Sample

Resource
Pack

NEBOSH
Health and Safety Management
for Construction (UK)
Unit NC1
 NEBOSH
Health and Safety Management
for Construction (UK)
UNIT NC1
Sample Contents

INTRODUCTION

SAMPLE - Element 4 - Musculoskeletal Hazards and Risk Control

• Lesson plan

• PowerPoint slides

• Textbook chapter

SAMPLE - Full contents of our Unit NC1 Textbook

RRC International
27-37 St George’s Road
London SW19 4DS
United Kingdom
T: +44 20 8944 3100
E: info@rrc.co.uk
W: www.rrc.co.uk
 NEBOSH
Health and Safety Management
for Construction (UK)
UNIT NC1
Introduction to the RRC Sample Pack

RRC's NEBOSH Trainer Packs have been designed to include all the resources you need to
deliver the NEBOSH Health and Safety Management for Construction (UK) course. The full pack - of
which this is a sample - includes the following resources:

• An electronic copy of the RRC student textbook (course notes) for the course, supplied for use by the
tutor as reference only.

• Daily lesson plans (MS Word) - a suggested breakdown of how the detailed subjects specified in the
qualification syllabus will be covered on each day of the course.

• Slides (MS PowerPoint) - full colour slides addressing the subjects specified in, and following the
structure of, the qualification syllabus.

Some third-party resources may be suggested in the Lesson Plans, or in the notes to the slides - for
example, video, footage, further reading, etc. These are not essential and they are not included as part of
the licensed Trainer Pack - it is up to the tutor to source the suggested material, should he or she wish to
do so.
This ‘Sample Trainer Pack’ contains a selection of pages from the lesson plan, a number of corresponding
slides, and the relevant pages from the course textbook. These pages and slides are representative of
the presentation, design and language of the full materials.

For more information, please contact RRC’s customer advisors on 020 8944 3100 or e-mail
info@rrc.co.uk.

RRC International
27-37 St George’s Road
London SW19 4DS
United Kingdom
T: +44 20 8944 3100
E: info@rrc.co.uk
W: www.rrc.co.uk
 NEBOSH
Health and Safety Management
for Construction (UK)
UNIT NC1
Sample Block Release Lesson Plan

RRC International
27-37 St George’s Road
London SW19 4DS
United Kingdom
T: +44 20 8944 3100
E: info@rrc.co.uk
W: www.rrc.co.uk
 a l
TIME DURATION CONTENT AND TUTOR ACTIVITY

ir
AIDS AND STUDENT

e
(MINS) EQUIPMENT ACTIVITY

t
10.45- 105 mins ELEMENT 4: EXCAVATION
12.30 4.1 Excavation work hazards and assessment Slides and Listen, take

a
• The hazards of work in and around excavations: buried services, falls of course notes notes, ask
people/equipment/material into excavation, collapse of sides, collapse of adjacent question

M
structures, water ingress, use of cofferdams and caissons, contaminated ground, toxic and
asphyxiating atmospheres, mechanical hazards
• Overhead hazards, including power lines (cross-reference to electricity)
• (Risk assessment: factors to consider (depth, soil type, type of work, use of mechanical

le
equipment, proximity of roadways/structures/etc, presence of public, weather, etc).
12:30 -
30 LUNCH BREAK

p
13:00
13.00- 105 mins 4.2 Control measures for excavation work Slides and Listen, take
14.45 • Controls: course notes notes, ask

m
o identification/detection and marking of buried services; safe digging methods question
o methods of supporting excavations (e.g. steel sheets, support boxes)

a
o means of access
o crossing points
o barriers, lighting and signs

S
o safe storage of spoil
o de-watering methods, including well points and sump points
o positioning and routeing of vehicles, plant and equipment
o personal protective equipment

C
• Particular requirements for contaminated ground (soil testing, welfare facilities, health
surveillance, etc.)

R
• Inspection requirements for excavations and excavation support systems

4.3 Safe working in confined spaces

R
• Types of confined spaces and why they are dangerous
• The main hazards associated with working within a confined space
 a l
•
•
What should be considered when assessing risks from a confined space
The precautions to be included in a safe system of work for confined spaces

ir
e
• When a permit to work for confined spaces would not be required

a t
M
le
p
a m
S
R C
R
 NEBOSH
Health and Safety Management
for Construction (UK)
UNIT NC1
Sample PowerPoint Slides

RRC International
27-37 St George’s Road
London SW19 4DS
United Kingdom
T: +44 20 8944 3100
E: info@rrc.co.uk
W: www.rrc.co.uk
 NEBOSH Health and Safety Management
for Construction (UK)
ir al
a t e
Element 4: Excavation

e M
p l
a m
S
R C
R
© RRC International
 ir al
a t e
e M
p l
4.1 Excavation Work Hazards
m
and Assessment
a
S
R C
R
© RRC International
 Buried Services
Striking Buried Services
ir al
t e
• Electricity cables.
• Gas pipes.

