Canada Exam Prep
WHMIS overview

WHMIS: Safe handling and storage

Everyday precautions by pictogram: ventilation, ignition sources, incompatibles, gas cylinders, corrosives, toxic products, storage height, cabinets and controls such as substitution and PPE.

  • 25 questions
  • Topic drill
0/25
Safe handling and storage · Question 1Score 0/0

You are about to use a product labelled as a carcinogen. What does CCOHS say to do first?

Study reference: CCOHS OSH Answers: How to Work Safely with Hazardous Products (pictogram series, revised 2024), Ch. 9 Safe handling and storage — Flame, flame over circle, gas cylinder, corrosion, skull and crossbones, health hazard, exclamation mark, exploding bomb, simple asphyxiants

All 25 questions in this test

Every question and its answer choices. The correct answers and explanations appear when you take the test above.

  1. You are about to use a product labelled as a carcinogen. What does CCOHS say to do first?

    1. Use it quickly to limit exposure
    2. Get special instructions before use
    3. Taste a small amount to check it
    4. Mix it with water to weaken it

  2. Aerosol cans should not be exposed to temperatures above what?

    1. 80 °C (176 °F)
    2. 25 °C (77 °F)
    3. 50 °C (122 °F)
    4. 35 °C (95 °F)

  3. Why should you remove rings and watches before handling a refrigerated liquefied gas?

    1. They can freeze to your skin if splashed
    2. They are a choking hazard
    3. They can cause a static spark
    4. They interfere with the regulator

  4. Which control does CCOHS suggest considering first if a hazardous product cannot be eliminated?

    1. Storing it in the lunchroom
    2. Substituting a less hazardous product
    3. Buying larger containers
    4. Removing the label to avoid worry

  5. What kind of pallet should not be used to store containers of oxidizing products?

    1. Plastic-coated metal racks or shelves
    2. Wooden or other combustible pallets
    3. Concrete floor spill trays
    4. Steel pallets

  6. What should never be applied to cylinder valves, fittings or regulator threads?

    1. A protective cap
    2. A compatible pressure regulator
    3. Oil, grease, lubricant or tape
    4. A visual inspection

  7. Why should a cylinder of a simple asphyxiant gas not be carried in an elevator?

    1. Elevator motors make the gas toxic
    2. Elevators cause the gas to freeze
    3. A leak in a closed space could displace the oxygen
    4. Elevator buttons and motors can create static sparks

  8. What should you do with an empty container that held a corrosive or toxic product?

    1. Treat it as hazardous; keep it closed and do not reuse it
    2. Use it to store drinking water
    3. Rinse it once with water and then reuse it for food storage
    4. Leave it open to air out

  9. How should compressed gas cylinders be kept?

    1. Lying flat on the floor
    2. Leaning against a doorway
    3. Stacked on top of each other to save space
    4. Upright and secured to a wall or rack

  10. You are using a flammable liquid. Which practice is safe?

    1. Using it next to a running welder
    2. Storing it beside the space heater so it stays warm
    3. Smoking only near an open window
    4. Keeping sparks, flames and hot surfaces away

  11. Before using a hazardous product for the first time, what should you check for all of its hazards and precautions?

    1. The safety data sheet
    2. The company newsletter
    3. The delivery schedule
    4. The product's price tag

  12. Which materials should be kept away from an oxidizer?

    1. Water fountains and sinks
    2. Wood, paper, rags, grease and solvents
    3. Fire extinguishers and exit signs
    4. Glass, ceramic and steel shelving

  13. Your SDS says a respirator is required. What must your employer make sure of?

    1. That you are trained in its selection, fit, use and care
    2. That you wear it only during inspections and safety audits
    3. That you buy your own respirator
    4. That you share one respirator per crew

  14. Can a flammable storage cabinet be used to store a large amount of corrosive product?

    1. No, flammable cabinets are not corrosion-resistant
    2. Yes, if the door is kept locked and the cabinet is vented
    3. Yes, any safety cabinet works
    4. Only if the corrosive is a liquid

  15. Where should containers of corrosive or toxic products ideally be stored?

    1. On top of other drums
    2. Above doorways
    3. On the highest shelf
    4. Below eye level

  16. How much of a hazardous product should you take out for a job?

    1. As much as the container holds
    2. The smallest amount needed
    3. Whatever fits in your pocket
    4. A full day's supply to save trips

  17. Pouring or pumping a volatile flammable liquid can build up static electricity. What precaution helps prevent ignition?

