There can only be a tiny minority of people who have never heard the acronym COSHH. We all know what it stands for, and what we must do as a result. But do we? Is our knowledge as thorough as we might like?
Life as we live it in the 21st century is made possible by our mastery of thousands of chemicals in common use. Used correctly, they can add to the quality of life; used incorrectly, they can do exactly the opposite.
The biggest danger they pose comes not from the chemicals themselves, but from the way we use and store them. Those using these chemicals must be familiar with the correct use of COSHH Cabinets for safe COSHH storage. Familiarity with these products can allow sloppiness to creep into our attitudes to the way we use and store them.
Therefore, we’ve developed this simple COSHH quiz to let you discover how much you know, or thought you knew, about the risks you may deal with every day.
COSHH Questions and Answers (including a COSHH Symbols Quiz)
1. What does COSHH stand for?
A) Control of substances harmful to health;
B) Control of substances hazardous to health;
C) Control of substances hazardous to hands
2. Which of the following are not covered by COSHH regulations?
A) Germs;
B) Radioactive substances;
C) Fumes
3. What qualifications must you hold to do COSHH risk assessments?
A) IOSH;
B) NEBOSH;
C) None
4. A COSHH cabinet must always be secured to floor or wall. True or false?
5. COSHH regulations were first introduced into the UK in which year?
A) 1988;
B) 1998;
C) 2008
6. Significant findings from any COSHH risk assessments must always be recorded
A) for companies with 10 employees or more;
B) for companies with 5 employees or more;
C) for every company, regardless of the number of employees
7. If COSHH-controlled substances are present in a workplace, and dust may arise from them, good ventilation is necessary. How many complete changes of air per hour are recommended?
A) 1-3;
B) 3-5;
C) 5-10
8. Which of the following is NOT a requirement for a COSHH cabinet?
A) It must contain a series of drawers for small tins and bottles;
B) It must be constructed so as to be tamper-proof;
C) It must be lockable.
9. Any substance covered by COSHH can be stored in all COSHH cabinets. True or false?
10. Which of the following is COSHH NOT designed to protect?
A) Staff in hospitals;
B) Children in schools;
C) Workers in the offshore industry;
D) Vulnerable adults in care homes.
11. If a COSHH cabinet is available, it is acceptable to use it for storing products in other than their original packaging, so long as the name of the contents is written on the alternative packaging in capital letters. True or false?
COSHH Quiz Answers
1 B;
2 B;
3 C;
4 False – mobile versions exist;
5 A;
6 B;
7 C;
8 A;
9. False. Flammable materials should be stored in fire-resistant COSHH cabinets;
10 None of the above. It is intended to protect all groups;
11. False. Under no circumstances should products be stored in other than their original packaging.
How did you do in our COSHH Quiz?
Award yourself three points for each correct answer.
If you scored 40, you’re probably in a safety-related job. If you’re not, then you may have missed your vocation.
If you scored 30 or more, you’re probably careful at work, and understand both why COSHH is necessary and the consequences of ignoring it.
If you scored 18 or more, you probably need a refresher, and it would be advisable to speak to someone about ways to brush up your knowledge.
If you scored 9 or less, it’s a wonder you’re allowed out on your own, since you could well be putting not only your life at risk, but the lives of your colleagues too.
How to choose COSHH storage cabinets
COSHH storage is relatively simple once you are aware of the risks, and how important it is to protect people from them. Used in conjunction with the proper training and discipline, COSHH cabinets will protect the people in your business, no matter what it is, by keeping dangerous materials under control.
Our range of COSHH cabinets are of robust construction, and have a powder-coated finish as well as interiors designed to contain spills, should they occur. Specific detail about each of the products is available on its product page, but as a general word of advice we’d suggest you pick one that might appear to be larger than you need, to allow for business growth. However, don’t be tempted to use the space to buy more of the substances you intend to store than you actually need. Larger volumes usually translate into larger risks!
We are passionate about helping you and making your compliance obligations that little easier to manage. We would be keen to know how you did in our COSHH quiz so follow us on Twitter and let us know how you got on!