Ma
e
• Water mains.
• Phone and TV cables.
p l
Causing:
a m
• Electric shock.
S
R C
• Fire and explosion.

R
• Rapid flooding of excavation.
• Major business disruption to service users in the area.

© RRC International
 Falls of People/Equipment/Material into Excavation

People Falling In
ir al
t e
• Because of an unfenced edge.

a
• While climbing in or out from ladders or other access equipment.

M
Objects and Materials Falling Inle
m p
a
• Tools or materials.

S
• Vehicles driving too close.

R C
• Spoil (loose soil) stacked too close.

R
• Adjacent structures undermined by excavations.

© RRC International
 Collapse of Sides/Adjacent Structures
Problem compounded by:
ir al
• Inadequate support systems.

a t e
• Digging too close to, or under, foundations which support nearby
buildings.
e M
Causing:
p l
a m
• Walls fall back into excavation.

S
• Draw adjacent objects/people in.

R C
• People crushed below.

R
• Collapse of nearby buildings.

© RRC International
 Water Ingress
• From surface water, during heavy rain and snow.
ir al
t e
• From groundwater (a high-area water table), nearby rivers,

a
streams and watercourses (especially if breached).

M
• From a burst water main caused by the excavation activities.
e
p l
a m
S
R C
R
© RRC International
 Use of Cofferdams and Caissons

ir a
● Structures (usually watertight enclosures) pumped dry to allow l
t e
work to be carried out inside them below the waterline on bridge
building, etc.
a
e M
l
● Must be suitably designed and constructed to prevent the ingress
of water (or other materials),

m p
Sa
● Must be appropriately equipped to pump out water
● Must provide shelter and escape should water or materials enter it.

R C
● Must be inspected by competent person at start of every shift or

R
after any event affecting its strength or stability

© RRC International
 Contaminated Ground

ir al
• On sites that previously housed chemical works or storage areas.

t e
• Containing methane or hydrogen sulphide gas (from microbial
decay).
a
Areas include:
e M
• Petrochemical industry.
p l
• Steel or ironworks.
a m
•
S
Gasworks and power stations.
•
R C
Pits (mines) and quarries.
• Tanneries.
R
© RRC International
 Toxic and Asphyxiating Atmospheres

ir al
• From industries mentioned on previous slide, and from gases

e
used on site.

a t
• Heavier than air, gas such as LPG and carbon dioxide, can
infiltrate excavations.

e M
l
• Combustion gases from nearby generators and motor vehicles.
p
a m
S
R C
R
© RRC International
 Mechanical Hazards
From use of plant and equipment around
ir al
e
or in the excavation:

a
• Vibration from plant operating nearby t
causing collapse.

e M
persons.
p l
• Excavating machinery itself striking

a m
S
R C
R
© RRC International
 Overhead Hazards Including Power Lines

• Avoid work beneath overhead services.

ir al
• Identify services before work starts.
• Contact service providers.
a t e
• Divert or disconnect supplies.
e M
p l
Three situations arise in construction:

a m
• No scheduled excavation work or passage of plant to take place
under the lines.
S
R C
• Excavation plant and equipment will pass beneath the power

R
lines.
• Excavation work will take place beneath the power lines.

© RRC International
 Risk Assessment
Consider:
ir al
e
• Depth of excavation.

a t
• Soil type - varies from free-flowing sand to heavy clay. (Varies

M
from non-cohesive ground to cohesive tightly bonded rock.)

e
l
• Type of work, e.g. roadside, housing, laying pipes or cables,
p
m
trenches, pits.

a
• Use of mechanical equipment.
S
C
• Proximity to roadway, buildings, watercourses, etc.

• Weather.
RR
• Presence of the public/children.

© RRC International
 NEBOSH
Health and Safety Management
for Construction (UK)
UNIT NC1
Sample Course Material

RRC International
27-37 St George’s Road
London SW19 4DS
United Kingdom
T: +44 20 8944 3100
E: info@rrc.co.uk
W: www.rrc.co.uk
 Element 4

Excavation

l
ia
Learning Objectives
Once you've studied this element, you
should be able to:

er
1 Explain the hazards and risk assessment of
excavation work.

at
2 Explain the control measures for
excavation work.

