NEBOSH General Certificate

NEBOSH International General Certificate
Element 7
Element 7
Chemical & Biological 
Health Hazards and Control
Health Hazards and Control
Learning Outcome
7.1 Outline the forms of, the classification of, and health risks from
exposure to hazardous substances
7.2 Explain the factors to be considered when undertaking an assessment
of the health risks from substances commonly encountered in the
workplace
7.3 Describe the use and limitations of Workplace Exposure Limits
including the purpose of long term and short term exposure limits
74
7.4 Outline control measures that should be used to reduce the risk of ill
ill-
health from exposure to hazardous substances
7.5 Outline the hazards, risks and controls associated with specific agents
76
7.6 Outline the basic requirements related to the safe handling and
storage of waste.
Classification of Health Hazards
1. Physical
2. Chemical
3. Biological
4
4. Ergonomic
Classification of Substances
Irritant Cause irritation
Corrosive Burns skin
Harmful Cause harm
Very Toxic Very Poisonous
Toxic Poisonous
Carcinogenic Cause cancer
Mutagenic
g Cause ggenetic defects
The classifications,
Th l ifi ti physical
h i l fforms and
d examples
l off
chemical hazards are given in the table below:
PHYSICAL
CLASSIFICATION FORMS OF EXAMPLES OF ROUTES OF ENTRY INTO
OF HAZARD CHEMICAL HAZARDS THE BODY
AGENT

Ammonia,
A i chlorine,
hl i
Gases Nose, mouth
carbon dioxide

Solids Wood, silica, asbestos Nose, mouth

Nose, mouth, absorbed into the

Chemical Liquids Solvents, bleach, skin, mucous membrane of the
eye, skin cuts and wounds

Welding
g fumes,, exhaust
F
Fumes N
Nose, mouth
th
fumes

Vapours Trichlorethylene, paint Nose, mouth

The classifications,
Th l ifi ti physical
h i l fforms andd examples
l off
biological hazards are given in the table below:

PHYSICAL
CLASSIFICATION FORMS OF EXAMPLES OF ROUTES OF ENTRY
OF HAZARD BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS INTO THE BODY
AGENT

Legionella, Leptospirosis, Nose, mouth, mucous

Bacteria
Salmonella membrane of the eye

Nose, mouth, punctured or

Hepatitis A, B, C,
Biological Virus
Common cold
cut skin, mucous membrane
of the eye

Toxic Mould, Toxic

Fungi Nose, mouth
mushroom
CHEMICAL HAZARDS - Effects on the body
Gases – Ammonia, chlorine (irritation to eyes & respiratory
system, asphyxiation, possible death)
Solids – wood, silica, asbestos (scaring of the lungs,
possible cancer)
Liquids - Solvents, bleach (poisoning, dermatitis, burns to
skin
ki and
d if iingested
t d cause b
burns tto iinternal
t l organs))
Fumes - Welding fumes (blue metal fever), exhaust fumes
(Carbon Monoxide poisoning
poisoning, possible death)
Vapours – Paint (asthma, irritation to skin, eyes & lungs)
TOXICOLOGY
TOXICOLOGY
Definition:
The study of how different materials will
affect the human body

The factors to be considered are:

1) Route
R t off Entry
E t
2) Toxicity
3) Dose & Response
Routes Of Entry Into The Body

INGESTION ABSORPTION

INHALATION INJECTION
Chemical Effect on Person
Local effects - Occur at the area of contact with the
body. Example injuries from acid burns on skin.
Systemic effects - Occur after the chemical has been
absorbed and distributed from the entry point to other
parts of the body affecting the central nervous system
and other organs.
Dermatitis
Removall off natural
R t l oils
il ffrom skin
ki which
hi h causes
reddening, soreness, cracking and bleeding of
exposed
p skin. Usually y occurs to arms and hands

Causative Agents:
Solvents, Detergents,
Mineral oils, Diesel fuel,
Cement, Dusts,
Measures to Prevent Dermatitis
ƒ Clean working environment
ƒ Wearing PPE such as gloves, face shields, coveralls
ƒ Using barrier cream
ƒ Substitution/change process to reduce and prevent
exposure
ƒ Pre-employment screening for sensitive or susceptible
individuals
ƒ Good skin hygiene principles - Use soap and disinfectant
T
Target
t Organs
O
Lungs, liver, brain, skin, bladder, and eyes.

