Health Risks and Exposure Assessments

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary method through which hazardous substances can enter the body?

Through absorption, ingestion, or inhalation (correct)

Using protective equipment

Contact with skin only

Increased temperature exposure

What is the purpose of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS)?

To standardize the labeling and classification of chemicals worldwide (correct)

To classify chemicals based on their cost

To regulate the sale of chemicals in local markets

To assess environmental impact of substances

Which of the following is NOT a component required on a supply label of hazardous substances?

Description of the hazard posed by the chemical

Supplier's full name, address, and telephone number

Name of the substance

Instructions for first aid treatment (correct)

What precautions should be taken when dealing with hazardous substances?

Seek advice from trade associations or experienced colleagues Signup and view all the answers

Health effects from over-exposure to hazardous substances can lead to which of the following outcomes?

Acute organ failure or death Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a fume hood in a laboratory?

To isolate chemicals and apparatus from the environment Signup and view all the answers

When should monitoring requirements for airborne chemical hazards be implemented?

When believed that exposure routinely exceeds safe levels Signup and view all the answers

How far should chemicals and apparatus be kept inside a fume hood?

6 inches Signup and view all the answers

What should you do after direct exposure to chemicals in the lab?

Wash thoroughly before leaving the lab Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by PEL in occupational health?

Permissible Exposure Limit Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following practices should never be done in a chemical storage area?

Store food and drinks Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of TLV in assessing chemical exposure?

It helps to evaluate the threshold exposure to hazardous substances Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided to maintain safety while using a fume hood?

Making swift hand or body movements Signup and view all the answers

What should you do with broken or chipped glassware in the laboratory?

Discard it properly Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential hazard when using electrical equipment in a laboratory?

It can create fire and burn risks Signup and view all the answers

What should you use to handle hot equipment, such as an autoclave?

Tongs or heat-resistant gloves Signup and view all the answers

How should compressed gas cylinders be handled?

They can explode if not used carefully Signup and view all the answers

When segregating chemicals, what is one criteria to follow?

Segregate by state and hazard class Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of conducting a COSHH assessment?

To decide on measures necessary to control health risks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a step in complying with COSHH regulations?

Monitor financial expenditure Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a route of entry for biological hazards?

Ingestion Signup and view all the answers

What does CHIP regulations require chemical suppliers to do?

Identify the hazards and package chemicals safely Signup and view all the answers

What kind of damage can result from prolonged exposure to chemical vapours?

Damage to the liver and kidneys Signup and view all the answers

Which substance could cause respiratory system damage due to inhalation?

Fumes or fine dust particles Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a biological agent?

Bacteria Signup and view all the answers

What is a common health problem caused by exposure to flour dust?

Occupational asthma Signup and view all the answers

Which type of hazardous substance includes solids, liquids, and gases?

Hazardous materials Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is indicative of dermatitis as a result of skin exposure?

Redness and swelling Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of the COSHH assessment process?

To identify hazardous substances and those at risk Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a step in the COSHH assessment process?

Conduct employee interviews Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the new hazard warning symbols?

To replace old symbols that are less informative Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'Danger' symbol indicating 'Fatal if swallowed' signify?

The substance is toxic and can lead to death if ingested Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about hazard communication requirements is true?

They ensure that all hazardous substances are labeled and defined Signup and view all the answers

What is the evaluation outcome for associated risks classified as 'HIGH'?

Immediate control measures are needed Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 'Warning' symbol for irritants?

These substances can cause skin irritation and are potentially harmful Signup and view all the answers

How often should COSHH assessments be reviewed?

Regularly to ensure they remain effective Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Health Risks and Symptoms

Coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and difficulty breathing may indicate serious health issues, including cancer.

Airborne Chemical Hazards

Monitoring is essential when exposure is believed to routinely exceed safe exposure levels.
PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) indicates level of acceptable exposure; low exposure requires less protective measures compared to high exposure, which necessitates better ventilation.
TLV (Threshold Limit Value) is akin to PEL, used for assessing exposure.
Notification of monitoring results is crucial for awareness.

Fume Hoods Functionality

Designed to isolate harmful chemicals and apparatus that may pose physical hazards.
Functions include spill containment and controlling inhalation exposure from toxic vapors or dust.
Key usage practices: confirm proper functioning, keep materials 6 inches inside, avoid rapid movements, ensure unblocked airflow, and maintain sash position.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Specific PPE is mandatory to protect against exposure to chemicals and physical hazards in laboratory settings.

Laboratory Hygiene Practices

Always wash hands after exposure and before leaving the lab.
Storing food in chemical storage refrigerators is strictly prohibited.
Do not taste, smell chemicals, eat, drink, chew gum, or apply cosmetics near chemicals.

Laboratory Equipment Safety

Glassware can break, presenting chemical, biological, and cut hazards; ensure proper usage and disposal.
Equipment with moving parts (e.g., centrifuges) can pose hazards if clothing or hair gets caught and require careful operation.
Electrical equipment may create fires or shocks; operate with dry hands and avoid wet areas.
Compressed gas cylinders can explode; handle with care and report leaks.

Chemical Storage Guidelines

Chemical segregation is crucial: separate by state (solids, liquids, gases) and hazard class.
Important to note biological agents, ensuring proper storage to minimize risks.

Definitions of Hazardous Materials

Important to differentiate between toxic, corrosive, irritant, and harmful substances to assess risk.

Forms of Hazardous Substances

Includes solids, liquids, dusts, biological agents, vapors, gases, and fumes, each presenting unique risks.

COSHH Assessments

The purpose is to control health risks associated with hazardous substances in the workplace.
Employers are legally required to conduct COSHH assessments.
Key steps include risk assessment, control measures determination, prevention of exposure, and ensuring proper maintenance and monitoring.

Compliance with COSHH Regulations

Steps for compliance: assess risks, determine precautions, prevent exposure, maintain controls, monitor exposure, conduct health surveillance, prepare emergency plans, and ensure training for employees.

CHIP Regulations

Focus on the identities of chemical hazards, providing necessary hazard information and safe packaging for chemicals.

Biological Hazard Entry Routes

Hazards can enter the body through skin absorption, inhalation, ingestion, or injection.

Health Problems from Chemical Exposure

Skin issues like dermatitis may present as redness, swelling, and blisters.
Inhalation of gases or fine dust can damage lungs, leading to chronic conditions like occupational asthma.
Prolonged exposure may cause liver and kidney damage or acute poisoning if ingested.

Identifying Hazardous Substances

Resources for identification include supply labels, safety data sheets, industry information, and seeking expert advice.

GHS (Globally Harmonized System)

Aims for uniform classification and labeling of chemicals worldwide.
Includes hazard communication requirements for labeling and safety data sheets with specific information on chemical hazards.

New Hazard Warning Symbols

Updated symbols to convey dangers such as toxicity, corrosiveness, carcinogenic potential, and irritants.

Controlling Hazardous Substances with COSHH

Identify hazardous substances and individuals at risk, evaluate risks, implement control measures, deal with emergencies, and conduct regular assessments and reviews.

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Description

This quiz covers various health risks associated with airborne chemical hazards, including symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath. It focuses on monitoring requirements for ensuring safety amid potential exposure to unsafe levels of chemicals in the environment. Learn about the importance of health safety in various settings.