NEBOSH Workplace Hazards 2

Question 1

What is 'noise-induced hearing loss' (NIHL) and at what exposure level must employers act?

Accepted Answer

NIHL is permanent irreversible hearing damage from excessive noise; the action level requiring controls is 80 dB(A) for daily exposure (lower action value)

Answer

NIHL is temporary and fully reversible

Answer

Only sudden loud noises cause hearing damage

Answer

The action level is 100 dB(A)

Question 2

What are the main effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) on workers?

Accepted Answer

Lower back pain, spinal damage, and musculoskeletal disorders — common in workers operating heavy vehicles and plant

Answer

Only affects workers' hands and arms

Answer

Causes hearing loss

Answer

Vibration has no health effects below visible shaking

Question 3

What is hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS)?

Accepted Answer

A permanent, irreversible condition from prolonged use of vibrating hand tools, causing vascular damage (vibration white finger), sensory loss, and musculoskeletal injury

Answer

A temporary condition that resolves when tool use stops

Answer

Only causes skin irritation

Answer

HAVS only affects workers over 60

Question 4

What is the correct approach for managing workers in extreme heat environments in the Gulf?

Accepted Answer

Engineering controls (cooling, shade), acclimatisation programs, hydration, scheduling work to avoid peak heat, heat illness recognition training, and pre-employment health screening

Answer

Provide extra PPE only

Answer

Restrict water to prevent frequent toilet breaks

Answer

Heat is unavoidable in the Gulf — no specific management is needed

Question 5

What is 'sick building syndrome' (SBS)?

Accepted Answer

A collection of non-specific symptoms (headaches, eye irritation, fatigue, respiratory symptoms) experienced by occupants of a specific building, relieved when leaving, without identifiable cause

Answer

Actual infectious disease spread within a building

Answer

A formal medical diagnosis requiring hospitalization

Answer

Only affects workers in hospitals

Question 6

What is the primary risk from working with ionizing radiation in healthcare or industrial settings?

Accepted Answer

DNA damage leading to cancer (stochastic effect) and tissue damage at high doses (deterministic effect)

Answer

Only superficial skin burns

Answer

Radiation causes no long-term health effects at occupational levels

Answer

Radiation effects are immediately apparent in all cases