Health, Welfare and Environment Requirements

Drinking water • Wholesome (Pure and safe), labelled

Sanitary conveniences • Sufficient numbers

• Separate for men and women
• Protected from weather
• Clean, lit & ventilated
• Provision for the disabled
Washing facilities •Close to toilets and changing rooms
•Showers if required
•Hot and cold water, soap, towels
•Means of drying

Changing rooms • For special work-wear

• Lit, cleaned and ventilated
• Separate facilities for men and women

Accommodation for • Lockers, etc.

clothing • Personal clothing clean and secure
• Separate storage for dirty work wear

Resting and eating • Sufficient seats and tables

facilities • Away from work location
• Hygienic environment
• Means of preparing hot food and drink
• Separate facilities for new and expectant mothers
Seating • Appropriate seating
• Stable, backrest and footrest where appropriate

Ventilation • Sufficient supply of fresh or purified air

Heating • Reasonable temperature indoors

• Sedentary work: 16oC
• Manual work: 13oC
Hot environments Effects:
Dehydration, Muscle cramps, Heat stress, Headaches, Fainting,
Heat exhaustion, Heat stroke, Burns, cancer, etc.
Hot environments controls:
Ventilation, Insulate/shield heat sources, Provide cool refuges
Drinking water, Frequent breaks, Job rotation, Appropriate
clothing
Cold environments:
Hypothermia, Frostbite, Slip hazards, Freeze burns injuries
 Cold environments:
Prevent or protect from draughts, Shield/lag cold surfaces
PPE – insulating, Provide warm refuges, Frequent breaks
Job rotation, Access to warm food and drinks, Treat icy floors

Lighting Adequate lighting, Minimum levels achieved, Natural light is best

Lighting adjusted to the level required , No reflections or glare
No creation of shadows, No flickering
Suitable for the environment, e.g. flame-proof
Emergency lighting should be provided
Space • Adequate to perform task safely

Noise • Controls to reduce noise may be needed

Prevention of Falling If housekeeping is not properly managed it can:

Materials - • Hinder safe movement around the workplace
Safe Stacking and • Block light
Storage • Block access to essential services
• Stacks and piles can present danger of collapse
• Stacked materials may topple over
Sufficient space needed for storage of materials, in particular:
• Storage areas clearly defined
• Separate areas for different items
• Segregation of certain materials and substance
• Clean and tidy areas routinely inspected
• Appropriate warning signs
• No work activities in storage areas
When stacking:
• Each stack for one material only
• Set maximum stack height
• Stacks should be vertical
• Use pallets to keep materials off the ground
• Allow space between stacks for safe movement
• Protect stacks from being struck by vehicles
Storage of Flammable materials:
• Liquids, solids, gases in separate stores
• Store oxygen separate from other gases
• Open-air stores away from buildings
• Fire-resistant internal stores
• Two exits for larger stores
• Warning signs / safety signs
• No hot work in or near storage areas
• Correctly rated electrical equipment
• Fire fighting equipment provided
 • Inspect regularly

Violence at Work: Risk Factors for Violence

Cash handling, Lone working, Representing authority
Any incident in which a Wearing a uniform, Dealing with people under stress,
person is abused, Dealing with people under the influence of alcohol or drugs,
threatened or assaulted Censuring or saying "no"
in circumstances relating Occupations at Risk
to their work Hospital A&E staff, Police, Social workers, Bus and taxi drivers
Fire-fighters and paramedics, Traffic wardens, Railway staff
Estate agents
Control Measures
Discover the extent of the problem
• Collect and analyse incident reports
• Talk to staff (formally? informally?)
• Employee surveys
Control Measures - Central Office
Zero tolerance and prosecution, Security staff, CCTV
Security doors. Minimise queues and waiting times, Training
Screens, Panic alarms, Pleasant environment
Control Measures – Home Visits
No work in high-risk areas, Incident records, Vetting customers
Visit-logging, Pre- and post-visit communications, Training
Communication, No visits after dark, Not carrying cash or
valuables

Substance Misuse at Risks to Health and Safety

Work Alcohol – in • Late attendance, Increased absenteeism, Poor work
particular alcoholic quality, Reduced output, Dishonesty, Theft, Mood swings
drinks taken at lunch Poor relationships
time Effects on safety performance:
Legal drugs – • Sensory impairment, Skewed perception, Impaired motor
prescription or over-the- control, Fatigue and drowsiness
counter non-prescription
Increased risk for:
drugs
Illegal drugs (narcotic) • Driving, Operating machinery, Making decisions
such as heroin, Risk Control Measures
cannabis, cocaine) Drugs and alcohol policy:
Solvents – sniffing No alcohol at work or during working hours, Statutory legal
substances such as requirements, Non-statutory requirements set by the employer
glue, solvent cleaners Random drugs and alcohol testing, Access for workers to
and paint-spray cans
rehabilitation and treatment, Disciplinary procedures
 Information, instruction and training of managers, supervisors
and workers

Safe Movement of Hazards to Pedestrians

People Slips, trips and falls on the same level, Falls from height
Collision with moving vehicles, Striking by moving, flying or
falling objects, Striking against fixed or stationary objects
Maintenance activities