M
3 Explain the hazards and risks associated
with confined space working and safe
working.
e
pl
m
Sa
C
RR

© RRC International Unit NC1 – Element 4: Excavation 4-1

 Contents

Excavation Work Hazards and Assessment 4-3

The Hazards of Work in and around Excavations 4-3
Overhead Hazards Including Power Lines 4-5
Risk Assessment 4-5

l
ia
Control Measures for Excavation Work 4-7
Controls 4-7
Particular Requirements for Contaminated Ground 4-12

er
Inspection Requirements for Excavations and Excavation Support Systems 4-13

Safe Working in Confined Spaces 4-15

Types of Confined Spaces and Why They Are Dangerous 4-15

at
The Main Hazards Associated with Working within a Confined Space 4-16
What Should be Considered when Assessing Risks from a Confined Space 4-18
The Precautions to be Included in a Safe System of Work for Confined Spaces 4-18
When a Permit-to-Work for Confined Spaces Would Not be Required 4-22

M
Summary 4-23 e
pl
m
Sa
C
RR

4-2 Unit NC1 – Element 4: Excavation © RRC International

 Excavation Work Hazards and Assessment 4.1

Excavation Work Hazards and Assessment

IN THIS SECTION...

l
ia
• The hazards of excavations include: striking buried services; people, objects or materials falling in; collapsing of
sides; collapsing of adjacent structures; flooding; using cofferdams and caissons; contaminated ground; toxic and
asphyxiating atmospheres; and mechanical hazards.

er
• Consideration should be given to overhead hazards, including power lines.
• Risk assessment factors to consider are: depth, type of soil, type of work, use of mechanical equipment, proximity
of roadways and structures, the presence of the public and weather conditions.

at
The Hazards of Work in and around Excavations
The following are hazards associated with excavation work.

M
Buried Services
Striking services such as high-voltage electricity cables, gas pipes, mains
water or other buried services (e.g. telephone and cable TV lines) can lead
to electric shock, arcing, burns, fire, gas explosion or rapid flooding of the
e
excavation, as well as major business disruption to service users in the area.

Falls of People/Equipment/Material into

pl
Excavation
Falls can happen:
m

• Because of an unfenced edge. A shallow excavation revealing a

collection of buried services
• While people are climbing in or out from ladders or other access
equipment.
Sa

• When tools or materials (bricks, timber, etc.) fall into an excavation onto persons, from an unprotected edge.
• When vehicles drive too close to the side of an excavation, collapsing the sides or tipping in.
• When spoil (loose soil) or stacked, loose sand is piled too close to the sides of an excavation.
• When adjacent structures (e.g. wall or scaffold) are undermined by an excavation and collapse in.
C

Collapse of Sides
Collapse occurs when the unsupported sides of an excavation slip and cave in (often due to poor support systems of
the excavation sides). Severe crush injuries can result from even relatively small collapses because soil is very heavy,
RR

especially when wet. Workers buried or trapped in soil can asphyxiate in minutes, and do not have to be completely
buried for this to occur; being buried up to the chest can lock the rib cage and have the same effect.

Collapse of Adjacent Structures

Digging too close to, or under, the foundations which support nearby buildings or structures may undermine their
support and cause collapse of the building or structure into the excavation. This would be even more dangerous if the
excavation itself were also to collapse.

© RRC International Unit NC1 – Element 4: Excavation 4-3

4.1 Excavation Work Hazards and Assessment

Water Ingress
Flooding can occur from:

• Surface water, during heavy rain or snow.

l
ia
• Groundwater (a high-area water table), nearby rivers, streams and watercourses (especially if breached).
• A burst water main caused by the excavation activities.

Use of Cofferdams and Caissons

er
These are structures (usually watertight enclosures) which are pumped dry to allow work to be carried out inside
them below the waterline on bridge building, etc.

They must be suitably designed and constructed to prevent the ingress of water (or other materials), or appropriately

at
equipped to pump out water, and provide shelter and escape should water or materials enter it. The cofferdam or
caisson must be inspected by a competent person at the start of every shift or after any event likely to have affected
its strength or stability.

M
e
pl
m
Sa

Cofferdams or caissons constructed to prevent the ingress of water

Contaminated Ground
C

Contaminated ground can:

• Be found on sites that previously housed chemical works or storage areas.

