TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1: CLEANING & DISINFECTION (Questions 1 - 50)
Topics: Surface cleaning, disinfectant selection, bloodborne pathogens, restroom sanitation, floor care,
chemical dwell times, and cross-contamination prevention.
SECTION 2: SAFETY & HAZARD COMMUNICATION (Questions 51 - 75)
Topics: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Safety Data Sheets (SDS), GHS pictograms, chemical
storage, ergonomics, fire safety, electrical safety, and Lockout/Tagout procedures.
SECTION 3: EQUIPMENT OPERATION & MAINTENANCE (Questions 76 - 100)
Topics: Automatic scrubbers, HEPA vacuums, burnishers, carpet extractors, pressure washers, battery
maintenance, and basic troubleshooting.
SECTION 4: WASTE MANAGEMENT & RECYCLING (Questions 101 - 125)
Topics: Solid waste disposal, medical/biohazard waste, universal waste (e-waste, batteries, bulbs),
recycling protocols, composting, and landfill diversion.
SECTION 5: REGULATORY COMPLIANCE (Questions 126 - 150)
Topics: Cal/OSHA standards, EPA regulations, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements,
California Title 22 (Medical Waste), and Bloodborne Pathogens compliance.
SECTION 6: EMERGENCY RESPONSE & SPILL CLEANUP (Questions 151 - 175)
Topics: Bloodborne and bodily fluid spills, hazardous chemical spills, evacuation procedures,
earthquake protocols, fire safety, and first aid.
SECTION 7: FLOOR CARE, CARPET CARE, & GENERAL BEST PRACTICES (Questions 176 - 200)
Topics: VCT stripping/finishing/burnishing, hardwood floor care, carpet extraction, stain removal
techniques, professional conduct, and workplace etiquette.
[1]
,SECTION 1: CLEANING & DISINFECTION (Questions 1 - 50)
Topics: Surface cleaning, disinfectant selection, bloodborne pathogens, restroom
sanitation, floor care.
1. A custodian is cleaning a restroom and must choose a disinfectant that is effective against
Clostridium difficile spores. Which active ingredient is most appropriate?
A. Sodium hypochlorite (5000 ppm)
B. Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
C. Ethyl alcohol (70%)
D. Iodophor (100 ppm available iodine)
Correct Answer: A. Sodium hypochlorite (5000 ppm)
Rationale: C. difficile spores are resistant to many disinfectants. Sodium hypochlorite at
5000 ppm (1:10 bleach dilution) is sporicidal and recommended by the CDC for C. difficile.
Hydrogen peroxide 3% is not sporicidal; 7.5% is needed. Alcohol is ineffective against
spores. Iodophors require long contact times and are not reliably sporicidal at standard
use.
Reference: CDC (2019). Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities,
Ch. 2
2. When cleaning a blood spill on a hard, non-porous surface, which step must be
performed before applying a hospital-grade disinfectant?
A. The area must be wiped dry with a paper towel.
B. The area must be cleaned with soap and water or a detergent to remove visible soil.
C. The area must be allowed to air dry for 30 minutes.
D. A fresh mop head must be attached to the mop handle.
Correct Answer: B. The area must be cleaned with soap and water or a detergent to remove
visible soil.
Rationale: Disinfectants are easily inactivated by organic matter like blood. Therefore, a
two-step process is required: first, physically clean the area with a detergent to remove the
soil, and second, apply the disinfectant. Applying the disinfectant directly to the visible
blood will not be effective.
[2]
,Reference: OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(4)(ii)(A)
3. A custodian notices that a floor scrubber leaves streaks on a VCT floor after burnishing.
Which combination of factors is the most likely cause?
A. Too much water flow and a worn-out pad
B. Incorrect pad type and high machine speed
C. Low detergent concentration and slow machine travel
D. Hard water deposits and a dirty recovery tank
Correct Answer: A. Too much water flow and a worn-out pad
Rationale: Excessive water flow leaves moisture that interferes with burnishing, and a
worn pad cannot properly polish the floor, resulting in streaks. Incorrect pad type may
cause scratching but not necessarily streaks. Low detergent may leave a film but not typical
streaks.
Reference: ISSA (2021). 612 Cleaning Times and Tasks, 6th Ed., Section 3
4. A custodian is tasked with cleaning a spill of unknown liquid on a porous concrete floor
in a public restroom. Which sequence of actions is most appropriate to minimize cross-
contamination and ensure safety?
A. Apply absorbent granules, sweep, then spray with a disinfectant and mop.
B. Cordon off the area, don appropriate PPE, apply absorbent material, then clean with a
disinfectant solution using a dedicated mop.