Falls from Height Fall Hazards

• Working next to an unprotected edge, Working on fragile
material above a drop, Using access equipment
Using ladders, Standing on objects to reach high levels

Collisions with Moving Vehicle Hazards

Vehicles • Pedestrian walkways that require pedestrians to walk
in vehicle traffic routes, Pedestrian crossing points
• Exits that open onto vehicle traffic routes
• Areas where people have to work adjacent to moving
vehicles

Moving, Flying or Flying objects

Falling Objects • Ejected parts or materials
• Thrown objects
Falling objects
• Loads falling from height
• Objects dislodged from height
• Effect of weather conditions
• Unstable objects

Fixed or Stationary • Objects projecting into a pedestrian area, e.g. pallets

Objects into a walkway, Narrow doorways Low overhead services,

Emergency Rescue Reasonably foreseeable events

• Simple: e.g. putting up a ladder, Mechanical access:
e.g. mobile elevating work, platform (MEWP)
Trained operatives
Ladder Controls Sited away from live overheads, Solid, flat base Hands on stiles,
never on rungs, Correct angle (1:4 rule – 75o), Top of the ladder
against solid support , Ladder secured at the top, or: guy ropes
attached or, ladder should be “footed”, Top of the ladder should
extend above working platform, Only one person on ladder at any
one time, Nothing should be carried while climbing, Wooden
ladders should not be painted

Stepladders Intended for short-duration, light work

Precautions:
Daily inspections before use, Fully open, Locking devices in
place, Firm, level ground, Don’t work off top 2 steps, Avoid over
reaching Avoid side-on working

Causes of Scaffold Overloaded work platform, Soft ground, Scaffold not tied in
Collapse Insufficient bracing , Standards not upright , Standards bent or
damaged, High winds, Incorrect couplers, Scaffold struck by
mobile plant, Scaffold erected by incompetent workers
Scaffold not inspected prior to use

Mobile Tower Hazards

Scaffolds • Falls from the work platform, Objects falling, Collapse of
the structure, Overturn (toppling), Unintended movement
of the , wheels, Contact with live overheads
Mobile Tower Scaffold Precautions
• Guardrails, Not overloaded, Wheels locked
• Firm, level ground , People, materials off mobile
tower when moved, Avoid overheads, Outriggers used
No climbing outside of tower, Training

Mobile Elevated Work Hazards

Platforms (MEWPS) Falls, Objects falling, Collapse Overturn (toppling)
Contact with live overheads, Unauthorised use
MEWPS – Precautions
Firm, stable ground, Clearance of obstructions and
overheads, Barriers to exclude vehicles, etc.
Guardrails, Controls inside the cradle, Not driven with the
cradle raised, Not be overloaded Inspected
• Trained, authorised staff,
Inspection Systems - Points to consider:
Scaffolds Condition of tubes (especially standards), Tying and bracing
Condition of the work platform, Edge protection, Ground
conditions, Safe access, Safe working load

Demolition Includes: Total destruction Dismantling of structures

Hazards:
Premature collapse, Work at height, Plant, vehicles, machinery,
Live overheads, Buried services, Asbestos, Dust, Explosives,
Biological hazards, Sharps, Manual handling
Demolition Controls
Choice of method to exclude people, Structural surveys
Disconnection of services, Removal and disposal of
hazardous materials, Security for the site
Damping down to minimise dust
− NB controls for heights and excavations
considered separately later

Electricity Electricity
Distribution systems suitable, Fuses, earthing, low voltage and
RCDs used User checks carried out, Inspection and testing
carried out, Temporary systems properly designed and installed
Protected from damage

Overhead Power Line Isolating the power supply Using SSW and permit systems
– Precautions Sleeve low-voltage power lines, Using barriers, signage
and goal-posts, Using banksmen, Using non-conducting
equipment

Hazards of Collapse, Striking buried services, People falling in Objects

Excavations falling in, Vehicles, Spoil, Adjacent structures Flooding
Hazardous substances
Gases and vapours
Contaminated ground
Factors to consider ➢ At least minimum light level to be achieved
when providing ➢ Natural lighting instead of artificial to be preferred
workplace lighting ➢ Light level should be adjusted
➢ Higher levels of lighting to be given on critical areas
➢ Lighting to be arranged to avoid reflections and creation
of shadows
➢ Flickering should be avoided
➢ Suitable for the environment (intrinsically safe)
➢ Emergency lighting in the event of main supply failure

Health and Safety ➢ Health and Safety Effects of Working in a Hot

Effects of Working in a Environment
Hot Environment: ➢ Dehydration
➢ Muscle cramp
➢ Heat stress
➢ Heat exhaustion
➢ Heat stroke
➢ Other effects like skin burn from exposure to sunlight or
burn from contact with hot surfaces
Control Measures – Hot Environment
❖ Provide adequate ventilation, Insulate heat sources,
Shield heat sources, Provide cool refuges, Provide easy
access to drinking water, Provide frequent breaks and
job rotation, Provide appropriate clothing