RR

• Contain methane or hydrogen sulphide gas (both from microbial decay).

4-4 Unit NC1 – Element 4: Excavation © RRC International

 Excavation Work Hazards and Assessment 4.1

Contaminants can be varied in range and include the following:

Industry Possible Contaminant

Petrochemicals Hydrocarbons, benzene, phenol, acids, alkalis

l
ia
Steel/iron works Iron, copper, zinc, asbestos
Gasworks/power stations Coal, sulphur, phenol, asbestos, cyanides
Pits/quarries Leachates, copper, zinc, lead, methane

er
Tanneries Anthrax
Miscellaneous industries Polychlorinated biphenyls, sulphates, metals, micro-
organisms

at
Toxic and Asphyxiating Atmospheres
Toxic and asphyxiating atmosphere are created from the industries mentioned in the table above and from gases used

M
on site. The hazards are that:

• Heavier than air, gas such as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and carbon dioxide, can infiltrate an excavation.
• The combustion gases from nearby construction equipment, such as diesel generators and motor vehicles, can
seep into excavations with the same effect.
e
Mechanical Hazards
pl
Mainly from the use of plant and equipment around or in the excavation:

• Vibration from plant operation may cause collapse.

m

• Excavating machinery itself may create hazards, such as striking persons in or around excavations.

Overhead Hazards Including Power Lines

Sa

Work beneath overhead services and power lines in particular should be avoided.

Before excavation work starts, all overhead services should be identified and any diversions or disconnections ensured
before excavation work begins. Service providers should be contacted to obtain accurate plans of supplies.

Three situations arise in construction work at overhead power lines:

• No scheduled excavation work or passage of plant to take place under the lines.
C

• Excavation plant and equipment will pass beneath the power lines.
• Excavation work will take place beneath the power lines.
RR

These situations, and appropriate controls, are discussed in detail in Element 10 ‘Electricity’.

Risk Assessment
Factors to Consider
Risk assessments should be carried out in accordance with the Management of Health and Safety at Work
Regulations 1999 (MHSWR), with due consideration to the excavation under the Construction (Design and
Management) (CDM) Regulations 2015.

© RRC International Unit NC1 – Element 4: Excavation 4-5

4.1 Excavation Work Hazards and Assessment

TOPIC FOCUS
Risk assessment - factors to consider:

l
• Depth of the excavation.

ia
• Soil type - this may vary from fine sand which can flow easily, to heavy clay which is much more cohesive.
• Three broad classes of ground exist:

er
–– Non-cohesive ground or light soil, e.g. sand or gravel, whose natural angle of repose when dry is
usually 45° or less.
–– Cohesive ground or heavy soil, e.g. stiff clay, whose natural angle of repose is about 60°.

at
–– Rock, whose natural angle of repose varies from about 80° for loosely bonded or light rock, to 90° for
tightly bonded heavy rock. Rock may, however, have steeply sloping clay planes which may fail, with
resulting collapse.
• Type of work involved, e.g. at the side of a road; in a housing development; laying pipes/cables; trenches;

M
pits.
• Use of mechanical equipment - the types being used.
• Proximity of the excavation to roadways, watercourses, structures, schools and hospitals.
e
• Presence of the public/children.
• Weather.
pl

STUDY QUESTIONS
m

1. What hazards are associated with work in and around excavations?

2. What factors should be taken into account with regard to risk assessments for excavations?
Sa

(Suggested Answers are at the end.)

C
RR

4-6 Unit NC1 – Element 4: Excavation © RRC International

 Control Measures for Excavation Work 4.2

Control Measures for Excavation Work

IN THIS SECTION...

l
ia
• Precautions must be taken to prevent persons falling into, or being injured while working in, excavations. General
precautions include:
–– Identifying buried services and using safe digging methods to avoid contact with them.

er
–– Supporting the sides of excavations to prevent collapse, and providing workers with suitable access and
egress, and crossing points to pass over excavations.
–– Barriers, lights and signs used to demarcate danger areas.

at
–– Spoil to be removed to and stored at a safe distance from the excavation to prevent it collapsing back in.
–– De-watering methods used to remove water from excavations.
–– Vehicles and materials on site to have special precautions applied to prevent them falling into or collapsing

M
the excavation.
–– Workers in excavations to wear items of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as hard hats and safety
footwear.
• When working in the vicinity of contaminated ground, testing is essential and extra welfare facilities should be
e
provided to accommodate workers (separate from normal site facilities). Health surveillance may be appropriate.
• Excavation supports are to be inspected before each shift and after any event that could affect the integrity of the
pl
excavation, and reports to be made and kept.

