Common Hazards in the Workplace Flashcards
6 cards from real IOSH practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Common Hazards in the Workplace flashcards as text
What is a 'confined space' and what makes it hazardous?
Answer: A substantially enclosed space where serious injury can occur from hazardous substances, lack of oxygen, or conditions within the space
A confined space is substantially enclosed and has a foreseeable risk from: hazardous substances (toxic/flammable gases), lack of oxygen, fire/explosion, engulfment (in grain, liquid), excessive heat, or the difficulty of rescue. Examples include tanks, silos, pits, sewers, and ductwork.
What controls are needed for work in confined spaces?
Answer: Avoid entry where possible; if entry is needed: assess, provide competent workers, use safe systems of work, ventilate, monitor atmosphere, and have rescue arrangements
The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 require: avoiding entry where possible (use remote methods), risk assessment, safe system of work (often a permit to work), atmospheric testing and monitoring, ventilation, competent workers, suitable equipment, communication, and emergency rescue arrangements.
What is 'vibration white finger' and what causes it?
Answer: A condition where fingers turn white due to damage to blood vessels and nerves from prolonged use of vibrating hand-held tools
Vibration white finger (VWF) is a component of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). It is caused by prolonged, regular use of vibrating hand-held tools (such as chainsaws, hammer drills, grinders). Damaged blood vessels in the fingers go into spasm in cold conditions, causing fingers to turn white, with numbness and pain.
What are the main hazards of working with chemicals?
Answer: Acute poisoning, chemical burns, chronic ill health (cancer, organ damage), fire/explosion, allergic reactions (dermatitis, asthma), and environmental contamination
Chemical hazards include: acute effects (poisoning, burns, irritation), chronic effects (occupational cancer, organ damage, respiratory disease), fire and explosion (flammable substances), allergic reactions (occupational dermatitis, asthma), and environmental contamination from spills or improper disposal.
What is a 'risk assessment for new and expectant mothers'?
Answer: A specific assessment required when a worker notifies pregnancy, identifying workplace hazards that could harm the mother or baby and implementing controls
When notified of pregnancy, employers must review the existing risk assessment for specific risks to new and expectant mothers. Hazards include: manual handling, standing for long periods, certain chemicals, biological agents, stress, and lone working. Controls may include altered duties, adjusted hours, or alternative work.
What are the main hazards of construction work?
Answer: Falls from height, being struck by vehicles/objects, collapse of structures, manual handling, noise, dust, asbestos, and hazardous substances
Construction has the highest rate of fatal injury of any major sector. Main hazards include: falls from height (the leading cause of death), being struck by moving vehicles or falling objects, collapse of structures or excavations, manual handling, noise, vibration, dust (silica), asbestos, and hazardous substances.