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NEBOSH INTERNATIONAL GENERAL CERTIFICATE EXAM SUCCESS (TACKLING THE NEBOSH EXAMINATION)

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Page 1: IGC Exam Sucess Guide

NEBOSH INTERNATIONAL GENERAL CERTIFICATE

EXAM SUCCESS

(TACKLING THE NEBOSH EXAMINATION)

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RRC Business Training acknowledges with thanks the co-operation of NEBOSH in the production of this booklet.

Module 950.1.1

© RRC Business Training

All rights reserved

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, electrostatic, mechanical, photocopied or otherwise, without the express permission in writing from RRC Business Training.

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NEBOSH INTERNATIONAL GENERAL CERTIFICATE

EXAM SUCCESS

(TACKLING THE NEBOSH EXAMINATION)

CONTENTS LIST OF TOPICS PAGE AIM ..............................................................................................................1 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................... 3 PAPER A1: THE MANAGEMENT OF SAFETY AND HEALTH..................................... 5 PAPER A2: CONTROLLING WORKPLACE HAZARDS ...........................................17 EXAMPLE OF A COMPLETED PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT REPORT FORM .............. 28 EXAMPLE OF A COMPLETED REPORT TO MANAGEMENT ....................................31 AND FINALLY….............................................................................................. 34

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AIM

The aim of this booklet is to prepare you for your NEBOSH International Certificate examinations by providing some example questions and model answers. The booklet also aims to provide an insight into what NEBOSH expects from you, as well as what mistakes to avoid.

The model answers provided have been written as ideal answers, and not under examination conditions or time restraints. It may therefore not always be possible to produce such detailed answers in the actual examination.

We have also included detailed examples of a completed Practical Assessment Report and a completed Report to Management for you to consider in the course of your preparation.

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INTRODUCTION

EXAM LAYOUT

The examination consists of two papers:

! Paper A1: The Management of Safety and Health

! Paper A2: Controlling Workplace Hazards

Each paper comprises one long question (worth 20 marks) and ten short questions (worth 8 marks each). You have to answer ALL questions.

For each paper, you have two hours to complete your answers. This means that you have approximately 25 minutes to answer the long question and on average eight minutes per short question. This should leave adequate time for reading the questions thoroughly before you attempt to answer, and for reading through your answers at the end.

The second element is the practical assessment, which involves carrying out a workplace safety inspection and writing a short summary report. The inspection will take around 30 minutes.

Exam Technique

NEBOSH are renowned for setting challenging questions in exam papers and for marking strictly. NEBOSH are not trying to catch you out, but they do word their questions in such a way as to ask for specific information and they expect this information to be provided in the requested format.

The main mistake that candidates make again and again is to not read the questions properly. Often candidates provide excellent answers but unfortunately they do not answer the question they have been given.

It is all well and good understanding the syllabus back to front, but it is of no use if you have poor examination technique. The following skills are required to achieve maximum marks:

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! Read the question.

! Understand what information is being requested.

! Understand the breadth of knowledge required.

! The ability to provide the information in a logical and coherent way.

! Time management (you must allocate your time evenly throughout to take into account the number of marks allowed per question).

It is important to identify the action verb within the question as this identifies the breadth of knowledge required in the answer. The following meanings of the verbs have been identified by NEBOSH:

! List - provide a list without explanation.

! Identify - select and name.

! Outline - give the most important features of (less depth than ‘explain’ or ‘describe’ but more depth than list).

! Describe - give a word picture.

! Explain - give a clear account of, or reasons for.

! Define - provide a generally recognised or accepted definition.

! State - a less demanding form of ‘define’, or where there is no recognised definition.

! Give - provide without explanation (e.g. give an example of).

! Sketch - provide a simple line drawing using labels to identify specific features.

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PAPER A1: THE MANAGEMENT OF SAFETY AND HEALTH

EXAMPLE LONG QUESTIONS

Question 1

The results of a health and safety audit of an organisation showed a number of non-compliances with respect to procedures.

