CITB Managers Occupational Health and Welfare — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), what is the employer's primary duty regarding hazardous substances?
- To provide PPE as the first line of defence
- To prevent exposure, or where this is not reasonably practicable, to adequately control it (Correct answer)
- To ensure all workers have COSHH certificates
- To label all substances and take no further action
Correct answer: To prevent exposure, or where this is not reasonably practicable, to adequately control it
COSHH Regulation 7 requires employers to prevent or adequately control exposure to hazardous substances. Prevention is the priority (elimination or substitution), and where that is not reasonably practicable, exposure must be adequately controlled through engineering controls, safe systems of work, and PPE as a last resort.
Question 2: Construction workers are exposed to silica dust from cutting concrete blocks. Under COSHH, what is the Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) for respirable crystalline silica?
- 0.5 mg/m³ (8-hour TWA)
- 0.1 mg/m³ (8-hour TWA) (Correct answer)
- 1.0 mg/m³ (8-hour TWA)
- 0.05 mg/m³ (8-hour TWA)
Correct answer: 0.1 mg/m³ (8-hour TWA)
The current UK Workplace Exposure Limit for respirable crystalline silica is 0.1 mg/m³ as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). Silicosis is an irreversible lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust, making adequate control essential. Water suppression and on-tool extraction are the primary controls.
Question 3: Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, at what daily personal noise exposure level must an employer provide hearing protection to workers who request it?
- 75 dB(A)
- 80 dB(A) — the lower exposure action value (Correct answer)
- 85 dB(A) — the upper exposure action value
- 90 dB(A)
Correct answer: 80 dB(A) — the lower exposure action value
At the lower exposure action value of 80 dB(A), employers must make hearing protection available to employees who request it and provide information and training about the risks. At 85 dB(A) (upper action value), hearing protection becomes mandatory and hearing protection zones must be designated.
Question 4: A construction worker is diagnosed with Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). Under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, what is the daily Exposure Action Value (EAV) for hand-arm vibration?
- 1.0 m/s² A(8)
- 2.5 m/s² A(8) (Correct answer)
- 5.0 m/s² A(8)
- 10.0 m/s² A(8)
Correct answer: 2.5 m/s² A(8)
The daily Exposure Action Value for hand-arm vibration is 2.5 m/s² A(8). Above this level, employers must introduce measures to reduce exposure. The Exposure Limit Value is 5 m/s² A(8), which must not be exceeded. HAVS causes irreversible damage to blood vessels, nerves and joints in the hands and arms.
Question 5: Under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, what welfare facilities must be provided on a construction site?
- Only drinking water
- Toilets, washing facilities, drinking water, changing rooms, and rest facilities (Correct answer)
- Only toilets and drinking water
- Whatever the workers request
Correct answer: Toilets, washing facilities, drinking water, changing rooms, and rest facilities
CDM 2015 Schedule 2 requires the provision of sanitary conveniences (toilets), washing facilities (including showers where necessary), drinking water, accommodation for clothing and changing, and rest facilities (including facilities for preparing and eating meals). These must be readily accessible and maintained in a clean condition.
Question 6: What is the purpose of health surveillance under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999?
- To check if workers are physically fit enough to work
- To detect early signs of work-related ill health and ensure control measures are working effectively (Correct answer)
- To reduce employer insurance premiums
- To identify workers who should be dismissed on health grounds
Correct answer: To detect early signs of work-related ill health and ensure control measures are working effectively
Health surveillance is designed to detect adverse health effects at an early stage, enabling remedial action to be taken. It also helps evaluate whether control measures are effective and provides data for ongoing risk assessment. It is required where there is an identifiable disease or adverse health condition related to the work.
CITB Managers Occupational Health and Welfare
Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), what is the employer's primary duty regarding hazardous substances?