CALIFORNIA CUSTODIAN
CERTIFICATION EXAM PREP
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS
WITH. JUST RELEASED
1. Under Cal/OSHA regulations, what is the primary purpose of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?
A. To list the price and vendor of the chemical
B. To serve as an invoice for chemical procurement
C. To provide comprehensive information about a chemical’s hazards and safety
precautions
D. To provide a schedule for floor maintenance
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The SDS is a standardized document that provides detailed
information on chemical properties, hazards, protective measures, and safety precautions
for handling, storing, and transporting chemicals.
2. Which pH level represents a highly alkaline floor stripper?
A. pH 2
B. pH 7
C. pH 5
,D. pH 13
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Floor strippers are typically highly alkaline, ranging from pH 11
to 14, to effectively break down wax and finish buildups.
3. When mixing cleaning chemicals, why is it dangerous to combine bleach (sodium
hypochlorite) and ammonia?
A. It creates a non-toxic salt solution
B. It produces toxic chloramine gas
C. It neutralizes the cleaning power of both
D. It causes the mixture to freeze instantly
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Mixing bleach and ammonia triggers a chemical reaction that
releases chloramine gas, which is highly toxic and can cause respiratory distress or death.
4. According to the GHS (Globally Harmonized System), which pictogram represents a
substance that is an acute toxin (severe)?
A. Flame
B. Exclamation Mark
C. Skull and Crossbones
D. Corrosion
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The skull and crossbones symbol is used under the GHS to
indicate acute toxicity that is severe or fatal if inhaled, swallowed, or in contact with skin.
5. What is the ‘dwell time’ in the context of disinfection?
A. The amount of time a disinfectant must remain wet on a surface to kill specific
pathogens
B. The time it takes for a chemical to dry naturally
C. The time a custodian spends in a breakroom
D. The frequency at which a floor should be buffed
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Dwell time, or contact time, is the specific duration a surface
must remain visibly wet with a disinfectant to effectively eliminate the microbes listed on
the product label.
6. Which of the following is the correct procedure for lifting a heavy object to prevent back
injury?
A. Bend at the knees and keep the object close to the body
B. Keep the object at arm’s length while lifting
C. Bend at the waist and keep legs straight
D. Twist the torso while lifting to gain momentum
CERTIFICATION EXAM PREP
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS
WITH. JUST RELEASED
1. Under Cal/OSHA regulations, what is the primary purpose of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?
A. To list the price and vendor of the chemical
B. To serve as an invoice for chemical procurement
C. To provide comprehensive information about a chemical’s hazards and safety
precautions
D. To provide a schedule for floor maintenance
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The SDS is a standardized document that provides detailed
information on chemical properties, hazards, protective measures, and safety precautions
for handling, storing, and transporting chemicals.
2. Which pH level represents a highly alkaline floor stripper?
A. pH 2
B. pH 7
C. pH 5
,D. pH 13
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Floor strippers are typically highly alkaline, ranging from pH 11
to 14, to effectively break down wax and finish buildups.
3. When mixing cleaning chemicals, why is it dangerous to combine bleach (sodium
hypochlorite) and ammonia?
A. It creates a non-toxic salt solution
B. It produces toxic chloramine gas
C. It neutralizes the cleaning power of both
D. It causes the mixture to freeze instantly
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Mixing bleach and ammonia triggers a chemical reaction that
releases chloramine gas, which is highly toxic and can cause respiratory distress or death.
4. According to the GHS (Globally Harmonized System), which pictogram represents a
substance that is an acute toxin (severe)?
A. Flame
B. Exclamation Mark
C. Skull and Crossbones
D. Corrosion
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The skull and crossbones symbol is used under the GHS to
indicate acute toxicity that is severe or fatal if inhaled, swallowed, or in contact with skin.
5. What is the ‘dwell time’ in the context of disinfection?
A. The amount of time a disinfectant must remain wet on a surface to kill specific
pathogens
B. The time it takes for a chemical to dry naturally
C. The time a custodian spends in a breakroom
D. The frequency at which a floor should be buffed
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Dwell time, or contact time, is the specific duration a surface
must remain visibly wet with a disinfectant to effectively eliminate the microbes listed on
the product label.
6. Which of the following is the correct procedure for lifting a heavy object to prevent back
injury?
A. Bend at the knees and keep the object close to the body
B. Keep the object at arm’s length while lifting
C. Bend at the waist and keep legs straight
D. Twist the torso while lifting to gain momentum
