A small engineering company operates a number of noisy machines which are

located in an open plan workshop.

Following a noise survey the company discovers that their employees are being

exposed to noise levels above the Upper Exposure Action Value of 85dB(A) LEP,d.

Describe the range of technical control measures that could be introduced to

reduce the employees’ exposure to noise. (10)

Source / Transmission / Receiver

Source –

Replace noisy machines with newer, quieter models, lower noise emissions

Reduce speed of machines

Damping / Silencing of metal panels

Mounting of machines / motors / pumps / gearboxes on rubber strips / dampers / cork pads

Silencers on exhausts / pneumatics / ducting

Eliminate impacts – reduce drop height of product / materials

Stiffen vibrating parts – stiffening rods / bars

Reduce air turbulence – ducting – several lower pressure ports rather than one large one

Ensure adequate maintenance to keep machines noise free – loose parts, worn parts, lubrication

Transmission –

Noise enclosures constructed of suitable noise attenuating material placed around main sources of noise

Acoustic screens around noisy equipment – reflect noise back into noisy area

Lining the walls and floors with noise absorbing materials

Increase distance between worker and source – twice distance = half noise

Receiver / person –

Place noisy equipment in another area

Introduce automation to remove the person from the task / exposure

Acoustic havens for workers

Job rotation

Last resort – PPE

CNWR Reg 6 – Eliminate at source – or reduce to ALAIRP

General Principles of Prevention apply – MHSWR Sch 1

(a) Identify the hazard classification system for lasers. (2)

(b) Low power lasers are widely used to read bar-code labelled

products at checkouts in retail premises.

Outline:

(i) the design features; (4)

(ii) the procedural controls (4)

that should be in place for the safe operation and maintenance of

this equipment.

BS EN 60825 Classification of lasers

1 1M 2 2M 3B 3R 4

Lowest to highest hazard level

Design Features – having the laser no greater than class 1

The use of embedded or enclosed systems

Fitting of protective housing

Trigger operation on handheld systems

Key control to interlock at the power source

The use of suitable signage to warn others of use of lasers

Appropriate positioning of the laser (including hand held systems) to avoid eye level exposure

Procedural controls – Distance / SSOW / Instruct , train / (PPE) / Adequate lighting

strict observance of manufacturers guidance

Info, Instruction, Training for employees (including non users in the area) including warning them not to look at the beam

Drawing up and implementing a SSOW for the safe use, maintenance and repair of the equipment

If case is to be removed – it requires special key or tool and that beam is properly controlled

Defect reporting procedures

Maintenance and repairs are carried out by competent persons

(a) Outline the specific criteria that should be applied when

provisionally classifying a biological agent in accordance with the

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. (4)

(b) Outline the design requirements for a research laboratory that

undertakes activities involving a Group 4 biological agent. (6)

COSHH Schedule 3

Hazard Classification Categories

Group 1 – unlikely to cause harm

Group 2 – Can cause human disease; May be hazard to employees; Unlikely to Spread; Effective treatment available

Group 3 – Can cause severe human disease; May be serious hazard to employees; May Spread; Effective treatment available

Group 4 – Causes severe human disease; Is a serious hazard to employees; Likely to Spread;

No Effective treatment available

All design considerations should ideally be made at the design of building stage.

Location –

Headroom (enough for sufficient ducting and ventilation)

Access (good access for transporting materials / waste, avoid communal areas, general security)

Visibility – ideally daylight / natural light – position of windows and doors

Air handling – should not be shared with other facilities. Inlet and outlet should be HEPA filtered

Ventilation – backup extraction should main system fail. Also interlocked system with sealed dampers to enable fumigation

Negative air pressure and to enable sealing for fumigation

Observation window so occupants can be observed at all times, or monitored CCTV

Secure storage facilities

Use of Primary containment systems – class III cabinets / cabinet-lines

Or the use of positive pressured air suits

All liquid waste / run off should be collected in a separate treatment plant

All soild waste must be sterilised in an autoclave before leaving the lab for incineration

Animal carcasses must be incinerated on site

Bench surfaces – non porous, seamless coved splashbacks

Furniture kept to minimum – use of trolleys to enable easy cleaning of floor / surfaces

Floors – non slip and easy to clean

Access restricted to authorised personnel by use of an airlock

An airborne contaminant has a Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) of

10ppm, 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). Engineering controls have

been introduced but the airborne concentration of the contaminant in a

workshop has been measured at 180ppm, 8-hour TWA.

The occupational hygienist has selected a piece of respiratory protective

equipment (RPE) with an assigned protection factor (APF) of 20, which is

to be worn temporarily by all employees in the contaminated area.

(a) Using the data above outline how the hygienist could have

calculated the APF AND outline whether the hygienist has made

an appropriate selection. (4)

(b) Outline other factors that should be taken into account when

selecting appropriate RPE. (6)

APF = concentration of contaminant in the air (180ppm) divided by max allowed concentration in the face piece (10ppm – WEL)

Minimum APF required - 180 / 10 = 18

Selected RPE – 180 / 20 = 9ppm exposure – sufficient in this case, however higher safety factor could be obtained by using RPE with higher APF to take into account movement and fitting issues

Factors to take into account –

Nature of contaminant – dust, vapour

Comfort factors – length of time, dexterity, type of tasks, cumbersome RPE, restrictions of working space

Fit of RPE – glasses, long hair, facial hair

Fit testing required, information and training required for users

Cost , durability

Ease of maintenance – cleaning and replacing filters

Compatibility with other PPE

The need to consult workers on selection of equipment

Employees working in a warehouse handle a large number of boxes and

packages every day. In order to assist with this activity the employer has

decided to invest in a range of non-powered handling equipment such as

trolleys and trucks.

