California Custodian Exam Prep 2026/2027 | Verified
Questions & Answers | Pass Guarantee
1. A custodian accidentally mixes bleach with an ammonia-based cleaner during
restroom cleaning and notices strong fumes. What should be done first?
A) Add more water to weaken the mixture and continue cleaning
B) Immediately leave the area, ventilate, and report the chemical exposure incident
C) Cover the fumes with air freshener spray and finish the job
D) Wipe the mixture into a trash bag and place it in regular garbage
Answer: B) Immediately leave the area, ventilate, and report the chemical
exposure incident
Rationale: Mixing bleach and ammonia creates toxic chloramine vapors that can cause
severe respiratory issues . This is a life-threatening chemical reaction requiring
immediate evacuation, ventilation, and reporting per safety protocols.
2. What is the significance of the skull and crossbones symbol in relation to
chemical safety?
A) Indicates a substance is toxic or hazardous to health
B) Represents a cleaning agent
C) Indicates a substance is safe to handle
D) Used for flammable materials
Answer: A) Indicates a substance is toxic or hazardous to health
Rationale: The skull and crossbones symbol indicates acute toxicity or severe health
hazards associated with a chemical . It is part of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS)
for chemical hazard communication.
3. What does the color blue represent on a hazardous material label according to
the NFPA 704 system?
A) Fire hazard
B) Health hazard
,C) Instability/reactivity
D) Special precautions
Answer: B) Health hazard
Rationale: Under standard hazardous material labeling systems (NFPA 704), blue
represents health hazards, red represents flammability, yellow represents
instability/reactivity, and white indicates special precautions .
4. If a custodian gets a corrosive floor stripper splashed into their eyes, how long
should they flush their eyes at an emergency eyewash station?
A) At least 5 minutes
B) At least 10 minutes
C) At least 15 to 20 minutes
D) Only until the burning sensation stops
Answer: C) At least 15 to 20 minutes
Rationale: Cal/OSHA guidelines mandate flushing the eyes for a minimum of 15 to 20
minutes with clean water following exposure to corrosive chemicals to fully neutralize
the substance .
5. What is the main purpose of a "Signal Word" on a chemical label?
A) To state the active ingredients in the product
B) To alert the user to the relative level of severity of a hazard
C) To list the manufacturer's emergency phone number
D) To explain the specific disposal instructions
Answer: B) To alert the user to the relative level of severity of a hazard
Rationale: Signal words like "Danger" (more severe) or "Warning" (less severe) are used
to quickly inform the handler of the severity of potential hazards .
6. Where must Safety Data Sheets (SDS) be kept in a public facility or school
district?
,A) Locked in the head administrator's office
B) At the off-site district headquarters only
C) In an area that is readily accessible to all employees during all work shifts
D) Online only, with no physical access options
Answer: C) In an area that is readily accessible to all employees during all work
shifts
Rationale: Cal/OSHA right-to-know laws demand that SDS binders be physically or
electronically accessible to all employees during all work shifts .
7. If a custodian finds an unlabeled spray bottle containing a blue liquid under a
sink in a school restroom, what is the safest immediate action?
A) Smell the liquid to identify the chemical before using it
B) Dispose of the liquid immediately down the drain without documentation
C) Label it based on the color of the liquid
D) Do not use it; report it to a supervisor and follow facility protocol
Answer: D) Do not use it; report it to a supervisor and follow facility protocol
Rationale: Unlabeled chemicals pose serious safety risks and must never be used. The
correct action is to report to a supervisor and follow facility protocol .
8. Which two chemicals are commonly known to create a dangerous reaction when
mixed?
A) Hydrogen peroxide and vinegar
B) Water and salt
C) Bleach and ammonia
D) Vinegar and baking soda
Answer: C) Bleach and ammonia
Rationale: Mixing bleach with ammonia produces toxic chloramine vapors that can cause
respiratory issues and severe health problems .
, 9. During a chemical spill involving an unfamiliar product, what should guide the
custodian's initial response after ensuring personal safety?
A) The product's Safety Data Sheet and established facility spill response procedures
B) Advice from nearby occupants
C) Social media recommendations
D) The assumption that all cleaning chemicals require identical cleanup methods
Answer: A) The product's Safety Data Sheet and established facility spill response
procedures
Rationale: Safety Data Sheets provide essential information regarding hazards,
protective equipment, containment, and cleanup procedures for specific chemicals .
10. Why is it important to leave the mop in a designated drying area after use?
A) To prevent the growth of bacteria and ensure the mop is ready for future use
B) To keep the mop wet for longer cleaning sessions
C) To make it easier to find the mop next time
D) To avoid having to clean the mop again
Answer: A) To prevent the growth of bacteria and ensure the mop is ready for
future use
Rationale: Proper drying prevents bacterial growth and extends the life of cleaning
equipment . Mops left wet can harbor harmful microorganisms.
SECTION 2: INFECTION CONTROL & BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS (Questions 51-
100)
11. Which of the following is considered a bloodborne pathogen of primary
concern to institutional custodians?
