What are some of the harmful substances that construction workers might come across?
- Construction dust
- Lead
- Asbestos
- Cement
- Isocyanates
- Carbon monoxide
- Micro-organisms (e.g. Leptospira)
What are the 3 types of biological agent?
- Fungi
- Bacteria
- Virus
What are the factors to consider when undertaking a hazardous substance risk assessment?
- Routes of entry
- The level of exposure
- The nature of the task
- Consequences of failure of control measures
- Individual susceptibility
Monitoring involves using measuring techniques to show that hazardous substance control is adequate. True or false?
True.
What are the eight “principles of good practice” for hazardous substance control?
- Minimise emission, release and spread
- Consider routes of exposure
- Choose control measures proportionate to the risk
- Choose effective control options
- Personal Protective Equipment - the final control option
- Review the effectiveness of controls
- Provide information and training
- New measures, new risks
All asbestos removal work has to be carried out by licenced contractors. True or false?
False. Lower risk work (such as removing asbestos gutters, downpipes and gaskets) can be done by non-licenced personnel - but who have to be competent to carry out the work.
Safety data sheets (SDS) are a form of hazardous substance risk assessment. True or false?
False. The SDS gives information about the substance that is a starting point for an assessment.
Carbon monoxide is an odourless and colourless gas that can kill. True or false?
True
Grab sampling (such as using a stain tube detector) can be used to assess occupational exposure levels. True or false?
False. Grab sampling only gives a reading at the time of sampling. It is therefore of little benefit when assessing occupational exposure levels, which are time average.
Tetanus is a serious disease and can sometimes be fatal. True or false?
True. Control measures include immunisation and covering any open wounds.
What is the difference between respirable and total inhalable dust?
- Total inhalable dust: Is the fraction of airborne material which enters the nose and mouth during breathing and is therefore liable to deposit anywhere in the respiratory tract.
- Respirable dust: Is that fraction that penetrates deep into the lungs
What are the routes of entry into the body for a hazardous substance?
- Inhalation
- Ingestion
- Absorption
- Injection/direct entry
What is the hierarchy of control measures that can be used to implement the “principles of good practice”?
- Eliminate the substance
- Substitute for less harmful substance
- Change the process
- Enclose the process
- Use LEV
- Isolate (keep workers out of harms way)
- Use of PPE
What diseases can be caused by exposure to asbestos fibres?
- Asbestosis
- Mesothelioma
- Lung cancer
- Pleural disease
What forms can a hazardous substance take?
- Liquid
- Solid
- Dust
- Gas
- Vapour
- Mist
- Fibre
Leptospirosis is not a disease that can affect construction workers. True or false?
False. Potential exposure can arise when working on sewer systems or carrying out demolition work in cellar areas of buildings.