Outline what factors the employer should consider when selecting

suitable equipment. (10)

Consider-

Result of trials of different types of equipment

Outcome of consultation of employees, experiences of users of similar equipment

Restrictions of space – headroom, width, manoeuvrability,

Safe working loads – what load

Suitability for tasks involved – wheels, ground conditions, brakes,

Design of equipment – handles and controls between waist and shoulder height

Ease of use

Info, instruct, train users – includes maint and regular inspection

Ease of maintenance – or use and cost of outside contractors

Cost and durability

A company is considering substituting a solvent it currently uses for one

that is thought to be more effective.

Outline the factors affecting health that should be considered before a

decision is taken to make the change. (10)

Information gathering before reaching decision

Consider –

MSDS and all other available information related to toxicity, possible harm and effects, and exposure limits.

Form of substance and application – liquid or spray

Quantity to be used compared with current solvent

Changes to processes – time etc

Possible routes of entry

Number exposed, also consider at risk groups

Controls required – LEV, PPE

Storage

Safe disposal

Training required

(a) Identify the circumstances when health surveillance would be

considered appropriate according to Regulation 11 of the Control

of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH). (2)

(b) Outline the arrangements and facilities that an organisation

should put in place if they are to carry out health surveillance in

accordance with the COSHH Regulations. (10)

(c) A small engineering company uses metal working fluids which

can cause dermatitis and occupational asthma.

Assuming the engineering company has the necessary

arrangements and facilities referred to in part (b); outline the

practical steps this company could take to meet its

responsibilities under Regulation 11 of COSHH. (8)

COSHH Reg 11

If employees are exposed to substances and engaged in a process as listed in Schedule 6

Where there is an identifiable disease associated with the use of a hazardous substance and there is a reasonable likelihood that disease will occur

CNWR Reg 9

CVWR Reg 7

General requirement – MHSWR reg 6

DSE Reg 5

Facilities

Suitable room – privacy

Toilet, wash, storage of records – secure

Arrangements

Annual medical surveillance check by doctor – those exposed to substances in schedule 6

Other health surveillance by occ.health nurse

Procedures for assuring integrity of any samples taken and their submission to an accredited laboratory

Informing employee if adverse health effect or disease is identified in surveillance

Maintenance of up to date records, confidential, secure for 40 years

Arrangements for employees to view their own records upon formal request

Practical steps:

Who, What, How, Why…

Appointment of responsible, competent person to oversee surveillance

Regular skin inspection of employees, regular monitoring of breathing problems

Referral of those with problems to Occ Health for medical assessment

Train employees to examine own skin, recognise problems with skin / breathing

Record keeping system

Regular analysis of this and sickness absence data

(a) Outline the properties of:

(i) alpha particles; (4)

(ii) x-rays. (4)

(b) Staff working in a dental practice are exposed to x-rays.

(i) Outline the legal requirements for monitoring staff

exposure to x-rays. (6)

(ii) Outline how the dental practice can monitor the staff

exposure. (6)

Alpha Particles

2 neutrons/ 2 protons

Particulate radiation / ionising

Naturally occurring, as a result of radioactive decay

Continually emitted

Can only travel short distance

Can enter body – internal hazard to target organs – cannot penetrate skin / paper

Principles to control exposure

DISTANCE / TIME / SHEILDING / DECONTAMINATION

Food / drink

Wounds dressed

X-rays

Non-particulate – is electromagnetic radiation

Artificially generated by use of electrical energy

Emitted by machine

Can travel few metres

External radiation hazard

Penetrate into body through skin

Shielded by lead or concrete

Legal requirements

IRR

Exposure to be kept within specified dose limits

Limits for classified workers and exposed body parts set down in regs

Classified workers (will receive dose of more than 6 mSv (millisieverts) a year)

Medical surveillance

Any over exposure must be investigated and reported to enforcing authority

Monitoring – radiation protection supervisor

Records of doses received kept for 50 years or until person reaches 75 years of age

Methods of monitoring:

Staff exposure to x rays over fixed time – film badges or thermo luminescent dosimeters (TLD’s)

Both are personal dose meters – clipped to lapel

Film badges

Film in plastic holder

Developed and exposure level determined from chart

TLD

Metallic badge

Heated to measure level of light emitted

Both should be processed professionally by approved services

Then review data produced to ensure controls and procedures are effective and doses are within legal limits

Five employees work an 8 hour shift during which they are exposed to a

hazardous dust. The employer has asked an occupational hygienist to

undertake monitoring of the employees’ personal exposure to the

hazardous dust.

(a) Describe how the hygienist should determine the employees’

long term personal exposure to the total inhalable hazardous

dust. (10)

(b) The five employees were each monitored for exposure to total

inhalable dust during the same 8 hour shift. Four of the results

are roughly equivalent but the fifth is significantly higher.

Outline the possible reasons for this discrepancy. (10)

The hygienist should monitor the exposure throughout the 8 hour shift, noting the type of work undertaken, areas of work, and the timing of such sampling.

Dust = gravimetric sampling.

