HSE Occupational Health and Hygiene 4

Question 1

Work in a confined space with oxygen concentration below what percentage is considered oxygen-deficient and requires supplied-air or SCBA?

Accepted Answer

19.5%

Answer

OSHA defines an oxygen-deficient atmosphere as one with less than 19.5% oxygen by volume, requiring respiratory protection that supplies breathable air.

Question 2

Heat stress risk is evaluated using which index that accounts for temperature, humidity, radiant heat, and air movement?

Accepted Answer

Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT)

Answer

WBGT is the internationally recognized index for evaluating heat stress because it incorporates dry bulb temperature, natural wet bulb temperature, and globe temperature to account for all thermal environmental factors.

Question 3

Ionizing radiation exposure in the workplace is primarily regulated by which U.S. federal agency for general industry?

Accepted Answer

OSHA under 29 CFR 1910.1096

Answer

OSHA regulates ionizing radiation exposure in general industry workplaces under 29 CFR 1910.1096, while the NRC regulates licensed radioactive materials.

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of a medical surveillance program in occupational health?

Accepted Answer

To detect early signs of work-related disease and evaluate effectiveness of exposure controls

Answer

Medical surveillance programs detect early, subclinical health effects from occupational exposures, enabling early intervention and evaluating whether existing controls adequately protect workers.

Question 5

A worker develops contact dermatitis after handling a cutting fluid. Which route of exposure is most responsible?

Accepted Answer

Dermal absorption through skin contact

Answer

Contact dermatitis from cutting fluids is caused by direct skin contact (dermal route), leading to either irritant or allergic contact dermatitis.

(HSE) Certified Health Safety Environment Practice Test

(HSE) Certified Health Safety Environment Practice Test

HSE Occupational Health and Hygiene 4