Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Page 1 of 32
IGC2: CONTROL OF INTERNATIONAL WORKPLACE HAZARDS
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)
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 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 unauthorized use of the truck.
Page 2 of 32
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)
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
localized 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, 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 are essential. In addition, washing facilities with hot and cold
running water and a means of drying must be available. 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.
Page 3 of 32
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)
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% 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.
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 practice the evacuation plan at
regular intervals.
Page 4 of 32
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.
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.
Page 5 of 32
ELEMENT 1: MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE AND VEHICLES – HAZARDS AND CONTROL
Short Questions
1. State the primary hazards associated with the movement of people and vehicles. (8
marks)
The primary hazards associated with the movement of people and vehicles are:
Slips, trips and falls on the same level and from height
Collision with moving vehicles
Collision with or being struck by a falling object, e.g. part of a load
Striking against fixed or stationary objects
Environmental conditions
2. Outline the precautions that might be needed to ensure the safety of pedestrians in
areas where vehicles are in use. (8 marks)
To ensure the safety of pedestrians and vehicles and to prevent them coming into contact
with each other, the following precautions should be used:
3. Identify FOUR factors to consider when selecting potential drivers for workplace
transport and equipment. (8 marks)
When selecting potential drivers for workplace transport and equipment, the following
factors should be taken into consideration:
Competence
Training in use of any special features or requirements
Age – generally at least 17 years old
Reliable
Able to perform task in a responsible manner
Reasonable fitness
Reasonable intelligence
(Only four factors are required.)
Page 6 of 32
4. State FOUR reasons why a forklift truck may overturn in the workplace. (8 marks)
Loss of control
Speed of travel
Steepness of a slope
Travelling with a raised load
Uneven tire pressure
Poorly-maintained road surfaces
Environmental conditions
Wind
5. Outline the means by which the risk of accidents from reversing vehicles within a
workplace can be reduced. (8 marks)
Avoiding the need for vehicles to reverse – one-way or drive through systems,
turning circles, etc.
Separation of vehicles and pedestrians – use of barriers and signs
Suitable vehicle and workplace design – audible alarms, mirrors on vehicles and at
blind corners, refuges, adequate lighting, etc.
Procedural measures – use of banks men, good site rules, driver training, etc
6. A high percentage of the many fatal accidents which occur every year are caused by
workers being struck by vehicles. Outline the necessary precautions to reduce risks of
vehicle accidents. (20)
The precautions which can be used to reduce the risk of vehicle accidents will include the
following:
7. Diesel powered fork lift trucks are used in wide range of organisation and can introduce
additional hazards into the working environment
1. Identify four hazards associated with such vehicles that may pose a risk to the
health of drivers.
2. Describe the various circumstances that may cause such a vehicle to overturn
Page 7 of 32
3. Outline the precaution may be needed to ensure the safety of pedestrians in areas
where fork lift trucks are operating
1. Hazards particularly relevant to drivers such as:
Fumes
Fire and explosion
Collision with buildings
Manual handling
Falling object
Noise
Vibration
Ergonomics
Loss of control
Speed of travel
Steepness of a slope
Travelling with a raised load
Uneven tire pressure
Poorly-maintained road surfaces
Environmental conditions
Wind
3.
Segregation of pedestrians and vehicles
Separate pedestrian and vehicle routes
Speed limits for vehicles
Signage; audio and/or visual alarms
Road marking
Training of drivers
Guarding and barriers
Maintenance of floor and traffic routes
Employee awareness
8. Outline the hazards and corresponding precautions to be taken when charging batteries
for fork lift trucks.
Page 8 of 32
9. Outline the factors that should be taken into account when planning traffic routes for
internal transport
11. List items to be included on a checklist for the routine inspection of a fork lift truck at
the beginning of a shift
12. Outlines how slip and trip hazards in the workplace might be controlled
The precautions that should be taken to prevent slips and trips should include
Designated walking routes where possible
Ensure walkways are level
Ensure walkways are non slip
Page 9 of 32
Well lit and clearly marked walkways
Procedures to quickly identify and remove spillages and obstacles
Eliminate need to carry loads
Make employees aware of the hazards
13. List 8 design features or safe practices intended to reduce the risk of accidents on
staircase used as internal pedestrian routes within work premises.
