Unit IGC 2 – Element 6: Chemical and biological health hazards and control

Question # 1:
(a) Outline the meaning of the term ‘respirable dust’. (2)
(b) Outline the methods for measuring airborne dust in the workplace. (6)

Answer Plan
(a) Dust of a small particle size (0.5 to 7 microns) that enters the lower lungs during
breathing / respiration
(b)
- Dust lamp
- Personal or static sampling
- Use of a total dust sampler for sampling total inhalable dust
- Use of a cyclone for sampling respirable dust
- Collection on a pre-weighed filter by active sampling (using a pump)
- Pre-set flow rate
- Measure sampling time
- Indirect measurement / analysis
- by weight of the filter after sampling
- by counting fibres under a microscope
- Use of a direct reading instrument

Question # 2:
(a) Identify TWO types of hazardous substance. (2)
(b) Outline personal hygiene controls to reduce the risk of ingestion of a hazardous
substance. (6)

Answer Plan
(a)
- Asbestos,
- Carbon Dioxide,
- Carbon Monoxide,
- Silica
(b)
- Personal cleanliness, e.g. wash hands
- No smoking at work
- No eating / drinking in contaminated areas
- Use of PPE, e.g. gloves
- Wash soiled clothing (laundry)
- Change work clothes and shower
- Avoid hand to mouth contact, e.g. do not bite finger nails

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 Unit IGC 2 – Element 6: Chemical and biological health hazards and control

Question # 3:
An organisation uses small quantities of toxic chemicals
(a) Identify FOUR possible routes of entry of toxic substances into the body. (4)
(b) Explain the difference between acute and chronic health effects. (4)
(c) Identify the sources of information which could be used in the assessment of risk of toxic
substances (4)
(d) Outline the control measures that might be required in order to minimise risks to workers (8)

Answer Plan
(a)
The possible routes of entry of toxic substances into the body:
- Inhalation
- Ingestion
- Injection and
- Through the skin particularly if an open wound was present
(b)
The difference between acute and chronic health effects
In the case of acute health effects, the adverse effect appears after a single or short term exposure to the
agent, and the response is invariably rapid or immediate. In most cases, acute effects recede on cessation of
exposure.
Chronic health effects, on the other hand, usually result from prolonged or repeated exposure to the agent.
The response is normally gradual often progressive and irreversible and may go unrecognised for long periods
of time
(c)
Sources of information
- product Labels, published limit values such as work exposure limits,
- material safety data sheets,
- the result of internal inspections and audits and monitoring and
- Health surveillance data.-Most answers referred only to data sheets and labels.
(d)
Control measures such as:
- the use of suitable containers for the chemicals carrying warning signs as to their danger the methods
used for handling the chemicals;
- procedures for the clearing up and containment of spillages;
- the provision of adequate ventilation for the working areas
- the use of personal protective equipment such as chemical proof gloves eye protection and
- overalls site rules setting out the hygiene procedures to be followed and prohibiting eating or smoking in
the working areas;
- setting up emergency procedures including first aid provision;
- providing employees with instruction, information and training on the handling of toxic substances and
ensuring the provision of adequate supervision and
- Monitoring to check that control measures were being followed.

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 Unit IGC 2 – Element 6: Chemical and biological health hazards and control

Question # 4:
(a) Identify FOUR possible ill health effects that can be caused from working with cement (4)
(b) Outline ways in which the ill-health effects identified in (a) can be prevented (4)

Answer Plan
(a)
- Inflammation of the eyes,
- Dermatitis,
- Irritation to the nose and throat,
- Respiratory complaints and
- Cement burns or ulcers from contact with wet cement.
- The possibility of the handling issues that result in musculoskeletal injuries.
(b)
- Mixing dry cement in well ventilated areas;
- Wetting down work to reduce the amount of dust in the air;
- Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment such as alkali-resistant gloves, waterproof boots and
eye protection such as goggles or safety glasses with side shields;
- The use of respiratory protective equipment such as a suitable filter mask;
- The provision of information, training and instruction and
- The introduction of an effective system of monitoring and supervision to ensure the use of the
appropriate control measures.

Question # 5:
Outline the factors to be taken into account when undertaking an assessment of health risks from a hazardous
substance to be used in the workplace (8)

Answer Plan
Factors to be taken into account when undertaking an assessment of health risks from a hazardous substance
to be used in the workplace are:
- hazardous nature of the substance,
- the form in which it was to appear in the workplace, for example as a dust or Dime,
- the possible ill-health effects of exposure to it,
- the frequency, duration and level of exposure and the number and type of persons who would be
exposed,
- the existence of applicable standards (work exposure limits) and the existing control measures in place.

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 Unit IGC 2 – Element 6: Chemical and biological health hazards and control

Question # 6:
Employees can be exposed to chemical agents in the workplace
(a) Identify FOUR forms that chemical agents can take. (4)
(b) Outline the differences between the acute and chronic health effects from exposure to
chemical agents (4)

Answer Plan
(a)
- dusts and fibres,
- fumes
- gases
- vapours
- mists and aerosols
- liquids and solids
(b)
Acute health effects, the adverse effects appear after a single or short term exposure to the agent and the
response is invariably rapid or immediate. In most cases acute effects recede on cessation of exposure.
Chronic health effects usually result from prolonged or repeated exposure to the agent. The response is
normally gradual may go unrecognised for long periods of time often progressive and irreversible.

Question # 7: Outline the issues that should be addressed by an 0rganisation for the safe
collection and disposal of its waste (8)

Answer Plan
- the identification of waste by its hazardous properties (for example general, biological or special waste)
and by its nature (for example solid or liquid)
- the quantity produced and the frequency of removal the need for separation of incompatible wastes
- the means for containing waste and its marking and labelling the provision of safe storage on site and the
methods of transportation to and from the storage facility;
- the means for processing waste such as by crushing, compacting or incinerating;
- the appointment of a competent and/or licensed waste contractor;
- the keeping of necessary records the possibility of pollution issues arising from spillages
- the competence and training of staff and the issue and use of suitable personal protective equipment such
as overalls and gloves

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