Exam Guide
**Question 1.** Which federal agency establishes the primary standards for hazardous waste
management under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)?
A) OSHA
B) EPA
C) DOT
D) CDC
Answer: B
Explanation: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for developing and
enforcing regulations for hazardous waste under RCRA.
**Question 2.** Under HAZWOPER, which OSHA standard specifically addresses emergency
response operations for hazardous substances?
A) 1910.1200
B) 1910.120
C) 1910.134
D) 1910.1000
Answer: B
Explanation: OSHA standard 1910.120 covers the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency
Response (HAZWOPER) requirements for emergency response.
**Question 3.** In a site-specific Health and Safety Plan (HASP), the “Site Hazard Assessment”
must be completed by:
A) The project manager only
B) A qualified industrial hygienist
C) Any onsite worker
D) The local fire department
Answer: B
, [HAZ] HAZ Hazardous Substance Removal Certification
Exam Guide
Explanation: A qualified industrial hygienist conducts the hazard assessment to identify
chemical, physical, and biological risks.
**Question 4.** When estimating soil excavation volume for a rectangular pit, which formula is
correct?
A) Length × Width × Height ÷ 27
B) (Length + Width) × Height ÷ 3
C) Length × Width × Height × 27
D) (Length × Width) ÷ Height ÷ 27
Answer: A
Explanation: Volume in cubic yards = (L × W × H) ÷ 27, converting cubic feet to cubic yards.
**Question 5.** The primary purpose of a Contamination Reduction Zone (CRZ) is to:
A) Store hazardous waste on‑site
B) Provide a buffer to limit contaminant migration
C) House the project office
D) Serve as a parking area for equipment
Answer: B
Explanation: A CRZ isolates the contaminated area, reducing the risk of contaminant spread
during remediation.
**Question 6.** Which of the following characteristics defines a corrosive substance?
A) Ignites at low temperature
B) Reacts violently with water
C) Causes severe skin burns or eye damage
D) Explodes on impact
, [HAZ] HAZ Hazardous Substance Removal Certification
Exam Guide
Answer: C
Explanation: Corrosive substances cause severe damage to skin, eyes, or other materials upon
contact.
**Question 7.** When selecting personal protective equipment (PPE) for a “Level B” situation,
which statement is true?
A) Full encapsulation with a self‑contained breathing apparatus is required
B) A chemical‑resistant suit with a separate air‑purifying respirator is typical
C) Only a hard hat and safety glasses are needed
D) No respiratory protection is necessary
Answer: B
Explanation: Level B PPE includes a chemical‑resistant suit and a separate air‑purifying
respirator (e.g., SCBA or PAPR).
**Question 8.** The Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) of a flammable gas is measured as:
A) The minimum concentration that will support combustion
B) The maximum safe exposure limit for workers
C) The concentration at which the gas becomes inert
D) The percentage of oxygen in the atmosphere
Answer: A
Explanation: LEL is the lowest concentration of a vapor in air capable of producing a flash of fire.
**Question 9.** Which waste code is used for “mixed waste” that contains both hazardous and
radioactive components?
A) D001
B) F001
C) U001
, [HAZ] HAZ Hazardous Substance Removal Certification
Exam Guide
D) R001
Answer: B
Explanation: EPA waste code “F” designates mixed waste (both hazardous and radioactive).
**Question 10.** A vapor extraction system (VES) primarily removes contaminants from which
media?
A) Groundwater only
B) Soil gas and indoor air
C) Solid waste debris
D) Surface water
Answer: B
Explanation: VES extracts volatile contaminants from soil gas and indoor air through a vacuum.
**Question 11.** Which of the following is a common method for treating contaminated
groundwater on‑site?
A) Soil vapor extraction
B) Pump‑and‑treat
C) Thermal desorption
D) Landfilling
Answer: B
Explanation: Pump‑and‑treat circulates groundwater through treatment units to remove
contaminants.
**Question 12.** The primary advantage of soil washing over excavation is:
A) Lower initial capital cost
B) Ability to treat contaminated soil in‑place without removal