Adequate width
The provision of handrails
The dimension of treads and risers
The provision of landings
Special provisions for disabled persons
Possibility of using a lift as an alternative
Avoid the need to carry large or heavy items up or down stairs.
Appropriate footwear – low heels
The provision of non-slip surfaces together with reflective edging.
The adequate lighting and effective maintenance
The removal of obstructions, with particular attention to escape route
14. Outline the factors to consider when assessing the risk to a long distance delivery
driver.
The job
Duration of journey
Road condition
Means of communication
Security
The driver
The vehicle
The load
Page 10 of 32
15. Outline the precaution that should be considered when parking a fork lift
Page 11 of 32
ELEMENT 2: MANUAL AND MECHANICAL HANDLING HAZARDS AND CONTROL
Short Questions
1. Identify FOUR specific types of injury that could be caused by manual handling of
loads. (8 marks)
Back injuries
Muscle strains and sprains
Hernias
Cuts, abrasions and bruises
Bone injuries, particularly to toes and fingers
WRULDs
Musculoskeletal disorders
2. Identify the FOUR main factors to consider when carrying out a manual handling
assessment. Give an example for EACH. (8 marks)
3. (a) Outline a good lifting technique that could be adopted by a person when lifting a
load from the ground. (4 marks)
(b) Give TWO examples of how a manual handling task could be avoided. (4 marks)
FLTs
Hoists
Cranes
Conveyors
(Remember that the use of sack trucks and smaller loads does NOT avoid manual
handling in the context of the question.)
Page 12 of 32
4. When selecting a crane for a lifting operation, outline the steps to take in maintaining a
safe system of work. (8 marks)
5. A store man is engaged in placing boxes of metal components by hand onto shelves.
(i) List FOUR types of injury to which the store man may be at risk while carrying out the
operation. (4 marks)
(ii) Outline the factors, in relation to the task, that will affect the risk of injury. (4 marks)
Factors relating to THIS task are:
6. (a) Identify the FOUR main factors to be considered when carrying out a manual
handling assessment. (4 marks)
The task
The load
The individual
The working environment
(b) Outline steps to reduce the risks from manual handling tasks and give an example in
EACH case. (16 marks)
The steps that should be taken to reduce the risks from manual handling tasks are as
follows:
Eliminate the need to carry out manual handling tasks, e.g. redesign the task to
avoid manual handling altogether
Page 13 of 32
If this is not possible, minimize the risk to as low as is reasonably practicable by
using mechanical aids, e.g. a trolley to take the weight
Give information, instruction and training to employees, e.g. training in correct lifting
technique
Look at environmental conditions, e.g. redesign the workstation to improve access
to the load and any equipment used
a) Load
Weight
Size
Shape
Rigidity
Outside surfaces
Stability of contents
Other hazards e.g. hot, cold, sharp etc.
b) Individual
Sex
Physical strength
Stature
State of health
Level of training
Person’s perception of their own ability
8. Outline four hazards and the corresponding control measures to be taken when using
conveyor systems for moving materials within a workplace.
Hazards of conveyors
Page 14 of 32
Hazards control measures
Hoist
Controls only operated from one position
Clear visibility of landings
Clear signals
Secure objects being carried on goods hoist
Do not overfill items being carried on goods lifts
Do not carry loose items of goods lifts
No passengers on goods lift
Safe working load clearly marked
Hoist properly examined and tested.
Suitable fencing and gates at all levels
Training in use of hoists
Lifting accessories
Page 15 of 32
11. Outline the precaution to be taken when using a mobile elevating work platform
(MEWP) to reach a high point such as the streetlight
Inspect the equipment before use and to ensure it is in good state of repair
Using only competent workers
Using outriggers and brakes
Erecting warning signs and barriers to avoid collisions
Ensuring the platform is not overloaded
Wearing a harness
Page 16 of 32
ELEMENT 3: WORK EQUIPMENT HAZARDS AND CONTROL
Short Questions
1. Outline the factors that would ensure piece of work equipment is suitable for use. (8
marks)
A control strategy for the safe use of hand-held tools consists of:
Appropriate training
Correct maintenance.
