CITB Hazardous Substances (COSHH) — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does COSHH stand for?
- Control of Safety and Health at Height
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (Correct answer)
- Certificate of Site Hazard Handling
- Code of Safety for Hazardous Handling
Correct answer: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
COSHH stands for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. These regulations require employers to assess and control exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace, including chemicals, dust, fumes, and biological agents.
Question 2: What is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and when should you consult one?
- A record of site accidents kept by the safety officer
- A document from the substance manufacturer detailing hazards, safe handling, and emergency measures (Correct answer)
- A daily checklist completed by the site manager
- A form submitted to the HSE before using any chemical
Correct answer: A document from the substance manufacturer detailing hazards, safe handling, and emergency measures
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is provided by the manufacturer or supplier of a hazardous substance. It contains 16 sections covering identification, hazards, composition, first aid, handling, storage, exposure controls, and disposal. It is essential for COSHH assessments.
Question 3: Which hazard symbol on a container indicates the substance is toxic?
- A flame symbol
- A skull and crossbones (Correct answer)
- An exclamation mark
- A tree and fish symbol
Correct answer: A skull and crossbones
The skull and crossbones symbol (GHS06) on a red-bordered diamond indicates the substance is acutely toxic and can cause death or serious harm through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact even in small quantities.
Question 4: What is the primary route of entry for construction dust into the body?
- Through cuts in the skin
- Through the eyes
- Through inhalation into the lungs (Correct answer)
- Through ingestion while eating
Correct answer: Through inhalation into the lungs
Inhalation is the primary route of entry for construction dust (including silica, wood, and cement dust). Fine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing conditions such as silicosis, COPD, and lung cancer. This is why RPE is critical for dusty tasks.
Question 5: What must an employer do before any work involving a hazardous substance begins?
- Ensure all workers have a first aid certificate
- Carry out a COSHH assessment to identify risks and determine control measures (Correct answer)
- Remove all other workers from the site
- Notify the local fire brigade
Correct answer: Carry out a COSHH assessment to identify risks and determine control measures
Under COSHH Regulation 6, employers must carry out a suitable and sufficient assessment of the health risks from hazardous substances before work begins. This assessment determines what control measures are needed to protect workers.
Question 6: Exposure to cement can cause which of the following health conditions?
- Hearing loss
- Dermatitis and severe skin burns (Correct answer)
- Vibration white finger
- Heat stroke
Correct answer: Dermatitis and severe skin burns
Wet cement is strongly alkaline (pH 12-13) and can cause irritant contact dermatitis, allergic dermatitis (from chromium VI), and chemical burns to the skin. Prolonged contact, particularly when cement gets inside boots or gloves, can cause deep, painful burns.
CITB Hazardous Substances (COSHH)
What does COSHH stand for?