CSCS COSHH 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) under COSHH?
- To heat the workplace during cold weather
- To capture airborne contaminants at the source before they enter the worker's breathing zone (Correct answer)
- To circulate fresh air throughout the entire building
- To monitor air quality in real time
Correct answer: To capture airborne contaminants at the source before they enter the worker's breathing zone
LEV systems capture dust, fumes, vapours, and other airborne contaminants at or near the point of generation, preventing them from entering the worker's breathing zone. Under COSHH, LEV must be properly designed, maintained, and tested at least every 14 months.
Question 2: How often must LEV systems be examined and tested under COSHH Regulation 9?
- Every 6 months
- At least every 14 months (Correct answer)
- Every 2 years
- Only when a fault is suspected
Correct answer: At least every 14 months
Under COSHH Regulation 9, LEV equipment must be thoroughly examined and tested at least every 14 months (or more frequently for certain processes). Records of examinations must be kept for at least 5 years.
Question 3: Which GHS hazard symbol shows an exclamation mark and what does it indicate?
- Acute toxicity causing death
- Irritant, skin sensitiser, or narcotic effects (Correct answer)
- Oxidising substance
- Environmental hazard
Correct answer: Irritant, skin sensitiser, or narcotic effects
The GHS exclamation mark symbol (GHS07) indicates lower-level health hazards such as skin and eye irritation, skin sensitisation, respiratory tract irritation, or narcotic effects. It is commonly found on substances like cement and certain solvents used in construction.
Question 4: What does health surveillance under COSHH involve?
- Checking workers' timesheets for overtime
- Systematic monitoring of workers' health to detect early signs of work-related ill health from hazardous substances (Correct answer)
- Only providing PPE to workers
- Annual fire drill practice
Correct answer: Systematic monitoring of workers' health to detect early signs of work-related ill health from hazardous substances
Health surveillance under COSHH involves systematic, regular health checks to detect adverse health effects at an early stage. It may include lung function tests, skin inspections, or biological monitoring, depending on the substances workers are exposed to.
Question 5: Under COSHH, which of the following is classified as a substance hazardous to health?
- Clean drinking water
- Construction dust such as silica dust (Correct answer)
- Standard timber off-cuts
- Mild steel plates
Correct answer: Construction dust such as silica dust
Silica dust generated from cutting, drilling, or grinding concrete, sandstone, or other silica-containing materials is classified as hazardous under COSHH. Prolonged exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) can cause silicosis, a serious and irreversible lung disease.
Question 6: What information must an employer provide to workers under COSHH Regulation 12?
- Only the brand name of the product
- The names and addresses of the substance manufacturers
- Information, instruction, and training on the hazards, risks, and control measures for substances they may be exposed to (Correct answer)
- Only the WEL values in a table format
Correct answer: Information, instruction, and training on the hazards, risks, and control measures for substances they may be exposed to
Under COSHH Regulation 12, employers must provide suitable and sufficient information, instruction, and training to workers who may be exposed to hazardous substances. This includes the nature of the hazards, the results of monitoring, the control measures in place, and how to use PPE correctly.
CSCS COSHH 2
What is the purpose of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) under COSHH?