Health and Safety ➢ Health and Safety Effects of Working in a Cold

Effects of Working in a Environment
Cold Environment: ➢ Hypothermia
➢ Frost Bite
➢ Freeze burn injuries
➢ Slip Hazards
Control Measures – Cold Environment
➢ Prevent or protect workers from draughts
➢ Shield / Lag extremely cold surfaces
➢ Provide warm shelters, Appropriate PPEs
➢ Provide frequent breaks and job rotation
➢ Provide easy access to warm food and drinks
➢ Scrape, salt or grit floors
➢
 ➢ Risk factors for Risk factors for violence at work:
violence at ➢ Cash handling, Lone working, Representing authority
work: (police, traffic warden, etc.), Wearing a uniform, Dealing
with people under stress, Dealing with people under the
influence of drugs, alcohol, etc., Censuring or saying no

Basic Components of
Independent Tied Scaffolds

Standards – Uprights or vertical tubes

Ledgers – Horizontal tubes

Transoms – Short horizontal tubes spanning across ledgers

Bracing – Diagonal tubes

Base plates – Underneath the standards

Sole boards – Timber under base plates

Work platform – Fully boarded

Guardrails – Enclose work platform

Toe-boards – provide lip to platform

 Element 1: Workplace hazards and risk control

1. Identify the four ways in which people can get injured in the workplace. (4)
People could get injured in the workplace in the following ways:
• Falling on the same level due to slips, trips etc.
• Falling from height while working at height.
• Getting struck by objects which are moving, falling, flying, or fixed/stationary.
• Collisions with moving vehicles

2. Identify THREE types of object that could fall and hit a person below, when work is
carried out at height. (3)
- Loose structural material
- Waste materials
- Equipment or tools which are dropped by a worker.

3. Workers who deal with the public may be subject to violent behaviour.
(a) Give the meaning of ‘work-related violence’. (2)
(b) Identify reasons why a member of public may behave violently towards a worker. (6)

Ans. a) Work-related violence means any incidence in which a person is abused,

threatened or assaulted in circumstances relating to work.

b) A person might behave violently towards a worker due to the following reasons:
- due to greed for cash or valuable things. Somebody may try to steal it from a worker
who might be handling cash, jewellery etc.
- people might see a person working alone and take them as an easy target.
- some people may be having aversion towards authority and they do not like people
representing authority.
- some people are inherently law breakers, they do not like to obey orders from
uniformed people such as police, security guards etc.
- people may be under stress due to various reasons, e.g. unpleasant environment, high
levels of noise etc.
- poor quality of service, lack of professionalism, lack of proper customer care etc.
e.g. long waiting in queues, rude behaviour from staff etc.
- people may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- people may not like censuring or saying no to them (e.g. by a bar tender)

4. The influence of drugs on workers in the workplace can have a significant effect on
health and safety.
a) Identify the possible reasons why a person may be in possession of drugs in the
workplace. (2)
b) Outline control measures that an employer could take in order to reduce the
misuse of drugs in the workplace. (6)

a) A person may be in possession of drugs in the workplace because of the following

reasons:
• Lack of organisational policies to prevent possession of drug while at work
• Lack of statutory and non-statutory regulations
• Lack of disciplinary measures in the organisation

b) Following control measures could be taken by an employer to reduce the misuse

of drugs in the workplace:
• Setting up rules to restrict access to drugs in the workplace or during working hours.
• Statutory requirements to prohibit workers from using drugs while at work
• Non-statutory requirements set by the employer to prohibit use of drugs
• Conducting random drugs and alcohol testing
• Disciplinary procedures for workers
• Provision of information, instruction and training to workers
• Conducting awareness campaigns etc.

5. Outline precautions to be taken while repair work is to be carried out on sloppy roof
of a building. (8)
OR
Outline the control measures to reduce risk to workers required to undertake repair work
on a fragile roof.
Following precautions could be taken before starting the repair work of sloppy roof:
• Avoid work at height, if possible
• Conduct proper planning regarding how to do the work safely.
• Provide proper means of access and egress such as ladders etc.
• Ensure the strength and stability of the roof through proper assessment
• Provide a work platform with adequate edge protection such as guard rails
and toe-boards.
• Provide PPE such as safety harness, lanyard, helmet etc.
• Provide fall protection systems such as safety nets, air bags etc.
• Check whether conditions
• Ensure competence and fitness of workers
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations

6. A three-metre trench has to be dug across a car park.

a) Identify a range of hazards associated with the work. (10)
b) Outline a range of control measures to be implemented. (10)
Ans: a) Digging of a trench can be associated with the following hazards:
Collapse of unsupported sides of the trench - This can cause caving in hazards, severe
crush injuries to workers, entrapment and asphyxiation etc.
Striking buried services – high voltage electrical cables, gas pipes, mains pipes etc. can
be struck during excavation. This can cause electric shock, arcing, burns, fire, gas
explosion,flooding etc.
Fall of people – people may fall in due to an unprotected edge of the trench. Workers
may also fall into the trench while using a ladder for entry into or exit from the trench.
Objects falling in – tools or materials may fall into the trench due to unprotected edge.
Also vehicles, excavated soil close to the edge of the trench may fall on to occupants of
the trench.
Flooding - flooding of the trench may happen due to heavy rain, groundwater or broken
water main etc.
Hazardous substances – excavations may fill with gases such as LPG, carbon dioxide
etc.
The ground may contain gases like methane or hydrogen sulphide. It may be
contaminated due to presence of hazardous materials.
Collapse of adjacent structures – as a result of digging, any adjacent structure may get
destabilised and collapse.