Effects on target organs

ƒ Central nervous system and Liver damage due to
Alcohol Abuse
ƒ Kidney and Brain Damage due to exposure to Lead
ƒ Brain and Central Nervous system damage due to
exposure to Mercury.
Toxicity, Dose & Response
Toxicity:
ƒ The potential of a substance to cause harm to living
organisms.
organisms
Dose:
ƒ How much
H h off a substance
b t you are exposed
d tto and
d
how long the exposure lasts.
Response:
ƒ How the body reacts to the exposure.
F t
Factors Affecting
Aff ti Response
R
ƒ Body Weight
ƒ Age
ƒ Skin Type
ƒ Sex
ƒ Diet
ƒ Health
Ill-health Definitions
A t
Acute:
Is an immediate or rapidly produced adverse effect, following a single or
short-term exposure to a hazardous substance, usually with a rapid or
immediate response which is normally reversible.
Chronic:
Adverse health effect resulting from prolonged, repeated exposure to a
hazardous substance the response being gradual (often unrecognised
for a long time) may get worse with no further exposure and is often
irreversible.
irreversible
Toxic Effects
Acute: Chronic:
Headaches Cancers
Dizziness Death
Nausea Local
Inflammation Systemic
Eye irritation Sensitisation
Unconsciousness
Death
The Body’s Defences
The body’s defences to hazardous substances are:
ƒ Respiratory (Inhalation)
ƒ Gastrointestinal (Ingestion)
ƒ Skin
Ski (Ab
(Absorption)
ti )
ƒ Cellular mechanism (Injection)
Respiratory (Inhalation) Defences

ƒ NOSE : Wetness & nasal hair

ƒ RESPIRATORY TRACT : Natural reflexes activate
sneezing and coughing
ƒ CILIARY ESCALATOR – A barrier against infection.
P h mucus and
Pushes d fforeign
i b bodies
di outt th
through
h th
throatt
 B d ’ D f
Body’s Defences 
Gastrointestinal (Ingestion) Defences
• Taste
• Saliva
• Stomach
St h acid
id
• Vomit and diarrhoea

Skin Defences
• Sebum – natural body oil
• Sensory nerves – alerts body to temperature
• Melanin – Pigment cells tan on exposure to sunlight
• Blisters, rashes, inflammation
Body’s Defences
Cellular Mechanisms (Injection)
ƒ Scavenging Action – white blood cells
ƒ Prevention of excessive blood loss – blood clotting
ƒ Repair of damaged tissues – scar tissues
ƒ The Lymphatic system – drainage system
Other Defences
ƒ Tears and blinking of the eyes
ƒ Pain
ƒ H
Hormones e.g. adrenalin
d li
Occupational Exposure Limits (OEL)
Definition: The maximum concentration of an airborne substance
averaged over a reference period to which an employee may be
exposed by inhalation.
• Th h ld Limit
Threshold Li i V
Values
l (TLV) USA
• Indicative Limit Values (ILV) Europe
• Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL) UK

MUST NOT BE EXCEEDED

L
Long / short
h t term
t
Exposure must always be below OEL and as low as is reasonably
practicable.
WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS

PERIODS
– LONG TERM- 8 Hours TWA (time weighted average)
– SHORT TERM-15 Mins TWA.
Limitations on Exposure Limits
ƒ Work rate could cause more air to be inhaled.
ƒ Chemicals can enter the body by routes other than
inhalation, e.g. Skin absorption,
ƒ The airborne concentration may not be fully
indicative of the dose received
ƒ Inaccurate data
ƒ Errors in estimating exposures
ƒ Many substances do not have a limit set
What Action to Take if an OEL is Exceeded
ƒ Stop the process
ƒ Remove employees from area
ƒ Make area safe
ƒ Investigate cause
ƒ Assess existing
g controls
ƒ Monitor procedures
ƒ Check workers health
ƒ Record incident and findings
Biological Hazards
Bacteria – Legionella
g (p
(pneumonia, ppossible death),
) Leptospirosis
p p
(damage kidney & liver, possible death), Salmonella (poisoning,
nausea, vomiting, possible death)

