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

Wet cement is strongly alkaline and contains hexavalent chromium, which can cause irritant contact dermatitis, chemical burns, and chromate-induced allergic dermatitis with repeated skin contact.

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 RPE must provide an APF sufficient to reduce the wearer's exposure to below the relevant WEL; selecting RPE without verifying the APF may leave workers inadequately protected.

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

Action to improve controls must be taken before WELs are exceeded; approaching a limit indicates that existing controls are inadequate and must be reviewed promptly.

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

The CLP Regulation implements the UN Globally Harmonised System (GHS), providing standardised hazard categories, pictograms, signal words, and hazard/precautionary statements on labels and SDS.

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

Any hazardous substance not covered by the current COSHH assessment represents an unassessed risk; work must stop until the assessment is updated and appropriate controls are in place.

CITB HS&E Managers Practice Test

CITB HS&E Managers Practice Test

CITB Managers Hazardous Substances and COSHH 3