Ans. b) Following measures can be taken to control hazards related to excavation work:
- Since this trench is 3 metres deep, it should be classified as a confined space. A risk
assessment should be done, after which a safe system of work should be developed.
Entry into this trench should be restricted by using a permit-to-work system. Control
measures such as air monitoring, forced air ventilation, use of respiratory protective
equipment etc. should be taken.
- Collapse of the sides of trench can be prevented by methods such as battering,
shoring, or by using trench boxes.
- Fall of people into the trench can be prevented by using barriers with guard rails.
Adequate lighting and signage should be provided. Crossing points should be provided
across the trench with adequate barriers and to-boards.
- Trench should be accessed by using suitable ladders with its 5 rungs extending above
the edge of the trench.
- Heaps of spoil should be removed from the edge of excavation to a safer distance.
- Vehicles should be prevented from coming close to the sides of excavation by using
barriers and signage. Movement of vehicles close to the edge of the trench should be
minimised.
- Closure of the car park may be considered until the completion of excavation work.
Otherwise, a banksman can be used inside the car park for monitoring the vehicle
movement.
- Buried electrical cables and other services should be properly located by using plans,
cable detectors etc. They should be uncovered by careful hand digging. They should
also be identified, labelled and supported, if necessary.
- Workers should be wearing adequate PPE such as hand gloves, steel toe boots, hard
hats, high-visibility jackets etc.

Element 2: Transport hazards and risk control

1. In order to improve the safety of pedestrians in vehicle manoeuvring areas, identify

the rules that should be followed by:
(a) drivers; (4) (b) pedestrians. (4)

Answer:
(a) Rules that should be followed by drivers include:
- the need to carry out pre-user checks and to report defects;
- the adherence to speed limits and safety signs;
- the use of alarms and horns where required;
- the use of visibility aids;
- remaining in marked vehicle zones;
- parking vehicles in designated parking areas and removing the ignition keys
when the vehicle is not in use
- using banks-men when reversing
- refraining from using a mobile phone when driving and not driving when
under the influence of alcohol or substances

(b) Rules for pedestrians:

- they would be expected to keep to designated walkways;
- wear hi-visibility clothing;
- use designated crossing points;
- observe safety signs;
- use entrance/exit doors separate from those used by vehicles;
- exercise vigilance for vehicle movement;
- escort visitors who might not be familiar with the site and access routes

2. The warehouse of ceramic tiles manufacturing is to be developed to increase its

increase its storage capacity and to enable the use of internal transport to transfer the
goods to and from loading bay:
(a) Outline the design features of the traffic routes that should be addressed in
order to minimise the risk of fork-lift truck related accidents (10)
(b) Describe additional measures to be taken to protect pedestrians from the
risk of being struck by a forklift truck in the warehouse. (10)

Answer
(a) The design features of the traffic routes that should be addressed in order to
minimise the risk of fork-lift truck related accidents. These would include features such
as:
- marking of traffic routes
- one-way systems
- segregation of pedestrians from transport
- speed retarders
- width and sources of aisles
- warning signs
- clearly marked crossing points for pedestrians and
- visibility issues such as provision of adequate lighting, mirrors at blind corners,
transparent doors etc.

(b) Measures to protect pedestrians from being struck by a fork-lift truck. A wide variety
of additional measures could be taken, including:
- prevention of unauthorised access to the warehouse
- maintenance of vehicles, traffic routes and floors
- fitting audible & visual warnings on vehicles
- implementation and enforcement of speed limits
- use of high visibility clothing
- a good standard of housekeeping
- use of competent drivers and
- introduction of an effective system of monitoring and supervision to ensure
control measures were implemented

3. Give ways in which a vehicle driver who is not competent may put the safety of
people in the workplace at risk. (6)
An incompetent driver might put the safety of people in the workplace in the following
ways:
• Over-speeding of the vehicle, resulting in collision or overturning.
• Excessive breaking or not applying break on time
• Hitting pedestrians and fixed objects
• Not following traffic rules, e.g. not stopping at zebra crossings etc.
• By parking the vehicle incorrectly, which might cause accidents
• Reversing carelessly or without banksman
4. Identify issues that should be included in a training programme for vehicle drivers
in order to reduce the risk of accidents to themselves and other people. (10)
The following issues could be included in the training programme for vehicle
drivers in order to reduce the risk of accidents to themselves and others:
• Advanced training requirements in driving
• Defensive driving techniques
• How to conduct pre-use checks of vehicle, e.g. tyre pressure, light, etc.
• Requirements of traffic rules and transport regulations
• Methods for safe transportation of hazardous materials
• Actions to be taken in case of a vehicle breakdown e.g. how to change a faulty wheel
• Proper use of safety equipment in a vehicle, e.g., seat belt, airbags etc.
• Safety measures to be taken in adverse weather conditions
• How to secure or sheet a load
• How to do coupling of trailers etc.
• Fatigue times and need to take rests etc.
• Policies and codes of conduct, etc. alcohol and substance abuse.

