Understanding Hazards Flashcards
6 cards from real IOSH practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Understanding Hazards flashcards as text
What is 'Whole Body Vibration' (WBV)?
Answer: Vibration transmitted through the seat or feet of workers operating mobile machinery or vehicles such as forklift trucks or tractors
WBV is vibration transmitted through the seat or feet when sitting or standing on vibrating surfaces, typically when operating mobile machinery, vehicles, or standing on vibrating platforms. It can cause lower back pain and spinal disorders.
What is the difference between 'acute' and 'chronic' health effects?
Answer: Acute effects occur rapidly from short-term exposure; chronic effects develop gradually from long-term or repeated exposure
Acute health effects occur rapidly (within minutes to days) from a single or short-term exposure — such as chemical burns or acute poisoning. Chronic effects develop gradually over weeks, months or years from long-term or repeated exposure — such as asbestosis, NIHL, or occupational cancer.
What is 'Legionnaires' disease' and how is it contracted?
Answer: A serious form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, contracted by inhaling contaminated water droplets
Legionnaires' disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophila bacteria. It is contracted by inhaling fine water droplets (aerosols) contaminated with the bacteria, typically from poorly maintained water systems such as cooling towers, hot water systems, and spa pools.
What is 'Leptospirosis' (Weil's disease)?
Answer: A bacterial infection spread through contact with water, soil or materials contaminated with urine from infected rats or cattle
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection transmitted through contact with water, soil, or other materials contaminated with the urine of infected animals, particularly rats (Weil's disease) and cattle. Workers at risk include farmers, sewer workers, canal workers, and those in contact with waterways.
What is the significance of the 'GHS signal words' DANGER and WARNING?
Answer: DANGER indicates more severe hazard categories; WARNING indicates less severe hazard categories
Under the GHS/CLP system, 'DANGER' is used for the more severe hazard categories (e.g., acutely toxic Category 1-3, flammable Category 1) and 'WARNING' for less severe categories (e.g., acutely toxic Category 4, flammable Category 2-3). They help users quickly gauge the level of hazard.
What is an 'environmental hazard' in the workplace context?
Answer: A hazard that can cause damage to the natural environment, such as chemical spills, waste discharge or emissions
Environmental hazards are aspects of workplace activities that can harm the natural environment. These include chemical spills or leaks, uncontrolled waste discharge, air emissions, contaminated land, and improper disposal of hazardous waste. Employers have duties under environmental legislation to prevent pollution.