July 2011

Examiners’ Report
NEBOSH International
Diploma in
Occupational Health
and Safety (Unit IC)
Examiners’ Report

NEBOSH INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMA

IN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

Unit IC – International workplace

and work equipment safety

JULY 2011

CONTENTS

Introduction 2

General comments 3

Comments on individual questions 4

 2011 NEBOSH, Dominus Way, Meridian Business Park, Leicester LE19 1QW
tel: 0116 263 4700 fax: 0116 282 4000 email: info@nebosh.org.uk website: www.nebosh.org.uk

The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health is a registered charity, number 1010444

T(s):exrpts/J/J-C1107 EXTERNAL DW/DA/REW

 Introduction

NEBOSH (The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) was formed in 1979 as
an independent examining board and awarding body with charitable status. We offer a comprehensive
range of globally-recognised, vocationally-related qualifications designed to meet the health, safety,
environmental and risk management needs of all places of work in both the private and public sectors.
Courses leading to NEBOSH qualifications attract over 25,000 candidates annually and are offered by
over 400 course providers in 65 countries around the world. Our qualifications are recognised by the
relevant professional membership bodies including the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health
(IOSH) and the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM).

NEBOSH is an awarding body to be recognised and regulated by the UK regulatory authorities:

 The Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) in England

 The Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (DCELLS) in Wales
 The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) in Northern Ireland
 The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) in Scotland

NEBOSH follows the “GCSE, GCE, VCE, GNVQ and AEA Code of Practice 2007/8” published by the
regulatory authorities in relation to examination setting and marking (available at the Ofqual website
www.ofqual.gov.uk). While not obliged to adhere to this code, NEBOSH regards it as best practice to
do so.

Candidates’ scripts are marked by a team of Examiners appointed by NEBOSH on the basis of their
qualifications and experience. The standard of the qualification is determined by NEBOSH, which is
overseen by the NEBOSH Council comprising nominees from, amongst others, the Health and Safety
Executive (HSE), the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and
the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). Representatives of course providers, from
both the public and private sectors, are elected to the NEBOSH Council.

This report on the Examination provides information on the performance of candidates which it is
hoped will be useful to candidates and tutors in preparation for future examinations. It is intended to
be constructive and informative and to promote better understanding of the syllabus content and the
application of assessment criteria.

© NEBOSH 2011

Any enquiries about this report publication should be addressed to:

NEBOSH
Dominus Way
Meridian Business Park
Leicester
LE10 1QW

Tel: 0116 263 4700

Fax: 0116 282 4000
Email: info@nebosh.org.uk

2 EXTERNAL
 General Comments

Many candidates are well prepared for this unit assessment and provide comprehensive and relevant
answers in response to the demands of the question paper. This includes the ability to demonstrate
understanding of knowledge by applying it to workplace situations.
There are always some candidates, however, who appear to be unprepared for the unit assessment
and who show both a lack of knowledge of the syllabus content and a lack of understanding of how
key concepts should be applied to workplace situations.
In order to meet the pass standard for this assessment, acquisition of knowledge and understanding
across the syllabus are prerequisites. However, candidates need to demonstrate their knowledge and
understanding in answering the questions set. Referral of candidates in this unit is invariably because
they are unable to write a full, well-informed answer to the question asked.
Some candidates find it difficult to relate their learning to the questions and as a result offer responses
reliant on recalled knowledge and conjecture and fail to demonstrate any degree of understanding.
Candidates should prepare themselves for this vocational examination by ensuring their
understanding, not rote-learning pre-prepared answers.
Common pitfalls
It is recognised that many candidates are well prepared for their assessments. However, recurrent
issues, as outlined below, continue to prevent some candidates reaching their full potential in the
assessment.
 Many candidates fail to apply the basic principles of examination technique and for some
candidates this means the difference between a pass and a referral.
 In some instances, candidates are failing because they do not attempt all the required questions
or are failing to provide complete answers. Candidates are advised to always attempt an answer
to a compulsory question, even when the mind goes blank. Applying basic health and safety
management principles can generate credit worthy points.
 Some candidates fail to answer the question set and instead provide information that may be
relevant to the topic but is irrelevant to the question and cannot therefore be awarded marks.
 Many candidates fail to apply the command words (also known as action verbs, eg describe,
outline, etc). Command words are the instructions that guide the candidate on the depth of answer
required. If, for instance, a question asks the candidate to ‘describe’ something, then few marks
will be awarded to an answer that is an outline. Similarly the command word ‘identify’ requires
more information than a ‘list’.
 Some candidates fail to separate their answers into the different sub-sections of the questions.
These candidates could gain marks for the different sections if they clearly indicated which part of
the question they were answering (by using the numbering from the question in their answer, for
example). Structuring their answers to address the different parts of the question can also help in
logically drawing out the points to be made in response.
 Candidates need to plan their time effectively. Some candidates fail to make good use of their
time and give excessive detail in some answers leaving insufficient time to address all of the
questions.
 Candidates should also be aware that Examiners cannot award marks if handwriting is illegible.
 The International Diploma in Health and Safety is taught and examined in English. Candidates are
therefore expected to have a good command of both written and spoken English including
technical and scientific vocabulary. The recommended standard expected of candidates is
equivalent to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) level 7 (very good user).
It is evident from a number of scripts that there are candidates attempting the examination without
the necessary English language skills.
More information on the IELTS standards can be found at www.ielts.org

3 EXTERNAL
 UNIT IC – International workplace and work equipment safety

Section A – all questions compulsory

Question 1 Chemical reactions in a batch manufacturing process can lead to

conditions which can cause a ‘runaway reaction’ unless appropriate
precautions are taken.

(a) Describe what is meant by ‘runaway reaction’

AND identify the conditions that may give rise to such an event. (6)

(b) Outline methods of control of industrial chemical processes

necessary to prevent or mitigate runaway reactions. (4)
____________________________________________________________________

Candidates could have described “runaway reaction” as: an uncontrolled exothermic

reaction where the heat produced exceeds the heat removed. The surplus heat raises
the temperature of the reaction mass and hence the reaction rate resulting in a
runaway reaction. Reference could also have been made to the fact that the reaction
rate is exponential whereas the rate of heat removal is linear. Candidates could then
have gone on to identify conditions such as: the presence of a strongly exothermic
reaction; inadequate provision of, or failure in cooling of the reaction; the presence of
contaminant catalysis; excessive quantities of reactants present in the reactor; the
lack of sensitive temperature detection and control; the insulation of the reaction
vessel where solid residues have built up on the internal walls of the vessel and mixer
failure with loss of agitation. In general there were poor descriptions given of a
runaway reaction and of the conditions that would cause the event.

There was a slight improvement in the standard of answer provided for part (b), where
at least a number of candidates were able to outline some of the relevant control
methods such as the installation of high integrity temperature detection linked to the
cooling/reactant addition system; pressure rise detection linked to cooling, venting or
auto shut-down; the protection of the vessel by correctly sized bursting discs; and the
fitting of an agitation failure alarm. Candidates could have in addition outlined
operational features such as ensuring that: only a high calibre of operator was
employed in such processes; that decision making requirements by operators in
response to adverse operating conditions were minimised; that maintenance and/or
raw material handling do not introduce potential catalysts into the reaction; and that
the rate of addition of reactants was limited.

4 EXTERNAL
Question 2 (a) In relation to automatic fire detection and alarm systems, outline
the basic principle AND operation of:

(i) heat detectors; (4)

(ii) smoke detectors. (4)

(b) Identify the circumstances in which EACH type of detector

would be inappropriate. (2)

For heat detectors, candidates were expected to distinguish between the fixed
temperature type and the rate of rise type. A fixed rate heat detector has a sensing
element fixed at a particular temperature. By means of a thermocouple or similar
arrangement, it detects when the predetermined temperature is reached. A rate of rise
heat detector detects abnormally fast temperature rises by means of electronic
resistors or thermistors.