5. Identify markings, warnings and signs that could be used to reduce the risk of vehicle
incidents in a workplace. (8)
Examples of markings are pedestrian walkways, traffic routes, zebra crossings, turning
circles, parking area, loading area, storage area, gradients, etc.
Warnings are typically related to prohibitions such as No Entry to people, No Entry to
vehicles, Men at work, Narrow lane, lower overheads, No horns, vehicles are operating
etc. Signs are used at workplace such as pedestrian routes, speed limits, one way,
signs for giving directions, take deviation, etc.

6. Outline reasons why a vehicle may not be able to stop effectively. (4)
- Driver error, e.g. incompetent driver
- Mechanical error, e.g. break failure
- Environmental reasons, e.g. mud or oil on the road
- Overturning of the vehicle or collision with other vehicles

7. Outline activities associated with vehicles when they are not moving that could result
in risk of injury. (4)
The following activities that are related to a non-moving vehicle might cause injury:
- Loading of the vehicle
- Unloading activity
- Securing or sheeting of the load
- Coupling of trailers etc.
 Element 3: Musculoskeletal hazards and control measures

1. A display screen equipment workstation user has complained of neck and back pain.
Identify the factors associated with the workstation that might have contributed
towards his condition. (8)
The following factors associated with the workstation might have caused neck and
back pain to the worker:
• Poor back support of the chair
• Lack of lumbar support for the chair
• Lack of adjustability of the height of the chair
• Lack of space underneath the table to allow postural change
• Lack of provision of foot support
• Excessive height of the screen above the eye level
• Lack of support to hands or wrists
• Poor lay-out of the table, causing twisting or overreaching etc.

2. Outline the ways to improve the task of a manual handling activity that will reduce the
risk of injury. (8)
Following measures can reduce the risk of injury from manual handling:
- Elimination of manual handling by using automation or mechanisation
- Using handling aids such as trolleys, pallet trucks etc.
- Provision of rest breaks, job rotations, etc.
- Eliminate the need to stoop, twist etc. by proper lay out of the workplace, use of a
table etc.
- Break down heavy load into smaller parts, provide more man power, use handles
- Allow more working space,
- Provide adequate lighting
- Ensure good housekeeping, avoid uneven levels of floors, any obstructions etc.
- Ensure individual capabilities are matched to the task.

3. Outline factors to be considered when undertaking a manual handling assessment of

the work undertaken by baggage handlers at a large, busy airport. (8)
While conducting assessment of manual handling work undertaken by baggage
handlers at a busy airport, various factors related to the Task, Individual, Load and
Environment should be considered.
Factors related to the Task - such as the height from which the load is being picked up,
height to which it is being carried to and put down; how repetitive the task is; rate of the
task (high or low), carrying distance, any requirement for stooping, twisting, reaching
above shoulder level, holding the load away from the body, vertical distance to be
covered; adequacy of rest-brakes, etc.
Factors related to the Individual – such as the worker’s age, physical strength, stamina,
medical fitness, experience and training given etc.
Factors related to the Load – such as weight, size, shape, stability, use of grip or
handles, is it
hot, sharp or hazardous etc.
Factors related to the Environment – such as availability of space, condition of the floor
(slippery or uneven), any change in floor level (e.g. steps, slopes etc.), adequacy of
lighting, control of temperature, humidity etc. (e.g. working outside in extreme
temperatures, raining, snowing etc.)

Element 4: Work equipment hazards and risk control

1. An employer has installed a new item of machinery in their workplace.

Outline the factors to be considered before the machine is put into use. (8)

Answer: The following factors could be considered before a new machine is put to use:

- issue of a declaration of conformity to the applicable standard such as European

Union CE mark
- suitability of the machine for the task, location and environment
- availability of operating and maintenance instructions
- level of training given to employees and supervision requirements
- commissioning and the provision of a practical demonstration by the machine
suppliers
- correct siting of the machine with regard to its stability
- level of lighting and the space provided for operation and for carrying out maintenance
- ensuring that protective devices are in place for the dangerous parts of the machine
- ensuring that controls are properly labelled and were tested and ensuring that they
are functioning correctly
- ensuring control measures are in place to counter the potential environmental effects
of hazards such as dust, fumes, noise and vibration etc.
- selection of competent personnel to operate the machine and
- preparation of a schedule for its regular inspection and maintenance

2. Identify the factors that would help to determine the maintenance

requirements of an item of work equipment. (8)
Answer: Following factors could be considered to determine the maintenance
requirements of a work equipment:
- type and age of the equipment
- frequency and duration of use of the equipment
- statutory and insurance requirements
- manufacturer’s recommendations
- reliability of the equipment based on breakdown history
- the environment in which the equipment is used (the effects of temperature,
humidity or dust)
- the criticality of the equipment to the process and the implications of failure of the
equipment for the health and safety of employees.

