220-1102 Question 721
Single answerMaterial safety data sheet (MSDS) documentation for handling and disposalA technician in a small office accidentally breaks a mercury-containing fluorescent backlight lamp while repairing an older LCD monitor. The office manager asks the technician to clean it up and throw the debris into the regular trash so work can continue quickly. What should the technician do FIRST to handle the situation properly and in compliance with workplace safety practices?
- A
Review the product's Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) for spill-handling, PPE, and disposal requirements before beginning cleanup
- B
Seal the broken lamp pieces in a plastic bag and place them in the normal office trash to prevent employee contact
- C
Use a standard office vacuum to remove the glass and powder immediately, then wash the area with water
- D
Ask a coworker who has cleaned up broken glass before to handle the debris without consulting documentation
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
For A+ Core 2, candidates should know that Safety Data Sheets (SDS), formerly called Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), are the primary reference for handling, exposure precautions, spill response, and disposal of hazardous materials. In a real-world IT environment, older displays, batteries, toner, cleaning chemicals, and some lamps may require special handling. The technician should first identify the hazard and consult the SDS/MSDS and company procedures before acting. For mercury-containing lamps, best practices commonly include avoiding vacuum use, ensuring appropriate ventilation, using recommended PPE, collecting debris according to the SDS instructions, and disposing of the waste through approved channels rather than normal trash. This question tests the practical principle that documentation-driven safety comes before convenience or improvised cleanup.
- A. Correct.
Correct. The first step is to consult the applicable Safety Data Sheet (historically called MSDS) and follow the organization's hazardous-material procedures. For mercury-containing lamps, the SDS provides guidance on hazards, ventilation, personal protective equipment, spill response, and proper disposal. This is the safest and most compliant initial action before attempting cleanup.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Although isolating debris may sound reasonable, placing mercury-containing lamp waste into regular trash can violate safety and environmental disposal requirements. The key mistake is skipping the SDS and approved hazardous-waste process. Broken lamps may require special handling and disposal according to manufacturer guidance and local regulations.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Vacuuming is specifically a poor choice for mercury-containing lamp debris because it can disperse mercury vapor or contaminated dust. This option reflects a common misconception that a vacuum is the fastest way to clean any small debris. The technician should first review the SDS and then follow the recommended cleanup method.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Prior experience with broken glass does not replace hazard-specific documentation. Mercury-containing components are not treated the same as ordinary glass. Relying on informal advice instead of the SDS/MSDS and company policy can expose employees to unnecessary risk and lead to improper disposal.