COSHH Flashcards
6 cards from real CSCS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 COSHH flashcards as text
Which GHS symbol represents an oxidising substance?
Answer: A flame over a circle
The GHS oxidiser symbol (GHS03) shows a flame over a circle. Oxidising substances can intensify fires and cause other materials to combust. On construction sites, certain chemical products used in waterproofing and adhesives may be classified as oxidisers.
What is a Short-Term Exposure Limit (STEL) under COSHH?
Answer: The maximum concentration of an airborne substance averaged over a 15-minute reference period
A STEL is the maximum airborne concentration of a hazardous substance averaged over a 15-minute reference period. STELs are set for substances where short-term peak exposures can cause acute health effects, even if the 8-hour TWA WEL is not exceeded.
Under COSHH, what must employers do regarding monitoring of workplace exposure?
Answer: Monitor exposure where required by the risk assessment, COSHH Schedule 5, or where it is necessary to ensure WELs are not exceeded
Under COSHH Regulation 10, employers must carry out workplace exposure monitoring where necessary to ensure adequate control of exposure or where required by Schedule 5 (which lists specific substances requiring monitoring). Monitoring records must be kept for at least 5 years (40 years for personal monitoring).
What does the GHS gas cylinder symbol indicate?
Answer: Gas under pressure that may explode if heated or may cause cryogenic burns
The GHS gas cylinder symbol (GHS04) indicates gases under pressure, including compressed, liquefied, dissolved, and refrigerated liquefied gases. These may explode if heated or cause cryogenic burns. On construction sites, this applies to welding gases, propane, and other compressed gas cylinders.
What action should a worker take if they discover an unlabelled container of a chemical substance on a construction site?
Answer: Not use it, report it to their supervisor, and ensure it is properly identified before any use
An unlabelled substance must never be used, smelled, or disposed of without proper identification. Under COSHH, all hazardous substances must be correctly labelled. The worker should report the unlabelled container to their supervisor so it can be identified, assessed, and labelled or disposed of safely.
Which section of a Safety Data Sheet provides information on exposure controls and personal protection?
Answer: Section 8
Section 8 of the SDS covers exposure controls and personal protection. It includes WELs, engineering controls such as LEV requirements, and the specific PPE needed (respiratory, hand, eye, skin protection). This section is critical for COSHH risk assessments on construction sites.