3. Outline the measures to be taken in order to reduce the risks of accidents associated
with the routine maintenance of machinery. (8)

The following precautions should be taken in order to reduce the risks of accidents
associated with the routine maintenance of machinery:
- Maintenance work should be carried out only by a competent worker.
- Power sources should be isolated and secured using a lock.
- In case the power cannot be isolated, the live parts must be covered with insulating
material and insulating PPE and tools should be used
- Stored power should be released to prevent accidental discharge
- Run the machine at very low speed, if moving parts are to be accessed
- Use maintenance guards to minimise access to moving parts
- Use safe access equipment and other control related to work at height
- Use handling aids to reduce manual handling risks

4. a)Describe the following types of machinery guarding:

i) Fixed guard (2)
ii) Interlocked guard (2)
b) Identify TWO advantages and TWO disadvantages of a fixed machine guard. (4)

a) i) Fixed guard
A fixed guard is a physical barrier that prevents a person from coming into contact
with dangerous moving parts.
ii) Interlocked guard: An interlocked guard is a protective device designed
to be removed as a normal part of routine machine operation.
b) Main advantage of fixed guards is that they offer good protection by completely
preventing access to moving parts. They are not easy to be bye-passed, as they need
tools to remove them.
The main disadvantage of a fixed guard is that it may prevent access into the machine
for setting, cleaning etc. Since it is not easy to remove the guard, worker may leave
the guard off, to avoid any inconvenience.

5. With respect to the operation of the machinery;

(a) identify:
i) the merits (1)
ii) the limitations (1)
of two handed controls as a safety device.
(b) Outline types of sensitive protective equipment (trip devices) that could be used in
addition to two handed controls in order to improve safety. (6)

Ans. (a) i) Two-hand controls give good protection to the hands of the operator.
ii) They do not provide protection to other body parts of the operator.

(b) The following types of trip devices can be used:

• Trip bars – rods or wands placed close to dangerous parts, when touched, will stop
machine movement.
• Pressure mats – mats are placed on the floor around the machine to prevent any
access. If any person steps on these mats, it will activate the trip and machine will
be stopped.
• Photoelectric devices – shine beams of light are used across the access point. If
the beams are broken, then the machine will be stopped.

Element 5: Electrical safety

1. Identify control measures to reduce the risk of electric shock when using a
portable electric drill. (8)

Answer: The following control measures could be used to reduce the risk of electric
shock while using a portable electric drill:
- Eliminate the use of electric drill, if possible.
- Use battery powered drill
- Use suitable drill for the environment, e.g. air drill for flammable vapours
- Cover / protect / re-route cable
- Use armoured cable
- Use RCDs
- Use double insulated tools
- Use reduced voltage tool, e.g. 110V instead of 230V
- Centre tapped to earth (CTE)
- Minimise length of cable / extensions / provide suitable outlets
- PAT / testing and maintenance regimes
- Visual inspection / user checks
- Correct fuse rating

2. Describe how the following two protective measures reduce the risk of
electric shock AND, in EACH case, give an example of their application.
(a) Reduced low voltage. (4)
(b) Double insulation. (4)

Answer:
a) ‘Reduced low voltage” commonly used for portable electrical hand tools on
construction sites, involves the reduction of mains voltage by a transformer to a lower
safer voltage, typically 110 volts. Any shock voltage can be restricted to 55 volts by
means of a transformer that is centre tapped to earth. Additionally, Safety Extra Low
Voltage (SELV) a voltage less than 50 volts is used in low power tools such as hand
lamps or soldering irons.

b)In double insulation, internal live parts of a piece of equipment will have two layers of
insulation which prevent the exposure of live parts to exposed conductive parts such as
the outer metal casing of the equipment. Consequently, an internal fault condition
cannot make any part of the casing live. Double insulation is used on Class II
appliances such as hand held portable appliances and non-hand held portable
appliances such as desk fans and desk lamps.

Element 6: Fire safety

1. Identify the factors to consider when carrying out a fire risk assessment of a
workplace. (8)
A fire risk assessment could be conducted in the following way:

Identifying the fire hazards:

- identifying the sources of fuels such as simple combustibles like paper, wood etc.;
highly flammable materials such as fuels, solvents, gases etc.
- identifying the sources of ignition such as hot work, electrical equipment, smoking,
heaters etc.
- identifying the oxygen sources such as oxygen cylinders, oxidising agents etc.
Identifying the people who might be harmed; such as workers, contractors, visitors,
public, and any vulnerable section of people.
Identifying and implementing the required fire precautions such as prevention of fire,
prevention of the spread of fire, fire detection, fire alarms, fire-fighting equipment,
means of escape, signs and notices etc.
Recording the significant finding of the assessment, developing emergency plan and
providing training to people concerned.
The assessment should be reviewed as and when necessary, or periodically.

