FDNY C42 Storage and Handling of
Corrosives and Oxidizers Exam Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is considered a common corrosive chemical in
a fire department setting?
A) Sodium chloride
B) Sulfuric acid
C) Methane
D) Helium
Answer: B) Sulfuric acid
Rationale: Sulfuric acid is a highly corrosive chemical that can cause
severe burns and damage to metals, making it a key focus in
corrosive chemical handling.
,2. What is the primary hazard associated with oxidizers?
A) Flammability
B) Radioactivity
C) Enhancing combustion
D) Toxic fumes
Answer: C) Enhancing combustion
Rationale: Oxidizers themselves may not be flammable, but they
release oxygen or other oxidizing agents that can cause or intensify
fires.
3. The NFPA 704 diamond uses which color to represent oxidizers?
A) Red
B) Blue
C) Yellow
D) White
Answer: C) Yellow
Rationale: In NFPA 704, yellow indicates the chemical’s reactivity or
oxidizing potential.
4. Which type of container is most suitable for storing concentrated
sulfuric acid?
A) Plastic
B) Glass or acid-resistant plastic
C) Aluminum
D) Copper
, Answer: B) Glass or acid-resistant plastic
Rationale: Sulfuric acid is highly reactive with many metals and some
plastics; acid-resistant materials prevent leaks and reactions.
5. What is the recommended method for neutralizing a small spill of a
strong acid?
A) Add water only
B) Add an oxidizer
C) Use a weak base such as sodium bicarbonate
D) Cover with paper towels
Answer: C) Use a weak base such as sodium bicarbonate
Rationale: Neutralization converts the acid into a less harmful
substance; using a weak base is safe for small spills.
6. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential when handling
concentrated nitric acid?
A) Cotton gloves
B) Chemical-resistant gloves and goggles
C) Standard uniform
D) Ear protection
Answer: B) Chemical-resistant gloves and goggles
Rationale: Nitric acid is highly corrosive and can cause burns; proper
PPE prevents skin and eye injuries.
7. When storing oxidizers, they should be kept:
A) Near flammable liquids
, B) In direct sunlight
C) Away from combustibles and reducing agents
D) On the floor
Answer: C) Away from combustibles and reducing agents
Rationale: Oxidizers can react violently with combustible materials
and reducing agents, creating fire hazards.
8. Which of the following is a Class 8 hazardous material under DOT
regulations?
A) Gasoline
B) Corrosive substances
C) Explosives
D) Radioactive material
Answer: B) Corrosive substances
Rationale: Class 8 materials include corrosive substances that can
destroy human tissue or materials.
9. A red NFPA diamond indicates:
A) Reactivity
B) Flammability
C) Health hazard
D) Special hazard
Answer: B) Flammability
Rationale: Red in the NFPA diamond represents the flammability
rating of a chemical.
Corrosives and Oxidizers Exam Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is considered a common corrosive chemical in
a fire department setting?
A) Sodium chloride
B) Sulfuric acid
C) Methane
D) Helium
Answer: B) Sulfuric acid
Rationale: Sulfuric acid is a highly corrosive chemical that can cause
severe burns and damage to metals, making it a key focus in
corrosive chemical handling.
,2. What is the primary hazard associated with oxidizers?
A) Flammability
B) Radioactivity
C) Enhancing combustion
D) Toxic fumes
Answer: C) Enhancing combustion
Rationale: Oxidizers themselves may not be flammable, but they
release oxygen or other oxidizing agents that can cause or intensify
fires.
3. The NFPA 704 diamond uses which color to represent oxidizers?
A) Red
B) Blue
C) Yellow
D) White
Answer: C) Yellow
Rationale: In NFPA 704, yellow indicates the chemical’s reactivity or
oxidizing potential.
4. Which type of container is most suitable for storing concentrated
sulfuric acid?
A) Plastic
B) Glass or acid-resistant plastic
C) Aluminum
D) Copper
, Answer: B) Glass or acid-resistant plastic
Rationale: Sulfuric acid is highly reactive with many metals and some
plastics; acid-resistant materials prevent leaks and reactions.
5. What is the recommended method for neutralizing a small spill of a
strong acid?
A) Add water only
B) Add an oxidizer
C) Use a weak base such as sodium bicarbonate
D) Cover with paper towels
Answer: C) Use a weak base such as sodium bicarbonate
Rationale: Neutralization converts the acid into a less harmful
substance; using a weak base is safe for small spills.
6. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential when handling
concentrated nitric acid?
A) Cotton gloves
B) Chemical-resistant gloves and goggles
C) Standard uniform
D) Ear protection
Answer: B) Chemical-resistant gloves and goggles
Rationale: Nitric acid is highly corrosive and can cause burns; proper
PPE prevents skin and eye injuries.
7. When storing oxidizers, they should be kept:
A) Near flammable liquids
, B) In direct sunlight
C) Away from combustibles and reducing agents
D) On the floor
Answer: C) Away from combustibles and reducing agents
Rationale: Oxidizers can react violently with combustible materials
and reducing agents, creating fire hazards.
8. Which of the following is a Class 8 hazardous material under DOT
regulations?
A) Gasoline
B) Corrosive substances
C) Explosives
D) Radioactive material
Answer: B) Corrosive substances
Rationale: Class 8 materials include corrosive substances that can
destroy human tissue or materials.
9. A red NFPA diamond indicates:
A) Reactivity
B) Flammability
C) Health hazard
D) Special hazard
Answer: B) Flammability
Rationale: Red in the NFPA diamond represents the flammability
rating of a chemical.
