IOSH Understanding Hazards 3

Question 1

What is 'Whole Body Vibration' (WBV)?

Accepted Answer

Vibration transmitted through the seat or feet of workers operating mobile machinery or vehicles such as forklift trucks or tractors

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Acute effects occur rapidly from short-term exposure; chronic effects develop gradually from long-term or repeated exposure

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

A serious form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, contracted by inhaling contaminated water droplets

Answer

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)?

Accepted Answer

A bacterial infection spread through contact with water, soil or materials contaminated with urine from infected rats or cattle

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

DANGER indicates more severe hazard categories; WARNING indicates less severe hazard categories

Answer

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.

IOSH Managing Safely Practice Test

IOSH Managing Safely Practice Test

IOSH Understanding Hazards 3