2. With reference to the fire triangle, outline the factors that could increase the risk of a
fire starting in a motor vehicle repair workshop. (8)
The following factors could increase the risk of a fire hazard in a motor vehicle repair
workshop:
Sources of fuels such as petrol, diesel, solvents, acetylene/propane cylinders, paints,
cotton, oils, paper, furniture, etc. should be considered.
Sources of ignition such as hot works like welding, cutting, etc.; mechanical heat,
electrical equipment, smoking etc. should be taken care of. Any spark occurring due to
use of hammer, electric equipment, spray painting activity, excessive storage of fuels
etc. can add to the risk of a fire hazard.
Sources of oxygen such as oxygen cylinders should be considered.

3. Substantial changes are to be made to the internal layout of a workplace.

Outline factors to consider when reviewing the fire risk assessment. (8)

The following factors and general principles could be considered when reviewing the
fire risk assessment in a workplace:
- Provision of escape routes to every person, from wherever they are, in a workplace.
- Lay out of escape routes should be in such a way that they take every person out of
the workplace or building to a safe place.
- Provision of adequate number of escape routes, according to the number of people in
a workplace
- Distance to be travelled on an escape route to final exit should be as short as
possible.
This has to be assessed during the review.
- Allowing sufficient width to corridors, passageways, doors etc. for free and fast
movement of people
- Provision of adequate lighting, signage etc. on emergency escape routes
- Provision of emergency lighting, fire extinguishers etc.
- Ensuring that the emergency exit routes are unimpeded by any inappropriate doors or
obstructions etc.
4. Outline SIX structural measures that can help to prevent the spread of fire and
smoke. (6)

The following structural measures could help to prevent the spread of fire and smoke:
- Compartmentation - Designing the building in such a way that it is divided into
separate compartments, each surrounded by fire-resistant materials that can resist
the spread of smoke and flames.
- Sealing any openings in the compartment walls.
- Provision of Fire doors that are built to withstand the spread of smoke and flames.
- Use of fire resistant structural materials such as concrete, bricks, fire-retardant foams,
paints etc.
- Using fire-retardant versions of wall insulations etc.
- Protection of openings and voids in the buildings such as lift shafts, service conduits,
ducts, voids etc. e.g. a self-closing provision can be given to a shutter in the building.

Element 7: Chemical and Biological health hazards and risk control

1. (a) Outline the meaning of the term ‘respirable dust’. (2)

(b) Outline the methods for measuring airborne dust in the workplace. (6)

Answer:

(a) Dust of a small particle size (0.5 to 7 microns) that enters the lower lungs during
breathing / respiration

(b) The following methods can be used to measure airborne dust in the workplace:
- Dust lamp
- Personal or static sampling
- Use of a total dust sampler for sampling total inhalable dust
- Use of a cyclone for sampling respirable dust
- Collection on a pre-weighed filter by active sampling (using a pump)
- Pre-set flow rate
- Measure sampling time
- Indirect measurement / analysis
- by weight of the filter after sampling
- by counting fibres under a microscope
- Use of a direct reading instrument
2. Identify the factors that could affect the level of harm experienced by a worker
exposed to a hazardous substance. (4)
The hazardous nature of the substance, its physical form, routes of entry, quantity and
concentration, frequency and duration of exposure etc. could affect the level of harm it
can cause to an exposed worker.

3. Workplace exposure limits (WELs) are set for hazardous substances.

a) Identify the TWO types of exposure limits. (2)
b) Outline two purposes of WEL’s. (2)
c) Outline the limitations of WEL’s. (4)
a) Workplace exposure limits are commonly of two types; short-term exposure limit (15
minutes) and long-term exposure limit (8 hours).
b) Short term exposure limits are considered to combat the ill-health effects of being
exposed to very high levels of the substance for quite short periods of time.
Long-term exposure limits are considered to combat the ill-health effects of being
exposed to relatively low concentrations of the substance for many or all hours of every
working day through an entire working lifetime.

c) WELs are designed to cover absorption through inhalation only. They take no
account of individual susceptibility. They do not take account of the combined effects of
mixtures of substances. Their validity can be affected by any change in the normal
environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity etc.

4. An electrically powered chemical pump, operating at 90 degree C has developed a

leak.
Outline the control measures that should be taken during the repair of this machinery.
(8)
Following control measures could be taken during the repair of this machinery:
Stop the use of the pump. Isolate electric supply. Control the leak and immediately
clear off the spillage. Check the hazardous nature of the chemical and its related health
effects. Extra precaution should be taken to avoid any risk of burns due to exposure to
hot chemical or hot parts of the machinery. Check the manufacturer’s information and
ensure that all the measures are taken with regard to the accidental release of the
chemical. Dispose of the spillage waste as per guidelines given in the material safety
data sheet. Maintenance work should be carried out by a competent worker only. Any
stored power should be released. Adequate level of supervision and inspection by
competent chemical/mechanical/electrical engineers should be provided. Ensure
proper use of suitable PPE such as hand gloves, safety shoes, etc. Consider the
requirement of any special PPE such as respiratory protective equipment.
5. Outline personal hygiene controls to reduce the risk of ingestion of a hazardous
substance. (6)

The following personal hygiene controls could reduce the risk of ingestion of a
hazardous substance from workplace:

- Personal cleanliness, e.g. washing hands routinely

- No smoking at work
- No eating / drinking in the workplace and contaminated areas
- Use of PPE, e.g. hand gloves
- Wash soiled clothing
- Change work clothes and take a shower to avoid cross contamination
- Avoid hand to mouth contact, e.g. do not bite finger nails

6. An organisation uses small quantities of toxic chemicals.

(a)Explain the difference between acute and chronic health effects. (4)
(b) Identify the sources of information which could be used in the assessment of
risk of toxic substances (4)
(c) Outline the control measures that might be required in order to minimise
risks to workers (8)

Answer:

(a)The difference between acute and chronic health effects.

