Chemical Safety Interview: 50 Questions and Sample Answers
1. What is chemical safety?
Answer: Chemical safety refers to proper handling, storage, and use of hazardous chemicals to prevent accidents, injuries, and environmental damage.
2. Why is chemical safety important in the workplace?
Answer: It protects workers from exposure, prevents chemical spills, and ensures compliance with safety regulations.
3. What are hazardous chemicals?
Answer: Any substance that can cause harm to people, property, or the environment due to its toxic, flammable, reactive, or corrosive properties.
4. What is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?
Answer: An SDS is a document that provides information about a chemical’s hazards, handling procedures, and emergency measures.
5. What are the key sections of an SDS?
Answer: – Identification
- Hazard identification
- Composition
- First aid measures
- Firefighting measures
- Handling and storage
6. How should hazardous chemicals be stored?
Answer: – In labeled containers
- Away from incompatible substances
- In ventilated areas
7. What is the Globally Harmonized System (GHS)?
Answer: A standardized system for classifying and labeling chemicals to ensure safety worldwide.
8. What are the different types of chemical hazards?
Answer: – Physical hazards (flammable, explosive)
- Health hazards (toxic, carcinogenic)
- Environmental hazards (pollutants)
9. What personal protective equipment (PPE) is required for handling chemicals?
Answer: – Gloves
- Safety goggles
- Face shields
- Respirators
10. How do you handle a chemical spill?
Answer: – Evacuate the area if needed
- Use spill containment kits
- Notify supervisors
- Follow SDS instructions
11. What is chemical exposure?
Answer: Contact with a hazardous chemical through inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, or eye contact.
12. What are the symptoms of chemical exposure?
Answer: – Skin irritation
- Breathing difficulties
- Eye redness
- Dizziness
13. How can chemical exposure be prevented?
Answer: – Use engineering controls (ventilation)
- Wear proper PPE
- Follow safe handling procedures
14. What is a chemical fume hood?
Answer: A ventilated enclosure designed to limit exposure to hazardous fumes and vapors.
15. How should chemicals be labeled?
Answer: Labels should include:
- Chemical name
- Hazard pictograms
- Precautionary statements
16. What are the common routes of chemical entry into the body?
Answer: – Inhalation
- Skin absorption
- Ingestion
- Injection
17. What are incompatible chemicals?
Answer: Chemicals that can react dangerously when mixed (e.g., acids and bases).
18. What should you do if chemicals splash into your eyes?
Answer: – Rinse with clean water for at least 15 minutes
- Seek medical attention
19. What is the importance of ventilation in chemical safety?
Answer: Proper ventilation prevents the buildup of hazardous fumes.
20. What is a chemical safety audit?
Answer: A systematic review of chemical storage, handling, and disposal procedures to ensure compliance.
21. What are the four main hazard pictograms in GHS labeling?
Answer: – Flammable
- Toxic
- Corrosive
- Explosive
22. What is chemical segregation?
Answer: Storing chemicals separately to prevent dangerous reactions.
23. How should flammable chemicals be stored?
Answer: In fire-resistant cabinets, away from heat sources.
24. What should be included in a chemical emergency response plan?
Answer: – Evacuation procedures
- First aid measures
- Spill containment steps
25. How do you transport hazardous chemicals safely?
Answer: – Use sealed containers
- Follow regulatory guidelines
26. What is an eyewash station?
Answer: A device used to rinse chemicals from the eyes in case of exposure.
27. What is the first aid treatment for chemical burns?
Answer: – Flush with water for at least 15 minutes
- Remove contaminated clothing
- Seek medical help
28. Why should food and drinks be prohibited in chemical areas?
Answer: To prevent accidental ingestion of chemicals.
29. What is a chemical reactivity hazard?
Answer: A substance’s tendency to react violently under certain conditions.
30. What is a confined space hazard with chemicals?
Answer: Toxic gas buildup or oxygen deficiency, leading to suffocation.
31. How should compressed gas cylinders be stored?
Answer: – Upright
- Secured to prevent falling
- Away from heat sources
32. What are volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?
Answer: Harmful gases emitted by chemicals, often found in paints and solvents.
33. What is a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)?
Answer: An older version of SDS, providing safety information about chemicals.
34. What is biohazardous waste?
Answer: Chemical waste that poses a biological hazard, such as infectious agents.
35. What are the effects of long-term chemical exposure?
Answer: – Cancer
- Organ damage
- Nervous system disorders
36. What are the fire classes related to chemical fires?
Answer: – Class B: Flammable liquids
- Class C: Electrical fires
- Class D: Metal fires
37. What is a chemical reaction hazard?
Answer: An uncontrolled reaction that can lead to fire, explosion, or toxic gas release.
38. How do you dispose of hazardous chemicals?
Answer: – Follow waste disposal regulations
- Use designated disposal sites
39. What is a chemical spill kit?
Answer: A set of tools and materials used to clean up chemical spills.
40. What are the color codes for chemical pipelines?
Answer: – Yellow: Flammable gases
- Red: Fire protection lines
- Blue: Drinking water
41. What is acute vs. chronic chemical exposure?
Answer: – Acute: Short-term, high exposure
- Chronic: Long-term, low exposure
42. How do you test for chemical leaks?
Answer: Using gas detectors, chemical indicators, or visual inspection.
43. What is a respirator used for?
Answer: Protects workers from inhaling hazardous fumes and gases.
44. Why is labeling of secondary containers important?
Answer: Prevents misidentification and accidental exposure.
45. What is the NFPA hazard diamond?
Answer: A color-coded label indicating chemical health, fire, reactivity, and special hazards.
46. How does chemical toxicity affect the human body?
Answer: – Affects nervous, respiratory, and digestive systems
- Can cause poisoning or organ failure
47. What is an example of a carcinogenic chemical?
Answer: Asbestos, benzene, and formaldehyde.
48. What is the purpose of chemical monitoring?
Answer: To detect exposure levels and prevent overexposure.
49. What is a flashpoint in chemical safety?
Answer: The lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off enough vapor to ignite.
50. What is the golden rule of chemical safety?
Answer: “Read the label, follow the SDS, and wear PPE.”
