CITB Hazardous Substances

Question 1

Which regulations require employers to assess risk from hazardous substances and implement control measures?

Accepted Answer

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)

Answer

COSHH 2002 requires employers to assess exposure to hazardous substances, prevent or adequately control exposure, and monitor health where necessary.

Question 2

What does a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provide?

Accepted Answer

Detailed information on a substance's hazards, safe handling, storage, first aid, and emergency measures

Answer

An SDS provides comprehensive hazard information required under COSHH and REACH regulations, covering identity, hazards, handling, storage, exposure controls, and emergency response.

Question 3

What health risk does prolonged exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust pose?

Accepted Answer

Silicosis — irreversible, potentially fatal scarring of the lungs

Answer

Respirable crystalline silica generated by cutting stone, brick, or concrete penetrates deep into the lung tissue, causing silicosis — a progressive, incurable disease that can be fatal.

Question 4

Under COSHH, what is the preferred approach to controlling exposure to hazardous substances?

Accepted Answer

Substitute the hazardous substance with a less hazardous alternative, or eliminate it entirely

Answer

COSHH follows the hierarchy of controls: eliminate, substitute, enclose, ventilate, control at source, reduce exposure time, PPE — substitution is preferred over exposure controls and RPE.

Question 5

What is a Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL)?

Accepted Answer

The maximum airborne concentration of a hazardous substance to which workers must not be exposed over a specified period

Answer

WELs are set by the HSE in EH40 and represent the maximum concentrations of airborne substances to which workers may be exposed, typically as 8-hour time-weighted averages or short-term exposure limits.

CITB HS&E Operatives Practice Test

CITB HS&E Operatives Practice Test

CITB Hazardous Substances