(a) Describe the possible reasons for procedures not being adhered to. (10)

(b) Outline what actions could be taken to encourage employees to comply with health and safety procedures. (10)

Approaching the Question

Firstly, look at the marks allocated - this is a long question and so you should allocate your time accordingly (approximately 25 minutes). Consider how much writing may be involved - generally examiners will expect to see about a page and a half (depending on size of writing, etc.).

Part (a) ‘To describe’ means to provide a word picture of something. Hence, it is not enough just to list the reasons, but rather each one needs to be expanded on slightly to ensure the reader understands the point. As a result, each reason will be allocated 2 marks up to a maximum of 10. It is important to focus on describing the reasons only - don’t try to guess what procedures are not being complied with. You cannot know this as no information is given and you will not gain any marks for guessing.

When answering this question, do not get stuck on the word ‘audit’ . The question is not about audits; it is about why people do not do what they are supposed to do. If you are not sure how to approach this question, try to think of an example, such as employees failing to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - why might this happen? The answer to this might be: no-one enforces it; peer pressure; management are not concerned; PPE makes the work task more difficult; employees have never been told to wear PPE, etc.

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Part (b) asks for an ‘outline’, which essentially means the main features or general principles. For this, no explanation of the points is required, and so 1 mark will be given for each valid point up to a maximum of 10. The question requires actions that could be taken to encourage or motivate employees to comply with procedures - think about how people are motivated, encouraged and engaged. Again, use an example to help you visualise the issues. Following on from the example used above, the actions may include: provide training, joint consultation on provision and use of PPE, poster campaigns, management commitment, discipline, etc. Remember the example is only there to help you - keep your answer general as the question demands.

Once you have worked out what is required, then you may want to jot down a quick plan of your answer to help you answer more logically. This may also help if you run out of time as the examiner can then see that you were thinking along the right lines and may allocate you some marks. Remember to identify your notes as a plan, and put a neat line under it when you have completed your answer. Make sure the examiner can read the content.

Answer Plan

(a) Unrealistic procedures, poor safety culture, poor management commitment, inadequate supervision/enforcement, lack of training/information, etc.

(b) Safety meetings, team briefings, joint consultation, involve employees in risk assessments, provide training, poster campaigns, encourage accident/incident reporting, provide a good working environment, job rotation, discipline, etc.

Model Answer

(a) Following a health and safety audit, a number of non-compliances were identified with respect to procedures. There are a number of reasons why procedures may not be followed within an organisation. Firstly, it may be that the procedures laid down are unrealistic or that they are unclear. This may be due to the fact that the procedures were written without consultation with employees, and so the procedures do not reflect what is really

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happening in the organisation. Alternatively, there may be pressure on employees to cut corners in order to get the job done quickly and hence procedures are not followed for this reason. This pressure may come from management or from the employees, depending on the incentives involved, e.g. piece work.

There may be a general lack of safety awareness and commitment caused by an underlying poor safety culture. This may be due to a lack of management commitment or peer pressure, or just a general lack of motivation throughout the workforce. The poor safety culture may be further enforced by inadequate supervision or lack of enforcement when procedures are breached.

A lack of training may be the reason that procedures are not followed. Employees may not have been shown the correct way of carrying out a procedure. Alternatively, there may be literacy or language issues which have meant that some employees have not been provided with adequate training or information.

There may be issues around the work task itself that mean procedures are not followed, e.g. the task is repetitive, boring or complex. Additionally, the working conditions may be poor because of the design or lack of consideration of ergonomic issues. These in turn may mean that procedures are not followed.

(b) There are a number of ways in which employees can be motivated and encouraged to comply with health and safety procedures. Regular safety meetings and/or team briefings could be held where procedures are discussed. Appropriate training and information could also be provided. In addition, employees could be involved in risk assessments or undertaking safety observation tours. Joint consultation in the form of safety committees could also be set up to encourage employee participation.

Improvements to the working environment, welfare facilities or the job itself all help to make the employee feel valued.

Additionally, employees could be encouraged to report accidents, incidents or hazards. Safety could also be included in personal performance appraisals or objectives with appropriate recognition or praise when targets are met.