Virus – Common Cold (sore throat, coughing, nasal congestion),

Hepatitis A (fatigue, loss of appetite, fever) Hepatitis B (liver damage,
jaundice, fatigue, muscle ache) Hepatitis C (liver damage, abdominal
pain,
i vomiting
iti and d swelling)
lli )

Fungi – Toxic mould (Allergic reaction, asthma, sinus congestion)

Toxic mushroom (poisoning
(poisoning, vomiting
vomiting, muscle cramps)
Biological Hazards Control Measures
‰ Cleaning / Disinfecting / personal hygiene
‰ Water treatment
‰ Pest control
‰ Procedures for handling, containment & disposal of wastes
‰ Immunisation to build resistance to specific infections
‰ Health surveillance strategies
‰ Specific training
‰ PPE
Hazardous Substance Assessment – 5 Steps
1) IDENTIFY THE HAZARDS
• How much of the substance is in use or produced by the process
• What is the activity at risk
• How long and how often is the exposure
• Who can be exposed and how
• How can the substance enter the body
• In what form is the substance
• What is the concentration of the substance
• Is the substance assigned
g an exposure
p limit
• Are there any ill-health reports
Hazardous Substance Assessment
2) DECIDE WHO MIGHT BE HARMED AND HOW
• Operators, pregnant workers, young workers

3) EVALUATE THE HEALTH RISK & EXISTING PRECAUTIONS

• Likelihood and severity
• Existing control measures
• Is there a need for further control measures

4) RECORD THE SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS

• Number of affected people
• Adequacy of existing controls
• Further precautions, if necessary
Hazardous Substance Assessment
5) REVIEW THE ASSESSMENT
• Evidence it is no longer valid
• New process or substance is introduced
• Exposure limit is changed
• Someone contracts a disease
• Complaints of ill health from workforce
• New guidance is published on control measures
• Increase in use of hazardous substance
• Reports of improper use of equipment
• Enforcement actions
• Compensation claims
SAMPLING FOR AIRBORNE CONTAMINANTS
• Static or background sampling
• Personal sampling
• Stain tube detectors
– CHEAP AND SIMPLE TO USE
– NOT ACCURATE
– DISPOSAL PROBLEMS

• Charcoal sampling tubes

• Filter Sampling (dusts, asbestos)
• Direct reading
g dust sampler.
p
Hierarchy of Control of Exposure to
Hazardous Substances
1) Eliminate
Eli i t th the h
hazardd
2) Reduce the risk by substitution
3) Isolate the people from the hazard
Total enclosure, Segregate the people, LEV
4) Control
Reduce p period of exposure,
p Prohibit eating
g in area, safe storage,
g
Hygiene, limit access by employees
5) Personal protective equipment
6)) Discipline
p
Remember - ERIC PD
Other controls : Information, Training, Instruction.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
Important to obtain and use the right type to
achieve maximum protection against a
respiratory hazard
ƒ Filter face piece
ƒ Half mask
ƒ Full face
ƒ Powered air respirator
ƒ Powered face visor.
 RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
Disposable dust mask:
‰ Only protect against
coarse or non-toxic
nuisance dusts
‰ Provides no protection
against fumes
fumes, gases
and vapours.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
Re usable respirators
Re-usable
Employers must ensure:
9 an inspection programme is established
9 each person is issued with own equipment to avoid
cross contamination
t i ti
9 respirators are cleaned and disinfected regularly
9 maintenance is carried out
9 records are kept.
Hazardous Substance Emergency Procedures
Emergency procedure should include:
ƒ First aid facilities
ƒ Relevant safety drills
ƒ Suitable warning devices
ƒ Suitable training for staff
ƒ Availability of Personal Protective Equipment
ƒ Provision of emergency showers and eye-wash facilities
ƒ Spillage and leakage procedure
ƒ Evacuation procedures
ƒ Warnings to other people
Spillage Control Procedures
Spillage procedure to include:

ƒ IIsolation
l ti off the
th area
ƒ Evacuation of employees
ƒ Suitable PPE
ƒ Contact with emergency services
ƒ p
Safe disposal of spilled
p material
VENTILATION

ƒ LOCAL EXHAUST
ƒ DILUTION
Local Exhaust Ventilation - Parts

Hood Ducting Filter Fan

Local Exhaust Ventilation - Purpose

Extracts airborne contaminants such as:

