IOSH Understanding Hazards 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'Whole Body Vibration' (WBV)?
- Vibration from standing near machinery
- Vibration transmitted through the seat or feet of workers operating mobile machinery or vehicles such as forklift trucks or tractors (Correct answer)
- Vibration only experienced during earthquakes
- A medical test for spine health
Correct answer: Vibration transmitted through the seat or feet of workers operating mobile machinery or vehicles such as forklift trucks or tractors
WBV is vibration transmitted through the seat or feet when sitting or standing on vibrating surfaces, typically when operating mobile machinery, vehicles, or standing on vibrating platforms. It can cause lower back pain and spinal disorders.
Question 2: What is the difference between 'acute' and 'chronic' health effects?
- Acute effects are more serious than chronic effects
- Acute effects occur rapidly from short-term exposure; chronic effects develop gradually from long-term or repeated exposure (Correct answer)
- Chronic effects are always fatal; acute effects are always minor
- There is no practical difference between the two
Correct answer: Acute effects occur rapidly from short-term exposure; chronic effects develop gradually from long-term or repeated exposure
Acute health effects occur rapidly (within minutes to days) from a single or short-term exposure — such as chemical burns or acute poisoning. Chronic effects develop gradually over weeks, months or years from long-term or repeated exposure — such as asbestosis, NIHL, or occupational cancer.
Question 3: What is 'Legionnaires' disease' and how is it contracted?
- A disease spread by person-to-person contact
- A serious form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, contracted by inhaling contaminated water droplets (Correct answer)
- A disease caused by working with lead
- An occupational disease found only in the military
Correct answer: A serious form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, contracted by inhaling contaminated water droplets
Legionnaires' disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophila bacteria. It is contracted by inhaling fine water droplets (aerosols) contaminated with the bacteria, typically from poorly maintained water systems such as cooling towers, hot water systems, and spa pools.
Question 4: What is 'Leptospirosis' (Weil's disease)?
- A disease caused by exposure to asbestos
- A bacterial infection spread through contact with water, soil or materials contaminated with urine from infected rats or cattle (Correct answer)
- A viral infection spread by mosquitoes
- A skin disease caused by chemical exposure
Correct answer: A bacterial infection spread through contact with water, soil or materials contaminated with urine from infected rats or cattle
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection transmitted through contact with water, soil, or other materials contaminated with the urine of infected animals, particularly rats (Weil's disease) and cattle. Workers at risk include farmers, sewer workers, canal workers, and those in contact with waterways.
Question 5: What is the significance of the 'GHS signal words' DANGER and WARNING?
- They are interchangeable terms with no specific meaning
- DANGER indicates more severe hazard categories; WARNING indicates less severe hazard categories (Correct answer)
- DANGER is for chemicals; WARNING is for equipment
- They are only used in the United States
Correct answer: DANGER indicates more severe hazard categories; WARNING indicates less severe hazard categories
Under the GHS/CLP system, 'DANGER' is used for the more severe hazard categories (e.g., acutely toxic Category 1-3, flammable Category 1) and 'WARNING' for less severe categories (e.g., acutely toxic Category 4, flammable Category 2-3). They help users quickly gauge the level of hazard.
Question 6: What is an 'environmental hazard' in the workplace context?
- A hazard that only exists outdoors
- A hazard that can cause damage to the natural environment, such as chemical spills, waste discharge or emissions (Correct answer)
- A hazard caused by climate change
- A hazard related to office temperature
Correct answer: A hazard that can cause damage to the natural environment, such as chemical spills, waste discharge or emissions
Environmental hazards are aspects of workplace activities that can harm the natural environment. These include chemical spills or leaks, uncontrolled waste discharge, air emissions, contaminated land, and improper disposal of hazardous waste. Employers have duties under environmental legislation to prevent pollution.
IOSH Understanding Hazards 3
What is 'Whole Body Vibration' (WBV)?