Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Safety Assessment Practice Test

If a large quantity of liquid is spilled into a sanitary sewer, the worker who discovers it should ____________.

1. Close off the sewer at the first junction

2. Take a water sample to determine concentration levels

3. Ignore the problem

4. Notify their supervisor or team leader immediately

The correct answer is: Notify their supervisor or team leader immediately

Notifying the supervisor or team leader immediately is the correct course of action when a large quantity of liquid is spilled into a sanitary sewer. This ensures that the appropriate response protocols are activated without delay. Such spills can pose significant health and safety risks, potentially affecting the sanitary sewer system or the environment. By immediately alerting a supervisor, the situation can be assessed, and necessary actions can be taken, such as containment, cleanup, and possible involvement of environmental health and safety personnel to manage the incident appropriately. Timely notification allows for the dissemination of critical information to others who may be affected or who have the authority to address the incident. It also helps in compliance with regulations that often require reporting hazardous spills to prevent further harm.