Mark Scheme

Unit title Accident and Emergency Procedures

Textbook Introduction to Health and Safety at Work. The Handbook for the NEBOSH National General Certificate by Phil Hughes and Ed Ferrett.
Fifth edition, 2011.

Series December 2018

Question Answer Annotate Guidance

1 a) Explain the responsibilities an employer has under the Health and Safety
at Work (First Aid) Regulation 1981. [7]
b) Describe the sign used to identify a first aid kit. [2]
c) Explain the minimum requirements for first aid provision in the
workplace. [2]
d) Describe points to consider when conducting a risk assessment to
identify whether there are any specific risks in relation to the ability to
provide first aid treatment in the workplace. [9]

a) Answers should include: One mark for each bullet a) Page 515, chapter 15,
point given. Maximum Summary of the Main
 Adequate and appropriate facilities and equipment. marks 7. Legal Requirements.
 Qualified first aiders to render first aid to employees if they are injured b) Page 83, chapter 3,
or become unwell at work. Health and Safety
 An appointed person being someone to take charge of situations as well Management Systems 2-
as first aid equipment, where medical aid needs to be summoned. Organising.
 There must always be an appointed person in the workplace during c) Page 83, chapter 3,
working hours. Health and Safety
 Employers must assess the first aid requirements that are appropriate Management Systems 2-
for each workplace. Organising.
 Any first aid room provided under this regulation must be easily d) Page 83, chapter 3,
accessible to stretchers and to any other equipment needed to convey Health and Safety
patients. Management Systems 2-
 The first aid room must be sign posted according to the safety signs and Organising.
Question Answer Annotate Guidance
signals regulations.

b) Answers should state:

 Green square
 White cross within the square
Maximum 2 marks
c) Answers should include: available. 1 for each bullet
 A suitably stocked first aid kit point
 An appointed person to take charge of first aid arrangements
Maximum 2 marks
d) Answers should include: available. 1 for each bullet
 Are there hazardous substances; dangerous tools, dangerous point
manual handling tasks, electrical shock risks, dangers from
neighbours or animals?
 Are there different levels of risk in parts of the premises or site? Maximum 9 marks
 What is the accident and ill-health record, the type and location awarded. Any 9 from the
of incidents? bullet points listed
 What is the total number of persons likely to be on site?
 Are there any young people, pregnant or nursing mothers on
site or employees with disabilities or special health
requirements?
 Are the facilities widely dispersed with several buildings or
compact in a multi-story building?
 What is the pattern of working hours, does sit involve night
work?
 Is the site remote from the emergency services?
 Do employees travel a lot alone?
 Do employees work at sites occupied by other employers?
 Are members of the public regularly on site?
Question Answer Annotate Guidance
2 a) Describe the importance of fire drills and the most effective way of Syllabus reference:
ensuring that staff are familiar with the workplace procedures. [4] a) Page 336, chapter 11, Fire Safety.
b) Identify four different types of fire extinguisher and the type of fire they b) Page 331 and 314, chapter 11, Fire
can be used on. [8] Safety.
c) There are four main methods of extinguishing fire. Describe these c) Page 330, chapter 11, Fire Safety.
methods and the principles of extinguishing [8]

a) Answers should include:

 It must be tested regularly to ensure staff are familiar with the 4 marks
action to be taken in an emergency. awarded for
 The most effective way of doing this is to carry out fire drills at each bullet
prescribed intervals. point
 Drills should be held at least twice a year, other than in areas maximum 4
dealing with hazardous processes. marks
 A programme of fire drills should be planned to ensure that all
employees, including shift workers and part-time employees,
are covered.

b) Answers should include:

 Water extinguishers (with or without additives) used on class A 2 marks for
and B fires which involve solid materials such as wood, paper, each type of
textiles, plastics. Or B which involve paints, oils or fats. extinguisher
 Foam extinguishers used on class A or B fires which involve solid and
materials such as wood, paper, textiles, plastics. Or B which explanation of
involve paints, oils or fats. But these are most effective on the type of
petrol and diesel. fire it can be
 Powder extinguishers used on most classes of fire. Can be used used on.
on electrical fires and should not be used on metal fires. Maximum 8
 Carbon dioxide extinguishers mostly used on electronic marks
equipment and should not be used on metal fires. available.
 Wet chemicals class F extinguishers suitable for commercial
catering with deep fat fryers.
1 mark for
Question Answer Annotate Guidance
c) Answers should include: identifying
 Cooling - reducing the ignition temperature by taking the heat each of the
out of the fire. Using water to limit or reduce the temperature. methods,
 Smothering - limiting the oxygen available by smothering and maximum 4
preventing the mixture of oxygen and flammable vapour. Using marks with a
foam or a fire blanket. further 4
 Starving - limiting the fuel supply by removing the source of fuel marks for an
by switching off electrical power, isolating the flow of explanation
flammable liquids or removing wood and textiles etc. for each
 Chemical reaction - by interrupting the chain of combustion and method.
combining the hydrogen atoms with chlorine atoms in the Maximum
hydrocarbon chain. marks
awarded 8
Question Answer Annotate Guidance
3 a) Identify and evaluate three groups of people who would need special 1 mark for Syllabus reference:
assistance in the event of an evacuation and the measures put in place each group of a) Pages 338-339, chapter 11, Fire
to help these people leave a building safely. [15] people with Safety.
b) Explain the importance of calling the emergency services quickly and up to an b) Page 83, chapter 3, Health and Safety
the methods in place to achieve this in any workplace. [5] additional 4 Management Systems 2 – Organising.
marks for
a) Answers should include: points made
 Those with impaired vision. to consider.
A buddy system may be implemented. The individual would be Maximum
encouraged to familiarise themselves with the escape route. marks
Consideration should be made for additional training should the awarded 15.
“buddy” be off work. Consider use of voice alarms
 Those with impaired hearing.
Identifying that the individual may not hear the alarm in the usual way
and that testing this during weekly alarm drills may be required. Use of
signalling, lighting or other visual signs. The use of vibrating devices or
specifically selected sound signals. The use of a buddy system.
 Those with impaired mobility or wheelchair users.
May need help to negotiate the stairs. Training should be given to those
helping. Stair evacuation chairs should be used rather than lifts.
Consider possible escape routes and the way out of the building.
 Employees with learning difficulties.
May also require assistance. The points made above will also be relevant
for these groups of people with consideration that they may become
distressed and disorientated in the event of an emergency evacuation.

b) Answers should include:

 Gives the emergency services the best chance to contain the
emergency.
 Safes lives.
 A well-defined policy. 1 mark
 A person nominated to make the call. awarded for
 A rota may need to be established to ensure a nominate person is each point.
Maximum 5
Question Answer Annotate Guidance
available always. marks
Question Answer Annotate Guidance
4 a) Explain the purpose of reactive monitoring and the points of a) Page 148, chapter 5,
investigation within reactive monitoring arrangements. [7] Health and Safety
b) Describe four benefits which can be gained from accident investigation. Management Systems
[4] 4 - Measuring, Audit
c) Highlight the legal reasons for conducting an investigation and state four and Review.
benefits from such investigation. [5] b) Page 151, chapter 5,
d) Identify four pieces of valuable information and understanding that can Health and Safety
be gained from carrying out an accident/ incident investigation. [4] Management Systems
4 - Measuring, Audit
a) Answers should include: 1 mark for each point, and Review.
 Reactive monitoring; measures failures in risk control. maximum 7 marks
 Provides opportunities to check performance, learn from
failures, and improve the health and safety management
systems.
 Injuries and work related ill health.
 Losses such as damage to property.
 Incidents including those with the potential to cause injury
(near misses).
 Hazards and faults.
 Weaknesses or omissions in performance standard and systems,
including complaints from employees and enforcement action
by the authorities.

b) Answers should include:

