UNIT IGC2: CONTROL OF INTERNATIONAL WORKPLACE HAZARDS

Element 1: Workplace hazards and risk control

1. Office workers are to relocate into new premises. Excluding welfare facilities Outline factors
associated with the new workplace that should be considered when reviewing the health and safety
requirements of workers (8)
Factors to consider when reviewing health and safety requirements of office workers relocating to new
promises includes sufficient space to carry out the work and to move around with respect to meeting
the demands of the job to be performed; seating arrangements considering ergonomic requirements
where possible and such seating arrangements are stable and provide good lumbar support along with
foot rest if required; Ventilation requirements such as availability of clean and fresh air sufficient
enough for the number of occupants ;Lux level lighting with no flickering or stroboscopic effects
where natural lighting cannot be achieved or demanded for the work purpose, availability of
emergency lighting such as at evacuation areas or fire escape routes, Maintenance of suitable
temperature at workplace in particular for sedentary workers ;Controls of noise by means of sound
proof and acoustic materials ;provision of escape route and sufficient exits that are well designed with
adequate width and lit with uninterrupted power supply . Plant layout should be considered,
Emergency procedures should be developed&implemented,Firefighting equipment‟s and their usage
procedures, Layout of Vehicles and pedestrians routes, Machinery guards and safety devices, Working
hours pattern/Shift System.

2. Outline the minimum welfare requirements to be provided in the workplace (8)

The minimum welfare requirements that need to be provided in the workplace by the employer are :
Sufficient wholesome drinking water mentioning with clear signage ;Sanitary conveniences separate for
men and women and should be maintained in hygienic condition at all times; Washing facilities close to
sanitary conveniences,Changing rooms separate for men and women close to washing facilities, Sufficient
locker facilities to accommodate the clothing and separate locker facilities for nurses, doctors or sewage
workers or in generally vulnerable workers, Resting and separate eating facilities with sufficient seating
arrangements and provision for to make their own hot food and drinks.

3. Identify the factors to consider when assessing the adequacy of lighting within an open plan office (8)

Factors to be considered includes whether sufficient lux level should be achieved to perform the task as
indicated by local codes of practice (500 lux for works requiring perception of fine details- HSG38) is
available, Provision of natural lighting during day time; Adjustability of lighting level to suit the level of
detail required and the visual acuity of workers; Elimination of Flickering/stroboscopic effects to prevent
nuisance ;lux level requirement to ensure for the workers that they could see the materials and distinguish
between colors; whether lighting design take account for constraints imposed by the layout of the office
plan ( for e.g. an open plan office may have large windows with different lighting requirement;
consideration of emergency lighting on the emergency escape routes connected to generator/battery;
Emergency lighting on every part of the office where connected to generator/battery when power breaks
down; Intrinsically safe lighting/local lighting needs( Using battery lights) to be considered in the place of
storage of flammable liquids /substances ; Maintenance & Replacement of bulb and repair of fittings;
consideration of suitable location in every part of the office where necessary also consideration to avoid
reflections and glare that might dazzle or temporarily disable workers.

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4. Outline precautions that should be taken in order to minimize the risks to persons working at sub-zero
temperatures in cold stores (8)
Precautions that can be taken are , Identifying the worker with known ailments by carrying out health
surveillance before allowing them to work in cold stores, Avoiding draught in the cold stores to prevent
flow of breeze ,provision to open the door from inside the cold stores. Automatic shutdown of cooling
system when a person stays inside more than a specified time limit by means of implementing a
sensor/protective appliance, means of raising an alarm from inside the store if any emergency situation
arises or may be the person feels he is trapped , access to warm refuge , warm hot food/drinks, minimize
the exposure time by limiting the time inside the cold storage, Provision of PPE such as warm woolen
clothing with adequate face cover and appropriate gloves , Training for the people using cold stores for
the risk involved and action to be taken in emergency , Frequency of breaks and job rotation ,treat icy
floors in the cold stores to avoid slip hazard .

5. Workers who deal with the public may be subject to violent behavior.

(a) Give the meaning of the term „work-related violence’. (2)

Any incident, in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances relating to their
work.

(b) Identify the groups of people who are at risk of “work related violence”. (8)

• Cash handlers – any work that involves the handling of quantities of cash or valuables puts workers
at risk of violence associated with robbery.
• Lone working – any lone working that takes the worker into urban areas or puts them in contact with
members of the public at remote or private locations.
• Representing authority – any work where the worker represents authority, such as police, traffic
wardens, etc.
• Wearing a uniform – uniforms are often seen as a symbol of authority, but even where they are not
workers may still be singled out for abuse.
• Dealing with people under stress – when people are under stress they are less capable of handling
their emotions and can lose control.
• Dealing with people under the influence of drugs and alcohol, or with mental health problems,
when normal inhibitions on behavior have been affected.