Smoke detectors are of two main types: ionising and optical or photoelectric. The
chamber of an ionising type has two plates set apart, one charged negatively and the
other positively. A small radioactive source is used to ionise the chamber into which
smoke may enter in the event of fire. The detector reacts to the change in electrical
current caused by the neutralisation of ions by the smoke particles. The optical type of
detector has a number of variants but chiefly responds either to the obscuration of a
focused light ray or to the scattering of light from an optical ray. It therefore reacts
either to a reduction in light at a receiver or, more commonly, to the sensing of light by
an optical sensor placed in the chamber where light would not normally be detected.
Most candidates were able to identify the types of heat and smoke detectors but only
a few outlined their principles of operation.

In answers for part (b), candidates should have identified firstly that a smoke detector
would be inappropriate in situations where smoke, steam or vapour might normally be
expected such as in kitchens while a heat detector might be considered inappropriate
in situations where sudden temperature changes might be experienced in normal
circumstances or in situations where slow burning materials are involved which would
have an effect on the speed of response. Some candidates did not read the question
with sufficient care and identified the circumstances in which the use of each type of
detector would be appropriate – the opposite of that which was required.

Question 3 Outline the practical control measures that can be taken to minimise risk
when operating a bench-mounted circular saw. (10)

Good answers to this question would have referred to the need for the correct
operation and/or adjustment of the top guard; ensuring the saw teeth below the sole
plate are fully enclosed; the use of a push stick to feed through the material being
sawn and extending the machine table where persons are employed to remove the
material whilst the machine was in motion; the correct positioning of the riving knife
and the correct selection, maintenance and adjustment of the blade. Other measures
that could have been outlined related to the training and competence of the operators;
the provision of a local exhaust ventilation system; the provision and use of personal
protective equipment such as goggles and hearing protection; the provision of
sufficient space around the machine which should be kept free from debris and loose
material; the provision of an emergency stop device, means of isolation and a braking
device for the machine; ensuring good standards of lighting, heating and ventilation;
ensuring the stability of the machine and introducing procedures to ensure the regular
maintenance of the machine and that guards were always in position.

5 EXTERNAL
 Most candidates seemed more comfortable with this question and were able to
identify most of the practical control measures that could be taken though in a number
of cases they did not provide sufficient detail to satisfy an ‘outline’ question. To state
simply that guards should be provided without describing their purpose and where
they would be needed was not enough to be given the marks available. A number of
answers also did not address ergonomic issues. A few candidates, despite the
reference to ‘bench mounted’ thought that the machine described was an item of
portable electrical equipment and answered accordingly.

Question 4 (a) Outline the purpose of non-destructive testing (NDT) on items of

plant. (2)

(b) Outline the principles, benefits and limitations of the following

NDT techniques:

(i) dye penetrant; (4)

(ii) radiography. (4)

The purpose of non-destructive testing (NDT) is to check for faults such as cracks in
components before they develop into total failure without affecting the integrity of the
component. Most candidates managed to provide a reasonable outline for this part of
the question.

In answering part (b) of the question, candidates were expected to outline that the use
of the dye penetrant technique makes cracks visible as dye penetrates into them. It is
a relatively cheap and simple operation but it does not detect sub-surface faults, is not
totally reliable, interpretation of the indications may be difficult, there is a possible
element of toxicity involved and there is no permanent record available of the results
of the test.

With radiography, x-rays or gamma rays are used to penetrate the item to leave an
image on film. Any defects are shown up by the differences in the intensity of the
radiation striking the film and the contrast in the images produced. The benefits of this
technique are that it detects internal defects and produces a permanent record of the
test. However, the operation is time consuming, expensive and requires a lot of space
for the equipment involved. It also requires skilled operators and there is a danger of
radiation exposure.

Answers were again to a reasonable standard though there were a few candidates
who did not seem to be conversant with the principles of dye penetrant and
radiography.