 The prevention of similar events occurring again. 1 mark for each point made.
 The prevention of business losses due to disruption Maximum 4 marks
immediately after the event, loss of production or business
through reputation.
 Improvement of staff morale and general attitude to health and
safety, particularly if they have been involved in the
investigations.
 Improving management skills to improve health and safety
performance throughout the organisation.
1 mark awarded for each
Question Answer Annotate Guidance
c) Answers should include: point made. Maximum 5
 To ensure that the organisation is operating in compliance with marks
legal requirements.
 That it forms an essential part of the MHSW regulation 5.
 Requirements to plan, organise, control, monitor and review
health and safety arrangements.
 To comply with the Woolf report on civil action which changed
the way cases are run.
 This ensures that a thorough investigation takes place. The
investigation also provides essential information for insurers in
the event of a liability claim.
1 mark for each point made.
d) Answers should include: Maximum 4 marks
 An understanding of how and why problems arose which
caused the incident/ accident.
 An understanding of the ways people are exposed to substances
or situations which can cause them harm.
 A snapshot of what really happens for example; why people
take shortcuts or ignore health and safety rules.
 Identifying deficiencies in the control of risks in the
organisation.
Question Answer Annotate Guidance
5 Wherever possible a senior staff member should be appointed to supervise and Syllabus reference:
coordinate emergency arrangements. a) Page 151, chapter 5,
a) Under HSE guidelines HSG245 define an accident. [2] Health and Safety
b) Under HSE guidelines HSG245 define an incident. [4] Management Systems
c) Identify the precautions to be taken by the supervisors in planning for 2 - Measuring, Audit
an emergency. [8] and Review.
d) Many organisations will only need to make the minimum first aid b) Page 151, chapter 5,
provision. However, when working in a higher risk environment first Health and Safety
aiders may need to be appointed. List the factors to consider should Management Systems
first aiders be required. [6] 2 - Measuring, Audit
and Review.
a) Answers should include: 1 mark for each bullet point c) Page 82, chapter 3,
 An event that results in injury maximum 2 marks Health and Safety
 Or ill health Management Systems
2 – Organising.
b) Answers should include: d) Page 83, chapter 3,
 Near miss- 1 mark for each bullet point, Health and Safety
 an event that, whilst not causing harm, has the potential to maximum 4 marks Management Systems
cause injury or ill health 2 – Organising.
 undesired circumstances;
 a set of conditions or circumstances that have the potential to
cause injury or ill health

c) Answers should include:

 Everyone on site can be alerted to an emergency 1 mark for each point made.
 Everyone knows what signal will be given for an emergency and Maximum 8 marks
knows what to do
 Someone who has been trained in what to do is on site and
ready to coordinate activities
 Emergency routes are kept clear, signed and adequately lit
 There are arrangements for calling the fire and rescue services
and to give them special information about high hazard work
 There is adequate access to the site for the emergency services
Question Answer Annotate Guidance
and this is always kept clear
 Suitable arrangements for treating and recovering injured
people are set up
 Someone is posted to the site entrance to receive and direct
the emergency services

d) Answers should include: 1 mark for each point made.

 Training for first aiders Maximum 6 marks
 Additional first aid equipment and the contents of the first aid
box
 Siting of first aid equipment to meet the various demands in
the premises, for example the layout and size of the building
 Informing local medical services of the site and its risks
 Any special arrangements that may be needed with local
emergency services
 First aid rooms provided that are easily accessible to stretchers
and to other equipment needed to convey patients to and
from the room
Question Answer Annotate Guidance
6 The types of incidents which need to be investigated and the level at which an
investigation must be conducted depends on the outcome of the incident.
a) State who should lead investigations and reasons why. [8]
b) Explain the levels of investigation as identified by the HSE. [12]

a) Answers should include: 1 mark for each point made. Page 153,chapter 5, Health
 Supervisors Maximum 8 marks and Safety Management
 Department managers Systems 4 - Measuring,
 Know about the situation Audit and Review.
 Know most about the employees
 Have a personal interest in preventing further
incidents/accidents affecting their people, equipment, area and
materials
 Can take immediate action to prevent a similar incident
 Can communicate most effectively with the other employees
concerned
 Can demonstrate practical concern for employees and control
over the immediate work situation

b) Answers should include:

