Control Measures & PPE — COSHH Practice

Sample questions

1. 01What is the correct order of the hierarchy of control measures under COSHH?

   • AEngineering controls, elimination, PPE, substitution, administrative controls
   • BElimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE
   • CPPE, administrative controls, substitution, engineering controls, elimination
   • DPPE, engineering controls, substitution, then elimination as a last resort

   Why: The hierarchy of control follows the principle that the most effective measures should be considered first: elimination, substitution, engineering controls (such as LEV), administrative controls (procedures, training, signage), and finally PPE as a last resort. COSHH Regulation 7 requires employers to apply this hierarchy.

2. 02What does LEV stand for in the context of COSHH control measures?

   • ALow Energy Ventilation
   • BLimited Exposure Value
   • CLaboratory Environment Verification
   • DLocal Exhaust Ventilation

   Why: Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) is an engineering control that captures airborne contaminants at or near the source before they can spread into the workplace air. Under COSHH Regulation 9, LEV systems must be examined and tested at least every 14 months (or 6 months for certain processes).

3. 03How often must LEV systems be thoroughly examined and tested under COSHH Regulation 9?

   • AWhenever the system appears to be working poorly or the extraction seems weak
   • BAt least once every five years from the date the system was installed
   • COnce a week, before the system is first switched on for the shift
   • DAt least every 14 months, or every 6 months for certain specified processes

   Why: COSHH Regulation 9 requires LEV systems to be thoroughly examined and tested at least every 14 months. However, for certain processes listed in Schedule 4 (e.g., processes involving lead, asbestos), the interval is reduced to 6 months. Records must be kept for at least 5 years.