CITB Hazardous Substances 3

Question 1

What should a worker do if they accidentally spill a hazardous chemical on their skin?

Accepted Answer

Immediately irrigate the affected area with large quantities of water and follow the SDS emergency procedure

Answer

Wait until the end of the shift before washing

Answer

Apply barrier cream over the spill

Answer

Cover the affected area with a plaster

Question 2

What is the difference between an 'irritant' and a 'corrosive' substance under GHS classification?

Accepted Answer

An irritant causes reversible inflammation; a corrosive causes irreversible damage to tissue such as chemical burns

Answer

There is no difference — both terms mean the same thing

Answer

Corrosives are only harmful if ingested; irritants affect the skin

Answer

Irritants are more dangerous than corrosives

Question 3

Lead dust generated during refurbishment of old paintwork creates which specific health hazard?

Accepted Answer

Neurotoxicity — lead damages the nervous system, kidneys, and bone marrow and accumulates in the body

Answer

Skin sensitisation only

Answer

An explosive dust cloud hazard

Answer

Respiratory sensitisation causing occupational asthma

Question 4

Which document should be consulted to select appropriate respiratory protective equipment for a specific dust?

Accepted Answer

The COSHH assessment and the SDS, cross-referenced with HSE guidance on RPE selection

Answer

The site manager's verbal instruction

Answer

The RPE manufacturer's catalogue

Answer

The CITB HS&E test handbook

Question 5

Under COSHH, how long must health surveillance records be kept for workers exposed to substances causing long-latency diseases?

Accepted Answer

40 years

Answer

5 years

Answer

10 years

Answer

Until the employee leaves the company

Question 6

What does the skull and crossbones GHS pictogram on a chemical container indicate?

Accepted Answer

The substance is acutely toxic and can cause death or serious injury after a single exposure

Answer

The substance is an environmental hazard

Answer

The substance is radioactive

Answer

The substance is corrosive to metals