CITB Managers Hazardous Substances and COSHH 2

Question 1

What does a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provide for a hazardous substance?

Accepted Answer

Comprehensive information on hazard properties, safe handling, storage, and emergency measures

Answer

A list of workers previously exposed to the substance

Answer

Purchase cost, supplier contact details, and delivery schedule only

Answer

Annual usage records and environmental impact reporting figures

Question 2

Silica dust generated from cutting concrete, stone, or brick on construction sites is classified as:

Accepted Answer

A hazardous substance capable of causing silicosis, lung cancer, and COPD

Answer

A nuisance dust with no significant long-term health effects

Answer

A mild respiratory irritant requiring standard dust masks only

Answer

A low-hazard substance controlled adequately by good housekeeping

Question 3

What is the purpose of biological monitoring under COSHH?

Accepted Answer

To measure the amount of a hazardous substance or its metabolites in workers' bodies

Answer

To test workers' general physical fitness before commencing exposure work

Answer

To count airborne microorganisms in the workplace atmosphere

Answer

To assess hygiene standards for canteen and welfare facilities

Question 4

Which of the following substances is most commonly associated with occupational asthma in construction?

Accepted Answer

Isocyanates found in spray paints, lacquers, and adhesives

Answer

Softwood timber dust

Answer

Steel reinforcement bar

Answer

Portland cement in its dry form

Question 5

Under COSHH Regulations, health surveillance is required when:

Accepted Answer

There is a valid technique to detect the disease and exposure creates a reasonably foreseeable risk of that disease

Answer

Any hazardous substance is present anywhere on site

Answer

Workers request it or a trade union representative demands it in writing

Answer

A COSHH assessment has been in place for more than two years

Question 6

A site manager discovers solvents stored in unmarked containers. What should they do?

Accepted Answer

Ensure all containers are properly labelled with product name and hazard information before work continues

Answer

Allow storage to continue provided experienced workers know the contents

Answer

Dispose of all unlabelled containers immediately without further investigation

Answer

Cover the containers with warning tape until the end of the working shift

Question 7

What is the Short-Term Exposure Limit (STEL) for a hazardous substance?

Accepted Answer

The maximum concentration permitted over any 15-minute reference period

Answer

The maximum concentration permitted over an 8-hour working day

Answer

The total cumulative exposure allowed over a worker's lifetime

Answer

The minimum safe concentration at which a substance may be used