Visual checks
Appropriate PPE
3. Identify, using an example in EACH case, FOUR mechanical hazards associated with
machinery. (8 marks)
Crushing, e.g. trapping a finger between moving parts when opening a photocopier.
Shearing, e.g. trapping a finger while using an office guillotine.
Cutting or severing, e.g. coming into contact with the blade of a handsaw.
Entanglement, e.g. a loose cuff getting caught in an abrasive wheel
Drawing-in, e.g. a finger being drawn in while using a document shredder
Impact, e.g. with a robot making unanticipated movements
Stabbing or puncture, e.g. by a sewing machine needle
Friction or abrasion, e.g. coming into contact with a sander
4. Outline FOUR non-mechanical hazards found in using machinery, and in EACH case
give an example. (8 marks)
Page 17 of 32
5. Outline FOUR guarding methods for machinery and, in EACH case give an example.
(8 marks)
Hearing damage
Hand-arm vibration
Respiratory problems (e.g. asthma, nasal cancer, lung cancer)
Dermatitis
Injuries caused by entanglement on rotating parts such as the spindle of the blade
and transmission (gear-driven parts).
Flying particles of wood and ejection of wood (and any metal fragments of blade)
causing injury.
Manual handling injuries
Electrocution or electrical burns
Injuries due to slips, trips and falls
(c) Outline FIVE non-mechanical hazards associated with machinery, and in EACH case
describe how the associated risks can be minimized. (12 marks)
The remedial measures and non-mechanical hazards would be:
Page 18 of 32
Provision of appropriate personal protective equipment such as goggles, ear
defenders and gloves
8. Identify the specific hazards associated with routine maintenance of machinery (4)
Outline the hazards identified in (a) may be controlled (4)
9. Outline the issues that should be addressed in assessing the appropriateness and
suitability of a guard to protect dangerous parts of a machine.
Page 19 of 32
10. Identify four mechanical hazards presented by pedestal drill and in each case, how
injury may occur (8)
11. Outline a hierarchy of control measures that may be used to reduce the risk of injury
from dangerous parts of machinery. (8)
To select the appropriate guard the following hierarchy of measures should be considered:
Fixed guard enclosing every dangerous part
Other guards or protection devices (interlocks, etc)
Protective appliances (jigs, holders, push sticks, etc.)
The provision of information, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary in
each case.
12. A public services worker uses a petrol-driven strimmer to maintain roadside grass
verges.
1) Describe the possible hazards faced by the worker in carrying out this work (10)
2) List 5 items of PPE that should be provided to , and used by , the worker (5)
3) Outline measures other than the use of PPE (5)
1.
Contact with the moving parts of the strimmer
The possibility of being struck by flying stones or other material
Slips/trips/falls
Manual handling hazards
The danger posed by moving traffic, noise, vibration, dust, and fumes
The hazards associated with the storage and transfer of petrol.
2.
Ear defenders
Eye protection
Respiratory protection (dust mask)
Gloves
Safety foot wear
Gaiters
High visibility clothing that also afforded protection against the weather
3.
Page 20 of 32
13. Identify advantages and disadvantages of a fixed machine guard (8)
Advantages
Fixed guards are at the top of hierarchy because they have no moving parts and are
therefore very reliable and can be totally effective unless removed or damaged
Limitations
A fixed guard
14. Outline the factors that consider the safe operation of work equipment (8)
To ensure the safe operation of work equipment number of factors may have to be
considered
The equipment should have appropriate protection against risk to employees from
failure of or in work equipment. This includes the risk of ejection of parts or fire and
explosion
Measures should be taken by employers to ensure that people do not come into
contact with work equipment and the materials therein likely to burn or scald
Clear layout of controls, e.g. for starting, or making a change in operating
conditions and readily identifiable and readily accessible emergency stops
All work equipment should be provided with means to isolate it from its source of
energy
Work equipment should be sufficiently stable to avoid risk to health or safety
Places where work equipment is used should be adequately lit by appropriate
means in line with the work to be carried out
It should be possible to carry out maintenance operations while the work equipment
is stopped. If this is not possible then other protective measures should be taken
Work equipment should have appropriate markings for purposes of health and
safety
Work equipment should have appropriate warnings or warning devices for purposes
of health and safety.
