IB-2 Hazardous Substances & Other Chemicals - Assessment Of Risk

Question 0

Outline the factors to consider when assessing the health risks of a work place using chemicals

Answer 0

Hazardous properties / level of exposure / task / numbers exposed / type and duration of exposure / frequency of exposure / effect of mixtures / thresholds of exposure / individual susceptibility / specific health effects / effectiveness of existing controls

Question 1

Outline the hierarchy of control measures which would be applied to carcinogens in the workplace

Answer 1

Eliminate / substitute / minimise the amounts / total enclose / LEV / control exposure / procedural controls / PPE / health surveillance / emergency and spillage procedures

Question 2

Outline the steps to be taken when you think you may be exposed to asbestos

Answer 2

• Stop work immediately
• Keep everyone out of the area
• If dust or debris is present of clothing remove and bag ensure person showers immediately
• inform person in charge
• arrange for sample to be taken and sent or analysis to discover if it is asbestos

Question 3

Describe the equipment used to collect airborne asbestos fibres and the process in which they are counted

Answer 3

MDHS 39/4 method - where a measured volume of air from a controlled flow sample pump is drawn through the membrane filter and held in the cowl filter head. The filters then put on a microscopic slide and made transparent using a solvent . The fibres of appropriate dimensions (countable ( L= 5 microns - W = 3 microns) are counted using phase contrast microscopy

Question 4

identify the main substance likely to be in use in the manufacturing of lead acid batteries

Answer 4

lead / lead oxides / sulphuric acid

Question 5

outline the control measures (hierarchy) for the production of lead acid batteries

Answer 5

eliminate / substitute / exclude vulnerable workers (pregnant) / signage / minimise exposure - automation & enclosure / LEV / maintenance and testing of engineering controls / PPE / good hygiene - no eating or drinking / decontamination areas / atmospheric monitoring / medical surveillance / information, instruction, training & supervion