Minimal level
 The relevant supervisor will investigate the circumstances
 learn lessons which will prevent future incidents
1 mark for each level in bold.
Low level
Maximum 3 marks.
 Short investigation by supervisor into the circumstances and
Further 2 marks under each
immediate underlying and root causes
level for expansion.
 Try to prevent recurrence and to learn any general lessons
Maximum marks awarded 12
Medium level
 More detailed investigation by supervisor, health and safety
advisor and employee representatives
 Focus on looking for immediate, underlying and root causes
High level
 Involve a team based investigation with supervisors, health and
Question Answer Annotate Guidance
safety advisors and employee representatives
 Carried out under the supervision of senior management and
will look for the immediate, underlying and root causes
Question Answer Annotate Guidance
7 a) Explain the differences between root and underlying causes giving three
examples of such causes. [8]
b) Describe benefits of asking the five whys as a simple root cause analysis.
[12]

a) Answers should include: 1 mark for a) Page 155-156, chapter 5, Health and
 Underlying causes are the less obvious system or organisational identifying Safety Management Systems 4 -
reasons for an accident or incident. the cause and Measuring, Audit and Review.
 Examples include: 3 additional
Pre-start up machinery checks were not made by supervisors. marks
The hazard had not been considered in the risk assessment. awarded for
There was no suitable method statement. examples
Pressures of production had been more important. given for each
The employee was under a lot of personal pressure at the time. cause.
Have there been previous similar incidents. Maximum 8
Was there adequate supervision, control and coordination of
the work involved?

 Root causes involve an initiating event or failing from which all

other causes or failing arise. Root causes are generally
management, planning or organisational failings.
 Examples include:
Quality of the health and safety policy and procedures.
Quality of consultation and cooperation of employees.
The adequacy and quality of communications and information.
Deficiencies in risk assessments, plans and control systems.
Deficiencies in monitoring and measurement of work activities.
Quality and frequency or reviews and audits.

b) Answers should include: 1 mark for b) Page 156, chapter 5, Health and
 Simplicity each bullet Safety Management Systems 4 -
It is easy to use and requires no advanced mathematics or tools. point in bold Measuring, Audit and Review.
 Effectiveness with an
Question Answer Annotate Guidance
It truly helps to quickly separate symptoms from causes and additional
identify the root cause of a problem. mark for
 Comprehensiveness expansion.
It aids in determining the relationships between various Total marks
problem causes. 12.
 Flexibility
It works well alone and when combined with other quality
improvement and troubleshooting techniques.
 Engaging
By its very nature, it fosters and produces teamwork and
teaming within and without the organisation.
 Inexpensive
It is a guided, team focused exercise, there are no additional
costs.
Question Answer Annotate Guidance
8 Working with electricity can be classed as high-risk work. All questions page 291, chapter 10, Electrical
a) Electrical safety is key within any work place. Describe the hazards Safety.
associated with electricity. [5]
b) Define what is meant by low voltage. [1]
c) Identify the steps to take for providing first aid to someone who has
received an electric shock from low voltage. [9]
d) State the main risk with high voltage electrocution. [1]
e) Describe the steps to taken upon discovering someone who has received
a high voltage shock [4]

a) Answers should include: 1 mark for

 Electric shock each bullet
 Electric burns point
 Electrical fires and explosions maximum
 Arcing marks 5
 Secondary hazards

b) Answers should include:

 A voltage normally not exceeding 600v ac between conductors 1 mark
and earth. available

c) Answers should include:

 On finding a person suffering from electric shock, raise the 1 mark
alarm by calling for help from colleagues, including a trained awarded for
first aider. each point.
 Switch off the power if it is possible and/or the position of the Maximum
emergency isolation switch if known. marks 9
 Call for an ambulance.
 If it is not possible to switch off the power, then push, or pull the
person away from the conductor using an object made from a
good insulator, such as a wooden chair or broom. Remember to
stand on dry, insulating material.
 If the person is breathing, place them in the recovery position so
Question Answer Annotate Guidance
that their airway is open and maintained.
 If the person is not breathing, apply CPR.
 Treat any burns by placing a sterile dressing over the burn and
secure with a bandage. Any loose skin or blisters should not be
touched. No lotions should applied to the burns.
 If the person regains consciousness, treat for normal shock
 Remain with the person until they are taken to hospital.

d) Answers should include:

 Death or fatality
1 mark
e) Answers should include: available
 Call the emergency services.
 If in contact with the electric supply or within 18 metres of the 1 mark
supply, then the casualty should not be approached by others available for
until this has been switched off. each point.
 This is due to the electricity arcing. Maximum
 The person wishing to provide help must consider their own marks 4
safety always.