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Hazardous Substances Flashcards

6 cards from real CITB practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. Which regulations require employers to assess risk from hazardous substances and implement control measures?

    Answer: The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)

    COSHH 2002 requires employers to assess exposure to hazardous substances, prevent or adequately control exposure, and monitor health where necessary.

  2. What does a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provide?

    Answer: Detailed information on a substance's hazards, safe handling, storage, first aid, and emergency measures

    An SDS provides comprehensive hazard information required under COSHH and REACH regulations, covering identity, hazards, handling, storage, exposure controls, and emergency response.

  3. What health risk does prolonged exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust pose?

    Answer: Silicosis — irreversible, potentially fatal scarring of the lungs

    Respirable crystalline silica generated by cutting stone, brick, or concrete penetrates deep into the lung tissue, causing silicosis — a progressive, incurable disease that can be fatal.

  4. Under COSHH, what is the preferred approach to controlling exposure to hazardous substances?

    Answer: Substitute the hazardous substance with a less hazardous alternative, or eliminate it entirely

    COSHH follows the hierarchy of controls: eliminate, substitute, enclose, ventilate, control at source, reduce exposure time, PPE — substitution is preferred over exposure controls and RPE.

  5. What is a Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL)?

    Answer: The maximum airborne concentration of a hazardous substance to which workers must not be exposed over a specified period

    WELs are set by the HSE in EH40 and represent the maximum concentrations of airborne substances to which workers may be exposed, typically as 8-hour time-weighted averages or short-term exposure limits.

  6. Which common construction chemical is classified as a sensitiser that can cause occupational asthma?

    Answer: Isocyanates found in two-pack paints, adhesives, and spray foam

    Isocyanates are a leading cause of occupational asthma in construction workers — once sensitised, even tiny exposures can trigger severe and potentially life-threatening asthmatic reactions.