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Poster campaigns or information provided on noticeboards add to improving employee awareness. A means for encouraging suggestions or ideas from employees could be introduced along with a suitable incentive scheme.

Many of the above measures will, in themselves, help to improve the visibility of management commitment and should help to improve the overall health and safety culture of an organisation.

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Question 2

Following a workplace accident, an employer has decided to implement regular workplace inspections.

(a) Outline the factors that the employer should consider when planning the inspections. (6)

(b) Outline three proactive methods for monitoring health and safety performance. (6)

(c) Identify all the possible costs to the company as a result of the accident. (8)

Answer Plan

(a) Nature of hazards, team composition, competence, location, frequency, checklists, consultation, standards/legislation, remedial actions, cost.

(b) Audits, safety surveys, sampling, tours, benchmarking (outline only three).

(c) Lost production, clean-up/repair costs, lost time, investigation costs, first aid, intangible costs (morale etc.), increase in insurance premiums, fines, compensation, replacement/retraining of staff, etc.

Model Answer

(a) When planning workplace inspections, the employer must consider various factors. Firstly, the employer must consider what is to be looked at during the inspections as well as the nature of the hazards present. The location or route over which the inspection is to be completed must be considered, as must the proposed frequency. The inspections must be scheduled on a regular basis, e.g. every three months. The team carrying out the inspections must be chosen carefully to ensure that it includes representatives from management, the workforce and a safety advisor. The team must also be competent to carry out the inspections.

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It is essential to have a checklist to use during the inspections to ensure that they are always completed in a consistent and systematic manner. Consultation with employee representatives would also be beneficial to ensure that everyone understands why the inspections are being implemented, and what the benefits might be as a consequence.

The employer must also consider what relevant standards or legislation apply to his/her workplace so that the inspection can be used to check compliance. Additionally, consideration must be given to how remedial work identified during the inspection is prioritised, and how progress is followed up.

The safety of the inspectors must not be forgotten, especially where they may be entering sites where Personal Protective Equipment, or permits are required.

Finally, the employer must consider the cost of implementing such a programme.

(b) Three additional proactive methods that could be used in the monitoring of health and safety performance are audits, safety surveys and safety tours.

A safety audit subjects an organisation to a comprehensive and independent examination of all aspects of their health and safety performance against stated objectives.

A safety survey is a detailed, in-depth examination of a specific field of activity, e.g. manual handling.

A safety tour is an unscheduled workplace inspection to ensure that standards of housekeeping are at an acceptable level.

(c) There are a number of possible costs to the organisation as a result of the accident. There may be lost production due to the accident itself, or due to the repair of damaged plant and equipment afterwards. Additionally, there may be clean-up and repair costs. Materials may also have been damaged and need to be replaced.

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The personnel involved in the accident may be off work following the accident, leading to the payment of sick pay as well as the cost of replacement staff. First-aid facilities and personnel may have been used at the time of the accident.

There are also the intangible costs such as the effect on employee morale, as well as the loss of business image.

The accident may lead to an increase in insurance premiums.

Depending on the nature and severity of the accident, there may be legal costs in the form of fines or court and legal representation costs. There may also be a compensation claim by the injured party.

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EXAMPLE SHORT QUESTIONS

Question 1

Using an example in each case, explain the following terms:

(a) Hazard. (2)

(b) Risk. (3)

(c) So far as is reasonably practicable. (3)

Approaching the Question

Firstly, it is important to note that the question asks you to explain each term and give one example for each. This question is quite straightforward and it should be easy to gain full marks. Remember to allocate your time appropriately. We suggest spending approximately two minute on each point and spending no more than eight minutes on this question.

Part (a): 1 mark will be allocated for explaining the meaning of hazard and 1 mark for giving an appropriate example.

Part (b): 2 marks will be given for the meaning of risk which shows that there must be two elements to the meaning. 1 mark will be given for the example.

Part (c): 2 marks will be given for the meaning of “so far as is reasonably practicable” and 1 mark for the example.

If you are struggling to remember the meanings, put down some examples - this may help you to formulate the meaning and vice versa.