• Fumes – welding fumes
• Smoke – burning material
• Gas
G – Hydrogen
H d
• Dust – flour, saw dust
• Vapour - hot steam vapour
K C
Key Components
t off LEV
Hood:
• Collection point
Ducting:
• Transport contaminants away inlet & exhaust
Filter:
• Air ppurifying
rif ing de
device
ice
Fan:
• Forces air movement
Factors that affect effectiveness of LEV
• Damaged
g Ducting
g
• Alterations
• Process Changes
• Poor Hood Location
• Fan Strength
• Bends In Ducting
• Blocked Filters
• Lack of maintenance
• LEV made with incorrect material
S d t Extraction
Sawdust E t ti
M hi Shop
Machine Sh Extraction
E t ti
P t bl Extraction
Portable E t ti
Dilution Ventilation
Not as effective as LEV
Use for
ƒ Non toxic contaminant
ƒ Uniformly produced in small quantities
ƒ No
N di
discrete
t point
i t off release
l
ƒ Not reasonably practical to introduce other more
effective control measures
measures.
Measurement of Health Hazards

1) Initial appraisal
2) A basic survey
3) A full survey
Factors to Consider for Initial Appraisal
ƒ Substances used,, including
gpphysical
y forms and
properties
ƒ Processes involved, including points of release
ƒ Persons who could be affected
ƒ Work practices, including means by which substances
could be released
ƒ Whether RPE or other forms of PPE is worn and its
effectiveness or ergonomic concerns
ƒ Relevant Occupational Exposure Limits.
B i S
Basic Survey
1) Smoke tube
2) Dust lamp
Stain Tubes
Chemical Stain Detector Tube
(Grab Sampler)
SAMPLING FOR AIRBORNE CONTAMINANTS
Chronic Hazards • Continuous personal dose measurement
• Cont. measurement of background levels
• Selective short term readings of levels
Acute Hazards • Cont. personal rapid monitoring
• Cont. background rapid monitoring
• Selective short term readings of levels
Environmental • Continuous background monitoring
control status
• Selective short term readings of levels.
Full Survey
Two principal methods of longer
term sampling are :

a) Direct reading instruments – test oxygen, carbon monoxide, etc.

Accurate, q
quick reading
g

a) Indirect reading instruments – measure dust, filter send to

laboratory for examination.
 Asbestos
b
Types Diseases
White (Chrysotile) Asbestosis
Brown (Amosite) Mesothelioma
Blue (Crocidolite) Lung cancer

Blue and brown asbestos

are more hazardous than
white
Asbestos Uses
b
Protective Clothing
Insulation boards
Pipework Lagging Blue asbestos cloth
Cement
Ce e t Boards
oa ds
on a boiler flue
Gaskets, Filters
Brake Linings
Pl t
Plasterwork
k
Sprayed for Insulation
Asbestos insulating
board in a wall partition
Workers at risk:
Maintenance, & Demolition workers
Other Agents
h
Carbon Dioxide: A colourless, odourless gas
ƒ Increases the rate of respiration,
unconsciousness
ƒ Produced in fermentation, Fire protection
Carbon Monoxide: A colourless, odourless and
tasteless
l gas
ƒ Headaches, drowsiness, asphyxiation
ƒ Incomplete combustion in boiler, vehicle
exhausts
Other Agents
h
Isocyanates: Volatile organic compounds
Irritation of skin and mucous membrane, asthma
Spray painting vehicles
vehicles, manufacture of footwear
Lead: A heavy, soft and easily worked metal
Nausea headaches
Nausea, headaches, nervous system
system, death
Batteries, Plumbing and roofing work
Other Agents
h
Leptospirosis or Weil’s: Caused by bacteria from rats’
urine
i
Attacks kidneys and liver
Found in rivers,
rivers sewers
sewers, ditches
ditches, canals
Legionella: An airborne bacterium found in water sources
e.g. cooling towers, stagnant water
Breathing difficulties, pneumonia
Hepatitis: Hazardous substances, viruses
Diseases of the liver, high temperature, jaundice
Health workers and workers handling bodily fluids
D t
Dusts
Respirable dust is defined as:
Airborne dust of such a size that it is able to enter the lungs
during normal respiration.
Particle size is between 0
0.5
5 and 10 microns
microns.
CONTROLS
• Good housekeeping.
ouse eep g
• Vacuum ventilation systems.
• Dampen down the environment.
• Use of RPE.
D t
Dusts
Respiratory diseases:
Asbestosis (chronic inflammatory medical condition affecting the tissue
of the lungs)
Silicosis (occupational lung disease caused by inhalation of crystalline
silica dust)
Asthma chronic …the airways occasionally constrict
Bronchitis (an acute inflammation of the air passages within the lungs)
Lung Cancer
Farmer’s lung (a disease of dairy farmers who handle contaminated hay)
Body defences against dust