Personal monitoring – pump – filter – sampling head

Sampling head – appropriate to the dust being measured. (identify the substance first – basic survey) – 7 hole , conical inhalable head

Breathing zone = 300m radius front of face – mid point between ears

Calibrate pump flow rate, and note volume of air in sample collected

Measure filter before and after

Divide weight gain in filter by volume of air = mg / m3

Discrepancies

ENVIRONMENT / TASK

Job / task distribution

Different areas / different ventilation effects

Doors, windows

EQUIPMENT

Errors in calibration of pump

Errors in calculation of samples / weights / volume of air sampled

Poor selection of filter

Uncalibrated scales

INDIVIDUAL

Sabotage

Fewer or shorter breaks than rest of group

Different tasks

Poor hygiene – dusty overalls

(a) In 2002 the Court of Appeal (COA) made landmark judgments

relating to work-related stress. Identify ONE of the cases heard

at the appeal hearing AND outline the practical guidance which

the COA established at this hearing in connection with harm that

is reasonably foreseeable. (5)

(b) Describe a range of organisational and personal factors that can

contribute to the incidence of work-related stress. (15)

SUTHERLAND V. HATTON

Consideration to be given to…

nature and extent of work being carried out

Particularly where work is intellectually or emotionally demanding

Or where workload is greater than normal

Where unreasonable demands are being made and others doing same job are suffering high levels of stress

Where there are abnormal levels of sickness absence in same job or dept.

Employee must inform of their stress

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS

THINK MGT STD’S

DEMANDS

CONTROL

SUPPORT

ROLE

CHANGE

RELATIONSHIPS

A facilities manager of a multi-occupancy office block built in the 1970s is

concerned about the risks associated with asbestos in the building.

(a) Outline the steps the facilities manager should take to minimise

risks associated with any asbestos that may be present in the

building. (12)

(b) An occupant of one of the offices engages a contractor to fit a

hand dryer in a toilet which involves drilling through some

asbestos insulating board.

Outline the required steps to be taken by the contractor to carry

out this work, in accordance with the Control of Asbestos

Regulations 2006. (8)

Accept they are duty holder – resposnibilty to manage asbestos in multi occupied building

Due to age – assume asbestos is present

ID all materials that may contain asbestos

Arrange for survey by competent persons

Keep record of where asbestos is located

Update records with regular reviews of condition

Info to all tenants

Decide action – remove, repair, enclose, leave

Action plan

SHORT DURATION WORK – NON LICENSED

Precautions –

Inform person doing work of hazards – issue PPE – disposable overalls, RPE

Restricted access

Closed door / warning signs

Surfaces covered poly sheet and fixed with tape

Paste or foam – drill entry point – contain dust

Hand drill

Hole – lined / sleeved – prevent fibre release

Paste cleaned off – damp cloth

All waste double bagged – asbestos waste

Clean down area with type H vaccum

(a) Describe the physiological effects of carbon monoxide on the

body. (4)

(b) Outline the control measures that could be used to reduce

exposure to carbon monoxide in a motor vehicle repair premises. (6)

CO absorbed via lungs into bloodstream

Oxygen displaced – CO chemically bonds to haemoglobin

Reduces oxygen carried to tissues

CO slowly displaced from body

SYMPTOMS-

Drowsiness

Headaches

Dizziness

Breathlessness

Unconsciousness

Death

CONTROLS

Minimise engine running time

LEV at car exhaust

Good general ventilation

Regular maintenance of ventilation

CO detectors and alarms

Customers isolated / segregated

Demands, control, support and relationships are categories used in the

Health and Safety Executive ‘stress management standards’.

For EACH of these four categories outline the occupational factors that

could contribute to stress amongst call centre workers. (10)

DEMANDS

Worlkload, targets, work patterns, environment – lighting etc

CONTROL

In the way workers do their job

Consultation, call volumes, workload, task distribution, repetition

SUPPORT

Encouragement, praise

MGT and colleagues

Grievance procedures, or informal

Training availability

RELATIONSHIPS

Conflict, unreasonable behaviour

Aggressive customers

Bullying harassment – MGT and colleagues

Cultural differences

One to one calls – no relationship established

A machine operator is required to work at a number of different machines

during a normal 8-hour working day.

(a) Explain how a series of static measurements can be taken in the

workplace and then used to estimate the operator’s daily

personal noise exposure (LEP,d). (5)

(b) The result of personal dosimetry on a similar day provides an

LEP,d that is 4dB(A) greater than the estimate made in (a).

Identify the factors that may account for the difference. (5)

Static measurements taken at each workstation

During normal operation of machines

Intergrated sound level meter

Give A-weighted sound pressure reading LAeq – EQUIVALENT A WEIGHTED CONTINUOUS

Take note of time each worker spends at each machine

Calculate daily exposure (LEP,d) using HSE’s ready reckoner

DIFFERENCE

Operator position may be different to static readings

Different machines, speeds

Different materials

Other background noise – other machines running

Static measurement not long enough – peaks missed

Between jobs or breaks not measured

Errors in calibration

Sabotage

The most widely used and accepted index for the assessment of heat

stress in industry is the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index.

(a) Identify the measurements that need to be taken to determine

the WBGT index. (3)

(b) Outline the principle of operation of the instruments that should

be used to make the measurements. (7)

Wet bulb temp

Dry bulb temp – air temp

Globe temp – radiant heat

Wet bulb – thermometer with bulb covered in water soaked sock or sleeve. Water evaporates from bulb – cools below the ambient temp

Dry bulb – mercury or digital thermometer. Mercury rises to point on scale, reading is taken.

Globe temp – Black globe thermometer. Measures radiant heat. Mercury filled thermometer, with bulb encased in black painted copper sphere, radiant heat absorbed without currents affecting temp.

