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ASCP BOC Qualification in Laboratory Safety (QLS) Exam
ACTUAL EXAM COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
ASCP BOC Qualification in Laboratory Safety (QLS) Exam
Summary of High-Yield Exam Topics
Based on ASCP BOC official outlines and eligibility requirements, the following topics are most relevant
for the Qualification in Laboratory Safety (QLS) examination:
• Biohazard Control – Bloodborne pathogens (BBP), infection control, biosafety levels, exposure
control plans, post-exposure protocols, sharps safety, biological waste disposal
• Chemical Safety – Chemical classifications (flammables, corrosives, reactives, toxics), Safety
Data Sheets (SDS), chemical hygiene plan (CHP), GHS labeling, storage compatibility, spill
response
• Ergonomics – Workstation design, repetitive motion injury prevention, proper lifting techniques,
pipetting ergonomics, microscope use
• Fire Safety – Fire classifications (A, B, C), extinguisher types and use (PASS method), fire
prevention, emergency evacuation, flammable storage limits
• Physical Environment – Electrical safety (grounding, GFCI, equipment), compressed gas
cylinders, emergency preparedness (fire, weather, active shooter), waste management (RCRA,
biohazard, sharps, chemical), dangerous goods shipping (IATA/DOT), general equipment safety
• Safety Management – Risk assessment and hazard identification, safety monitoring and audits,
safety committee functions, regulatory compliance (OSHA, EPA, CDC, CAP, TJC, CLSI), incident
investigation
• Training and Education – Developing safety training programs, documentation of training,
competency assessment, adult learning principles
• Regulatory Agencies & Standards – OSHA (29 CFR 1910.1030 Bloodborne Pathogens, 29 CFR
1910.1450 Chemical Hygiene), EPA (RCRA), CDC (BMBL), DOT/IATA (shipping), CAP, TJC (formerly
JCAHO), CLSI, NFPA
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Selection, use, maintenance, removal; lab coats, gloves
(nitrile vs. latex), eye/face protection (safety glasses, goggles, face shields), respiratory
protection
1. What is the primary purpose of OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030)?
A) Regulate chemical hygiene in laboratories
B) Protect workers from exposure to human blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM)
C) Establish fire safety requirements for clinical labs
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D) Define waste disposal procedures for hazardous chemicals
Answer: B – The BBP standard specifically addresses occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens
such as HBV, HCV, and HIV.
2. Under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, which of the following is considered "Other
Potentially Infectious Material" (OPIM)?
A) Distilled water used in laboratory procedures
B) Saliva in dental procedures and unfixed human tissues
C) Glassware washed with disinfectant
D) Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks
Answer: B – OPIM includes saliva in dental procedures, unfixed tissues, and body fluids visibly
contaminated with blood.
3. A laboratory employee sustains a needlestick injury while handling a patient specimen. What is the
FIRST action the employer must take?
A) Terminate the employee for safety violation
B) Provide immediate post-exposure evaluation and follow-up at no cost
C) Report the incident to OSHA within 24 hours
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D) Discard the needle and continue work
Answer: B – Employers must provide immediate post-exposure evaluation, prophylaxis when indicated,
and follow-up at no cost to the employee.
4. According to the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, what is the maximum allowable time for an
employer to complete a post-exposure evaluation after an incident?
A) Immediately (same day)
B) Within 24 hours
C) Within 72 hours
D) Within 1 week
Answer: A – Post-exposure evaluation must be provided immediately (same day as exposure) per OSHA
requirements.
5. What color must biohazard warning labels be according to OSHA?
A) Yellow with black symbols
B) Fluorescent orange with black symbols
C) Fluorescent orange-red with biohazard symbol in contrasting color
D) Red or orange with black biohazard symbol
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Answer: C – Labels must be fluorescent orange or orange-red with biohazard symbol in contrasting
color, or red bags/containers may substitute for labels.
6. Which engineering control is MOST effective for preventing needlestick injuries?
A) Recapping needles after use
B) Using needleless systems or sharps with engineered sharps injury protection (SESIP)
C) Wearing double gloves
D) Discarding sharps in regular trash
Answer: B – Needleless systems and SESIP devices are primary engineering controls required by OSHA
to eliminate or minimize exposure.
7. How often must the Exposure Control Plan be reviewed and updated?
A) Annually
B) Every 2 years
C) Every 5 years
D) Only when new equipment is purchased
Answer: A – The Exposure Control Plan must be reviewed and updated at least annually, including
documentation of new technology consideration.
