Workplace Hazards

What is 'noise' as a workplace hazard?

• ASound above 85dB(A) that can damage hearing or cause health effects✓
• BAny unwanted sound
• COnly loud machinery
• DOnly at night

Answer: Workplace noise above 85dB(A) can cause hearing damage; protection is required above this level.

What is the legal exposure action value (EAV) for noise in the UK?

• A85dB(A) daily (or 87dB peak)✓
• B80dB(A)
• C90dB(A)
• D75dB(A)

Answer: The Exposure Action Value is 85dB(A) averaged over 8 hours; employers must implement control measures.

What is 'hand-arm vibration syndrome' (HAVS)?

• AA condition caused by prolonged exposure to vibration from handheld tools, causing numbness and reduced grip✓
• BNormal response to using tools
• CA type of training
• DEquipment maintenance issue

Answer: HAVS is an occupational disease caused by prolonged exposure to vibration from handheld power tools.

What is 'whole-body vibration' (WBV) exposure?

• AExposure to vibration transmitted through the body via seats or platforms (vehicle drivers, plant operators)✓
• BUse of power tools by individuals
• CWorking near machinery
• DNoise and vibration combined

Answer: WBV exposure occurs in drivers, plant operators and others who work on vibrating platforms or vehicles.

What does 'DSE' stand for?

• ADisplay Screen Equipment (computers, monitors, keyboards)✓
• BDigital Safety Equipment
• CDangerous Safety Exposure
• DDesign Safety Engineering

Answer: DSE means Display Screen Equipment (screens, keyboards, mice); regulations apply to users working daily with these.

What health effects can result from poor DSE workstation design?

• AUpper limb disorders, eyestrain, fatigue, back pain, headaches✓
• BOnly temporary eye tiredness
• COnly minor posture issues
• DNo health effects

Answer: Poor DSE ergonomics can cause musculoskeletal disorders, repetitive strain injury and eyestrain.

What are the requirements for DSE workstation ergonomics?

• AScreen at eye level, chair height adjustable, keyboard at elbow height, breaks every hour, eye tests provided✓
• BAny desk and chair are acceptable
• COnly standing workstations
• DNo specific requirements

Answer: DSE regulations require suitable furniture, positioning, lighting, and regular breaks to prevent health effects.

What is 'manual handling'?

• ATransporting objects by hand or bodily force (lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying)✓
• BUsing machinery to move items
• COperating powered equipment
• DCarrying documents or files

Answer: Manual handling includes any movement by hand or body force, including lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling.

What injuries can result from poor manual handling?

• ABack injuries, sprains, repetitive strain injury, hernias, acute injuries✓
• BOnly minor cuts
• COnly visible bruises
• DNo significant injuries

Answer: Manual handling hazards include back injuries (the most common), sprains, muscle strains and long-term musculoskeletal disorders.

What is the Manual Handling Operations Regulations (MHOR) approach?

• AAvoid manual handling if possible; if necessary, assess risk and implement controls✓
• BAllow unlimited manual handling with PPE
• CRequire mechanical help for all lifting
• DOnly apply to construction workers

Answer: MHOR requires employers to avoid unnecessary manual handling and assess and control risks from unavoidable handling.

What are 'hazardous substances'?

• AChemicals, dusts and biological agents with the potential to cause health effects✓
• BOnly toxic chemicals
• COnly flammable liquids
• DInert substances only

Answer: Hazardous substances include chemicals, dust, biologicals and other agents that can damage health.

What is COSHH assessment used for?

• ATo identify hazardous substances, assess exposure and implement control measures✓
• BTo document all chemicals only
• CTo provide first aid
• DTo determine pay rates

Answer: COSHH assessment is the systematic process for managing risks from hazardous substances at work.