C. Use a wet vacuum to remove the liquid, then scrub with a neutral cleaner.
D. Pour bleach directly on the spill, let it sit for 10 minutes, then mop with water.
Correct Answer: B. Cordon off the area, don appropriate PPE, apply absorbent material,
then clean with a disinfectant solution using a dedicated mop.
Rationale: Cordon off the area prevents foot traffic; PPE protects the custodian from
unknown hazards. Absorbent material removes bulk liquid, and disinfecting with a
dedicated mop prevents spreading contamination. Option A skips cordoning and may
spread pathogens. Option C may aerosolize pathogens. Option D is unsafe and may damage
concrete.
[3]
, Reference: Cal/OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 8 CCR 5193; OSHA Hazard
Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200
5. A custodian observes that a HEPA-filtered vacuum loses suction after 15 minutes of use.
The filter appears clean. What is the most likely cause?
A. The vacuum bag is overfilled.
B. The HEPA filter is clogged with fine particulates.
C. The motor brushes are worn.
D. The hose has a small puncture.
Correct Answer: B. The HEPA filter is clogged with fine particulates.
Rationale: HEPA filters can clog with fine particulates that are not visible to the naked eye,
causing loss of suction as airflow resistance increases. An overfilled bag would also reduce
suction, but the filter appears clean, so bag is likely not the issue. Worn motor brushes
would cause intermittent operation or failure, not gradual loss over 15 minutes. A puncture
would cause immediate suction loss.
Reference: Vacuum Manufacturer Technical Manual (2022). HEPA Filter Maintenance
Guidelines
6. A custodian mixes a bleach solution for disinfection. The label states the bleach contains
8.25% sodium hypochlorite. To achieve a 1:10 dilution (5000 ppm), how many ounces of
bleach should be added to 1 gallon (128 oz) of water?
A. 12.8 oz
B. 11.6 oz
C. 10.0 oz
D. 16.0 oz
Correct Answer: A. 12.8 oz
Rationale: A 1:10 dilution means 1 part bleach to 9 parts water, so total parts = 10. For 128
oz total, bleach = 128/10 = 12.8 oz. This yields approximately 5000 ppm. Option B (11.6
oz) would give a slightly lower concentration. Option C (10 oz) results in a 1:12.8 dilution,
insufficient for sporicidal activity. Option D (16 oz) yields a 1:8 dilution, unnecessarily
strong.
[4]
SECTION 1: CLEANING & DISINFECTION (Questions 1 - 50)
Topics: Surface cleaning, disinfectant selection, bloodborne pathogens, restroom sanitation, floor care,
chemical dwell times, and cross-contamination prevention.
SECTION 2: SAFETY & HAZARD COMMUNICATION (Questions 51 - 75)
Topics: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Safety Data Sheets (SDS), GHS pictograms, chemical
storage, ergonomics, fire safety, electrical safety, and Lockout/Tagout procedures.
SECTION 3: EQUIPMENT OPERATION & MAINTENANCE (Questions 76 - 100)
Topics: Automatic scrubbers, HEPA vacuums, burnishers, carpet extractors, pressure washers, battery
maintenance, and basic troubleshooting.
SECTION 4: WASTE MANAGEMENT & RECYCLING (Questions 101 - 125)
Topics: Solid waste disposal, medical/biohazard waste, universal waste (e-waste, batteries, bulbs),
recycling protocols, composting, and landfill diversion.
SECTION 5: REGULATORY COMPLIANCE (Questions 126 - 150)
Topics: Cal/OSHA standards, EPA regulations, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements,
California Title 22 (Medical Waste), and Bloodborne Pathogens compliance.
SECTION 6: EMERGENCY RESPONSE & SPILL CLEANUP (Questions 151 - 175)
Topics: Bloodborne and bodily fluid spills, hazardous chemical spills, evacuation procedures,
earthquake protocols, fire safety, and first aid.
SECTION 7: FLOOR CARE, CARPET CARE, & GENERAL BEST PRACTICES (Questions 176 - 200)
Topics: VCT stripping/finishing/burnishing, hardwood floor care, carpet extraction, stain removal
techniques, professional conduct, and workplace etiquette.
[1]
,SECTION 1: CLEANING & DISINFECTION (Questions 1 - 50)
Topics: Surface cleaning, disinfectant selection, bloodborne pathogens, restroom
sanitation, floor care.
1. A custodian is cleaning a restroom and must choose a disinfectant that is effective against
Clostridium difficile spores. Which active ingredient is most appropriate?
A. Sodium hypochlorite (5000 ppm)
B. Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
C. Ethyl alcohol (70%)
D. Iodophor (100 ppm available iodine)
Correct Answer: A. Sodium hypochlorite (5000 ppm)
Rationale: C. difficile spores are resistant to many disinfectants. Sodium hypochlorite at
5000 ppm (1:10 bleach dilution) is sporicidal and recommended by the CDC for C. difficile.
