Exams / HS&E MAP / Hazardous substances (COSHH) / Question 1
HS&E MAP practice question: Hazardous substances (COSHH) (1 of 4) B. Occupational health, wellbeing and welfare A free question from our original HS&E MAP practice exam. Try it, then open the answer to see why each option is right or wrong.
Last verified October 2026 against HSE guidance and the law ·How we write our questions
You are writing a COSHH assessment for a new resin your team will use.
Where should you start?
Choose one answer.
A A. Buy the most expensive gloves and masks you can findB B. Ask the workers whether they have used it beforeC C. Assume it is safe if it is sold in shopsD D. Identify the hazards, using the safety data sheetShow the answer and explanation Answer: D
A. Wrong: Wrong. PPE is a last resort, and it must suit the substance.B. Wrong: Wrong. Experience helps, but you need to know the hazards first.C. Wrong: Wrong. Many products sold to the public are still hazardous.D. Right: Right. HSE says a COSHH assessment starts by identifying the hazardous substances and their hazards. The safety data sheet is a key source.Explanation Start a COSHH assessment by finding out the hazards, using the label and safety data sheet. Then decide who could be harmed and how to control it.
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