The nasal hairs

Coughing and sneezing
Eyes watering
The ciliary escalator
I di t
Indicators off Dust
D t Problems
P bl

ƒ Visible signs – dust on surfaces

ƒ Complaints b
by emplo
employees
ees
ƒ Health problems - asthma
ƒ Equipment problems
ƒ Blocked filters
ƒ Sneezing
How to assess level of dust
ƒ Visual examination
ƒ Sampling for dust by means of:
• Personal samplers
• Fixed samplers
• Filters attached to pumps
p p
• Sample for a fixed time
• Dust lamps
• Direct reading instruments
• Dust accumulation in the environment
C t l Measures
Control M tto R
Reduce
d Dust
D t
ƒ Eliminate at source
ƒ Substitute with pellets
ƒ Change process
ƒ Use liquid process
ƒ Enclose the complete process
ƒ Ventilation
ƒ Control by suppression
ƒ Housekeeping
ƒ Maintenance
Industrial effects on the Environment

ƒ Waterways and rivers poisoned

ƒ Land becoming unusable

Polluting Activities include:

ƒ Untreated effluent allowed to run away
ƒ Chemicals used on farms leak into waterways
ƒ Poor handling of chemicals
ƒ Inadvertent spillage
Environmental Protection
What is Pollution

Pollution is the release into or onto air, water, or land of any

substance which is capable of causing harm to man or any
other living organisms supported by the environment

Harm includes:
• Harm to the health of human beings including offence to the senses
• Harm to other living organisms
• Harm to the quality of the environment, including the air, water or land
• Damage to property
Pollution Types
1) Air Pollution
Discharges in the atmosphere

2) Water Pollution
Leakages from storage tanks

3) Land Pollution
Dumping
p g of hazardous wastes
Control of Pollution at the Source

A suggested pollution control strategy is:

1)) Prevention: p
preventing
gppollution by
y having
gggood systems
y in p
place

2) Reduce: by changing the process

3) Respond: ensuring a rapid response to incidents such as spillages

4) Recover: reviewing systems in places where problems have occurred

 Emergency Planning Procedure
ƒ Identify all potential accident or emergency situations

ƒ Introduce controls to prevent accident and

emergency situations arising

ƒ Include procedures to minimise the consequences of

any potential environmental impacts

ƒ Have clearly documented plans and procedures for

responding to emergencies

ƒ B periodically
Be i di ll reviewed
i d and
d revised
i d if necessary

ƒ Be periodically tested if possible

Waste Hierarchy

PREVENT

REDUCE

RE-USE

RECOVER
DISPOSE
 Segregation of Waste
Waste should be segregated due to the fact that:

ƒ Certain wastes may react with each other

ƒ The mixing of even small quantities of hazardous with non-
hazardous waste may make the whole consignment hazardous
ƒ Waste for different disposal routes is clearly identified
identified, more
effectively handled and efficiently dispatched to the correct
repressor or disposal facility
ƒ D
Data
t collected
ll t d andd th
the completion
l ti off allll relevant
l t paperwork,
k llegall
and otherwise is made simpler and quicker.
Waste Storage
ƒ Storage area of suitable size
ƒ Storage area suitable location
ƒ Storage area clearly labelled
ƒ Individual containers clearly labelled
ƒ Different types of waste stored separately
ƒ Incompatible wastes never stored together
ƒ Storage
g keptp to minimum
ƒ Protect wastes from elements if necessary
ƒ If necessary protect storage area with bunds
ƒ No hazardous waste in general waste skips
ƒ Ensure storage area secure
QUESTION
Question

((a))Identify
y activities on a construction site that may
y expose
p workers
to cement or material containing cement. (3)
Breaking up of concrete using jack hammer, mixing of cement, brick
laying
y g usingg cement compound.
p