Controls
m

In common with other construction activities, control of the risks involved in excavation is based on effective
management. The CDM Regulations 2015 apply in this respect, and excavations must be carried out under the
supervision of a competent person.
Sa

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guide Avoiding danger from underground services (HSG47) provides further
detailed reading on this subject.

Identification/Detection and Marking of Buried Services

The location and configuration of underground services should be identified prior to work commencing. It may well
be possible to avoid cable routes at the planning stage of work. Before work starts, the following action should be
C

taken:

• Check any available plans.

• Contact local service providers and owners, such as electricity, gas, water, telecommunications or TV companies.
RR

• Survey the site and surrounding areas to identify indicators of the existence of cables, etc., e.g. streetlights or
junction boxes.
• Use cable locators with trained operators. Plastic and non-metallic underground services cannot be identified by
conventional locators, but could be identified by the use of metallic tracer wire laid with the pipe or by using a
signal transmitter inserted and pushed along the pipe itself.
The positions of known services should be marked on plans and also on the ground itself. All employees must receive
adequate information and instruction about the nature of the risks.

© RRC International Unit NC1 – Element 4: Excavation 4-7

4.2 Control Measures for Excavation Work

Where appropriate, arrangements must be made with the service providers to isolate the cables/pipes and ensure
that it is safe to work in the vicinity of them.

Safe Digging Methods

l
Safe digging methods include:

ia
• Using locators to determine the position and route of pipes or
cables (frequently using them during the course of the work).

er
• Keeping a careful watch for evidence of pipes or cables.
Remember that plastic pipes cannot be detected by normal
locating equipment.
• If contact is made with any unidentified service pipe or cable,

at
stopping work until it is safe to proceed.
• Regarding all buried cables as live until disconnected and proven
- pot-ended cables cannot be assumed to be dead or disused.

M
• Not using excavators and power tools within 0.5m of the
indicated line of a cable/pipe.
• Using hand digging when nearing the assumed line of the
cable/pipe.
e
• Using spades and shovels (preferably with curved edges to aid
scooping) rather than other tools, e.g. forks and picks.
pl
• Reporting any damage to the appropriate services and keeping Use of a cable detector
(Source: HSG47 Avoiding Danger from
personnel clear until it is repaired.
Underground Services, HSE, 2014
• Having an emergency plan to deal with such damage to pipes or (www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg47.pdf))
m

cables.
• Supporting exposed cables and pipes and protecting against damage by backfilling. They should never be used as
hand- and foot-holds.
Sa

Methods of Supporting Excavations

Excavation supports will prevent the collapse of the side walls of the excavation and allow work to continue
uninterrupted inside the workings. The type of support structure used will vary, depending on the:

• Type of ground being excavated.

• Length of time the excavation will be open and in use.
C

• Type of work being carried out.

• Groundwater conditions and potential for flooding.
RR

• Depth of the excavation.

• Number of people in the excavation.
Here are some examples of types of excavation supports.

4-8 Unit NC1 – Element 4: Excavation © RRC International

 NEBOSH
Health and Safety Management
for Construction (UK)
UNIT NC1
Full Unit NC1 Textbook Contents

RRC International
27-37 St George’s Road
London SW19 4DS
United Kingdom
T: +44 20 8944 3100
E: info@rrc.co.uk
W: www.rrc.co.uk
 Contents

Health and Safety Management for Construction (UK)

Introduction to the Certificate Course 1

ial
Element 1: The Foundations of Construction Health and
Safety Management

er
Morals and Money 1-3
Moral Expectations of Good Standards of Health and Safety 1-3
The Financial Cost of Incidents (Insured and Uninsured Costs) 1-3

at
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 1-6
Roles, Competence and Duties under the CDM Regulations 1-6
When the HSE Need to be Notified 1-10

M
Pre-Selection and Management of Contractors Including Third-Party Auditing Schemes 1-10
Effective Planning and Co-ordination of Contracted Work Including Interaction with Existing Staff 1-11
Health and Safety Planning 1-11

Type, Range and Issues Relating to Construction Activities 1-16

ple
Types of Work 1-16
The Need to Maintain the Stability of Structures 1-18

Site Assessment and Control Measures 1-19

Area of Site 1-21
Site Control Measures 1-22
m

Site Order and Security 1-27

Site Security 1-27
Sa

Safe Entry and Exit 1-27

Housekeeping Arrangements 1-28
Perimeter Fencing 1-28
Out-of-Hours Security Arrangements 1-30