    1. Pouring faster to finish sooner
    2. Grounding and bonding the containers
    3. Wearing wool clothing
    4. Adding water to the container

  18. Which habit lowers your risk when working with toxic or irritating products?

    1. Eating lunch at your workstation
    2. Keeping your gloves on while you eat lunch at your station
    3. Wiping your hands on your clothes
    4. Washing your hands and not eating in the work area

  19. You need to dilute a concentrated corrosive with water. What is the safe method?

    1. Heat the water first
    2. Pour both in at the same time
    3. Add the corrosive slowly to cold water
    4. Add water quickly to the corrosive

  20. What should you do with an empty aerosol can of a flammable product?

    1. Refill it with another product
    2. Burn it in a barrel outside
    3. Never pierce or burn it, even after use
    4. Puncture it to release leftover gas

  21. Local exhaust ventilation that removes vapour at its source is an example of which kind of control?

    1. A precautionary statement
    2. Personal protective equipment
    3. An administrative control
    4. An engineering control

  22. How should you clean up a spilled toxic powder?

    1. Sweep it up with a dry broom
    2. Pre-wet it or use a HEPA-filtered vacuum
    3. Wipe it with a dry cloth
    4. Blow it away with compressed air into a bin

  23. Where does CCOHS say flammable products are better stored, if possible?

    1. On the roof in direct sun
    2. On the ground floor rather than the basement
    3. In an office desk drawer
    4. In the basement, away from the main work area

  24. You have leftover oxidizer that looks clean. What should you do with it?

    1. Never return it to the original container
    2. Store it in a food container
    3. Mix it into the next batch of product
    4. Pour it back into the original container

  25. What is the safe way to move a gas cylinder?

    1. Carrying it on your shoulder
    2. With a hand truck or cart made for cylinders
    3. Rolling it on its side across the floor
    4. Dragging it by the valve

Safe handling and storage: key rules to remember

Our summary of what the official handbook says on this topic, in our own words. Read it before or after the practice questions above, then check the original chapter. Read the official chapter ↗

all pictograms (common steps)

  • Check the SDS for ALL hazards and precautions; ask if unsure.
  • If the product cannot be eliminated, consider substituting a less hazardous one.
  • Use the smallest amount needed; use in well-ventilated areas; keep containers closed when not in use.
  • If PPE is required, the employer must ensure workers are trained in its selection, fit, use and maintenance; SDS guides selection.
  • Report leaks, spills and failures of safety equipment (e.g., ventilation) immediately.
  • Do not eat, drink or smoke in work areas (toxic/health/oxidizer pages); wash hands after handling.
  • Inform maintenance staff of hazards before they start work.
  • Empty containers may hold hazardous residue; store separately, keep closed; do not reuse (corrosion/health hazard pages).

Workplace controls (checklist)

  • Substitution of a less hazardous product; engineering controls (local exhaust ventilation, process change); administrative controls (procedures, scheduling); PPE and clothing.

handling and storage

  • Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames; no smoking; watch hidden ignition sources (pilot lights).
  • Aerosols: do not spray on flame; do not pierce or burn even after use; do not expose to temperatures over 50 °C (122 °F); protect from sunlight.
  • Volatile flammable liquids: non-sparking tools, explosion-proof equipment, prevent static (ground and bond containers).
  • Remove combustibles (oily rags, cardboard); no hot work on empty containers until all traces removed.
  • Store in flammable storage cabinets/fridges/safety cans; avoid large quantities; ground floor preferred over basements.

handling and storage

  • Keep away from combustibles (wood, paper, rags), greases, lubricants, solvents, paints.
  • Gas valves and fittings free of oil and grease.
  • Never return unused product to original container.
  • Do not use wooden or combustible pallets; storage area built of non-combustible materials; store separately, cool, dry, away from sunlight and exit paths.

handling and storage

  • Always wear eye protection (chemical safety goggles); sometimes a face shield.
  • Inspect cylinders and valves; never open a damaged valve; use the right regulator; no homemade adaptors.
  • Secure cylinders upright to a wall or rack; keep cap on until secured and ready to use; close valves when not in use.
  • No lubricant, joint compound or tape on valves/fittings/regulator threads; keep oil and grease away.
  • Move with a hand truck or cart; do not drop or bang.
  • Refrigerated liquefied gases: cold-insulating gloves, face shield or eye protection; no watches, rings or bracelets.
  • Store upright, secured, cap on, away from exits, out of sunlight, well ventilated; first-in, first-out.

handling and storage

  • Keep in original packaging; use corrosion-resistant equipment.
  • Never add water to the corrosive; when diluting, add corrosive slowly to cold water in small amounts, stirring.
  • Move drums with drum cradles; carboy caddies and bottle carriers for smaller containers.
  • Store below eye level if possible; trays of compatible material; corrosive storage cabinets for large amounts — flammable storage cabinets are NOT corrosion-resistant.
  • First in, first out; mark date received and date opened.

handling and storage

  • Avoid dry sweeping toxic solids; pre-wet or use HEPA-filtered vacuum.
  • Sometimes do not work alone with acute toxicity products.
  • Remove contaminated clothing and PPE before entering eating areas.
  • Carcinogens, mutagens, reproductive toxins: get special instructions before use; do not handle until all precautions read and understood.
  • Store health hazard products low (avoid above eye level), restrict access, consider locked storage.
  • Skin sensitizers: contaminated work clothing should not leave the workplace.

Exploding bomb / Simple asphyxiants

  • Exploding bomb products: keep cool, keep only in original packaging, ground and bond; do not use if appearance doesn't match SDS or age is unknown.
  • Simple asphyxiants: do not carry in an enclosed space (elevator, inside a vehicle); do not work alone; check oxygen levels before entering confined areas; avoid bulk storage indoors.

Study the Safe handling and storage rules as flashcards →

Other topics

Full practice tests