HS&E Operatives practice question: COSHH and hazardous substances (7 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.
You are painting a small, closed basement room with a solvent-based paint. After a while you feel dizzy and have a headache.
What is the most likely cause, and what should you do?
Choose one answer.
AA. Tiredness; take a short nap in the room
BB. Normal for painting; it will pass when you get used to it
CC. Solvent vapour; get to fresh air and report it
DD. Not drinking enough water; have a drink and carry on
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: C
A. Wrong: Wrong. Staying in the room keeps you breathing the vapour.
B. Wrong: Wrong. These are warning signs. Your body doesn't get used to solvent vapour safely.
C. Right: Right. HSE says solvents can cause headaches, nausea and dizziness. Get out into fresh air, and tell your supervisor so ventilation or a water-based paint can be used.
D. Wrong: Wrong. The symptoms match solvent exposure. Carrying on would make it worse.
Explanation
Solvent vapour can make you dizzy and sick. Work with good ventilation, use low-solvent products where possible, and get to fresh air if you feel unwell.