Hydrogen peroxide 3% is not sporicidal; 7.5% is needed. Alcohol is ineffective against
spores. Iodophors require long contact times and are not reliably sporicidal at standard
use.
Reference: CDC (2019). Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities,
Ch. 2
2. When cleaning a blood spill on a hard, non-porous surface, which step must be
performed before applying a hospital-grade disinfectant?
A. The area must be wiped dry with a paper towel.
B. The area must be cleaned with soap and water or a detergent to remove visible soil.
C. The area must be allowed to air dry for 30 minutes.
D. A fresh mop head must be attached to the mop handle.
Correct Answer: B. The area must be cleaned with soap and water or a detergent to remove
visible soil.
Rationale: Disinfectants are easily inactivated by organic matter like blood. Therefore, a
two-step process is required: first, physically clean the area with a detergent to remove the
soil, and second, apply the disinfectant. Applying the disinfectant directly to the visible
blood will not be effective.
[2]
,Reference: OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(4)(ii)(A)
3. A custodian notices that a floor scrubber leaves streaks on a VCT floor after burnishing.
Which combination of factors is the most likely cause?
A. Too much water flow and a worn-out pad
B. Incorrect pad type and high machine speed
C. Low detergent concentration and slow machine travel
D. Hard water deposits and a dirty recovery tank
Correct Answer: A. Too much water flow and a worn-out pad
Rationale: Excessive water flow leaves moisture that interferes with burnishing, and a
worn pad cannot properly polish the floor, resulting in streaks. Incorrect pad type may
cause scratching but not necessarily streaks. Low detergent may leave a film but not typical
streaks.
Reference: ISSA (2021). 612 Cleaning Times and Tasks, 6th Ed., Section 3
4. A custodian is tasked with cleaning a spill of unknown liquid on a porous concrete floor
in a public restroom. Which sequence of actions is most appropriate to minimize cross-
contamination and ensure safety?
A. Apply absorbent granules, sweep, then spray with a disinfectant and mop.
B. Cordon off the area, don appropriate PPE, apply absorbent material, then clean with a
disinfectant solution using a dedicated mop.
C. Use a wet vacuum to remove the liquid, then scrub with a neutral cleaner.
D. Pour bleach directly on the spill, let it sit for 10 minutes, then mop with water.
Correct Answer: B. Cordon off the area, don appropriate PPE, apply absorbent material,
then clean with a disinfectant solution using a dedicated mop.
Rationale: Cordon off the area prevents foot traffic; PPE protects the custodian from
unknown hazards. Absorbent material removes bulk liquid, and disinfecting with a
dedicated mop prevents spreading contamination. Option A skips cordoning and may
spread pathogens. Option C may aerosolize pathogens. Option D is unsafe and may damage
concrete.
[3]
, Reference: Cal/OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 8 CCR 5193; OSHA Hazard
Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200
5. A custodian observes that a HEPA-filtered vacuum loses suction after 15 minutes of use.
The filter appears clean. What is the most likely cause?
A. The vacuum bag is overfilled.
B. The HEPA filter is clogged with fine particulates.
C. The motor brushes are worn.
D. The hose has a small puncture.
Correct Answer: B. The HEPA filter is clogged with fine particulates.
Rationale: HEPA filters can clog with fine particulates that are not visible to the naked eye,
causing loss of suction as airflow resistance increases. An overfilled bag would also reduce
suction, but the filter appears clean, so bag is likely not the issue. Worn motor brushes
would cause intermittent operation or failure, not gradual loss over 15 minutes. A puncture
would cause immediate suction loss.
Reference: Vacuum Manufacturer Technical Manual (2022). HEPA Filter Maintenance
Guidelines
6. A custodian mixes a bleach solution for disinfection. The label states the bleach contains
8.25% sodium hypochlorite. To achieve a 1:10 dilution (5000 ppm), how many ounces of
bleach should be added to 1 gallon (128 oz) of water?
A. 12.8 oz
B. 11.6 oz
C. 10.0 oz
D. 16.0 oz
Correct Answer: A. 12.8 oz
Rationale: A 1:10 dilution means 1 part bleach to 9 parts water, so total parts = 10. For 128
oz total, bleach = 128/10 = 12.8 oz. This yields approximately 5000 ppm. Option B (11.6
oz) would give a slightly lower concentration. Option C (10 oz) results in a 1:12.8 dilution,
insufficient for sporicidal activity. Option D (16 oz) yields a 1:8 dilution, unnecessarily
strong.
[4]