ASCP BOC Qualification in Laboratory Safety (QLS) Exam
ACTUAL EXAM COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
ASCP BOC Qualification in Laboratory Safety (QLS) Exam
Summary of High-Yield Exam Topics
Based on ASCP BOC official outlines and eligibility requirements, the following topics are most relevant
for the Qualification in Laboratory Safety (QLS) examination:
• Biohazard Control – Bloodborne pathogens (BBP), infection control, biosafety levels, exposure
control plans, post-exposure protocols, sharps safety, biological waste disposal
• Chemical Safety – Chemical classifications (flammables, corrosives, reactives, toxics), Safety
Data Sheets (SDS), chemical hygiene plan (CHP), GHS labeling, storage compatibility, spill
response
• Ergonomics – Workstation design, repetitive motion injury prevention, proper lifting techniques,
pipetting ergonomics, microscope use
• Fire Safety – Fire classifications (A, B, C), extinguisher types and use (PASS method), fire
prevention, emergency evacuation, flammable storage limits
• Physical Environment – Electrical safety (grounding, GFCI, equipment), compressed gas
cylinders, emergency preparedness (fire, weather, active shooter), waste management (RCRA,
biohazard, sharps, chemical), dangerous goods shipping (IATA/DOT), general equipment safety
• Safety Management – Risk assessment and hazard identification, safety monitoring and audits,
safety committee functions, regulatory compliance (OSHA, EPA, CDC, CAP, TJC, CLSI), incident
investigation
• Training and Education – Developing safety training programs, documentation of training,
competency assessment, adult learning principles
• Regulatory Agencies & Standards – OSHA (29 CFR 1910.1030 Bloodborne Pathogens, 29 CFR
1910.1450 Chemical Hygiene), EPA (RCRA), CDC (BMBL), DOT/IATA (shipping), CAP, TJC (formerly
JCAHO), CLSI, NFPA
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Selection, use, maintenance, removal; lab coats, gloves
(nitrile vs. latex), eye/face protection (safety glasses, goggles, face shields), respiratory
protection
1. What is the primary purpose of OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030)?
A) Regulate chemical hygiene in laboratories
B) Protect workers from exposure to human blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM)
C) Establish fire safety requirements for clinical labs
, Page 2 of 116
D) Define waste disposal procedures for hazardous chemicals
Answer: B – The BBP standard specifically addresses occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens
such as HBV, HCV, and HIV.
2. Under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, which of the following is considered "Other
Potentially Infectious Material" (OPIM)?
A) Distilled water used in laboratory procedures
B) Saliva in dental procedures and unfixed human tissues
C) Glassware washed with disinfectant
D) Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks
Answer: B – OPIM includes saliva in dental procedures, unfixed tissues, and body fluids visibly
contaminated with blood.
3. A laboratory employee sustains a needlestick injury while handling a patient specimen. What is the
FIRST action the employer must take?
A) Terminate the employee for safety violation
B) Provide immediate post-exposure evaluation and follow-up at no cost
C) Report the incident to OSHA within 24 hours
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D) Discard the needle and continue work
Answer: B – Employers must provide immediate post-exposure evaluation, prophylaxis when indicated,
and follow-up at no cost to the employee.
4. According to the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, what is the maximum allowable time for an
employer to complete a post-exposure evaluation after an incident?
A) Immediately (same day)
B) Within 24 hours
C) Within 72 hours
D) Within 1 week
Answer: A – Post-exposure evaluation must be provided immediately (same day as exposure) per OSHA
requirements.
5. What color must biohazard warning labels be according to OSHA?
A) Yellow with black symbols
B) Fluorescent orange with black symbols
C) Fluorescent orange-red with biohazard symbol in contrasting color
D) Red or orange with black biohazard symbol
, Page 4 of 116
Answer: C – Labels must be fluorescent orange or orange-red with biohazard symbol in contrasting
color, or red bags/containers may substitute for labels.
6. Which engineering control is MOST effective for preventing needlestick injuries?
A) Recapping needles after use
B) Using needleless systems or sharps with engineered sharps injury protection (SESIP)
C) Wearing double gloves
D) Discarding sharps in regular trash
Answer: B – Needleless systems and SESIP devices are primary engineering controls required by OSHA
to eliminate or minimize exposure.
7. How often must the Exposure Control Plan be reviewed and updated?
A) Annually
B) Every 2 years
C) Every 5 years
D) Only when new equipment is purchased
Answer: A – The Exposure Control Plan must be reviewed and updated at least annually, including
documentation of new technology consideration.