6 EXTERNAL
Question 5 Many household aerosol canisters contain propellants that are a mixture
of highly flammable materials such as iso-propane and iso-butane. These
canisters are used for multiple purposes including cleaning products,
furniture polishes, cosmetics, deodorants, etc.

(a) Describe how a fire and explosion may occur when large
quantities of these canisters are stored in a commercial
warehouse. (5)

(b) Outline the fire precautions that could be taken to limit the
spread of any resulting fire and explosion in such a warehouse. (5)

There are a number of factors which may cause fire and explosion where large
quantities of aerosol canisters containing highly flammable materials are stored in a
warehouse. The canisters may have suffered damage for example to the valve or
body of the canister, leading to loss of containment and the formation of flammable
vapours which if between the upper and lower flammable limits can be ignited by a
heat source, perhaps a nearby fire or hot work and even by direct sunlight. The
canisters may then be propelled from their original position as projectiles as the
radiant heat from the initial fire causes boiling of the contents of adjacent canisters.
This causes the release and ignition of additional vapour sources resulting in multiple
BLEVEs. Answers to this part of the question were limited with few candidates able to
describe adequately how a fire and explosion might occur. While some mentioned that
an ignition source was necessary, they gave no indication where this might come
from. Few discussed the possibility of projectiles or the effect of radiant heat on the
contents of adjacent canisters.

Fire precautions that can be taken to limit the spread of any resulting fire and
explosion in a similar type of warehouse include the segregation of the canisters from
other flammable products; the separation of high flammability canisters by physical
barriers; using compartmentation within the warehouse with fire resistant partitions;
the provision of containment cages to prevent projectiles; the installation of automatic
fire detection and alarm systems; the use of automatic extinguishing systems and
venting and explosion reliefs. With this part of the question, candidates again did not
take the time to consider exactly what was required. It was concerned with
precautions that might be taken to limit the spread of fire but some wrote at length
about fire drills, the appointment of fire marshals and emergency action procedures
without indicating how these would have limited the spread of fire. There was an
original suggestion made that the canisters should be fitted with pressure relief valves.

7 EXTERNAL
Question 6 As Health, Safety and Environment Manager at a hazardous installation
you are responsible for emergency planning. The site is regulated under
the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Code of Practice ‘Prevention
of Major Industrial Accidents’ 1991.

(a) In the event of an uncontrolled release outline the need for

emergency response measures. (4)

(b) Outline the general emergency planning measures that should

be taken by the ‘competent authorities’ in association with the
works management of the installation. (6)

For part (a), candidates should have outlined, that in the event of an uncontrolled
release, there would be a need for emergency planning to localise the release and if
possible, contain it; and to minimise the harmful effects of the release on people,
property and the environment both inside and outside the installation by the use of
safety systems, alarm systems and the emergency services. Clear and well defined
plans should be made available for quick and effective use and where emergency
equipment and manpower are limited, provision should be made for mutual assistance
between neighbouring industrial activities. Most candidates concentrated on the need
to localise and control the release and minimise its effect but fewer on the desirability
of preparing plans to deal with such an emergency.

For part (b), general emergency planning measures that should be taken by the
competent authorities include the need: to establish arrangements for an on-site
emergency plan which should be drawn up by the management of the installation; to
establish arrangements for an off-site emergency plan to be drawn up by the
competent authority in conjunction with the installation’s management, which should
be prepared following consultation with various bodies such as the fire and police
authorities and the hospital and ambulance services and which should be consistent
with the on-site emergency plan; to ensure that regular rehearsals were carried out in
order to keep the off-site plan in a state of readiness and also to ensure that
information on safety was provided to members of the general public.

All candidates found the second part of this question challenging and whilst some did
point to the need to prepare on-site and off-site plans, they did not specify who should
be responsible for drawing up the plans or who should be consulted in their formation.

8 EXTERNAL
 Section B – three from five questions to be attempted

Question 7 You are the Safety Advisor to a company that installs satellite dishes.
The dishes need to be secured to the external walls of buildings and this
involves work at height. Due to limited access around these buildings and
the typical heights involved (3 to 5 metres) ladders are the only
practicable way of carrying out the work. Workers are on their own when
carrying out the work.

