Typical Examination Questions based on Element 8

``1.	Outline the factors that may affect the efficiency of a local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system.	(8)
	Factors can include: Blocked filters. Hood placed too far from source of contaminant. Lack of maintenance and testing. Unauthorised alterations. Wear or corrosion of fan blades. Incorrect settings. System overwhelmed by increase in contaminant. Inadequate design
2.	Identify the information that should be included on a hazard data sheet supplied with a hazardous substance.	(8)
	Information should include: The name of the substance. It's chemical properties and composition. The nature of hazards. Relevant standards (e.g. Occupational exposure limits). Precautions to be observed in its transport, handling and use. Measures to take in an emergency (e.g. spillage or accidental exposure) including first-aid treatment and disposal requirements.
3.	a) List the elements of a hierarchy for the control of airborne contaminant (b) Outline TWO reasons why a cartridge-type respirator may in practice fail to provide a sufficient level of protection.	(6) (2)
	Control measures in correct order of use are: Elimination of the substance or its substitution with something less harmful. Possibility of reducing exposure by introducing changes in working methods (e.g. use of brush instead of spray or, pellets instead of dust), or to work patterns. Segregation or enclosure of the process and provision of LEV). Lastly, the provision of PPE. Reasons include: Poor fit of the respirator, either because of the use of other PPE at the same time or facial hair. The use of incorrect cartridge. The cartridge not being properly fitted. Failure to change the cartridge at appropriate intervals. Inadequate storage facilities leading to respirator being damaged or contaminated.
4.	(a) Describe the typical symptoms of occupational dermatitis. (b)State the factors that could affect the likelihood of dermatitis occurring in workers handling dermatitic substances. (6)	(2) (6)
	Symptoms are reddening, blistering and cracking of the skin with a possibility of infection and ulceration. Factors include; the nature of the agent, concentration levels and the duration and frequency of exposure when dermatitis substances are handled. Additional factors that could increase the risks include cuts and abrasions that would allow the chemical to be absorbed more readily. Existing skin conditions, the type of skin and its sensitivity, the specific site of skin contact, poor personal hygiene and the misuse of protective measures are other factors
5.	Outline the Factors to be considered in the selection of respiratory equipment for persons carrying out welding activities
	Factors to be considered include: The nature and concentration of contaminants released from the welding process. The material to be welded including any surface coatings (eg lead paint) and the constituents of the filler materials must all be assessed. Once this has been done a range of suitable respiratory protective equipment that would offer adequate protection can be considered. In doing so consideration would be given to the compatibility of the equipment with the work to be done and any other PPE, ergonomic considerations (Bulkiness, comfort etc.), the level of training required, the duration and use, the ease of maintenance and the costs
6.	(a) Define the term 'target organ' within the context of occupational health. (b) Outline the personal hygiene practices that should be followed to reduce the risk of ingestion of a hazardous substance.	(2) (6)
	(a)Target organs are , the organs of the human body upon which a toxic material exerts it effort. (b) Personal hygiene practices would include, washing hands before eating , the avoidance of eating or drinking and smoking in the workplace, utilising facilities for contaminated clothing, appropriate use of gloves and avoiding hand to mouth contact

Element 8 Chemical and Biological Health

Element 8 cover the hazards and the control of associated with using chemicals or being exposed to biological substances.

The main regulations that cover these activities are COSHH Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 2002 (as amended 2004), there are others such as CHIP (The Chemicals (Hazards and Packaging for supply) Regulations 2002), Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 and under the HSWA'74 manufactures have a duty to provide Material Data Safety Sheet (MSDS),

MSDS must be provided by the manufacturer of chemical substances, these must contain details of the chemical makeup generally has to be categorised in to either

• Very toxic;
  
• Toxic;
  
• Harmful;
  
• Corrosive;
  
• Irritant;
  
• Sensitising;
  
• Carcinogenic;
  
• Mutagenic;
  
• Toxic for reproduction.
  

