Element 8: Chemical

Question 1

Identify Chemical agents

Answer 1

• Dusts
• Fibres
• Gases
• Mists
• Vapours
• Liquids

Question 2

Identify Biological agents

Answer 2

• Fungi
• Bacteria
• Viruses

Question 3

The Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling fo Chemicals

(GHS)

Answer 3

• Physical - eg, explosive, oxidising, highly flammable
• Health Hazards - eg, toxic, harmful, irritant, carcinogenic
• Environmental - eg, harmful to aquatic organisms, dangerous for the ozone layer

Question 4

Acute or Chronic Health Effects

Answer 4

• Acute health effects arise where the quantity of a toxic or harmful substance absorbed into the body prodces harmful effets very quickly
• Chronic health effects describe aa condition where the harmful effects of a substance absorbed into the body take a very long time to appear - months or perhaps years

Question 5

Routes of entry

Answer 5

• Inhalation - the substance is breathed in through the nose or mouth and travels along the resiratory passages to the lungs. The lungs are vulnerabe and can readily abosrb gases, fumes, soluble dusts, mists and vapours
• INgestion - the substance is taen in though the mouth and swallowed travelling through to the stomach and the intestines. All forms of chemical can be ingested, as can some biological.
• Absorbtion - entry is through the skin or eyes, thorugh direct contact and contaminate surfaces / clothing
• Injection - entry is directly into the body by high pressure equipment or contaminated sharp objects piercing the skin

Question 6

Five steps to COSHH assessment

Answer 6

1. Gather information about the substance used, the people who might be exposed and the work activities carried out
2. Evaluate the health risks - are current controls adequate
3. Identify any further controls and implement them
4. Record the risk asssessment and actions taken
5. Review and revise