Other Construction Issues Including Welfare Arrangements 1-32

Welfare Requirements 1-32
C

The Types of Temporary Accommodation Units (TAU) Required for Sites 1-33
Requirements of Location for TAU 1-33
Particular Construction Issues 1-34
RR

Summary 1-36

Exam Skills 1-37

3
 Contents

Element 2: Improving Health and Safety Culture and

Assessing Risk

ial
Health and Safety Culture 2-3
Meaning of the Term ‘Health and Safety Culture’ 2-3
Relationship Between Culture and Performance 2-3
Influence of Peers 2-5

er
How Human Factors Influence Behaviour Positively or Negatively 2-6
Introduction 2-6
Organisational Factors 2-7

at
Individual Factors 2-9
The Link between Individual, Job and Organisational Factors 2-12

Improving Health and Safety Culture 2-13

M
Gaining Commitment of Management 2-13
Promoting Health and Safety Standards by Leadership, Example and Disciplinary Procedures 2-13
Competent Workers 2-14
Good Communication within the Organisation 2-14
When Training is Needed 2-24
ple
Assessing Risk 2-27
Meaning of Hazard, Risk and Risk Assessment 2-27
Purpose of Risk Assessment and the ‘Suitable and Sufficient’ Standard it Needs to Reach 2-29
A General Approach to Risk Assessment 2-31
m

Application of Risk Assessment for Specific Types of Risk and Special Cases 2-45
Special Case Applications 2-45

Summary 2-49
Sa

Exam Skills 2-50

C
RR

4
 Contents

Element 3: Managing Change and Procedures

Managing Change 3-3

ial
Typical Changes Faced in the Workplace and Their Possible Impact 3-3
Managing the Impact of Change 3-3
Review of Change (During and After) 3-4

Safe Systems of Work for General Work Activities 3-5

er
Introduction 3-5
Why Workers Should be Involved When Developing Safe Systems of Work 3-6
Why Procedures Should be Recorded/Written Down 3-6
The Differences between Technical, Procedural and Behavioural Controls 3-6

at
Developing a Safe System of Work 3-6
Monitoring the System 3-8

Permit-to-Work Systems 3-9

M
Meaning of a Permit-to-Work System 3-9
Why Permit-to-Work Systems are Used 3-10
How Permit-to-Work Systems Work and Are Used 3-10
When to Use a Permit-to-Work System 3-13
ple
Emergency Procedures 3-15
Why Emergency Procedures Need to be Developed 3-15
What Arrangements Must be Made When Planning Emergency Procedures and First-Aid Provisions 3-16
Suitable Emergency Arrangements When Working Near Water 3-24
Continual Review of Emergency Procedures as a Build Continues 3-25
m

Inclusion of TAU within the Emergency Plan 3-25

Learning from Incidents 3-26

Sa

The Different Levels of Investigations (HSG245) 3-26

Basic Incident Investigation Steps 3-26
How Fatalities, Specific Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Must be Recorded and Reported 3-32

Summary 3-40

Exam Skills 3-41

C
RR

5
 Contents

Element 4: Excavation
Excavation Work Hazards and Assessment 4-3

ial
The Hazards of Work in and around Excavations 4-3
Overhead Hazards Including Power Lines 4-5
Risk Assessment 4-5

Control Measures for Excavation Work 4-7

er
Controls 4-7
Particular Requirements for Contaminated Ground 4-12
Inspection Requirements for Excavations and Excavation Support Systems 4-13

at
Safe Working in Confined Spaces 4-15
Types of Confined Spaces and Why They Are Dangerous 4-15
The Main Hazards Associated with Working within a Confined Space 4-16

M
What Should be Considered when Assessing Risks from a Confined Space 4-18
The Precautions to be Included in a Safe System of Work for Confined Spaces 4-18
When a Permit-to-Work for Confined Spaces Would Not be Required 4-22

Summary 4-23
ple
Element 5: Demolition
Demolition and Dismantling Hazards 5-3
Introduction 5-3
m

The Meaning of Deconstruction 5-3

The Meaning of Piecemeal Demolition 5-3
The Meaning of Deliberate Controlled Collapse 5-4
Selection of the Appropriate Method 5-4
Sa

Hazards and Control Measures Relating to Demolition and Dismantling 5-7

Purpose and Scope of Pre-Demolition, Deconstruction or Refurbishment Survey 5-16

Pre-Demolition Investigation and Survey 5-16
Duties of the Property Owner 5-17
Identification of Key Structural Elements Including Pre- and Post-Tensioned Components 5-18
C

