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Respiratory risks and silica dust questions for the CSCS test

7 free questions on Respiratory risks and silica dust, from section B. Occupational health. Every question is original and explains why each option is right or wrong.

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Question 1

Medium ·Link to this question (question 1)

You are cutting concrete kerbs with a petrol cut-off saw. A lot of fine dust is coming off the blade.

What is the right way to control the dust?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Hold your breath while the blade is cutting
  2. B. Use water on the blade and wear the right mask
  3. C. Work with your back to the wind so the dust blows away
  4. D. Cut dry, then sweep up the dust at the end of the day
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. The fine dust hangs in the air long after the cut. Breathing it in over time can cause serious lung disease, such as silicosis.
  • B. Right: Right. Water suppression keeps the dust down at the source. HSE's guidance for this job also calls for suitable respiratory protective equipment (RPE) as well.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Standing upwind does not control the dust. Fine silica dust can still reach you and anyone nearby.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Dry cutting makes the most dust, and dry sweeping puts it back into the air. Control it at the source instead.

Explanation

Concrete, stone and brick give off silica dust when cut. Control it at the source with water or on-tool extraction, and wear the right RPE as well.

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Question 2

Easier ·Link to this question (question 2)

You have been face-fit tested for a tight-fitting dust mask. Today you haven't shaved for three days.

What does this mean?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. You should wear two masks, one on top of the other
  2. B. You should tighten the straps as hard as you can
  3. C. The stubble will stop the mask sealing to your face
  4. D. Nothing, as your face-fit test still counts
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Two masks won't seal any better and may make things worse. You need a good seal or a different type of RPE.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. Tighter straps won't seal over stubble, and the mask will be uncomfortable to wear.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE says stubble and beards make it impossible to get a good seal. Shave, or use a type of RPE that does not rely on a tight fit, such as a powered hood.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. The fit test was done on a clean-shaven face. Stubble lets dusty air leak round the edge of the mask.

Explanation

Tight-fitting masks only work if they seal to your face. Be clean-shaven when you wear one, or ask for RPE that doesn't need a tight fit.

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Question 3

Easier ·Link to this question (question 3)

At the end of a day of cutting and drilling, the floor is covered in fine dust.

What is the best way to clean it up?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. Blow it away with a leaf blower
  2. B. Leave it, as it will settle overnight
  3. C. Use a suitable vacuum cleaner or wet brushing
  4. D. Sweep it up with a dry brush
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Blowing the dust spreads it into the air and onto other people.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. It will be stirred up again when people walk through. Clean it up properly.
  • C. Right: Right. HSE says dry sweeping can make a lot of dust compared with vacuuming or wet brushing.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Dry sweeping puts the fine dust back into the air, where you can breathe it in.

Explanation

Clean up construction dust with a suitable vacuum or by wet methods, not by dry sweeping.

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Question 4

Easier ·Link to this question (question 4)

A workmate says: "I've been cutting blocks for years without a mask and I feel fine."

Why is silica dust still a risk to them?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. It is only a risk for people with asthma already
  2. B. It isn't, if you have not felt any effects yet
  3. C. It only makes your clothes dirty
  4. D. It can cause deadly lung diseases later
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Silica dust can harm anyone who breathes it in regularly.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. The diseases often build up over many years before any symptoms appear.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Fine silica dust gets deep into the lungs.
  • D. Right: Right. HSE says regular exposure to silica dust can cause lung cancer, silicosis, COPD and asthma. These can be permanent and fatal.

Explanation

Silica dust can cause serious lung diseases that develop slowly and can't be cured. Control the dust every time.

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Question 5

Medium ·Link to this question (question 5)

Your employer is choosing masks for a dusty job cutting concrete.

Which type of disposable mask does HSE say is the most advisable for this kind of work?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. FFP3
  2. B. FFP1
  3. C. A cloth face covering
  4. D. Any mask that feels comfortable
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A

  • A. Right: Right. HSE says FFP3 is the most advisable type for dusty work and work with silica or wood dust. It must still fit properly.
  • B. Wrong: Wrong. FFP1 gives the lowest protection. It is not suitable for silica dust.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. Cloth coverings do not filter out fine dust.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. Comfort matters, but the mask must be the right type and fit properly.

Explanation

For silica and other construction dusts, FFP3 is the most advisable mask type. It must be fit tested and used with other dust controls.

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Question 6

Medium ·Link to this question (question 6)

You have been wearing the same mask on a very dusty job. It is getting harder to breathe through.

What does this mean?

Choose one answer.

  1. A. You should take it off for a while to get some air
  2. B. The filter is clogged, so the mask needs changing
  3. C. The mask is working better than ever
  4. D. You should loosen the straps to breathe more easily
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B

  • A. Wrong: Wrong. Taking it off in the dust exposes you. Move out of the area and change the mask.
  • B. Right: Right. HSE says the filter in a mask can quickly become clogged and stop working. Replace it.
  • C. Wrong: Wrong. A clogged filter makes breathing harder and can let dust leak round the edge.
  • D. Wrong: Wrong. A loose mask lets dusty air leak in round the sides.

Explanation

Masks only protect while they fit and the filter works. Change a clogged mask, and don't rely on a mask alone for high-risk dusty work.

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Question 7

Medium ·Link to this question (question 7)

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.

  1. A. Only silica dust needs controlling, not wood dust
  2. B. It is fine without a mask if you open a window
  3. C. RPE is needed as well as other dust controls
  4. D. Wood dust is harmless, so no controls are needed
Show 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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