Model Answer

(a) A hazard is something with the potential to cause harm, e.g. a damaged floor covering such as a torn carpet has the potential to cause harm.

(b) Risk is the probability or likelihood that an unwanted event will occur, and the possible severity in terms of injury/damage should

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it occur. For example, if a torn carpet is in the middle of a walkway, then there is a high risk of someone tripping over it and injuring themselves. If, however, the torn carpet is under a desk, then the risk is greatly reduced.

(c) The term ‘so far as is reasonably practicable’ is a balance of risk against cost where cost is money, time or trouble. If the risk is significant and the cost is manageable then action must be taken, if the opposite applies then no action has to be taken. For example, if the torn carpet is in the middle of a walkway, then the risk is significant, and if the cost to repair or replace it is manageable, then the remedial work should be carried out. If, however, the torn carpet is under a desk then the risk is negligible, the costs of repairing/replacing the carpet may outweigh the benefit of having the work completed and so no action need be taken.

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Question 2

Permit-to-work systems are used in many industries.

(a) Define the term ‘permit-to-work system’. (2)

(b) Outline three types of work situation where a permit-to-work system may be required, and explain, for each one, why a permit-to-work system is necessary. (6)

Model Answer

(a) A permit-to-work system is a formal, documented, planned procedure designed to protect personnel working in hazardous areas.

(b) A permit-to-work system may be required for entry into confined spaces, working on electrical equipment and working at height. For entry into confined spaces, the permit-to-work system would be essential for ensuring that the air quality is tested prior to entry and so protecting personnel from suffocation. For working on electrical equipment, a permit-to-work system would be required to ensure that the equipment has been made safe prior to work commencing and hence ensuring contact with live electrical components is not possible. For working at height, a permit-to-work system is required for ensuring that measures are in place to protect personnel from falls.

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Question 3

(a) Describe four unsafe conditions that can lead to an accident. (4)

(b) Describe four unsafe acts that can lead to an accident. (4)

Model Answer

(a) Examples are:

− Guard missing

− Wet floor

− Ice on steps

− Hazardous substances leaking into the atmosphere

− Machine not maintained

− Defective hand-tool

− Torn and damaged PPE.

(Only 4 were required) (b) Examples are:

− Playing games or tricks at work

− Working without authorisation

− Smoking in a non-smoking area

− Breaking the rules, cutting corners.

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Question 4

Outline the hierarchy of control measures that can be used to minimise the risk from a workplace hazard. (8 marks)

Model Answer

The hierarchy of control measures to minimise the risk from a workplace hazard is: ! Eliminate hazards.

! Reduce exposure to hazardous substances.

! Isolate, segregate.

! Control through engineering means.

! Procedures, policy, PPE.

! Discipline.

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PAPER A2: CONTROLLING WORKPLACE HAZARDS

EXAMPLE LONG QUESTIONS

Question 1

Battery-powered forklift trucks are used in a warehouse to move pallets around.

(a) Describe four hazards arising from the use of battery-powered forklift trucks. (4)

(b) Outline the controls needed to ensure pedestrian safety in locations where the forklift trucks are in use. (8)

(c) Outline eight rules that must be adhered to when a forklift truck is left unattended by the driver during a work shift. (8)

Approaching the Question

This question is about the control measures necessary to reduce the risk from the use of battery-powered forklift trucks. It is important to note that Part (a) refers specifically to ‘battery-powered’ forklift trucks. For this reason the hazards should relate specifically to batteries and their use, and not to ‘overturning’ as candidates have focused on in the past. Parts (b) and (c) are more general.

Again, approximately 25 minutes should be spent on this question. The marks are fairly clearly allocated. Remember for Part (a) to describe each hazard to obtain full marks - don’t just list the hazards. For Parts (b) and (c), 1 mark is given for each control/rule. Again, remember that ‘outline’ requires that you ‘give the most important features of’; don’t just provide a list.

Answer Plan

(a) Generation of gas, battery acid, handling of batteries, electrical hazards, silent running.

(b) Marking of traffic routes, segregation of pedestrians, warning signs, audible alarms, adequate lighting, mirrors, HV clothing, safe systems of work, enforcement, training/supervision of staff.