(a) Describe the safety precautions that could reduce the risk of falls
from height when using ladders. (14)

(b) Outline the emergency procedures you would implement in the

event of accident or illness for this type of lone working. (6)

Safety precautions that could reduce the risk of falls from height when working from a
ladder to install the dishes include the use of a recognised standard of ladder, whether
conventional or combination, which should be appropriate in length, strong enough to
carry its intended load, provided with stabilisers at the base, inspected at regular
intervals by a competent person and tagged to indicate its inspection date and should
additionally be inspected on a daily basis by the user before starting work. The
ladders should be sited on firm and even ground, at a 75 degree angle, and against a
stable upper contact point. A safety rope should be attached to the ladder and
secured to a suitable anchor point on the wall. Another rope should be provided to
enable the dish to be elevated to the required height. Workers should be competent
and trained in the safe use of ladders with emphasis being laid on constantly
maintaining three points of contact on the ladder, the dangers of over reaching, the
wearing of appropriate clothing, particularly foot wear, and the use of a tool pouch for
carrying the necessary tools and equipment. Many candidates did not seem to
understand what was involved in installing a dish and suggested eliminating lone
working, employing a team of erectors, and using a scaffold or a MEWP. Some
suggested the use of personal protective equipment such as hard hats, gloves and
goggles without indicating what part these would play in reducing falls. Despite the
specific reference in the question that workers were on their own when carrying out
the task, one of the precautions mentioned was that the ladder should be footed.

Emergency procedures to be implemented for lone working in the scenario described,

would fall into two categories – sources of help in non-life threatening circumstances
and those where there was a threat to life. In the first instance it would be sufficient to
provide the worker with a help line number and the location of either walk-in services
or first aid provision in the area where the work was being carried out. In a life
threatening situation, there would need to be the introduction of procedures for
contacting local accident and emergency departments; a list of persons to be
contacted in the event of such an emergency and carried by the worker in
circumstances where he would not be in a position to make the call himself; the
provision of means of communication such as a mobile phone or radio and a routine
requiring the worker to contact and report to base at set intervals. Whilst a number of
candidates did succeed in mentioning many of the above procedures there were also
a variety of alternatives suggested such as the appointment of trained first aid
personnel, the use of emergency rescue teams and the introduction of procedures for
informing the next of kin.

9 EXTERNAL
Question 8 A worker has received an electric shock from a 240 volt portable drill
whilst installing a set of wooden shelves.

(a) Outline the physical effects the worker may have suffered from
the accident. (5)

(b) Identify the emergency action that should have been taken
immediately after the accident. (5)

(c) Outline the precautions that could have been taken to prevent
the accident. (10)

This question was attempted by most candidates and was generally well answered.

For part (a), candidates should have outlined effects such as fibrillation of the heart
muscles with possible cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, muscular contraction or
spasm, involuntary grip that can prolong current flow, burns to tissue and ultimately
death. There is also the possibility of secondary injuries such as those resulting from
a fall. The possible physical effects on the worker seemed to be well known but
candidates did not make the best of their knowledge by providing a list rather than an
outline.

Part (b) was concerned with the emergency action to be taken immediately after the
accident and it was anticipated that candidates would refer to matters such as
isolating the source of power and using a non-conductive instrument to push the
victim clear; wrapping them in insulating material and checking for breathing and
pulse; administering mouth-to-mouth resuscitation if needed or the use of a
defibrillator; placing the victim in the recovery position and contacting the emergency
services. Answers were again to a satisfactory standard with the only regular omission
being the use of appropriate means to push the victim clear.