Page 21 of 32
15. Identify two mechanical and non mechanical hazards presented by bench top grinder
(8)
Mechanical hazards
Non-mechanical hazards
Dust
Electricity
Ergonomics
Fire / sparks
Noise
Stability of the machine
Vibration
16. Identify mechanical and non mechanical hazards associated with cement mixer in a
construction industry (8)
Mechanical hazards
Entanglement
Trapping between fixed and moving parts at rear
Non-mechanical hazards
17. Outline the general precaution should be taken for portable power tools (8)
Page 22 of 32
Wear appropriate PPE – loose clothing, ties, or jewellery can become caught in
moving parts
Maintain tools- they should be kept sharp and clean. Follow the user manual
instructions for lubricating and changing accessories
Regularly inspect tools and report defects and
Remove damaged portable electric tools from use.
Advantages
Interlocked guards
Limitations
Interlocked guards
19. Identify advantages and disadvantages of two hand control devices (8)
Advantages
Limitation
Page 23 of 32
ELEMENT 4: ELECTRICAL HAZARDS AND CONTROL
Short Questions
1. Outline the first-aid treatment that should be given following an electric shock. (8
marks)
2. Identify and describe FOUR protective systems that can be incorporated within an
electrical circuit. (8 marks)
3. Outline the practical measures to reduce the risk of injury from electricity when using
portable electrical tools on a construction site. (8 marks)
The following practical measures should be used to reduce the risk of injury when using
portable electrical tools:
Use of reduced voltage by means of a 110v centre tapped step down transformer.
Use of double-insulated (class II equipment) or battery operated (cordless)
equipment.
Use of tools with residual current devices which protect individuals by rapidly
disconnecting the power in the event of a fault occurring.
Ensuring earth continuity
Ensuring frequent and regular testing
Avoiding use in wet conditions/weather.
Carrying out regular visual inspections and user checks
(Note: The context given is in the use of the equipment on a construction site, but
this could equally be in any other remote area where similar conditions apply.)
Page 24 of 32
4. Outline FOUR control measures relating to the safety of electrical appliances. (8 marks)
The following effects may be seen on the body on contact with electricity:
Burns are the most likely effects with the main sites of damage being entry and exit
points of electricity with possible damage to internal organs.
Other effects could include interference with nerve and muscle action which leads
to involuntary grip and cardiovascular effects, leading to disruption of heart rhythm
and possibly death.
(b) Outline FOUR factors that may affect the severity of injury resulting from contact with
electricity. (4 marks)
Electricity includes:
6. A 30-year-old joiner received an electric shock from a hand-held 230v drill while fitting
wooden floorboards in a new construction. The drill was five years old and had never been
tested. The joiner was not seriously injured.
(a) Identify the factors that may have limited the severity of injury this time. (4 marks)
(b) Outline the physical effects on the body that the electrical contact could have caused
under different circumstances.(4 marks)
Burns - main sites of damage being entry and exit points of electricity with possible
damage to internal organs.
Interference with nerve and muscle action - results in spasm and/or involuntary
grip, cardio-vascular effects, e.g. cardiac arrhythmia, respiratory arrest and possibly
cardiac arrest and death in severe cases.