(b) Identify the harmful effects to workers which could result from
contact with cement. (5)
Workers may develop dermatitis, redness of the hands, allergies,
rashes, asthma, silicosis, irritation to the eyes, eye cataract
Question
Identify possible routes of entry of biological organisms into the
body (4)
body.
Inhalation through the mouth and nose, ingestion through the mouth,
injection through skin puncture, absorption through the skin and
mucous membrane of the eye
Outline control measures that could be used to reduce the risk of
infection from biological organisms. (4)
Cleaning / Disinfecting / personal hygiene
Water treatment
Pest control
Procedures for handling, containment & disposal of wastes
Immunisation to build resistance to specific infections
H lth surveillance
Health ill strategies
t t i
Specific training
PPE
Question
(a) Identify THREE forms of biological agents. (3)
Bacteria, virus, fungi

(b) Identify THREE possible routes of entry into the body for a
biological
g agent.
g ((3))
Ingestion thru the mouth, absorption thru the mucous membrane of
the eye, inhalation thru the nose

(c) Give TWO control measures to reduce the risk of exposure to

a biological agent. (2)
V i ti – for
Vaccination f example l vaccination
i ti against
i t malaria
l i
Good hygiene practice – always wash hands and face before eating
or drinking after working in contaminated area
Question
There are different health effects associated with using solvents in a
workplace.

(a) Identify:

(i) TWO acute,

acute and; (2)

(ii) TWO chronic (2)

effects
ff off inhalation
i h l i when
h working
ki with
i h solvents.
l

(b) Identify the precautions that could be taken to minimise and reduce
exposure to solvents. (4)
Question

In relation to occupational health surveys which can be conducted to

determine health risks to persons, outline TWO advantages AND TWO
disadvantages of BOTH:

(a) stain tube detectors; (4)

(b) continual gas / dust samplers. (4)

Question
Outline the factors that may reduce the effectiveness of a local exhaust
ventilation system (LEV). (12)
Damaged Ducting
Alterations
Process Changes
Poor Hood Location
Fan Strength
Bends In Ducting
Blocked Filters
Lack of maintenance
LEV made with incorrect material
Identify FOUR types of hazards for which local exhaust
ventilation (LEV) would be an appropriate control
measure giving an example in EACH case of the
harmful effect that might be produced. (8)
Extracts airborne contaminants such as:
• Fumes – welding fumes
• Smoke – burning material
• Gas – Hydrogen
• Dust – flour, saw dust
• Vapour - hot steam vapour
Question
Explain the difference between acute and chronic health effects. (4)
Acute:
Is an immediate or rapidly produced adverse effect, following a single or short-term
exposure to a hazardous substance, usually with a rapid or immediate response
which is normally reversible.
reversible
Chronic:
Adverse health effect resulting from prolonged, repeated exposure to a hazardous
substance
b the
h response b being
i gradual
d l ((often
f unrecognised
i d ffor a llong time)
i ) may get
worse with no further exposure and is often irreversible.
Question
Identify the sources of information which could be used in the assessment of
risk of toxic substances. (4)

Ill health report

Material Safety Data Sheet
Health surveillance report
ILO
Government bodies such as Ministry of health.
Question
Outline the control measures that might be required in order to minimise risks to
workers to toxic substances (8)
Hierarchy of Control of Exposure to
Hazardous Substances
1) Eliminate
Eli i t th the h
hazardd
2) Reduce the risk by substitution
3) Isolate the people from the hazard
Total enclosure, Segregate the people, LEV
4) Control
Reduce p period of exposure,
p Prohibit eating
g in area, safe storage,
g
Hygiene, limit access by employees
5) Personal protective equipment
6)) Discipline
p
Remember - ERIC PD
Other controls : Information, Training, Instruction.
Question
An organisation uses small quantities of toxic chemicals.

Identify FOUR possible routes of entry of toxic substances into the body. (4)
Ingestion : mouth
Injection : puncture of skin
Inhalation : nose
Absorption : mucus membrane of the eye
Question

A recent increase in work

work-related
related ill-health
ill health has been noticed amongst workers
who use a solvent for which a Occupational exposure limit (OEL) has been
set.