Part (c) sought information on the precautions that might have been taken in order to
have prevented the accident, and there were many that could have been mentioned.
More successful candidates were those who provided a structured answer by looking
at equipment selection, technical precautions and organisational issues. In selecting
equipment, consideration should be given to the use of reduced voltage, battery-
powered and/or double-insulated tools and conformity with standards. Technical
precautions include the use of residual current devices, ensuring earth integrity (where
appropriate), using correctly rated cables and fuses, and ensuring that equipment or
system components (plugs, sockets, cables etc) are free from damage, while
organisational issues relate to maintenance arrangements, inspection and testing of
portable appliances and electrical systems by a competent person and pre-use
inspection by the user, housekeeping standards particularly for cable management,
and the provision of information, instruction and training – particularly in relation to
systems of work and pre-use checks. Again candidates showed a reasonable
knowledge of the precautions that could have been taken but some did not include
sufficient examples in their answers to obtain all the marks available.

10 EXTERNAL
Question 9 In relation to dust explosions:

(a) outline the conditions that must be present for a primary dust
explosion to occur; (4)

(b) outline the additional conditions necessary for secondary

explosions to occur; (4)

(c) identify FOUR factors that may affect the reliability of a nitrogen
inerting system used in a powdered aluminium process; (4)

(d) identify the design features that would minimise the likelihood
and effect of a dust explosion. (8)

In order for a primary dust explosion to occur, the dust must be combustible, must be
capable of becoming airborne and mixing with air and its particle size and distribution
must be capable of propagating flame. Additionally the concentration of dust must fall
within the explosive limits, an ignition source of sufficient heat energy must come in
contact with the dust and the atmosphere must contain sufficient oxygen to sustain
combustion. A recall of the dust explosion pentagon would have assisted candidates
in answering this part of the question.

Additional conditions necessary for secondary explosions to occur include the

dislodgement of accumulated dust from horizontal surfaces within the affected building
by the pressure wave and consequent air turbulence created by the primary explosion
and the airborne suspension of combustible dust throughout the affected area which is
ignited by the original primary explosion ignition source or by the combustion of
products from the primary explosion or by any other ignition source with sufficient heat
energy within the affected area. Reasonable answers were provided for this part of
the question though some candidates failed to refer to the dislodgement of
accumulated dust or to identify possible ignition sources.

In identifying factors that might affect the reliability of a nitrogen inerting system,
candidates could have chosen from the location and number of sampling points; the
type and calibration of the sensor; the possibility of contaminants in the system
interfering with the readings; an inadequate supply of inserting gas; the number of
locations where air might enter the plant or process; the safe means of shutdown if
oxygen levels become too high; and the reliability of the electronic control system.
This part of the question produced some good answers though some candidates
neglected to mention the number and location of sampling points and the type and
calibration of the sensor.

In identifying design features that would minimise the likelihood and effect of a dust
explosion, candidates should have referred to; the initial design of the ducting and
equipment to withstand the effects of an explosion; the importance of ensuring the
ducting was dust tight; providing local exhaust ventilation at points of transfer;
installing explosion relief or suppression systems together with systems for
suppressing fire; using screw conveyors instead of pneumatic systems for moving
materials; providing a magnetic extraction system for removing metal from product fed
to the plant; interlocking equipment to prevent overfilling of vessels and over-
pressurisation; using instrument systems with integral emergency shutdown; using
intrinsically safe electrical equipment and bonding all metal work to earth; preventing
dust build up in the plant by the use of sloping surfaces and introducing a mechanised
system for the humidification of the air. Many of the above design features appeared
in the answers provided with those less frequently mentioned being the prevention of
over-pressurisation and the introduction of systems with integral emergency
shutdown.

11 EXTERNAL
Question 10 Failure of pressure systems can result in accidents.

(a) Identify FIVE examples of pressure systems AND give a

workplace example in EACH case. (5)

(b) Outline a typical written scheme of examination for pressure

systems. (5)

(c) Outline other control measures that could reduce the risk of
pressure system failures. (10)

This was not a popular question and was not well answered by those who attempted
it.

For part (a) of the question, candidates could have identified examples of pressure
systems such as pressurised process plant and pipe work connected with chemical
processes; fixed or portable compressed air systems as used for painting or tyre
inflation; pressure cookers normally present in industrial kitchens; heat exchangers
providing heating or cooling in industry; refrigeration plant found in a food storage
building; boiler or steam heating systems providing general heating in workplaces; and
autoclaves or equipment sterilisers used in cleaning laboratory glass ware.
Candidates were unable to provide many workplace examples.