(c) List the occupations are at risk of violence (6)

 Hospital Accident and Emergency Staff
 Police
 Social workers
 Bus and Taxi Drivers
 Fire- fighters and paramedics
 Traffic Wardens
 Railway Staff
 Estate Agents
 Bank Cashier /Manager
 Doctors
 Lawyer/Attorney
 Receptionist

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d) Give reasons why a member of the public may behave violently towards a worker (6)

 No organizational procedures such as queue or token system exist.

 Aggressive personality due to suffering from an active or dormant psychiatric illness.
 Member of the public may be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
 Immature personality( e.g. young person)
 Delay in service due to technical reason. (E.g. Due to software update, insufficient speed of
internet etc.)
 Ineffective communication/announcement due to lack of PA facilities.
 Unpleasant environment e.g. background noise, poor lighting, inadequate ventilation etc.

e) Identify prevention strategies an organization could consider to reduce the risk violence
towards workers. (8)

 Zero tolerance policy and prosecution of offenders.

 Security staff.
 CCTV cameras.
 Security doors between public areas and staff areas.
 Minimize queues and waiting times.
 Clear announcements about waiting times.
 Providing good quality service.
 Diffusing aggression.
 Screens between staff and public.
 Panic alarms.
 Pleasant environment.
 No lone working in certain high risk areas .
 Keeping records of past incidents and vetting customers.
 Visit-logging with supervisor.
 Pre- and post-visit telephone calls.
 Training for staff on how to deal with violence.
 Lone working procedures to be followed as advised by the management.
 Break-away techniques (self-defence).
 Always having a means of communication (e.g. mobile phone).
 No visits after dark by female workers such as nurses/medical practitioners.
 Parking in secure areas.
 Not carrying cash or valuables.

6. The influence of drugs on workers in the workplace can have a significant effect on health and safety.

(a) Identify possible reasons why a person may be in possession of drugs in the workplace (4)

 Due to work pressure/To Overcome stress/Overcome Fatigue( such as person who does
strenuous work .
 Loneliness(Working alone/Lone workers)
 Regular habit/Addicted.
 Prescription- Certain drugs are legal and medically prescribed by doctors such as pain killers
etc.

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 (b) Outline control measures that an employer could take in order to reduce the misuse of drugs in the
workplace. (8)
 Rules restricting access to alcohol in the workplace or during working hours.
 Statutory legal requirements prohibiting workers from being under the influence of drugs and
alcohol.
 Non-statutory requirements prohibiting workers from being under the influence of drugs and
alcohol that have been set by the employer.
 Arrangements for any random drugs and alcohol testing those workers will be subject to.
 Arrangements for workers to have access to rehabilitation and treatment programmes if they
admit to having a problem.
 Disciplinary procedures for workers, who refuse assistance, refuse to be tested or who fail a
test.
 Provision of information, instruction and training to workers, supervisors and managers.

7. (a)Identify the types of hazard that may cause slips or trips at work. (or)
Identify four hazards that can cause slip and trips. (4)

 Smooth floor surfaces that are inherently slippery (e.g. polished marble) and Wet because
of spills or cleaning operations.
 Contamination of a floor with a slippery contaminant (e.g. fat or leaves).
 Frost and ice (e.g. outside pavements in winter or the floor in a freezer).
 Note that a person‟s footwear can make a big difference to how vulnerable they are to
slipping on a floor.
 Uneven or loose floor surfaces (e.g. broken paving slab; poorly-laid floor mat).
 Trailing cables (e.g. the flex of a vacuum cleaner).
 Objects on the floor (e.g. a bag left on the floor).
 Insufficient lighting

(b)Outline how slips and trip hazards in the workplace might be controlled. (4)

Slip resistance surface: All floor surfaces where people may walk should be designed to ensure an
appropriate level of slip-resistance. (e.g. by applying a non-slip resin /carpet to an existing floor).
Spillage control and drainage: Floors and pedestrian routes should be designed and constructed to
withstand foreseeable spillages. Such spillages might simply be of water (e.g. drinks), but in other
instances might be of oil, fuels (e.g. diesel).
Warning signs and boards: Clearly visible and easily understood signs and markings should be provided
so that pedestrians (even those unfamiliar with the workplace) are made aware of hazards and what they
must do to avoid them. Signs should conform to relevant standards.
Good level of lighting in the workplace where spillage can be observed and to housekeep them
immediately to prevent slip hazard.

(c).Outline measures that should be taken to prevent slip and trip hazards in an engineering workshop.(4)

The measures that should be taken to prevent slip and trip hazards in an engineering workshop are :

 Ensuring that the cables are trailed over the ceiling and sufficient sockets are introduced to avoid
connecting to an extension boxes or covering cables that cross walkways.
 Avoid placing box/stacking of boxes which can obstruct/block the emergency exit or other doors.
 Good housekeeping conditions at all times.

