NEBOSH Chemical and Biological Hazards

Question 1

What does COSHH 2002 stand for and what is its main purpose?

Accepted Answer

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health — requires employers to assess and control exposure to hazardous substances

Answer

Control of Safety and Health Hazards — covers all workplace hazards

Answer

Certification of Substance Handling and Hygiene — certifies safe handling procedures

Answer

Code of Standards for Hazardous Holdings — sets storage requirements

Question 2

Under the GHS (Globally Harmonized System), what is the diamond-shaped red-bordered symbol called?

Accepted Answer

GHS pictogram (hazard pictogram)

Answer

Safety data marker

Answer

Risk assessment label

Answer

Emergency response symbol

Question 3

What are the four main routes of entry for hazardous substances into the body?

Accepted Answer

Inhalation, ingestion, skin absorption, and injection (through cuts or puncture wounds)

Answer

Eyes, ears, nose, and mouth

Answer

Inhalation only through the nose and mouth

Answer

Skin contact, hair contact, nail contact, and eye contact

Question 4

What is a Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) in the context of occupational health?

Accepted Answer

The maximum airborne concentration of a hazardous substance to which employees may be exposed over a specified reference period

Answer

The maximum number of workers allowed in a hazardous area

Answer

The maximum number of hours an employee can work with chemicals

Answer

The minimum ventilation rate required in a laboratory

Question 5

Biological agents are classified into four hazard groups. What characterises a Group 4 biological agent?

Accepted Answer

It can cause severe human disease, is a serious hazard to workers, is likely to spread to the community, and there is usually no effective prophylaxis or treatment available

Answer

It is unlikely to cause human disease

Answer

It can cause human disease but effective treatment exists

Answer

It causes mild illness only in immunocompromised individuals

Question 6

What information must a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for a hazardous substance contain under GHS?

Accepted Answer

16 standardised sections including identification, hazards, composition, first-aid, firefighting, exposure controls, and toxicological information

Answer

Only the product name and manufacturer

Answer

Only the GHS pictogram and signal word

Answer

A one-page summary of the product's uses