A typical written scheme of examination for pressure systems would cover all
protective devices and would include all pressure vessels and pipe work that could
give rise to danger if they failed. The type of examination would be specified such as,
for example, as a result of a statutory requirement, as would also the frequency with
which the examination should be carried out. The scheme would stipulate the special
measures needed in preparing the plant for examination and in the case of a fired or
heated pressure systems, the need for them to be examined when cold and also when
in operation with a final requirement that the examination should be carried out by a
competent person. Many candidates obtained good marks for this part of the question
though there were some who seemed unfamiliar with written schemes of examination.

In answering the last part of the question, candidates could have grouped other
control measures that might reduce the risk of pressure system failures under the
headings of equipment, operating conditions, protective devices, the provision of
maintenance and the provision of operator training.

Under equipment, it would be imperative to ensure that installations are suitable for
their intended purpose, and are installed correctly with due regard to design
conditions, installation standards and accepted codes of practice.

Operating conditions require a knowledge of the nature, and pressures and

temperatures of the gas or liquid being pressurised or contained, the safe operating
limits of the system and equipment linked with the system and the methods of
operating within these limits; the availability of operating instructions for the system
and equipment linked with the system and the accessability by workers to instructions
on what action to take in the event of an emergency.

As for protective devices, these should be suitable, adjusted to the correct settings
and should function properly at all times.

Maintenance is an important control measure and a programme should be drawn up

for the whole system, monitoring it for defects and for signs of corrosion and wear and
ensuring that both the examination and any necessary remedial work is carried out
using safe systems of work and under competent supervision.

12 EXTERNAL
 Finally, training would have to be provided for all operators, maintenance personnel,
and those responsible for carrying out inspections of the system to ensure they were
in possession of the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their duties.

The final part of the question did not appear to be well understood with candidates
displaying a lack of knowledge of control measures and relying only on the provision
of regular testing and maintenance.

Question 11 As a Health and Safety Officer you are asked to give advice to a lift
supervisor regarding a proposed lifting operation. The lift requires the use
of two cranes working together (a tandem lift).

Outline the elements of a safe system of work that you would

expect to see in order that the lift may be conducted safely. (20)

A prime requirement would be that the proposed lifting operation should be planned
by a competent person and be closely supervised in accordance with the level of risk
involved. A risk assessment would need to be carried out which should address
matters such as the weight, shape and centre of gravity of the loads and the
availability of lifting points; the positioning of the cranes and any available resting
places for the loads; the number of times the lifting operation will be carried out; the
availability of the correct lifting equipment together with the availability of test
certificates and reports of statutory examination for the cranes; the precautions taken
to cordon off the area for the lift and the environment in which the lifting equipment will
be used and the likely weather conditions. The cranes will have to be positioned using
outriggers and jacks to ensure stability, and sited on firm ground away from trench
work or other excavations and overhead and underground services. The lift should be
under the control of a competent person with knowledge of and training and
experience in carrying out a tandem lift. Crane drivers and banksmen would have to
be competent and there would need to be an effective means of communication
between them using standard methods of signalling, Tag lines should be used to
control movement during the lift and the load should be moved slowly to its landing
position avoiding positions where persons were working. Calculations should be
carried out by a competent person to decide whether the cranes would need to be de-
rated and the lift should be carried out in such a way that the agreed individual safe
working load of either crane is not exceeded.

This question produced a reasonable standard of response though many candidates

did not refer to the need for competent supervision, the positioning of the cranes and
the use of a competent person to calculate the de-rating of the cranes.

13 EXTERNAL
The National Examination
Board in Occupational
Safety and Health

Dominus Way
Meridian Business Park
Leicester LE19 1QW

telephone +44 (0)116 2634700

fax +44 (0)116 2824000
email info@nebosh.org.uk
www.nebosh.org.uk