CSCS COSHH 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the nine GHS hazard symbols represents a corrosive substance?
- A flame symbol
- A symbol showing damage to a surface and a hand (Correct answer)
- A dead tree and fish symbol
- A gas cylinder symbol
Correct answer: A symbol showing damage to a surface and a hand
The GHS corrosive symbol (GHS05) shows a chemical causing visible damage to a metal surface and to human skin/hand. Corrosive substances on construction sites include strong acids, alkalis, and certain adhesives that can cause severe skin burns and eye damage.
Question 2: What is the purpose of COSHH risk phrases (H-statements)?
- To provide marketing information about the product
- To standardise the description of the nature and severity of hazards posed by chemical substances (Correct answer)
- To list the ingredients in alphabetical order
- To specify the shelf life of the product
Correct answer: To standardise the description of the nature and severity of hazards posed by chemical substances
Hazard statements (H-statements) under the CLP Regulation provide standardised descriptions of the nature and severity of hazards. For example, H350 means 'May cause cancer'. They replaced the older R-phrases (risk phrases) and appear on labels and Safety Data Sheets.
Question 3: When carrying out a COSHH assessment on a construction site, what must be considered?
- Only the cost of the hazardous substance
- The identity of the hazardous substances, who may be exposed, how exposure occurs, and what controls are needed (Correct answer)
- Only whether PPE is available
- The weather forecast for the week
Correct answer: The identity of the hazardous substances, who may be exposed, how exposure occurs, and what controls are needed
A COSHH assessment must identify all hazardous substances present, determine who may be exposed and how (inhalation, skin contact, ingestion), evaluate the level of exposure, and determine what control measures are required. It must be reviewed regularly and whenever circumstances change.
Question 4: Which GHS symbol is used for substances that are harmful to the aquatic environment?
- The skull and crossbones
- The health hazard silhouette
- The dead fish and tree symbol (Correct answer)
- The flame over a circle
Correct answer: The dead fish and tree symbol
The GHS environmental hazard symbol (GHS09) shows a dead fish and tree, indicating the substance is toxic to aquatic life. On construction sites, substances such as certain paints, solvents, and diesel fuel carry this symbol and must be stored and disposed of to prevent water pollution.
Question 5: Under COSHH, for how long must employers keep health surveillance records?
- 5 years
- 10 years
- 40 years from the date of the last entry (Correct answer)
- Indefinitely
Correct answer: 40 years from the date of the last entry
Under COSHH Regulation 11, health surveillance records must be kept for at least 40 years from the date of the last entry. This lengthy retention period reflects the fact that many occupational diseases, such as mesothelioma, may not manifest for decades after exposure.
Question 6: What does the GHS 'health hazard' symbol (silhouette of a person with a starburst on the chest) indicate?
- Skin irritation only
- Serious long-term health hazards such as carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or respiratory sensitisation (Correct answer)
- Acute toxicity causing death
- Explosive substance
Correct answer: Serious long-term health hazards such as carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or respiratory sensitisation
The GHS health hazard symbol (GHS08) indicates serious longer-term health effects including carcinogenicity (may cause cancer), mutagenicity, reproductive toxicity, respiratory sensitisation, and specific target organ toxicity. Substances like asbestos, certain hardwood dusts, and crystalline silica carry this classification.
CSCS COSHH 3
Which of the nine GHS hazard symbols represents a corrosive substance?