NEBOSH Workplace Hazards 4

Question 1

What is the significance of 'asbestos' in Gulf construction and maintenance work?

Accepted Answer

Asbestos in older buildings (pre-1990s) remains a serious hazard — disturbing materials containing asbestos during renovation/demolition releases fibres that cause mesothelioma and asbestosis with long latency

Answer

Asbestos is only dangerous when first installed

Answer

Asbestos has been completely removed from all Gulf buildings

Answer

Asbestos only affects asbestos factory workers

Question 2

What is the health risk of working in confined spaces?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen deficiency (asphyxiation), toxic gas accumulation (H₂S, CO, methane), flammable atmospheres, and engulfment — all potentially fatal without proper assessment and controls

Answer

Only restricted movement is the concern

Answer

Confined spaces only create ergonomic risks

Answer

Confined space risks are the same as open-air work

Question 3

What are the main health risks associated with working in the Gulf construction sector?

Accepted Answer

Heat stress, silica dust, manual handling injuries, falls, chemical exposures (cement, solvents), noise, and psychosocial stress from poor working conditions

Answer

Only fall-from-height risk exists in construction

Answer

Construction is safer than office work

Answer

Only machinery hazards exist in construction

Question 4

What is the occupational health significance of 'shift work' and 'night work'?

Accepted Answer

Shift and night work disrupt circadian rhythm causing sleep disorders, fatigue, increased cardiovascular disease risk, gastrointestinal problems, and potential reproductive effects

Answer

Night work has no different health effects than day work

Answer

Shift work only causes fatigue — no long-term health effects

Answer

Only workers over 50 are affected by shift work

Question 5

What is the legal significance of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) for chemical hazards?

Accepted Answer

The SDS is a mandatory document providing information on hazardous substance properties, health hazards, exposure limits, and required controls — must be available to workers and emergency services

Answer

SDS is a voluntary manufacturer document

Answer

SDS is only required for highly toxic chemicals

Answer

Workers are not entitled to see the SDS for chemicals they use

Question 6

What health effects are associated with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun in outdoor Gulf workers?

Accepted Answer

Skin cancer (squamous and basal cell carcinoma, melanoma), cataracts, photokeratitis, and immune suppression

Answer

Only sunburn — no long-term effects

Answer

UV exposure at work levels is safe

Answer

Only workers with fair skin are at risk