Exams / HS&E Operatives / COSHH and hazardous substances / Question 6
HS&E Operatives practice question: COSHH and hazardous substances (6 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.
Last verified October 2026 against HSE guidance and the law ·How we write our questions
You have been using a solvent-based adhesive all morning and your hands have some on them. It is time for lunch.
What should you do before you eat?
Choose one answer.
A A. Eat at your work area so you can carry on soonerB B. Wash your hands and faceC C. Wipe your hands on your trousersD D. Nothing, as solvents can only be breathed inShow the answer and explanation Answer: B
A. Wrong: Wrong. Eating near the work makes it easier to swallow the substance. Take breaks away from it.B. Right: Right. HSE says you can take solvents into your body on contaminated food, drink and cigarettes. Wash before breaks and after work.C. Wrong: Wrong. This leaves solvent on your hands and puts it on your clothes too.D. Wrong: Wrong. Solvents can get into the body through the skin and by swallowing, as well as by breathing them in.Explanation Hazardous substances can be breathed in, absorbed through the skin or swallowed. Wash before you eat, drink or smoke.
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