Identification of Location and Type of Services 5-18

Identification, Significance and Extent of Any Dilapidation of the Structure 5-18
Review of Existing Documents 5-18
RR

Summary 5-20

6
 Contents

Element 6: Mobile Plant and Vehicles

Safe Movement of People 6-3

ial
Hazards to Pedestrians 6-3

Safe Use of Vehicles and Plant 6-5

Hazards from Workplace Transport Operations and Plant 6-5
Control Measures to Manage Workplace Transport 6-8

er
Work-Related Driving 6-18
Managing Work-Related Driving 6-18

at
Work-Related Driving Control Measures 6-21

Summary 6-26

M
Element 7: Working at Height
Working at Height Hazards and Controls 7-3
The Risks of Working at Height 7-3
ple
Approach to Working Safely at Height 7-5

Prevent a Fall From Occurring 7-6

Main Precautions Necessary to Prevent Falls and Falling Materials 7-6
Emergency Rescue 7-7
Provision of Training, Instruction and Other Measures 7-7
m

Safe Working Practices for Access Equipment and Roof Work 7-8
Scaffolding 7-8
Sa

Use of Equipment 7-20

Other Techniques 7-24
How Fall Arrest Equipment is Used and its Aims 7-25
Roof Work 7-27

Protection of Others 7-31

Introduction 7-31
C

Demarcation and Barriers 7-31

Tunnels 7-31
Signs 7-31
RR

Marking and Lighting 7-32

Sheeting 7-32
Netting 7-32
Fans 7-32
Head Protection 7-32

Summary 7-34

Suggested Answers to Study Questions

1
 Contents

Health and Safety Management for Construction (UK)

Element 8: Musculoskeletal Health and Load Handling

ial
Musculoskeletal Disorders and Work-Related Upper Limb Disorders 8-3
Introduction to Musculoskeletal Disorders 8-3
Meaning of Terms 8-3
Examples of Repetitive Construction Activities that Can Cause MSDs and WRULDs 8-4

er
Possible Ill-Health Conditions from Poorly Designed Tasks and Workstations 8-4
Avoiding/Minimising Risks from Poorly Designed Tasks and Workstations 8-5

Manual Handling Hazards and Control Measures 8-8

at
Introduction to Manual Handling Hazards 8-8
Common Types of Manual Handling Injuries 8-8
Good Handling Technique For Manually Lifting Loads 8-10

M
Assessment of Manual Handling Risks 8-11

Load-Handling Equipment 8-18

Introduction to Lifting and Moving Equipment 8-18
Hazards and Controls For Common Types of Load-Handling Aids and Equipment 8-19
ple
Requirements for Lifting Operations 8-29
Periodic Inspection and Examination/Testing of Lifting Equipment 8-30

Summary 8-32

Element 9: Work Equipment

m

General Requirements for Work Equipment 9-3

Introduction to the General Requirements for Work Equipment 9-3
Sa

Scope of Work Equipment 9-3

Providing Suitable Work Equipment 9-4
Preventing Access to Dangerous Parts of Machinery 9-5
When the Use and Maintenance of Equipment with Specific Risk Needs to be Restricted 9-15
Providing Information, Instruction and Training about Specific Risks 9-15
Why Equipment Should be Maintained and Maintenance Conducted Safely 9-16
C

Emergency Operations Controls 9-18

Hand-Held Tools 9-21

RR

Considerations for Selecting Hand-Held Tools 9-21

Hazards of a Range of Hand-Held Tools 9-22

Machinery Hazards and Control Measures 9-26

Consequences as a Result of Contact with Hazards Identified in ISO 12100:2010 9-26
Hazards and Controls of a Range of Site Equipment 9-30

Working Near Water 9-36

Additional Appropriate Control Measures 9-36

Summary 9-40

3
 Contents

Element 10: Electricity

Hazards and Risks 10-3

ial
Risks of Electricity 10-3

Control Measures 10-9

Protection of Conductors 10-9
Strength and Capability of Equipment 10-9

er
Protective Systems - Advantages and Limitations 10-9
Use of Competent People 10-12
Use of Safe Systems of Work 10-12
Emergency Procedures 10-14

at
Inspection and Maintenance Strategies 10-15

Control Measures for Working Underneath or Near Overhead Power Lines 10-20

M
Legal Requirements for Working Near Power Lines 10-20
Preventing Line Contact Accidents through Management, Planning and Consultation 10-20
Use of Barriers to Establish a Safety Zone When Working Near Overhead Lines 10-21
Means of Safely Passing Underneath Overhead Lines 10-22
Key Emergency Procedures for Contact with an Overhead Line 10-23
ple
Control Measures for Working Near Underground Power Cables 10-24
Planning the Work 10-24
Using Cable Plans 10-24
Use of Service Locating Devices 10-25
Safe Digging Practices 10-25
m

