7.5 Specific agents

Written by Imran Qureshi (NEBOSH)

NEBOSH IGC · Workplace hazards · 15 questions

Name: ____________________ Date: ____________

Legionella bacteria grow in water systems at roughly:
- A 20 to 45 degrees C
- B 0 to 10 degrees C
- C 60 to 80 degrees C
- D Above 100 degrees C
Silicosis is caused by:
- A Carbon monoxide
- B Wood dust
- C Cement splashes
- D Silica dust
Carbon monoxide is dangerous because it:
- A Is heavier than all other gases
- B Is highly visible
- C Smells strongly
- D Reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen
Leptospirosis is spread by:
- A Radiation
- B Wood dust
- C Urine of rats and other animals
- D Noise
Asbestos fibres inhaled can cause:
- A Hearing loss
- B Legionnaires' disease
- C Mesothelioma
- D Leptospirosis
Where might asbestos be found?
- A In clean air
- B In new plastic bottles
- C In older buildings in insulation, boards and pipe lagging
- D In fresh water
Which control applies to asbestos found in an older building?
- A Drill into it to check
- B Remove it with ordinary staff
- C Find out whether it is present and manage it in place if undisturbed
- D Brush it clean
Hepatitis B and HIV are:
- A Bacteria
- B Blood-borne viruses
- C Fungi
- D Dusts
A common route for blood-borne virus infection at work is:
- A Radiation
- B Noise
- C A sharps injury
- D Heat
A control for blood-borne viruses is:
- A Reusing needles
- B Handling sharps barehanded
- C Leaving waste in the open
- D Safe disposal of sharps
Carbon monoxide is produced by:
- A Wood dust
- B Incomplete combustion
- C Welding rods
- D Cement
A control for carbon monoxide risk is:
- A Opening sealed flues
- B Maintenance and ventilation of fuel burning appliances
- C Removing detectors
- D Using appliances in closed rooms
Wet cement can cause:
- A Radiation burns
- B Hearing loss
- C Legionnaires' disease
- D Alkaline burns and dermatitis
Legionella bacteria grow in water at roughly:
- A 20 to 45 degrees C
- B Below 5 degrees C
- C 100 to 120 degrees C
- D 70 to 90 degrees C
Legionnaires' disease is caught by:
- A Being near X-rays
- B Eating dust
- C Breathing in contaminated droplets
- D Touching cement

Answer key

1. A, 2. D, 3. D, 4. C, 5. C, 6. C, 7. C, 8. B, 9. C, 10. D, 11. B, 12. B, 13. D, 14. A, 15. C

They multiply in warm water.
Respirable silica dust causes silicosis.
It is colourless, odourless and poisonous.
Also called Weil's disease.
Asbestos causes asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma, often many years later.
Do not disturb it, and use licensed specialists for work that disturbs it.
Specialists must be used for work that disturbs it.
They spread through blood and some body fluids.
Healthcare, waste handling and first aid are higher risk areas.
Vaccination and procedures after exposure also help.
It is colourless and odourless.
Detectors and alarms add protection.
Avoid skin contact and wash promptly.
Keep hot water hot and cold water cold.
Cooling towers and hot and cold water systems are possible sources.