HYGROMETER

Dry and wet bulb.

Whirl round

Read difference = relative humidity (from chart)

PRINCIPLES OF GOOD PRACTICE – ADEQUATE CONTROLS COSHH

1. Design and operate processes and activities to minimise emission, release and spread of

substances hazardous to health.

2. Take into account all relevant routes of exposure – inhalation, skin absorption and

ingestion – when developing control measures.

3. Control exposure by measures that are proportionate to the health risk.

4. Choose the most effective and reliable control options which minimise the escape and

spread of substances hazardous to health.

5. Where adequate control of exposure cannot be achieved by other means, provide, in

combination with other control measures, suitable personal protective equipment.

6. Check and review regularly all elements of control measures for their continuing

effectiveness.

7. Inform and train all employees on the hazards and risks from the substances they work with

and the use of control measures developed to minimise the risks.

8. Ensure that the introduction of control measures does not increase the overall risk to

health and safety.

Street cleaning operatives working for a local authority can be at risk from

exposure to the hepatitis B virus.

Outline a range of practical control measures that could be used to

minimise the risk of exposure to hepatitis B. (10)

Litter picking sticks – puncture wounds

No eating or drinking during work

PPE – goggles, gloves, footwear,

Covering wounds – waterproof dressings

Safe disposal of sharps – containers

Hand washing

Info and training – nature and risk, and precautions

Procedures for contaminated waste collection

Procedures for injuries – training- sharps wounds – encourage bleeding, warm water before dressing

Manual handling risk assessments should consider a range of risk factors

concerning the task, load, environment and individual.

(a) Explain how these risk factors relate to nursing staff who carry

out manual handling activities when assisting hospital patients

with limited mobility. (14)

(b) Outline specific activities that the occupational health

department at the hospital could undertake to minimise the risk to

nursing staff who undertake manual handling. (6)

Task

Nurses assist patients to bathe, wash, toilet, dressing.

Involve stooping, bending, stretching, pulling, lifting,

Poor Posture.

Frequent tasks, prolonged periods – long shifts

Also consider number of patients to a nurse, any lifting aids / hoists

Load

Difficult to assess – every patient is different / different abilities

Patients movement unpredictable

Unconscious, struggle, unwilling, violent

Drips etc make it difficult to secure hold

Environment

Space constraints, obstructions-

Beds, bathrooms, corridors, toilet areas

Slippery floors

Poor lighting at night

Individual

Physically capable of carrying out tasks

Training in patient handling / moving

Consider at risk groups – pregnant, back problems

Occupational Health Dept

Assist in assessment of tasks

Pre employment and RTW examinations

Treat injured workers with rehabilitation program,

Investigate accidents involving MH

Monitor and record absences related to MH

MH Training and advice on techniques / mech aids

You are a health and safety advisor to a large warehousing company

who employ a significant number of fork-lift truck drivers.

Outline the key points that should be included in the company policy and

procedures on drug misuse.

General Statement

Organisations aims (drug misuse does not have detrimental effect on work)

Sufficient resources to achieve aims

Responsibilities – MGT, OcHealth, Employees

Covered – employees, and contractors

Define drug misuse – prescription drugs – make aware

Procedures

Drug testing circumstances- after incident, etc; pre-employment; random

Practical arrangements for testing and analysing

Procedures following positive test or refusal, and clear sanctions

Appeals procedures

Support arrangements

RTW arrangements following treatment

The use of hand-held vibrating tools can cause hand-arm vibration

syndrome (HAVS).

(a) Describe the health effects of HAVS. (4)

(b) Outline the factors to consider when carrying out a risk

assessment of employees who make extensive use of hand-held

vibrating tools in their work. (6)

(c) Outline, with practical examples, a range of control measures

that could be used to reduce the risk of employees developing

HAVS. (10)

Effects

Long term damage to soft tissues, bones and joints

Progressive symptoms – numbness, tingling, loss of sensation

Loss of dexterity and grip

Gangrene – severe

Raynauds Phenomenon – VWF – poor blood supply to ends of fingers in cold, damp conditions together with vibrating tolls

Continued exposure – “dead finger”

Risk Assessment

ID Tools and tasks – exposure to vibration – also duration

Number of people involved

Individual health records – pre existing conditions

Magnitude and frequency of the vibration (with accelerometer)

Compare action and limit values in CVRW

Temp of work environment

Existing controls

Controls

Change process

Automation

Job rotation

Replace tool with lower vibration model

Frequent breaks

Maint and lubrication

Suitable warm clothing and warm environment – good circulation

Pre employment screening

Info, training to ID early symptoms and report in good time

You have been sent a copy of a ‘local exhaust ventilation (LEV)

examination and test report’ conducted by an external organisation.

The report relates to an LEV system in one part of your company’s production

area. The production manager has asked you to comment on the

suitability of this report before the company commissions further LEV

examination and testing work throughout the rest of the factory.