Use of Appropriate Tools, Locating Devices and Route Planning When Undertaking Excavation Work 10-26

Summary 10-27
Sa

Element 11: Fire

Fire Principles 11-3
The Fire Triangle 11-3
Classification of Fires and Electrical Fires 11-4
C

Basic Principles of Heat Transmission and Fire Spread 11-4

Common Causes and Consequences of Fires within the Construction Industry 11-5

Preventing Fire and Spread 11-8

RR

Control Measures to Minimise the Risk of Fire Starting in a Construction Workplace 11-8

Fire Alarms and Fire-Fighting 11-15

Common Fire Detection and Alarm Systems 11-15
Portable Fire-Fighting Equipment 11-16
Extinguishing Media 11-18
Access for Fire and Rescue Services and Vehicles 11-19

Summary 11-21

4
 Contents

Element 12: Chemical and Biological Agents

Hazardous Substances 12-3

ial
Introduction to Forms, Classification and the Health Risks from Hazardous Substances 12-3
Forms of Chemical Agent 12-3
Forms of Biological Agents 12-4
Health Hazards Classifications 12-4

er
Assessment of Health Risks 12-7
Routes of Entry 12-7
What Needs to be Taken into Account When Assessing Health Risks 12-10
Sources of Information 12-11

at
Limitations of Information Used When Assessing Risks to Health 12-13
Role and Limitations of Hazardous Substance Monitoring 12-14
Purpose of Occupational Exposure Limits and How They Are Used 12-19

M
Control Measures 12-22
The Need to Prevent Exposure 12-22
Adequately Control Exposure 12-22
Principles of Good Practice 12-23
ple
Common Measures Used to Implement the Principles of Good Practice 12-24
Additional Controls for Carcinogens, Asthmagens and Mutagens 12-34

Specific Agents 12-36

Health Risks, Controls and Likely Workplace Activities/Locations Where They Can be Found 12-36
Health Risks from and Controls for Working with Asbestos 12-41
m

Duty to Manage Asbestos 12-42

Summary 12-49
Sa
C
RR

5
 Contents

Element 13: Physical and Psychological Health

Noise 13-3

ial
Introduction to Noise 13-3
The Physical and Psychological Effects of Exposure to Noise 13-3
Commonly Used Terms in the Measurement of Sound 13-5
When Exposure Should be Assessed 13-5
Comparison of Measurements to Exposure Limits Established by Recognised Standards 13-6

er
Basic Noise Control Measures 13-7
Purpose, Application and Limitations of Personal Hearing Protection 13-8
Role of Health Surveillance 13-10

at
Vibration 13-11
The Effects on the Body of Exposure to Vibration 13-11
When Exposure Should be Assessed 13-12

M
Comparison of Measurements to Exposure Limits Established by Recognised Standards 13-14
Basic Vibration Control Measures 13-15
Role of Health Surveillance 13-16

Radiation 13-17
ple
Differences Between Types of Radiation and their Health Effects 13-17
Typical Occupational Sources of Radiation 13-21
Basic Ways of Controlling Exposure to Radiation 13-22
Basic Radiation Protection Strategies 13-24
The Role of Monitoring and Health Surveillance 13-25
m

Mental Ill Health 13-27

The Frequency and Extent of Mental Ill Health in the Construction Industry 13-27
Recognising Common Symptoms 13-27
Causes of and Controls for Mental Ill Health 13-29
Sa

Recognition That Most People with Mental Ill Health Can Continue to Work Effectively 13-31
Organisations That Provide Support 13-32

Violence at Work 13-33

Introduction to Violence at Work 13-33
Types of Violence At Work 13-33
C

Effective Management of Violence at Work 13-35

Substance Abuse at Work 13-38

RR

Risks to Health and Safety from Substance Abuse at Work 13-38

Managing Substance Abuse at Work 13-39
The HSE suggests the following approach for managing substance abuse at work. 13-39

Summary 13-41

Final Reminders
Suggested Answers to Study Questions