In the case of acute health effects, the adverse effect appears after a single or short
term exposure to the agent, and the response is invariably rapid or immediate. In most
cases, acute effects recede on cessation of exposure.

Chronic health effects, on the other hand, usually result from prolonged or repeated
exposure to the agent. The response is normally gradual often progressive and
irreversible and may go unrecognised for long periods of time

(b) Sources of information

- product Labels, published limit values such as work exposure limits,
- material safety data sheets,
- the result of internal inspections, audits and monitoring data
- health surveillance data.
(c) Following control measures can be taken:
- use of suitable containers for the chemicals carrying warning signs
- methods used for handling chemicals;
- procedures for the clearing up and containment of spillages;
- provision of adequate ventilation for the working areas
- use of personal protective equipment such as chemical proof gloves, eye
protection etc.
- overall site rules setting out the hygiene procedures to be followed
- prohibition of eating, drinking or smoking in the working areas;
- setting up emergency procedures and first aid provision;
- providing employees instruction, information and training on the handling of
toxic substances
- ensuring the provision of adequate supervision and
- monitoring to check that control measures were being followed.

7. Identify three possible routes of entry into the body for a biological agent. (3)
Inhalation, ingestion and injection are the three possible routes of entry into the body
for a biological agent.

8. Identify the health risks associated with leptospira bacteria. (1)

Leptospira bacteria are associated with a type of infection known as Leptospirosis.

9. Identify the workplace circumstances where leptospira bacteria may be present. (2)
Dairy farms, wet areas such as sewer, water sports etc. are examples for workplace
circumstances where leptospira bacteria may be present.

10. Outline precautions that will reduce the risks from exposure to leptospira bacteria.
(5)

The following precautions would reduce the risks from exposure to leptospira bacteria:

¾ Prevention of rat infestation

¾ Good personal hygiene, e.g. hand washing etc.
¾ Covering cuts and grazes
¾ Use of PPE such as hand gloves etc.
¾ Health surveillance and early detection of the disease.
11. a) Identify FOUR possible ill health effects that can be caused from working
with cement (4)
(b) Outline ways in which the ill-health effects identified in (a) can be prevented (4)

Answer:
(a) ill health effects caused by exposure to cement are:
- inflammation of the eyes,
- dermatitis,
- irritation to the nose and throat,
- sneezing, cough, respiratory complaints, asthma, lung cancer
- cement burns or ulcers from contact with wet cement.

(b) following control measures can be adopted to prevent ill-health effects due to
exposure to cement:
- mixing dry cement in well ventilated areas;
- wetting down work to reduce the amount of dust in the air;
- wearing appropriate personal protective equipment such as alkali-resistant gloves,
waterproof boots and eye protection such as goggles or safety glasses with side
shields;
- the use of respiratory protective equipment such as a suitable filter mask;
- the provision of information, training and instruction and
- the introduction of an effective system of monitoring and supervision to ensure the
use of the appropriate control measures.

Element 8: Physical and psychological health hazards and risk control

1. Identify FOUR types of engineering control that may be used to reduce noise in the
workplace AND give a practical example of EACH. (8)
The following types of engineering controls might be used to reduce noise in the
workplace:
• Maintenance – ensuring proper maintenance of machinery to reduce noise.
• Damping – damping is used to change the resonance characteristics of the metal
parts to reduce noise. e.g. changing the part, stiffening it or adding material to one side
of it.
• Insulation – building an acoustic enclosure around the source of noise. e.g. placing a
noisy diesel engine inside a separate room built with sound insulating walls.
• Isolation – separating the machine from any supporting structure using vibration
absorbent mats or springs.
2. In relation to the ill-health effects from the use of vibrating hand-held tools:
(a) identify typical symptoms that might be shown by affected individuals; (4)
(b) outline control measures that may be used to reduce the risk of such effects. (4)
Ans.
a) The affected individuals might have symptoms such as numbness, tingling
sensation,
blanching, pain, loss of sensation and feeling etc. with their fingers and also loss of
grip strength.
b) Risk of such effects can be reduced by avoiding any further exposure to vibration by
removing the affected person from related work, limiting the duration and frequency
of exposure to vibration through job rotations etc., reducing the vibration at source or
interrupting the pathway from source to receiver through engineering controls etc.

3. Identify two types of non-ionising radiations and give an occupational source for
each. (4)
Following are examples of non-ionising radiations:
• Ultra-violet radiation, from arc-welding.
• Infra-red radiation emitted by red hot steel, molten glass etc.
• Microwaves – from industrial microwave oven
• Radio waves, emitted by radio, or radar antenna.