A) Influenza A
B) Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
C) Common Cold Rhinoviruses
D) Athlete's Foot Fungus
Answer: B) Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
Questions & Answers | Pass Guarantee
1. A custodian accidentally mixes bleach with an ammonia-based cleaner during
restroom cleaning and notices strong fumes. What should be done first?
A) Add more water to weaken the mixture and continue cleaning
B) Immediately leave the area, ventilate, and report the chemical exposure incident
C) Cover the fumes with air freshener spray and finish the job
D) Wipe the mixture into a trash bag and place it in regular garbage
Answer: B) Immediately leave the area, ventilate, and report the chemical
exposure incident
Rationale: Mixing bleach and ammonia creates toxic chloramine vapors that can cause
severe respiratory issues . This is a life-threatening chemical reaction requiring
immediate evacuation, ventilation, and reporting per safety protocols.
2. What is the significance of the skull and crossbones symbol in relation to
chemical safety?
A) Indicates a substance is toxic or hazardous to health
B) Represents a cleaning agent
C) Indicates a substance is safe to handle
D) Used for flammable materials
Answer: A) Indicates a substance is toxic or hazardous to health
Rationale: The skull and crossbones symbol indicates acute toxicity or severe health
hazards associated with a chemical . It is part of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS)
for chemical hazard communication.
3. What does the color blue represent on a hazardous material label according to
the NFPA 704 system?
A) Fire hazard
B) Health hazard
,C) Instability/reactivity
D) Special precautions
Answer: B) Health hazard
Rationale: Under standard hazardous material labeling systems (NFPA 704), blue
represents health hazards, red represents flammability, yellow represents
instability/reactivity, and white indicates special precautions .
4. If a custodian gets a corrosive floor stripper splashed into their eyes, how long
should they flush their eyes at an emergency eyewash station?
A) At least 5 minutes
B) At least 10 minutes
C) At least 15 to 20 minutes
D) Only until the burning sensation stops
Answer: C) At least 15 to 20 minutes
Rationale: Cal/OSHA guidelines mandate flushing the eyes for a minimum of 15 to 20
minutes with clean water following exposure to corrosive chemicals to fully neutralize
the substance .
5. What is the main purpose of a "Signal Word" on a chemical label?
A) To state the active ingredients in the product
B) To alert the user to the relative level of severity of a hazard
C) To list the manufacturer's emergency phone number
D) To explain the specific disposal instructions
Answer: B) To alert the user to the relative level of severity of a hazard
Rationale: Signal words like "Danger" (more severe) or "Warning" (less severe) are used
to quickly inform the handler of the severity of potential hazards .
6. Where must Safety Data Sheets (SDS) be kept in a public facility or school
district?
,A) Locked in the head administrator's office
B) At the off-site district headquarters only
C) In an area that is readily accessible to all employees during all work shifts
D) Online only, with no physical access options
Answer: C) In an area that is readily accessible to all employees during all work
shifts
Rationale: Cal/OSHA right-to-know laws demand that SDS binders be physically or
electronically accessible to all employees during all work shifts .
7. If a custodian finds an unlabeled spray bottle containing a blue liquid under a
sink in a school restroom, what is the safest immediate action?
A) Smell the liquid to identify the chemical before using it
B) Dispose of the liquid immediately down the drain without documentation
C) Label it based on the color of the liquid
D) Do not use it; report it to a supervisor and follow facility protocol
Answer: D) Do not use it; report it to a supervisor and follow facility protocol
Rationale: Unlabeled chemicals pose serious safety risks and must never be used. The
correct action is to report to a supervisor and follow facility protocol .
8. Which two chemicals are commonly known to create a dangerous reaction when
mixed?
A) Hydrogen peroxide and vinegar
B) Water and salt
C) Bleach and ammonia
D) Vinegar and baking soda
Answer: C) Bleach and ammonia
Rationale: Mixing bleach with ammonia produces toxic chloramine vapors that can cause
respiratory issues and severe health problems .
, 9. During a chemical spill involving an unfamiliar product, what should guide the
custodian's initial response after ensuring personal safety?
A) The product's Safety Data Sheet and established facility spill response procedures
B) Advice from nearby occupants
C) Social media recommendations
D) The assumption that all cleaning chemicals require identical cleanup methods
Answer: A) The product's Safety Data Sheet and established facility spill response
procedures
Rationale: Safety Data Sheets provide essential information regarding hazards,
protective equipment, containment, and cleanup procedures for specific chemicals .
10. Why is it important to leave the mop in a designated drying area after use?
A) To prevent the growth of bacteria and ensure the mop is ready for future use
B) To keep the mop wet for longer cleaning sessions
C) To make it easier to find the mop next time
D) To avoid having to clean the mop again
Answer: A) To prevent the growth of bacteria and ensure the mop is ready for
future use
Rationale: Proper drying prevents bacterial growth and extends the life of cleaning
equipment . Mops left wet can harbor harmful microorganisms.
SECTION 2: INFECTION CONTROL & BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS (Questions 51-
100)
11. Which of the following is considered a bloodborne pathogen of primary
concern to institutional custodians?
A) Influenza A
B) Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
C) Common Cold Rhinoviruses
D) Athlete's Foot Fungus
Answer: B) Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
