BOHS Diploma Exam Preparation Workshop

Harrogate 26 April 2010

www.diamondenv.co.uk

Objective 1Provide an introduction to the exam

format

Objective 2Discuss how to approach the exam(s)

Objective 3Discuss example questions and

approaches to answering them

Objective 4Identify areas for further study

Diploma ExaminationNo syllabus

Occupational HygieneRecognitionEvaluationControlChemical, physical and biological agents

Written Exam“The standard of answer expected to

pass this examination should show extensive knowledge of the subject and indicate practical experience in the assessment and control of the hazard described in the question.”

Written Exam“The standard of answer expected to

pass this examination should show extensive knowledge of the subject and indicate practical experience in the assessment and control of the hazard described in the question.”

Written Exam“The standard of answer expected to

pass this examination should show extensive knowledge of the subject and indicate practical experience in the assessment and control of the hazard described in the question.”

Written ExaminationExtensive knowledgePractical experience

Written ExamPaper 1 Chemical AgentsPaper 2 Physical Agents3 hours per paper

Written ExamOne “compulsory” essay question (from

a choice of two)25 marks

Written ExamTwo other essay questions (from a

choice of three)25 marks

Written ExamFive micro-essay questions (from a

choice of eight)5 marks

Written ExamOne “compulsory” essay questionTwo other essay questionsFive micro-essay questions

Compulsory question Optional questions(typical topics)

Paper 1 airborne hazards, or

statistics

Fibrogenic dusts Toxic metals Inorganic or

organic dusts Inorganic gases Organic gases and

vapours Biological agents Carcinogens or

sensitisers

Compulsory question Optional questions(typical topics)

Paper 2 legislation, or

general principles

Thermal environment

Noise Vibration Non-ionising

radiation or lighting

Carcinogens Local exhaust

ventilation Respiratory

protection

Oral ExaminationOne hour durationThree panellistsQuestions based on scenarios

Oral ExaminationAnswers must demonstrate “deep and

broad experience”

Oral ExaminationStrategy Data interpretationPractical control measures Application of legislation/good practice

Example Micro – Essay QuestionBriefly outline the symptoms of vibration

white induced white finger. What factors are important in assessing the risk of a worker developing vibration induced white finger?

Example Micro – Essay QuestionStandard audiometry only measures

hearing levels down to -5dB. Briefly explain why this may present a problem when using audiometry to assess noise induced hearing loss.

Example Micro – Essay QuestionBriefly outline how exposure modelling

could be used for estimating the likely airborne concentration resulting from an accidental solvent spillage.

Example Micro – Essay QuestionBriefly explain the difference between a

carcinogen and a teratogen. How might this affect our approach to control of substances with these properties?