CITB Managers Hazardous Substances and COSHH 3

Question 1

Wet cement is classified as a hazardous substance under COSHH primarily because it can cause:

Accepted Answer

Dermatitis, chemical burns, and sensitisation due to its alkaline and chromate content

Answer

Explosive reactions when mixed with water

Answer

Acute respiratory cancer after a single short-term exposure

Answer

Acute poisoning if accidentally swallowed in small quantities

Question 2

When selecting respiratory protective equipment (RPE) under COSHH, what factor is most critical?

Accepted Answer

The assigned protection factor (APF) relative to the airborne concentration of the hazardous substance

Answer

The purchase cost and local availability of the equipment

Answer

The colour coding of the filter cartridge for easy identification

Answer

Worker preference for comfort and style to encourage compliance

Question 3

What action should a site manager take if atmospheric monitoring results show exposure levels are approaching the relevant WEL?

Accepted Answer

Immediately review and strengthen control measures to prevent the WEL from being reached

Answer

Wait until the WEL is actually exceeded before taking any remedial action

Answer

Record the reading and review it at the next scheduled monthly safety meeting

Answer

Issue workers with a higher grade of PPE and allow work to continue unchanged

Question 4

Which legislation provides standardised hazard classification and GHS pictograms for chemicals in the UK?

Accepted Answer

CLP Regulation (Classification, Labelling and Packaging)

Answer

COSHH Regulations 2002

Answer

REACH Regulation on chemical registration

Answer

Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR)

Question 5

A site manager discovers a sub-contractor has been using a highly hazardous solvent not included in the site's COSHH assessment. What is the correct course of action?

Accepted Answer

Stop work with the solvent immediately and update the site COSHH assessment before resuming

Answer

Allow work to continue provided the sub-contractor holds their own COSHH assessment

Answer

Issue additional PPE to those involved and allow work to continue under direct supervision

Answer

Notify the HSE within 24 hours and await their written guidance before taking action

Question 6

Lead dust and fumes are most commonly encountered in construction during:

Accepted Answer

Renovation and stripping of older buildings containing lead-based paint or lead pipework

Answer

Concrete pouring and curing operations

Answer

Excavation of virgin agricultural ground

Answer

Application of modern polymer-based adhesives and sealants

Question 7

Under the Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002, if a worker's blood lead level exceeds the statutory suspension level, the employer must:

Accepted Answer

Suspend the worker from any work liable to expose them to lead until levels fall below the suspension level

Answer

Provide enhanced PPE and continue monthly biological monitoring

Answer

Notify the worker of the result but allow them to continue if they sign a written waiver

Answer

Refer the worker to an occupational health adviser for advice only, with no immediate action required