Dec 2001 – Paper 2 Question 10

A complex manufacturing process involves the use of four organic solvents, exposures to
which are controlled by LEV. The LEV system is regularly inspected and is subject to
thorough examination and testing on an annual basis.

i) Describe how the exposures of process workers to solvent vapours might be

assessed. (12)

 Solvent information e.g. chemical composition, possible health effects, target organs,
exposure limits, synergistic/additive effects and possible routes into the body
 Relevant information sources COSHH ACOP, EH40, HSG173, manufacturer’s data
sheets
 Monitoring strategy e.g. if there had been a deterioration in the efficiency of control
measures e.g. grab sampling (stain tubes), static, personal or biological monitoring
 Identify people to monitor and decide on timing and length of each monitoring
exercise
 Various monitoring techniques and analytical techniques for each

ii) Explain how the data obtained might be interpreted in order to decide on the
acceptability of such exposures and the adequacy of current controls. (8)

 Data should be scrutinised to ensure that it is truly representative (by considering

variations in work practices etc)
 Measurements compared with published or in-house standards, taking into account
and allowing for any synergistic and additive effects (as per the guidance in EH40 on
mixed exposures)
 Measurements compared with previous results and reviewed against LEV
performance tests, PPE selection and use, results of HS and the quality of
information, instruction and training given to employees