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(c) Firm/level surface, designated area, forks on floor, brake on, power off, key removed, away from other vehicles, not obstructing emergency exits, walkways, etc.

Model Answer

(a) There are a number of hazards associated with battery-powered forklift trucks. The main hazards relate to charging the battery of the forklift truck. They include the generation of hydrogen gas (which is highly explosive) and the potential release of battery acid. For this reason battery charging should be completed in a designated area that is well ventilated. This will prevent any build-up of fumes which could in turn lead to explosion and/or injury to personnel. There are also hazards associated with the handling of the batteries including manual handling and contact with battery acids. Contact with electrical components is another hazard that could result in electric shocks or burns. Collision with pedestrians might occur due to the near silent running of the truck.

(b) In order to ensure that pedestrians are kept safe in areas where forklift trucks are being used, there are a number of precautions that must be implemented. Firstly, it is important to have traffic routes marked out so that it is clear where forklift trucks are allowed. In addition, pedestrian routes should be clearly marked and forklift trucks must not be allowed in pedestrian areas. Where possible, pedestrian areas should be physically segregated from the traffic route.

The warehouse should have adequate lighting to ensure good visibility at all times. Fixed wall mirrors may also be necessary for use on corners. In addition, high visibility clothing and transparent doors will ensure that personnel can be seen easily at all times.

The forklift trucks must be fitted with audible alarms and, in particularly noisy environments, rotating or flashing lights may also be necessary.

It is also important to ensure that safe systems of work for loading, unloading and stacking are in use and are being adhered

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to at all times. In the same way, it is essential that all rules relating to the safe use of the forklift trucks are enforced, particularly those relating to speed restrictions and access.

In addition to the above, it is vital that drivers and pedestrians are adequately trained and supervised to ensure that the precautions above are adhered to.

(c) There are a number of rules that a driver must follow when leaving his/her forklift truck unattended. The first one relates to leaving the forklift truck on a firm level surface, in a designated area, to ensure that it cannot roll away. The truck must not be left in a position where it could obstruct emergency exits, walkways or fire points, and must be parked away from other vehicles.

The truck should be left with the mast tilted slightly forward and forks resting on the floor to make sure that it is stable and not likely to overturn. The truck must not be left until the brake has been applied and the power switched off. Where a start key is used, the key must be removed and returned to a responsible person, as appropriate. This will prevent unauthorised use of the truck.

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Question 2

New owners are about to move into an existing office building.

(a) The new owners are carrying out an assessment of the suitability of lighting within the building. Identify the factors that should be considered. (8)

(b) Outline four factors, other than lighting, associated with the physical working environment, that may impact on the health and safety of personnel. (4)

(c) Outline the welfare facilities required in the building. (8)

Answer Plan

(a) Tasks to be undertaken, equipment to be used, natural light, layout of office, existing lighting levels (stairs, corridors, office), types of artificial lighting, glare, emergency lighting.

(b) Noise, temperature, humidity, air quality/ventilation, condition of floors, space constraints, workstation design.

(c) Toilets, washing facilities, drinking water, rest areas, first-aid facilities, coat storage, rest facilities for pregnant women and nursing mothers, protection from tobacco smoke.

Model Answer

(a) When assessing the suitability of lighting within the building, the new owners must consider a number of factors. Firstly, they must consider the tasks to be undertaken and the equipment to be used. Where close work is to be carried out, then the lighting requirements will be greater than where general office administration is being completed. Again, where intricate machinery requiring precise setting is being used, then extra localised lighting may be required.

The new owners must look at the suitability of the existing lighting in all areas including stairs and corridors. They must also look at the amount of natural light in the building and make best use of this, as natural light is preferable to artificial light. In addition,

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they must also consider significant contrast in lighting between different areas. For this, they must look at the layout of the office including the positioning of screen dividers in relation to overhead lighting, and other areas that may be in shadow. It may be possible to move screens and/or furniture around to improve existing lighting levels, or to reduce/remove glare from computer screens.

