Exams / HS&E Operatives / Respiratory risks and silica dust / Question 7
HS&E Operatives practice question: Respiratory risks and silica dust (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.
Last verified October 2026 against HSE guidance and the law ·How we write our questions
You are about to sand a large number of MDF panels with a power sander.
What does HSE say about this job?
Choose one answer.
A A. Only silica dust needs controlling, not wood dustB B. It is fine without a mask if you open a windowC C. RPE is needed as well as other dust controlsD D. Wood dust is harmless, so no controls are neededShow the answer and explanation Answer: C
A. Wrong: Wrong. Wood dust also needs controlling.B. Wrong: Wrong. A window won't remove the fine dust from your breathing zone.C. Right: Right. HSE names sanding MDF and hardwood with power tools as a task that needs RPE.D. Wrong: Wrong. Wood dust can harm your lungs. MDF sanding is a high-risk task.Explanation Wood dust, especially from hardwood and MDF, can damage your lungs. Use extraction and the right RPE.
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