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) should be available for all hazardous chemicals being used or produced. As well as the classification, the sheets should include chemical and physical properties, precautions for use, first aid and fire fighting.

Use of chemicals in the workplace, the employer has a duty to assess the effects of using chemical in a work process both from a health and a environmental viewpoint.

Control measures such as PPE must only be used as a last resort, elimination of the hazard must get top priority, where this is not possible the exposure limits must be measured There are indicated level contained in the COSHH for the Maximum Exposure Limits and the Occupational Exposure Standards which place the obligation on an employer that the levels of any chemicals should not exceed the Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL). In the UK WEL's are set for a number of substances which are hazardous to health. They are the maximum concentrations of an airborne substance, averaged over a reference period (15 minutes for short term and 8 hours for long term exposure), to which employees may be exposed by inhalation.

A common belief that inert dusts are not an issue but theses so called non-toxic dusts can cause health affects if inhaled, and so have a WEL of 10 mg/m3

HSE Guidance Note EH 40 lists all substances that have been given a WEL along with methods of assessment of control measures.

In the risk assessment consideration should be given to the possible routes into the body and the type of effect and what the

Target organs

• Respiratory system
  
• Blood
  
• Urinary System
  
• Cardiovascular System
  

Possible routes into the body

Inhalation- through breathing of toxic or harmful fumes can affect, lungs, heart, liver

• Inhalation - Breathing in probably the most common path
  
• Ingested by eating or drinking - if present in food or drink, or is on some one's hands when they are eating or put their hand in their mouth; can affect liver, kidneys
  
• In contact with the skin or eyes;
  
• Absorbed through the skin - can affect all internal organs;
  
• Injected into the body - includes accidental puncture wounds with a contaminated item.
  

The effects can be

• Local - only affect the part of the body exposed (skin, eyes, mouth, stomach, lungs);
  
• Systemic - spread through the body (blood, bones, liver, nervous system);
  
• Cumulative - may not have an effect on first exposure, but repeated exposure causes problems.
  

COSHH Assessments

Step 1 Assess the risks

Assess the risks to health from hazardous substances used in or created by the workplace activities.


Step 2 Decide what precautions are needed

They must not carry out work which could expose anyone to hazardous substances without first considering the risks and the necessary precautions, and what else they need to do to comply with COSHH.

Step 3
Prevent or adequately control exposure


They must prevent employees being exposed to hazardous substances. Where preventing exposure is not reasonably practicable, then they must adequately control it.

Step 4
Ensure that control measures are used and maintained

sure that control measures are used and maintained properly and that safety procedures are followed.


Step 5
Monitor the exposure

Monitor the exposure of employees to hazardous substances, if necessary.


Step 6 Carry out appropriate health surveillance

Carry out appropriate health surveillance where your assessment has shown this is necessary or where COSHH sets specific requirements.

Step 7
Prepare plans and procedures to deal with accidents, incidents and emergencies

Prepare plans and procedures to deal with accidents, incidents and emergencies involving hazardous substances, where necessary.


Step 8
Ensure employees are properly informed, trained and supervised

They should provide their employees with suitable and sufficient information, instruction and training.

Although the eight steps only mention employees the regulations also cover anyone who works in the premises, in the case of the Department this includes, for example, students and contractors.

PPE

The employer must provide where necessary any personnel protective equipment, he is not allowed to charge for this, it must be fit for purpose and provide adequate protection against any remaining hazards that have been identified in either or both the risk and cosh assessments.

Respiratory equipment

To protect against Gases, dusts, vapours, fumes smoke aerosols.

Types

Respirators - face masks, powered respirators' dust masks etc

Breathing Apparatus - air fed hoods, self contained units

Dust respirators

Gloves

Overalls, which may include full body protection and enclosed suits

Work place Hygiene

Hygiene in the work place should be encouraged at all levels not just when handling using chemicals, but an employer must pay particular attention to the types of facilities provided when handling or using chemicals in a process. They must provide where required suitable areas for removal of contaminated clothing and PPE, adequate messing and washing facilities away from any possible contamination