The condition and appropriateness of the artificial lighting must be considered. Flickering fluorescent tubes can be annoying, as can excessive glare caused by spotlights in the wrong place. The maintenance and the cleaning procedures may also require consideration.

Emergency lighting must also be considered, as people are especially exposed to danger in the event of a lighting failure.

(b) The physical working environment can be affected by a great many factors which can affect the health and safety of the employees working in that environment. One such factor is noise, which can have a stressful effect on employees. Another factor is temperature. Extremes of temperature can affect an individual’s ability to concentrate and can make them feel physically unwell. For an office environment, a temperature of 16 degrees Celsius is reasonable.

Space constraints may also affect employee health and safety. Cramped conditions may make individuals feel claustrophobic. Additionally, though, inadequate space may result in accidents.

Ventilation is another important factor. Enclosed workplaces must be ventilated by a sufficient quantity of fresh or purified air. Poor ventilation may make employees feel ill with symptoms such as headaches and nausea (Sick Building Syndrome).

(c) There are a number of welfare facilities that are required in the building. An adequate number of well-ventilated and well-lit sanitary conveniences in relation to the number of male and female employees is essential. In addition, washing facilities with hot and cold running water, and a means of drying must be available.

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A source of drinking water must be present, and this must be clearly marked, where appropriate. There must also be some facilities for taking rest and refreshment away from the working area. Additionally pregnant women and nursing mothers must have rest facilities.

The building must protect non-smokers from the effects of inhaling tobacco smoke. Many buildings will have a designated area for smoking or smokers may be obliged to go outside.

Accommodation must be available for clothing not worn during working hours, e.g. coats, etc. This accommodation may take the form of lockers or merely a hook.

First-aid facilities must be available. The number of people employed in the building will determine whether a first-aid kit is adequate, or whether a fully equipped first-aid room is required.

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EXAMPLE SHORT QUESTIONS

Question 1

Outline the principal health effects of the following agents and, for each one, identify the work situation in which a person may be exposed:

(a) Carbon monoxide. (2)

(b) Asbestos. (2)

(c) Legionella bacteria. (2)

(d) Hepatitis virus. (2)

Approaching the Question

This question requires two points for each agent in order to gain full marks. The first part is to identify the main effects of the agent on the body. Additionally, a typical workplace situation where a person may be exposed must be given - it is important to note that the question asks for a workplace ‘situation’, therefore, it is not adequate just to put a workplace, such as a hospital. The actual situation or activity is required.

This question asks for specifics and so it is not possible to answer with generalities.

Model Answer

(a) The principal health effects of carbon monoxide are headaches, drowsiness and possible suffocation. Exposure could occur when working near a vehicle exhaust in an unventilated area, e.g. vehicle repair premises.

(b) Exposure to asbestos may cause asbestosis (a fibrotic disease of the lung), lung cancer or mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the lung). Workers engaged in maintenance or demolition work where asbestos is contained in the fabric of the building are at risk.

(c) Exposure to Legionella bacteria may cause legionellosis, which is characterised by flu-like symptoms, pneumonia and in about 15%

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of cases, death. Any workplace that has untreated water tanks and systems from which water droplets may be released into the atmosphere (e.g. from air-conditioning systems or cooling towers) poses a risk to those in the vicinity.

(d) The principal health effects of the hepatitis virus include jaundice, fever, abdominal pain and, ultimately, liver failure. Any workplace situation that exposes people to infected persons or used hypodermic needles presents a risk, e.g. hospitals. The Hepatitis A virus, which is normally less serious, is transmitted via the mouth; Hepatitis B and C via the blood.

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Question 2

Outline the requirements necessary to evacuate people safely from a building on fire. (8)

Model Answer

In order to ensure the safe evacuation of people from a building, it is important that the following requirements are in place. Firstly, there must be a means for raising the alarm (e.g. fire alarm, hand bell), and the distance to the nearest available exit must be acceptable. Escape routes must be of sufficient width and have clear signage to indicate the escape route. In addition, escape routes must be kept clear of obstructions, with fire doors closed to prevent the spread of smoke.

Appropriate fire-fighting equipment must be provided and be in full working order. Emergency lighting must be provided where necessary.

