown composition begins to seep across the ground toward a storm drain. The employer's emergency response plan assigns a first responder at the operations level to the initial response. The responder has the training and PPE for that role only. Which action fits that role?

1. A.Contain the seepage from a safe distance, keep it from spreading toward the drain, and prevent exposures
2. B.Enter the excavation to classify and verify the unknown liquid using field survey instruments
3. C.Approach the drum and plug the rupture with a patch kit to stop the release
4. D.Take an assigned role in the Incident Command System and perform advanced confinement at the point of release

A contractor excavating for a utility trench has a written plan stating that if an unknown drum ruptures and releases a hazardous substance, all crew members will immediately evacuate to a designated assembly point and call the fire department. No employee is permitted to assist in handling the release. The contractor has also prepared an emergency action plan under 1926.35. Which statement best describes the contractor's obligation regarding a full emergency response plan under the HAZWOPER emergency response paragraph?

1. A.The contractor is exempt from the emergency response plan requirement because employees will evacuate and not assist, and an emergency action plan is provided
2. B.The contractor is exempt only if the fire department co-signs the emergency action plan before work begins
3. C.The contractor must still develop a full written emergency response plan because any anticipated hazardous substance release triggers it
4. D.The contractor must develop the emergency response plan but need not make it available to employees' representatives

A contractor excavating for a utility trench has a written plan stating that, if an unknown drum is punctured and leaks, all workers will immediately leave the area and go to a designated assembly point. No employee is permitted to help control the release; outside responders will be called. The contractor has also prepared an emergency action plan under § 1926.35. Does the contractor still need a full written emergency response plan under the HAZWOPER emergency response paragraph?

1. A.No, because the exemption applies only to employers whose plans have been approved in advance by the local fire department.
2. B.Yes, but only if the plan is made available to OSHA personnel and not to employees or their representatives.
3. C.No, because employers who evacuate employees and permit none to assist in handling the emergency are exempt if they provide an emergency action plan under § 1926.35.
4. D.Yes, because any construction site with potential hazardous substance releases must have a full emergency response plan regardless of employee roles.