(a) Outline the measurements that you would expect to have been

taken as part of the examination and test of the LEV system. (4)

(b) In addition to these measurements outline other information that

should be contained in the report. (16)

Measurements

Face velocity

Hood / inlet

Overcome momentum to draw in

Use vane anemometer

Transport velocity

Through ducting

Smoke tubes / hot wire anemometer

Ensure levels throughout – no settlement

Pressure differential

Between filter and fan

Should be zero – no blockages

Use of fitted display gauge

Fan speed

High enough

Power Consumption

Outlet air quality

Clean

Leaks

Smoke tubes

Draeger tubes

Report contents

Name and signature, competency

Date of examination

Previous dates , intervals compliant – 14 months COSHH

Process / Substances in use

Relate measurements to WEL’s

Location and condition of LEV

Diagram of system and measurement techniques applied at each stage

Calibration of measuring equipment

Observations made

Recommendations – repairs required, etc

Keep records for 5 years

Employees of a landscaping contractor regularly cut kerb stones using a

powered circular saw. This task requires the use of Personal Protective

Equipment (PPE) to protect against hazards associated with handling

and cutting stone.

(a) For EACH type of PPE that should be used, outline the reasons

why these items of PPE are needed. (6)

(b) Assuming that suitable PPE has been selected outline a range

of practical measures that can be taken to ensure the correct use

of the PPE and to maintain its effectiveness. (2)

Noise – hearing protection

Dust – RPE – Particle filtering face piece (disposable face mask)

Eye protection – goggles

Gloves – cuts and cement dust

Safety shoes – impact / cutting

Correct use

Info, training – risks and PPE benefits

Training for selcection and fitting

Knowing when to maintain, replace, storage

MGT – monitor correct use – lead by example

Disciplinary for non conformance

Inspections of PPE for damage

Keep records of damaged or replaced

Periodic review to check suitability of PPE offered – new items lighter etc

Survey users for feedback

A catalogue distribution company employs 300 employees as drivers,

warehouse operatives and office staff, processing telephone and internet

orders.

Identify the possible functions of this company’s occupational health

department:

(a) when new employees commence employment; (5)

(b) when an employee returns to work after ill-health. (5)

New employee health screening – NOT PRE

REVIEW health history – advise MGT on suitability for tasks chosen for

Check fitness and ability of warehouse staff – MH

Drivers eyesight etc, also past alcohol problems

DSE Eyesight tests on request

RTW

Assess current condition

Recommendation to MGT – light duties / phased return

Liaise with GP – requirements of fit- note

Counselling / support / rehabilitation

A company producing pre-prepared pasta dishes requires operatives to

pick up small pasta pieces from a delivery conveyor and transfer them to

foil trays on a separate conveyor. This work is carried out standing in

front of the conveyors on an 8 hour shift basis.

Following complaints from a number of employees about pains in their

arms and shoulders you have been asked to undertake an ergonomic

risk assessment for this operation and make recommendations.

(a) Identify the ergonomic risk factors to be taken into account when

making such an assessment AND outline how these may be

contributing to the problems experienced by the employees in

this situation. (5)

(b) Total automation of the process is not possible. Outline other

control measures that could be taken to reduce the ill-health

effects being experienced by employees. (5)

TASK

Frequent moving of upper body parts – picking up and placing in foil trays

Fatigue – standing long periods – 8 hr shifts

Posture – standing and reaching to other conveyor

Expected work rate / speed of conveyors

Height of conveyor

Breaks allowed / repetitive work

CONTROLS

Adjust height of conveyors

Position in parallel

Arrange work so it can be carried out without over reaching

Seating – change position as required

Reduce speed of feed conveyor

Job rotation

Info /. Training – posture, stretching regularly

Encourage reporting

(a) Explain the meaning of the term ‘carcinogen’. (2)

(b) Outline the role of Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) when

deciding if exposure to a carcinogen is ‘adequately controlled’ for

the purposes of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health

(COSHH) Regulations 2002. (2)

(c) Under COSHH exposure to substances hazardous to health

(including carcinogens) shall only be treated as adequate if the

‘principles of good practice’ are applied.

Outline SIX of these principles. (6)

CARCINOGEN

Agent has ability to cause cancer

Produce malignant tumours

Attack cell reproduction mechanisms

Changes in cells DNA structure – abnormal and uncontrollable growth

Effects irreversible

WEL’S

Exposure is controlled when –

WEL is not exceeded, exposure reduced to as low a level that is reasonably practicable

(a) Give the meaning of the term ‘biological monitoring’. (2)

(b) Outline the circumstances in which biological monitoring may be

appropriate. (4)

(c) Outline the practical difficulties that an employer must take into

account when introducing a programme of biological monitoring. (4)

BIOLOGICAL MONITORING

Measurement or assessment of hazardous substances in tissues, secretions, excretia, expired air

APPROPRIATE

Complementary to air monitoring

Determine if existing controls are adequate

When info is required on accumulated dose in target organ

When there is a specified guidance value to compare (EH40)

Significant absorption by non respiratory routes

Where there is significant reliance on PPE

Required by statute – CLAW

DIFFICULTIES

Apart from by law, is voluntary – consent to be obtained and concerns overcome

Availability of suitable facilities

Specialists to carry out tests – blood etc

Integrity of samples – cross contamination / cross infection

Exposure may be non work related

Costs

Drivers of tracked earth moving machinery at a large construction site

have reported incidences of back pain which they believe are caused by

exposure to whole body vibration.

(a) Outline a range of control measures that could be used to

minimise the risk of the drivers experiencing back pain caused by

exposure to whole body vibration. (7)

(b) Outline THREE other possible work-related causes of the back

pain being experienced by these drivers. (3)

CONTROLS

Select vehicle with size, power, capacity suitable for task and terrain

Individuals exposre is kept below exposure action value, and limit value - CVWR

Organise traffic routes, maintain even road surfaces

Suspension seats with vibration damping – adjustable to suit individuals weight

Work patterns – job rotation, breaks,

Info / train – avoid jolts, sharp stops, smooth driving, recognise symptoms and reporting, maint of vehicles and roadways

OTHER CAUSES

Poor posture

Sitting for long periods

Layout of controls

Poor vision – over reaching

No method provided for adjustment of seat

Repeated climbing down and up to cab

Other construction duties – heavy lifting etc

A housing association employs 20 housing officers. They regularly visit a

range of rented properties to interview existing tenants and to show

prospective tenants around vacant properties.

