IOSH Controlling Risks 5

Question 1

What is a 'COSHH assessment'?

Accepted Answer

A specific risk assessment for hazardous substances under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations

Answer

A COSHH assessment is a specific risk assessment required under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. It identifies hazardous substances used or produced at work, assesses the risks, and determines appropriate controls to prevent or adequately control exposure.

Question 2

What information does a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provide?

Accepted Answer

Comprehensive safety information including hazard identification, first aid measures, handling, storage, exposure controls and disposal

Answer

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provides 16 sections of safety information about a substance, including hazard identification, composition, first aid measures, firefighting measures, handling and storage, exposure controls, physical/chemical properties, toxicological information and disposal considerations.

Question 3

What does 'Workplace Exposure Limit' (WEL) mean?

Accepted Answer

The maximum concentration of a hazardous substance in workplace air, averaged over a reference period

Answer

A Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) is the maximum concentration of an airborne substance, averaged over a reference period (usually 8 hours TWA or 15 minutes STEL), to which employees may be exposed by inhalation. WELs are listed in HSE's EH40.

Question 4

What is 'health surveillance' and when is it required?

Accepted Answer

Monitoring the health of workers who are exposed to specific health risks, to detect early signs of work-related ill health

Answer

Health surveillance involves systematically monitoring the health of employees who are exposed to specific health hazards (e.g., noise, vibration, hazardous substances, dermatitis-causing agents). It detects early signs of ill health so that action can be taken before serious damage occurs.

Question 5

What control measures should be prioritised for work involving hazardous substances?

Accepted Answer

Elimination or substitution should be prioritised, followed by engineering controls such as LEV

Answer

For hazardous substances, the COSHH hierarchy prioritises: elimination (stop using the substance), substitution (use a less hazardous alternative), engineering controls (LEV, enclosure), then administrative controls and PPE as last resort.

IOSH Managing Safely Practice Test

IOSH Managing Safely Practice Test

IOSH Controlling Risks 5