In order to ensure that the evacuation process itself runs smoothly, fire marshals must be appointed. These marshals will ensure that the building is evacuated fully and that nobody is left inside.

There must also be procedures to evacuate people with a physical disability, e.g. in relation to hearing, sight or mobility. It is important to practise the evacuation plan at regular intervals.

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Question 3

(a) Consider a piece of machinery with moving parts and identify:

(i) Two mechanical hazards (associated with the moving parts). (2)

(ii) Two non-mechanical hazards that the operator of the machine may be exposed to. (2)

(b) In order to reduce the risk of injury from dangerous parts of the machinery, outline a hierarchy of control measures that may be used. (4)

Model Answer

(a) (i) Mechanical hazards are those from the moving parts of the machinery and/or the material being worked and include impact and entanglement.

(ii) Non-mechanical hazards that could affect the machine operator include noise and vibration.

(b) A hierarchy of control measures that could be used to reduce the risk of injury from the dangerous parts of the machine commences with the fitting of fixed guard(s). These enclose the dangerous parts and must be fixed in place. Where fixed guards are not practical, then other types of guards, e.g. interlock guards (where the machine cannot start before the guard is closed), or protective devices, e.g. trip systems or pressure sensitive mats, should be considered.

Where guards cannot give full protection, safety aids such as jigs, push sticks or holders can be used.

In addition to the above, the provision of information, training and supervision are important to ensure that operators use the machines safely.

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Question 4

Consider an individual lifting a load. Outline the factors that may affect the risk from manual handling in relation to:

(a) The load. (4)

(b) The individual. (4)

Model Answer

(a) The nature of the load may present a risk of injury during manual handling activities. Important factors to consider are the size and the weight of the load. In addition, consideration should be given to whether the contents of the load may move and the load become unbalanced. The position of the centre of gravity is important too. If the centre of gravity is not in the centre then this can make the manual handling activity more difficult. Consideration must also be given as to how easy it is to secure a firm grasp of the load and whether sharp edges are present.

(b) The individual carrying out the task may affect the level of risk of a manual handling activity. Firstly, one should consider the body size and strength of the individual in relation to the task. The age and gender of the individual must also be considered. Other factors such as physical handicaps or restrictions due to illness, disability or pregnancy should be taken into account. Note that individual lack of training in manual handling will increase the level of risk associated with the task. Finally, inappropriate clothing or footwear will also increase the level of risk associated with the manual handling activity.

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EXAMPLE OF A COMPLETED PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT REPORT FORM

INTERNATIONAL GENERAL

Candidate’s observation sheet

CERTIFI

PART B THE PRA Candid Place in

List ha

Engine

Fire riskflammabench.

Fire riskobstructoil drum

Slippinuntreat

Health rpreparinbench.

Health rventilat

28

CATE

CTICAL ASSESSMENT Sheet Number 1 of X

ate’s Name _______________________________ Candidate Number C _____________

spected Engineer’s workshop and store Date of inspection ___ / /

Observations

zards, unsafe practices and good practices

Priority/

risk (H, M, L)

Actions to be taken(if any)

List any immediate or longer-term action required

Timescale (immediate, 1 week, etc)

er’s workshop.

due to the storage of ble substances on the

H

All flammable items to be stored in a fireproof cabinet.

Immediate.

due to the current ion of the fire exit with an.

H Drum to be removed to a safe place and exit kept clear at all times.

Immediate.

g hazards due to ed oil spillages on the floor

H The floor should be cleanedand subject to regular cleaning.

Immediate.

isk due to the practice of g beverages on a dirty

H This practice should be prohibited.

Immediate.

isk due to inadequate ion.

M Mechanical ventilation capable of achieving 10 airchanges per hour should beinstalled.

Within 14-28 days.

(Continued)

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Observations

List hazards, unsafe practices and good practices

Priority/

risk (H, M, L)

Actions to be taken(if any)

List any immediate or longer-term action required

Timescale (immediate, 1 week, etc)

Risk of eye and face injury due to operator not wearing visor provided.