Outline a set of practical guidelines that the housing officers can follow in

order to minimise their risks from violence and aggression whilst

undertaking these work activities. (10)

agree appointments in advance

inform MGT and colleagues of visit details – also use of visit log

reporting back between visits

checking in via mobile phone

use of personal alarm linked to office

no valuables – laptop etc

park with easy access / egress

avoid confrontation during visit

Training to calm situations down

Code words / signals for co workers

Report incidents that do occur

Existing tenants – history of problems??

If so visit in pairs or arrange at office

Other agencies – history

A large livestock farm employs a number of people who are involved in

caring for animals, cleaning out animal enclosures and disposing of

waste materials.

The farm manager has identified that during such work employees may

be exposed to zoonoses.

(a) Give the meaning of the term ‘zoonose’. (2)

(b) Cryptosporidiosis and Leptospirosis are two commonly occurring

zoonoses.

Outline how and when the farm employees are likely to be

exposed to EACH of these. (6)

(c) Outline a range of practical control measures that should be

used to minimise the risks associated with exposure to

zoonoses. (10)

(d) Identify TWO other zoonoses that employees working on the

farm could be exposed to. (2)

ZOONOSE

Animal disease or infection that may be transmitted to humans. It will cause ill health in humans but not necessarily in animals.

Cryptosporidiosis

Cattle or sheep

Ingestion – hand to mouth transmission

Contact with surfaces or footwear contaminated with faeces

Poor personal hygiene

Leptospirosis

Cattle or rat urine

Broken skin

Mucous membrane in eye, nose, mouth – splashing in face

Controls

Good personal hygiene

Rest areas away from animals

Clean drinking water

Separate hand washing facilities – hot water, soap, paper towels / hand drier – before eating etc

Avoid use of tools that can damage skin

Cover broken skin with waterproof dressings

Clean livestock areas – removal of faeces

PPE – gloves, overalls, goggles, masks – avoid urine splashes

Leave PPE at workplace for cleaning

Control disease in animals – vaccination

Info / training – aware of risks and symptoms – also good reporting

Other zoonoses

Tuberculosis

Salmonella

Ringworm

A large manufacturer uses hydrochloric acid in a large open tank to

remove rust from sheet steel. This creates acid mist in the immediate

work area and the company has decided to install a local exhaust

ventilation (LEV) system. This system consists of an inlet, ducting, air

cleaner, air mover and exhaust.

(a) For EACH of the components listed above outline the design

features required for the LEV system to be effective. (10)

(b) Explain the requirements of the Control of Substances

Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 for inspection

and testing of the LEV system. (3)

(c) The LEV system breaks down and will take a number of weeks to

repair. In the meantime the employees will need to use

respiratory protective equipment (RPE) to control their exposure

to the acid mist.

Outline factors to be considered when selecting the RPE to

protect the employees whilst engineers are repairing the LEV

system. (7)

Design Features

Hood – enough face velocity to capture the mist, large enough to cover the tank

Ducting – would have to be able to withstand the corrosive nature of the contaminant, smooth, rounded bends, angled joints, as short as possible, access for test / maintenance

Air cleaner – wet scrubber type (filter type for solids / dusts etc) with appropriate means for disposing effluent

Fan – corrosion resistant , axial or centrifugal, sufficient power, enough extraction velocity, minimum noise generation

Exhaust – located following environmental considerations, including noise, corrosion resistant, deflector baffles for wind / vermin,

COSHH Reg 9

14 months

Periodic visual inspection and testing

Competent persons

Records for 5 years

RPE CONSIDERATIONS

Full or half mask

Protection factor APF required

Selection of correct cartridge filters

Battery life – shifts etc

Personal / task factors – movement required, other PPE worn, comfort, work rate

Cost factors

Maintenance and training, consultation prior to selection

Storage

Fit testing

(a) Identify BOTH the acute AND chronic effects that could result

from exposure to ultra-violet (UV) radiation. (4)

(b) A leisure spa is planning to install UV tanning equipment. The

equipment uses UV sources with a higher intensity than normal

sunlight in order to accelerate tanning.

Outline control measures that should be put in place for BOTH

employees AND customers for the safe operation of this facility. (16)

Acute

Erythema

Sunburn

Dryness skin

Eye irritation

Arc eye

Chronic

Premature skin ageing

Cataracts

Skin cancer

Employees

Aware of risks

Instruct / training for equipment

Info on safety controls

Maintenance – calibrating timers, changing tubes, disposing of old tubes, re assess exposure with new tubes

Pre user checks

Cleaning in between customers

Eye protection

Inform customers of safe use and exposure times, records kept if possible

Customers (and employees)

Individual risk factors – pregnant, skin type, medication, family skin cancer history

Restrict exposure times

Under 18s – sunbeds regulation Act

Equipment

Screened, enclosed

Signs posters

Workstations away from radiation

(a) Describe the ways the body may defend itself against inhaled

dusts. (12)

(b) A company uses a substance in the form of a powder, which is

added directly to a mixing vessel from sacks, during the

manufacture of paints.

