Certification Exam Practice Questions

Hazardous Materials Operator Certification Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• Which of the following is the primary federal agency responsible for

regulating hazardous materials transportation in the United States?

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
• Department of Transportation (DOT)
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• Department of Transportation (DOT)

The DOT regulates the transportation of hazardous materials under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to ensure safe handling, packaging, and shipment. 1 / 4

• What is the main purpose of a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?

• Provide first aid instructions only
• List all employees trained in hazardous materials
• Provide detailed chemical hazard information and safe handling

procedures

• Show shipping costs
• Provide detailed chemical hazard information and safe handling

procedures SDSs contain critical information such as chemical properties, health hazards, PPE requirements, and emergency procedures.

• Which placard color indicates flammable liquids?
• Blue
• Red
• Yellow
• Green
• Red

Red placards are used to indicate flammable materials such as gasoline or acetone.

• What type of PPE is required when handling highly corrosive acids?
• Cotton gloves
• Leather apron
• Chemical-resistant gloves, face shield, and apron 2 / 4

• Standard work uniform
• Chemical-resistant gloves, face shield, and apron

Corrosive substances can cause severe burns, so chemical-resistant PPE is mandatory.

• Which NFPA diamond section indicates flammability?
• Top (red)
• Right (yellow)
• Bottom (white)
• Left (blue)
• Top (red)

The NFPA 704 system places flammability hazards in the red top section.

• A hazardous material spill involves a small quantity of a flammable

liquid. What is the initial step in response?

• Begin clean-up immediately
• Evacuate the area and eliminate ignition sources
• Call the media
• Ignore it if it’s small
• Evacuate the area and eliminate ignition sources

Safety requires removing personnel from danger and preventing ignition before cleanup.

• What does the number “3” indicate on a flammable liquid placard?
• Low hazard 3 / 4

• Moderate hazard
• High hazard
• Non-hazardous
• High hazard

In the NFPA system, a 3 in the red section indicates high flammability risk.

• Which of the following is a Class 2 hazardous material?
• Explosives
• Gases
• Radioactive materials
• Corrosives
• Gases

Class 2 materials include compressed, liquefied, or dissolved gases.

• During hazardous materials transportation, which document must

accompany the shipment?

• Packing list
• Bill of lading
• Inventory report
• Purchase order
• Bill of lading

The bill of lading identifies the hazardous material being transported, including quantity, classification, and emergency contact information.

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