CITB Specialists Respiratory Hazards & COSHH 2

Question 1

What is Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) and when is it used?

Accepted Answer

An extraction system that captures dust, fume, or vapour at or near the source before it can spread into the working area

Answer

Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) is a fume or dust extraction system positioned at or close to the point of generation to capture contaminants before they can enter the worker's breathing zone or spread into the workplace.

Question 2

What does WEL (Workplace Exposure Limit) mean?

Accepted Answer

The maximum concentration of a substance in air to which workers may be exposed averaged over an 8-hour shift (TWA) or short-term period

Answer

A Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) is the maximum concentration of an airborne substance (in mg/m³ or ppm) averaged over a reference period (8-hour Time Weighted Average or 15-minute short-term exposure limit) to which workers may legally be exposed.

Question 3

What is isocyanate and which specialist contractor is most exposed to it?

Accepted Answer

A chemical in two-pack paints, lacquers, and spray foam insulation — highest exposure to specialist spray painters and insulators

Answer

Isocyanates are highly reactive chemicals present in two-component polyurethane products including spray paints, adhesives, and spray foam insulation. They are a leading cause of occupational asthma. Spray painters and spray foam installers have the highest exposure.

Question 4

What health surveillance is required under COSHH for workers exposed to substances that can cause occupational asthma?

Accepted Answer

Pre-employment and regular respiratory questionnaires with lung function testing (spirometry) by an occupational health professional

Answer

Workers exposed to respiratory sensitisers (like isocyanates, wood dust, or flour) that can cause occupational asthma require regular health surveillance including respiratory questionnaires and spirometry (lung function testing) to detect sensitisation early.

Question 5

What are the key components of a COSHH assessment?

Accepted Answer

Identify substances, assess who is at risk, evaluate exposure, determine controls, record findings, and review regularly

Answer

A full COSHH assessment identifies hazardous substances, determines who may be harmed, evaluates the level of exposure, determines appropriate control measures following the hierarchy, records the findings, and sets a review date. All elements are required.

CITB HS&E Specialists Practice Test

CITB HS&E Specialists Practice Test

CITB Specialists Respiratory Hazards & COSHH 2