Outline the practical control measures that could be used to

minimise exposure during the addition. (8)

>10 microns

Nasal hairs

Mucus nose and mouth – sneezing, blowing, spitting

5 to 10 microns

Mucus covering bronchi and bronchioles

Wafted upwards tiny hairs – ciliary escalator

Then coughed or spat out

<5 microns

Lung tissue

Ingested by white blood cells – to ciliary escalator or lymphatic system

Or alveolar membrane to blood stream

PRACTICAL CONTROLS – FOLLOW ERICPD

Elimination – no

Replace – different form – pellets or dye solution

Isolation – hopper system, enclosed, fed into opening with LEV

Control – vaccum to clean, proper maintenance

PPE – goggles, face masks with appropriate APF, overalls,

Discipline – info, instruct train…

A small printing company operates a number of printing machines which

are located in an open plan workshop. Following a noise survey the

company discovers that their employees are being exposed to noise

levels of 86dB(A) LEP,d.

(a) Outline the significance of this noise level to an employer. (5)

(b) Describe the range of technical AND organisational control

measures that could be introduced. (15)

exposure limit value = 87

exposure action value = 85

reduce exposure ALAIRP other than hearing protection

failure – enforcement action

long term exposure = hearing loss / damage and claims personal injury, increased premiums

tech controls

last resort PPE after octave band analysis of noise emitted to ensure best protection

Org controls

Reduce exposure time – job rotation

Hearing protection zones

Train employees – risks and fit / maint of PPE

Ensure PPE used – disciplinary for those who do not

Health surveillance for all involved

Outline signs that could indicate to an employer that an employee has an

alcohol problem. (10)

Mood changes

Unusual irritability, aggressive, erratic behaviour

Confusion

Abnormal fluctuations of concentration / energy levels

Impaired performance, reduced productivity

Increased accidents

Time keeping / absence

Deterioration in relationships

Dishonesty/ theft

Smell of alcohol / slurred / coordination

Change in appearance – scruffy

Evidence – bottles,

(a) Identify the possible range of specialists involved in

Occupational Health provision in a large manufacturing company. (5)

(b) Outline the specific activities that occupational health specialists

could undertake as part of a programme to reduce accidents and

absences relating to manual handling. For EACH activity identify

the most appropriate occupational specialist to undertake the

activity. (5)

Physician

Nurse

Physio

Occupational hygienist

Counsellor

Psychologist

Ergonomist

Assessment of MH Tasks and MH training – ergonomist / physio

Assessment of physical capabilities – pre employ or RTW – nurse, physician

Treatment or referral – physician or nurse

Rehab for RTW – physio or nurse

Monitor and record sickness absence – occupational health nurse

Advice on controls / investigation of injuries – physician, nurse, ergonomist

A welder undertakes work in an open plan workshop.

Outline the factors to be considered when selecting suitable Respiratory

Protective Equipment for this work. (10)

INDIVIDUAL / TASK / SUBSTANCE

INDIVIDUAL

Fit / comfort / facial hair / specs

Other PPE

Relevant medical conditions – claustrophobia, asthma, heart disease

TASK

Type / duration / freq – battery life etc

Position in workplace

Work rate / wear time

Humidity

Mobility / communication / physical effort required

SUBSTANCE

Health hazard category

Toxic or irritant

Concentration / particle size / WEL’s

APF required

Full face or half face required

Forced air breathing app

Filter type

Also

Cost

Maintenance

Training

Manufactured to specified standards

Work related upper limb disorders (WRULDs) can develop if ergonomic

principles are not followed when designing work tools and work

equipment.

(a) Outline what is meant by the term ‘ergonomic principles’. (2)

(b) Outline how the design of work tools and work equipment can

help to minimise the risk of a person developing a WRULD. (8)

Ergonomic principles

Designing workplace, equipment, and methods, to suit the worker

Ensuring good fit between person and their work as far as tools, equipment and workstation are concerned

FITTING THE PERSON TO THE WORK

Designing tool specifically for the job

Design different sized tools / adjustable

Left handed

Lightweight

Handles

Supports

Weight balanced

Easy to maintain / clean / lubricate

Min amount of force

Avoid extremes of posture / excessive body movements / vibration

EN 614

Employees can be exposed to corrosive substances.

(a) Give the meaning of the term ‘corrosive’. (2)

(b) The data below, for three forms of the same product, is taken

from a supplier’s catalogue.

Using the data outline the likely routes of entry AND effects of

exposure when handling EACH of these products. (8)

Product

Code Chemical name/formula Concentration Physical Form

C1 Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) 99.9% Pellets

C2 Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) 97% Powder

C3 Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) 50% in water Liquid

CORROSIVE

CHEMICAL that may rapidly destroy living tissue if inhaled, ingested, splashed

Effects of NaOH – all products same – burns

Different concentration – varying degrees of burns

Pellets – ingested accidentally – digestive tract / burns on skin

Powder - airborne – inhaled – respiratory tract – burns – also contact with eyes

Liquid – likely to splash – hands, face, eyes

(a) Identify the published sources of information an employer could

use to determine if carcinogens are used in their workplace. (4)

(b) Outline the control measures that should be used when,

because of the nature of the work, it is not possible to eliminate a

carcinogen or substitute it with an alternative substance. (16)