(a) Explain the meaning of the term ‘Occupational exposure limit’. (2)

(b) Give possible reasons for the increase in work-related ill-health

amongst the workers
workers. (6)
Question
a) Identify FOUR forms of hazardous substance for which respiratory
protective equipment could be used to reduce the risk of harm. (4)
Dust fumes
Dust, fumes, vapour
vapour, mist
mist.

(b)Outline factors that could reduce the effectiveness of the respiratory

protective equipment. (4)

The RPE is of poor quality

The RPE is damaged
The RPE is not a correct fit
The RPE filter is blocked
The RPE is dirty and contaminated
The user not trained to correctly use the RPE
I
Incorrect
t storage
t off RPE which
hi h could
ld cause RPE to
t be
b damaged
d d
Other PPE may interfere with RPE
Question

Identify factors that may indicate a need for health

surveillance of workers in a workplace. (8)
Following
F ll i an iincreased d iin :
Ill health of workers
General health related complaints from workers such as headache, sinus
problems eye irritation
problems, irritation, sneezing
Sickness days
High turnover
Low morale
Accidents and incidents
Asthma attacks
Ci il claims
Civil
a) Identify two types of hazardous substances (4)
Lead, Mercury

a) Outline personal hygiene controls to reduce the risk of 
ingestion of a hazardous substance (4)

9 Prohibition of eating or drinking in areas where hazardous 
substance is used.
9 Washing with soap and warm water before meals
9 Good housekeeping, daily cleaning of areas where hazardous 
substances are in used or produced
substances are in used or produced.
9 Change out of contaminated clothing and shower prior to meals
Question
(a) Identify the elements of a hierarchy of control to minimise pollution from
waste. (4)

Prevent – Example use less packaging

Reduce – Make the process more efficient
Reuse – Reduce the amount of waste thrown up. Incineration produces heat
which can be used for general purpose
Recover – Recycle into another usable product
Dispose – Dispose in a correct manner. Incinerate or landfill
Outline techniques which can be used to reduce the risk
of environmental damage from spillage and leakage of
liquid waste. (4)

1) P
Prevention:
ti preventing
ti pollution
ll ti b by h
having
i good
d systems
t iin place
l

2) Reduce: by changing the process

3) Respond: ensuring a rapid response to incidents such as spillages

4) Recover: reviewing systems in places where problems have occurred

A)) Outline the term respirable
p dust ((2))
Respirable dust is airborne dust of such a size that it is able to enter the
lungs during normal respiration. Particle size is between 0.5 and 10
microns.
microns

B) Outline how the human body defends itself against the effects of
airborne dust (6)
Nasal hair
Nasal mucus
Sneezing g
Coughing
Saliva
Eyes watering, ciliary escalator
Outline using practical examples, the control measures that should be
implemented to reduce levels of dusts in a workplace. (10)

Eliminate
Eli i t att source – Example
E l purchase
h ready
d mixed
i d cementt
Substitute – Example instead of using powder detergent, use pellets
Change process - Example, arrange for flour to be deposited directly
into the hopper to minimise handling.
handling
Use liquid process – Example instead of using powder detergent, use
liquid detergent
Enclose the complete process – Example by using a dedicated
enclosed room for timber machining
Ventilation – Example using local exhaust ventilation to extract dust
Control byy suppression
pp – Example
p usingg water to damp p down dust
Housekeeping – Example daily vacuuming of the workplace
Maintenance – Example ensure all the filters of the machine, local
exhaust ventilation, vacuum cleaners are maintained and clean
Identify the information that should be included on a material 
y
safety data sheet provided with a hazardous substance. (10)
Manufacturers Safetyy Data Sheet

ƒ Identification of substance/preparation
ƒ The manufacturer/supplier
pp
ƒ Composition/information on ingredients
ƒ Hazard identification
ƒ Health effects
ƒ First Aid measures
ƒ Fire fighting measures
ƒ Accidental release measures
ƒ H dli and
Handling d storage
t
ƒ Exposure controls
M
Manufacturers
f t Safety
S f t Data
D t Sheet
Sh t

ƒ Personal Protective Equipment

ƒ Environmental/Disposal considerations
ƒ Physical and chemical properties;
ƒ Stability and reactivity;
ƒ Toxicological information;
ƒ Ecological information;
ƒ Disposal considerations;
ƒ Transport
p information;;
ƒ Regulatory information;
ƒ Other relevant information.