H Requirements relating to the wearing of visor should be enforced.

Immediate.

Risk of injury from falling items due to overloaded state of the storage racking.

H

M

Storage racking should bereorganised.

Further racking should beinstalled.

Immediate.

Within 14-28 days.

Risk of back injury due to operators not lifting heavy items correctly.

H Training in safe manual handling should be provided and posters depicting correct techniques displayed.

Immediate.

This is an example only. More sheets would be used as required.

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EXAMPLE OF A COMPLETED REPORT TO MANAGEMENT

Report on an Inspection of the Engineer’s Workshop and Store

I carried out an inspection of the Engineer’s Workshop and Store on Tuesday, 14th December 2004 with a view to assessing current safety standards and compliance with legal requirements.

The Engineer’s Workshop is housed in a former stables, built in 1907. Generally, the standard of safety was poor, and there are a number of breaches of legislation which require urgent management attention, as indicated in the attached list of observations and recommendations.

Those matters requiring urgent management attention are outlined below.

1.0 Fire Hazards

A number of fire hazards were present as a result of unsatisfactory working practices, including: the storage of flammable substances on a workbench; obstruction of a fire exit; the storage of flammable refuse in plastic refuse sacks; and the use of the store for storage of welding gases.

Whilst unsatisfactory working practices can be eliminated at no cost through improved management control, there is an urgent need to provide a gas cylinder storage area which meets current legal requirements. This will entail a medium level of expenditure.

2.0 Housekeeping

The standard of housekeeping in the store is very poor. There are numerous fire, tripping and contact hazards due to the fact that the store is far too small for the range of items stored. The store should be completely cleared. Extra racking should be provided to permit storage off the floor. This could be installed at minimal cost, with the disposal of unwanted items.

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3.0 Machinery and Equipment

Several items of machinery and equipment are in a dangerous state due to the absence of guarding, inadequate maintenance and overloading of storage racking. There is evidence of the guard to the metal-cutting guillotine having been removed at some time in the past; a wooden ladder is in a highly dangerous state; and the metal racking is distorted due to overloading. Most of these deficiencies can be remedied at little cost. Engineering staff must be instructed to report hazards immediately.

4.0 Working Practices

Due to the obvious lack of safety awareness by staff in this workshop, a number of unsafe practices were noted. These included: the failure to clear oil spillages; the preparation of beverages on a dirty workbench; the failure to wear full face protection whilst welding; unsafe manual handling practice; and the storage of chemicals in unmarked mineral water bottles. All these practices may be associated with poor supervision and a lack of training in the appropriate safe working practices.

I would recommend that all staff attend a one day training course on Workshop Safety, to be run by the Health & Safety Unit, in the near future.

These recommendations can be implemented at little or no cost.

5.0 Welfare Amenity Provisions

The sanitation and hand-washing area is in a particularly dirty state, and requires urgent cleaning and redecoration. No provision is made for the storage and changing of clothing, for rest and taking of meals. There is a strong case for redevelopment of this area in the near future with a view to providing these amenities. This will entail capital expenditure.

CONCLUSION

There is clear evidence that very little attention has been paid to maintaining good standards of health and safety performance in this

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area for some time. Because of the poor standard of provision of engineering facilities, staff have had to work under difficult conditions in order to fulfil their duties.

There are numerous breaches of legislation which could result in enforcement action. Vast improvements in the standard of cleanliness and housekeeping, the control of fire, chemical and equipment hazards, however, could be brought about rapidly through improved supervision and minimal expenditure.

On a long-term basis, there is a need to consider future workshop arrangements, including the provision of more working space together with better storage and welfare arrangements.

Date 14/12/2004 Signature A Smith

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AND FINALLY…

Hopefully this booklet has provided some relevant practice questions as well as some ideas for tackling them. It should also have shown that the questions are straightforward; but that it is vital that you READ THE QUESTION and answer the question that is written (not the one that you want it to be!).

In order to do well in the exams, it is really important to practise as many exam questions as possible

Lastly, don’t panic about the exam, but do ensure that you are prepared - you want to make sure that all your hard work will be rewarded.