Page 25 of 32
(c) Describe the types of inspection and/or test that the drill should have had. Also,
identify the features that should be checked by EACH type of inspection and the factor
that might affect the frequency of examination/test. (12 marks)
7. When using hand-held electrical tools at 220 – 240v AC, such as in a factory workshop:
(a) Outline the possible hazards. (8 marks)
Electric shock
Burns
Arcing
Explosion
Secondary effects, such as falls
(b) Describe the suitable precautions that should be taken to control these hazards. (12
marks)
Hazards:
Reduced voltage
Fuses
Residual current devices
Earthling
Double insulation
Testing
Visual inspection
Favourable environmental conditions
Page 26 of 32
8. List the items that should be included on an inspection checklist designed to ensure the
safety of portable electrical appliance
The main areas to consider when looking for the dangers in the use of portable electrical
equipment are:
The plug
The appliance
Damaged casing
Worn or damaged connections
9. Outline a range of check that should be made to ensure electrical safety in an office
environment
Page 27 of 32
If required portable appliance testing in date
System not overloaded
Cables correctly routed to avoid hazards
RCDs used
System for reporting defects
10. Describe the function and limitation of a fuse as an electrical protection device (8)
A fuse is a weak link designed to melt, breaking the circuit at excessive currents. The fuse
is intended to protect the equipment and wiring from over currents and will not protect the
people from electric shock.
The flow of electric current generates heat. The higher the current, the more the heat.
Fault currents caused by a short circuit, e.g. to earth, are likely to allow much higher
currents to flow than the equipment or wiring was designed to carry. Without a fuse the
equipment might become damaged, the wiring would eventually become hot enough to
melt its insulation and start a fire.
Advantages
Disadvantages
11. Describe the principles of operation of the following types of electrical protection
1. Earthing
2. Reduce voltage
Earthing
Electricity will always try to reach zero potential, i.e. earth. Earthing of conductive
materials, e.g. metal workbench, sinks and metal pipe work provides a low resistance path
to earth, lower than a human body. Earthing of exposed metal parts, which should not
normally carry current, ensures that under fault condition a higher than normal current can
flow, causing the fuse to overheat , melt, and the break the circuit.
Page 28 of 32
Advantages
May prevent indirect electric shock by providing a very low resistance path to earth
Readily identified
Disadvantages
Reduced voltage
Reduced voltage systems are recommended in all situations where there is risk of
mechanical damage to equipment and cables. By reducing the voltage present the
consequences of electrical shock can be greatly reduced.
Advantages
Disadvantages
12. Outline practical measures to reduce the risk of electrical shock when using portable
electrical appliances
Page 29 of 32
13. In relation to electrical safety, explain the meaning of the following terms
1. Isolation
2. earthing
3. Double insulation
4. Over current protection
Isolation
Isolation means shutting off the electrical supply to an item of equipment or part of
an electrical system and preventing the system being mistakenly reconnected and
is used for example during maintenance work.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Earthing
Electricity will always try to reach zero potential, i.e. earth. Earthing of conductive
materials, e.g. metal workbench, sinks and metal pipe work provides a low resistance path
to earth, lower than a human body. Earthing of exposed metal parts, which should not
normally carry current, ensures that under fault condition a higher than normal current can
flow, causing the fuse to overheat , melt, and the break the circuit.
Advantages
May prevent indirect electric shock by providing a very low resistance path to earth
Readily identified
Disadvantages
Double insulation
Double insulation is where two separate layers of insulation are provided. This allows of
insulation are provided. This allows for fault detection where one layer has failed but the
second layer still provides protection for the user.
Page 30 of 32
Advantages
Disadvantages
Over current protection is a method of preventing the flow of excess current by cutting the
supply under fault conditions by means of a fuse or circuit breaker.
RCD provide protection against leakage to earth and consequential risk of shock by
comparing the electricity flow to the equipment with the return flow to the equipment with
the return flow along the neutral wire. If any difference is detected the equipment is
isolated.
Advantages
Rapid response
Difficult to defeat
Easy to use, test, and reset
Cannot be reset with a fault on the circuit
Disadvantages
15. In relation to the use of electrical cables and plugs in the workplace:
1. Identify FOUR examples of faults and bad practices that could contribute to
electrical accidents
2. Outline the corresponding precautions that should be taken for EACH of the
examples identified in 1.
1.Failure to select the right equipment for the environment (e.g. armoured or heat resistant
cable might be required in arduous conditions)
Page 31 of 32
The use of coiled extension leads
Poorly wired plugs (e.g. wires under tension or outer protective sheath not
clamped)
The use of defective cables or plugs
2. Earthing
Calculate correct rating for a fuse
RCD residual current device
Reduced voltage
Battery powered
Double insulation
Page 32 of 32