Understanding Hazards 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 Understanding Hazards flashcards as text
What is a 'physical hazard' in the workplace?
Answer: A hazard arising from energy sources such as noise, vibration, radiation, temperature extremes or pressure
Physical hazards arise from forms of energy including noise, vibration, ionising and non-ionising radiation, extremes of temperature, pressure, and electricity. They can cause immediate injury or long-term health effects such as hearing loss or vibration white finger.
What is a 'chemical hazard'?
Answer: A substance that can cause harm through inhalation, ingestion, skin contact or injection, such as solvents, acids, dusts or fumes
Chemical hazards include any substance that can cause harm to health through various routes of entry into the body: inhalation (breathing in), ingestion (swallowing), skin absorption or contact, or injection. Examples include solvents, acids, alkalis, dusts, fumes, and gases.
What is a 'biological hazard'?
Answer: A hazard from living organisms or their products that can cause infection, allergy or toxic effects, such as bacteria, viruses or fungi
Biological hazards include bacteria (e.g., Legionella, Leptospira), viruses (e.g., hepatitis, COVID-19), fungi (e.g., moulds), parasites, and biological products such as endotoxins. They can cause infections, allergies, and toxic reactions.
What is an 'ergonomic hazard'?
Answer: A hazard arising from the interaction between the worker and their work environment, leading to musculoskeletal disorders
Ergonomic hazards arise from poor design of workstations, tasks or tools that result in a mismatch between the worker's capabilities and the demands of the job. They can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) including back pain, repetitive strain injuries, and upper limb disorders.
What is a 'psychosocial hazard'?
Answer: A hazard arising from the way work is designed, organised or managed, causing psychological or physical harm such as stress
Psychosocial hazards include factors such as excessive workload, lack of control, poor management support, bullying, harassment, violence, shift work, and work-life imbalance. They can cause stress, anxiety, depression, and related physical health problems.
Which technique is commonly used to identify hazards in the workplace?
Answer: Workplace inspections, job observations, reviewing accident data, consulting workers, and using checklists
Effective hazard identification uses multiple techniques: systematic workplace inspections, observing work activities, reviewing accident/incident/ill-health data, consulting workers (who know their risks best), using checklists, reviewing safety data sheets, and considering non-routine activities.