What is the difference between ionising and non-ionising radiation?
Ionising radiation carries enough energy to ionise atoms (such as human body cells), whereas non-ionising radiation does not carry enough energy to ionise atoms (although it has the ability to heat/burn human organs).
What are the 3 classifications of substance which can lead to abuse?
- Alcohol
- Drugs (legal and illegal)
- Solvents
Whole-body vibration (WBV)can affect anybody using vibrating power tools. True or false?
False. WBV only affects drivers of vehicles over rough terrain, where vibration is transmitted through the seat or feet of the driver.
What are the chronic effects of noise?
- Noise induced hearing loss
- Permanent threshold shift
- Presbyacusis
What is the meaning of “substance abuse”?
“A patterned use of a substance in which the user consumes the substance in amounts or with methods which are harmful to themselves or others”.
What are the symptoms of hand-arm vibration?
- Tingling and numbness in the fingers
- Loss of strength in the hands
- The fingers going white (blanching)
Hand-arm vibration (HAV) can affect anybody using vibrating power tools. True or false?
True
What are the physical symptoms of depression?
Erratic sleep habits • Loss of appetite • Constant fatigue • Muscle aches • Headaches
What are the acute effects of noise?
- Acoustic trauma
- Temporary threshold shift
- Temporary tinnitus
Bullying and harassment are forms of violence. True or false?
True
What control measures can be used to minimise the risk of hand-arm vibration?
- Eliminate (redesign process)
- Mechanise
- Select lower vibration equipment
- Maintain tools and equipment
- Reduce exposure time
- Train users
What are the lower and upper action levels under the Noise at Work Regulations 2005?
80 and 85 Decibels.
Radiography (NDT) is often carried out in the latter stages of a construction project. It is a form of ionising radiation. True or false?
True. Exposure to NDT gamma or x-rays can have serious affects on the human body. NDT demarcation areas should always be respected.
What is the HSE definition of violence at work?
“Incidents where employees are abused, threatened, assaulted or subject to other offensive acts or behaviours in circumstances related to their work”.
What is the unit of noise measurement?
The Decibel
What are the six HSE stress management standards?
- Demands
- Control
- Support
- Relationships
- Role
- Change
What events can cause anxiety?
- Sitting an exam
- Going into hospital
- Attending an interview
- Starting a new job
- Being diagnosed with an illness
- Deciding to get married or divorced
What are the 3 options for controlling exposure to noise?
- Reduce at source
- Block the pathway
- Use of ear protection
