Chemical, Biological, Physical and Ergonomic Hazards and Controls
Domain scope
This domain tests recognition and control of chemical, biological, physical and ergonomic hazards. Expect questions on GHS, SDS, exposure routes and combined exposures.
Core rules and concepts
- Chemicals: maintain an inventory, obtain GHS-compliant labels and 16-section SDS, assess compatibility, store safely, plan spills and train workers.
- Biological: identify bacteria, viruses, fungi and bloodborne pathogens; use containment, immunisation, safe sharps, disinfection and healthcare waste procedures.
- Physical: noise, vibration, heat, radiation, lighting and pressure. Noise controls follow the hierarchy; hearing protection is last.
- Ergonomic: manual handling, repetition, force, posture and workstation design; use mechanical aids, redesign tasks and allow recovery breaks.
- Combined exposures can interact; assess the task, not just the substance.
Worked example
A plant records 95 dB(A) over eight hours. Engineering controls: enclose the noisy pump, fit silencers and isolate the source. Administrative controls: rotate jobs and mark hearing zones. PPE: provide earplugs or earmuffs with adequate attenuation, fit-test and train. Audiometry is introduced. Noise is not controlled by issuing earplugs alone, and the 95 dB(A) reading must be compared with the correct 8-hour limit.
Traps
Choosing gloves without checking chemical compatibility; ignoring noise until hearing loss appears; treating ergonomic risk as individual weakness; and forgetting maintenance workers who enter controlled areas.