PAPER 2: CONTROLLING HAZARDS – NEBOSH

GUIDE APRIL 2008

Question 1
(i) Manual handling of the forklift truck batteries because of their weight and size.
Charging of the batteries as they may release hydrogen gas when charging. This could lead to
a fire or explosion risk. Batteries should be charged in a well-ventilated area and ‘no smoking’
signs should be displayed.
Handling of substances when the batteries are topped up: this may splash into the eyes or
come into contact with the skin; suitable PPE should be worn.
(ii) The first precaution is to segregate the FLT from pedestrians if possible. If this is not
possible, the risks can be reduced by use of movement alarms fitted to the FLT.
Pedestrians should wear high visibility clothing.
The following should be introduced: speed limits; good levels of supervision; good
environmental conditions, such as lighting.
Trucks should be maintained and subject to a daily check, drivers should be trained and
competent, pedestrians should be made aware of the hazards.
Horns should be used when going through a door or turning a corner.
(iii) The following rules should be followed when leaving any truck unattended:
 Leave the FLT in a safe place, not causing an obstruction.
 Do not park on a slope.
 Ensure that the parking brake is applied.
 Do not leave the keys in the FLT.
 Park with forks on the ground.
 Never leave forks raised with a load on the forks.
 Do not leave forks in such a way as to cause a trip hazard.
 Never leave the truck with its engine running, unattended.

Question 2
Factors that lead to stress may include:
 An excessive workload, or demanding pressures of the job.
 Poor environmental conditions, for example, poor lighting or working in high noise levels.
 Poor welfare facilities; not being able to take a break away from your work station.
 No management commitment to health and safety; peer pressure from supervisors or
managers.
 A poor relationship with a supervisor who may have a bullying style.
 A total lack of communication; being kept in the dark about important issues.

Page | 1
 Lack of involvement; being cast to one side and not having your views sought.

Question 3
(a)

All three elements must be present for a fire to start: there must be at least 16% oxygen to
sustain most fires, there must be a naked flame or source of heat and there must be something
to burn.
(b) A naked flame from a cutting, welding or burning operation.
A discarded cigarette may be disposed of in a careless way in a restaurant.
Sparks from a cutting blade from a grinding operation.
An overloaded electrical socket that does not have the correct protection may cause a fire
situation.

Question 4
(a) (i) Infrared radiation from a heating source such as a furnace, causing reddening of the
skin, or burns.
(i) Ultraviolet radiation from an arc welding operation, or even exposure to the sun, can
damage the eyes and sunlight can cause sunburn and possible cancer.
(b) Engineering controls should be used to avoid direct exposure from non-ionising radiation.
Where this cannot be achieved, reduced time exposure can be used and as a last resort,
personal protective equipment.

Question 5
Staff working in a busy kitchen may be exposed to many hazards:
 Material hazards such as substances used for cleaning, manual handling of materials.
 Equipment hazards such as knives, hot ranges.

Page | 2
 Environmental hazards such as: slips from wet floors, fatigue from hot temperatures, cold
temperatures in chillers and freezers, there may be space constraints.
 Possible risk of harassment or bullying by senior chef; pressure to get work done leading to
stress.

Question 6
The first check that should be carried out is the end-user check that is a visual inspection of the
equipment. This includes: looking at the condition of the plug, lead and appliance. This can be
carried out by the end-user. The end-user can also ensure that sockets and multi plugs are not
overloaded.
The second check is the formal visual inspection carried out periodically and recorded. This would
also be visual, but could check fuses and tightness of wires.
The third check is the formal visual inspection, backed up by a test of the electrical equipment with
a portable appliance tester. This should be carried out by a competent person and the results
recorded.
Finally, the electrical supply should be checked to ensure that it is free from defect. This should be
done by a competent contractor, and a certificate of test issued.

Question 7
(a) (i) A fixed guard has adequate strength and should not be able to be removed easily. It
would require a specialist tool. A fixed guard should totally enclose a hazard.
(ii) An interlocking guard would either be electrically or mechanically operated. It would
allow the process or machine to operate if the interlock was closed, but if the interlock
was open, the process or machine would not operate. For example, a door on a washing
machine.
(b) Advantages of a fixed guard are that they totally enclose the hazard, preventing any contact.
They would also guard against the ejection of parts. They have no moving parts.
Disadvantages of a fixed guard are that they may not be put back in place after maintenance
work. They may allow the machine to run once removed.

Question 8
The head protection has to be suitable for the hazard.
It has to be comfortable and compatible with other PPE such as ear defenders.
It has to meet standards of protection laid out in guidance.
Employees need information on why it is required, how to wear it, adjust it, clean it and store it
safely.

Question 9
(a) Strains and sprains of the muscles and ligaments.
Injuries to the discs and vertebrae.
(b) Assess the weight of the load – is it within my capability?
Stop and think where it is going; check the route.
Keep the feet apart, with leading foot slightly forward.

Page | 3
 Bend the knees, keeping the back’s natural ‘S’ shape.
Get a firm grip (use gloves if appropriate).
Lift slowly; do not jerk.
Keep the load close to the body.
If necessary, put down at waist height and readjust your grip.
Do not twist the body – move the feet in direction of travel; ensure good visibility.

Question 10
(a) A hazard is anything that has the potential to cause harm.
(b) The hazards associated with demolition are:
 Buildings or structures being demolished, collapsing unexpectedly due to build up of debris,
load-bearing sections or members being weakened.
 Fires, explosions, electrocution, etc. due to services not being isolated.
 Debris falling from heights.
 Plant collapsing or falling into basements, etc.
 Health hazards from chemicals, asbestos, lead-based coatings, biological contamination.
 Ionising radiation from fire detectors, lightning conductors, etc.
 Personnel falling due to unsafe place of work and access.
 Debris, timber with protruding nails, etc.

Question 11
 The ladder must be suitable for the task.
 The ladder must be maintained free from defect.
 The ladder should be inspected before use.
 The user should have information, instruction and training in the safe use of ladders.
 Ladder should be secured top or bottom.
 The ladder must be on ground both firm and level.
 A safe angle should be used – 70.
 Ensure signs and barriers are erected.

Page | 4