Sources of Info

Labels / MSDS for those used in workplaces

Annex VI of CLP Reg – classification of carcinogens

Euro Chem Agency candidates list

Schedule 1 COSHH

EH40

Scientific papers

Trade associations – chemical Industry Association, ILO

Controls for carcinogens

COSHH Reg 7

ACoP

Reduce to as low a level AIRP – minimising qtys, change physical form

Enclose or automate – separate workers from process

LEV

Storage – closed / sealed. Better to store large qtys – rather than control smaller in high qty

Correctly labelled – restricted access

Waste – correct labels and disposed of properly – secure holding area pending collection

Restrict working area, warning signs

Prohibit eating, drinking, smoking, cosmetics,

Washing facilities – adequate

Monitor – exposure levels to assess existing controls

PPE – secondary to all other controls

(a) Outline the principles of a prospective cohort study, as used in

epidemiology. (4)

(b) National public health monitoring has recorded several hundred

cases of an illness. In at least half the cases the cause has been

confirmed, by laboratory tests, as a new strain of virus.

Outline the possible data AND data sources that could be used

for a prospective cohort study of this outbreak. (10)

(c) Outline factors that may affect the reliability of such cohort

studies. (6)

Prospective Cohort Studies

Hypothesis to be tested

Look for link between cause and effect (exposure and disease)

2 cohorts – groups – exposed and not exposed

Compare and look for dose / response link

Start at present time and moves forward monitoring exposure and outcomes

Data / Data Sources

Gender

Age

Occupation

Employment records of those affected

Geographical regions

Exposure data – patterns

Pre existing medical records

Vaccination history – some may not display symptoms despite exposure

Clinical testing results

Morbidity rates – causes of death

Hospital admissions of those with specified symptoms

Lab reports of confirmed cases sent to HPA

Reliability of data

Cohort size

Accuracy of historical data

Accuracy of diagnosis

Latency periods

Disease in unexposed cohorts

Lifestyle factors

Selection bias – may not be representative of population

Difficulty in follow up – some may move or choose to give up taking part in study

A company that operates hotels and health spas recognises the risks

associated with the legionella bacteria.

(a) Identify specific locations where there may be growth of, or

potential exposure to, legionella for employees AND guests. (5)

(b) Outline the control measures that this company should

implement to minimise exposure to legionella bacteria. (15)

Hot / cold water storage and transfer systems

Temp between 20 and 45

Spa bath, sauna, steam room, pools

Water features

Fire / garden sprinkler systems

Laundry rooms

Pipe work where stagnation may exist

Air con equipment

Controls

ID responsible person to manage legionella control

Regular disinfection of hot water systems – biocides

Annual clean / disinfection calorifiers

Inspection / cleaning water tanks

Avoid dead legs in pipe work

Hot water above 60

Cold below 20

Shower heads, taps clean and descaled

Run taps and showers in unoccupied rooms and immediately before occupation

Pools – chlorine, cleaned and maintained regularly

Training – employees – risks and controls

Regular temp monitoring, send samples for testing regularly See HSE L8

A noise survey is to be carried out in a large enclosed turbine hall within

an electricity generating power station.

In the turbine hall there are three steam driven turbines and other

mechanical plant associated with power generation.

Exposure to noise is a considerable problem for the 50 employees who

work on each shift in the turbine hall especially when all three turbines

are running.

Explain how a noise survey should be planned and undertaken in order

to assess employees’ noise exposures in this workplace. (20)

INFORM AND CONSULT

Competent assessor

Info to have to hand-

Previous surveys

Existing controls

m/c manufacturers data

maintenance records

audiometry records

Calibrate meters before and after use

Basic Survey

Sound level meters

Planned points around room

ID problem areas – at or above EAV

ID main sources of noise

Record findings

Detailed Survey

Integrated Sound Level Meters

Agree sample times and locations

Measure LEq at operator positions

Note employees exposure time

Use tool such as HSE R.Reckoner to determine LEPd exposure

Measure peak noise – plot on noise map

Octave band analysis – levels at each freq band – help decide controls and PPE

Personal Noise Meters

Personal noise dosimeter

Selected operators

Measure exposure over agreed time period (ideally 8 hours)

Note times

Locate close to ear – hearing zone

Determine LEPd

A manufacturing process involves the use of three organic solvents,

exposure to which is controlled by local exhaust ventilation (LEV) and

personal protective equipment. The LEV system is regularly inspected

and is subject to thorough examination and testing on an annual basis.

(a) Outline how the exposure of the process workers to solvent

vapours could be assessed. (10)

(b) Outline how the data obtained could be used to determine if the

exposure of the process workers to the solvents is adequately

controlled. (10)

HSG 173

Initial appraisal

Basic Study

Detailed Study if required

Initial appraisal

Nature of solvents – toxic, harmful, irritant

Existing controls – LEV, PPE

Health surveillance records

Known health effects – MSDS

Target organs

Volatility of solvents at work temp

Synergistic or Additive effects

Frequency and duration of exposure

EH40 guidance

Decide on level of monitoring study

Sampling methods

Static - room

Personal – passive or active – give TWA over 8 hours

STAIN TUBES / ABSORBANT TUBES

Biological monitoring – what has been taken into body rather than airborne concentration

Use of data

Personal exposure readings compared to WEL’s – if close or above then further monitoring (also if carcinogen / mutagen)

Determine if further controls are necessary to bring exp to as low a level AIRP

Compare workplace results to in-house and industry std’s

Compare biological results with Biological Monitoring Guidance Values

Compare PPE performance with MSDS – gloves resistance etc

Compare results of LEV annual examination with commissioning data and recommended performance – ensure adequate control