HS&E Operatives practice question: Asbestos awareness (2 of 7)
B. Occupational health A free question from our original HS&E Operatives practice exam. Try it, then open the answer to see why each option is right or wrong.
During a toolbox talk on asbestos, your supervisor asks the gang what they know about it.
Which two of these are true? (Choose two.)
Choose two answers.
AA. Diseases from asbestos take decades to show and can't be cured
BB. Asbestos is only dangerous if it is blue or brown
CC. Damping it down with water makes it safe for anyone on site to remove
DD. You can't see, smell or feel asbestos fibres in the air
Show the answer and explanation
Answers: A, D
A. Right: Right. Asbestos diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer usually take many years to develop. By then it is too late to treat them.
B. Wrong: Wrong. All types of asbestos are dangerous when the fibres are breathed in. You can't tell how dangerous it is from its colour.
C. Wrong: Wrong. Some asbestos work must be done by a licensed contractor. If in doubt, HSE says assume the work is licensed and stop until told otherwise.
D. Right: Right. HSE says you can't see, smell or feel the fibres in the air or on your clothes. That is why you must not rely on your senses to tell if it is safe.
Explanation
Asbestos fibres are invisible, and the diseases they cause take decades to appear and can't be cured. If you think you have found asbestos, stop work and tell your supervisor.