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  Securing ( tacking,taping etc.)mats,rugs and carpets that do not lay flat.
 Adequate lux level lighting at all times.
 Anti- slippery boots/footwear as a mandatory PPE when working in the engineering workshop.
 Floors should be at same level and distance between the each staircase also the same level to
avoid misconception that may lead to trip and fall.
 Selecting non slippery tiles
 Training to all workers in the topic of Slip and Trip and its factors to cause them and its potential
consequence

8.(a) Identify why accidents may occur in the staircase (6)

 Poor lighting
 Not using hand rails
 Not following rules (e.g. Running)
 Improper footwear
 Spillages
 Insufficient treads and risers/Uneven Risers .
 Slippery surfaces

b. List EIGHT design features or safe practices intended to reduce the risk of accidents on staircases
used as internal pedestrian router within work premises (8)
 Adequate width
 Provision of handrails
 Dimensions of treads and risers.
 Provision of landings.
 Provision for disabled persons.
 Possibility of using a lift as an alternative.
 Avoid the need to carry large or heavy items up or down stairs
 Appropriate footwear – low heels.
 Provision of non-slippery surfaces.
 Good level of lighting.

9.(a)Identify the main hazards that may be present during the demolition of a building. (8)

 Premature collapse of structures.

 Working at height hazards such as falling of objects/materials.
 Plant and machinery hazards.
 Contact with live overheads.
 Contact with buried services.
 Asbestos.
 Dust.
 Movement of vehicles.
 Explosives.
 Noise and vibration.
 Hazardous substances from previous use of the building.
 Biological hazards from vermin or stagnant water.

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  Sharp objects, including glass and nails from the demolition, or syringes left by
trespassers.
 Manual handling.

b. A three meter deep trench has to be dug across a car park.

i. Identify hazards associated with the work. (10)
 Contact with underground services
 Collapse of the excavation's sides
 Materials falling onto people working in the excavation
 People and vehicles falling into the excavation
 People being struck by plant
 Flooding due to rain or collapse of drainage pipelines
 Soil collapse/Caving in .
 Improper access and egress
 Exposure to hazardous gases such as methane etc.
ii. Outline control measures that could be implemented to reduce the risk. (10)

Battering - the sides of the excavation can be sloped back (battered) at an angle that is
sufficiently shallow that the soil will not slip.
Shoring - the sides of the excavation can be supported (shored) with metal or timber that is fixed
in place inside the excavation.
Trench box - the sides of the excavation can be temporarily supported by a metal box that can be
lifted into the excavation and moved along to give a protected work area.
Barriers should consist of guard-rails (as for a scaffold work platform) to prevent people
falling in, and toe boards to prevent objects being kicked down into the excavation.
Good lighting (both within the excavation and at the edges) and signage should be provided.
Long excavations should be provided with crossing points (bridges) that should be similarly
guarded in with barriers and toe-boards.
Access to the excavation should be achieved by properly positioned and secured ladders.
Ladders should extend 5 rungs above the edge of the excavation to give a secure stepping off
point. They should be routinely inspected.

10 . Identify EIGHT safe working practices that should be considered to reduce the risk when using a
mobile tower scaffold. (8)
 Guard-rail fitted to the work platform.
 Tower must not be overloaded.
 Wheels should be chocked & locked when the tower is in use.
 Tower must be sited on firm, level ground.
 People and materials should not remain on the tower when it is moved.
 Care should be taken to avoid overheads when the tower is moved.
 Outriggers should be used where necessary to ensure stability.
 People should not climb up from the outside of the tower.
 Tower must be erected by trained workers and should be thoroughly inspected by
competent scaffold inspector prior to use.

11. Repair work is to be carried out on the roof of a school.

i. Identify control measures to reduce the risks to roof workers. (6)

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  Fragile roofs should be clearly marked and signage should be placed.
 The safe working method for fragile roofs is usually by the use of roof ladders or
crawling boards.
 These are laid across the roof surface, supported by the underlying load-bearing roof
members, and distribute the load of the worker over a wide area, enabling the roof
structure to sustain the load safely.
 Access equipment must be maintained correctly to ensure stability. This must be carried
out by a competent person and is often subject to statutory requirements, e.g. inspection
frequencies.
 Personal protective equipment, such as harnesses and helmets.
 Health condition of the individuals

ii. Identify TWO control measures to reduce the risks to other persons. (2)

 Construction sites almost always have a risk of falling objects so they should be
mandatory hard hat areas.
 Collective protection systems, such as safety nets and air bags.
 Warning signs
 Barricade the area

12. Identify factors to consider when assessing the adequacy of lighting within an open plan office. (8)
 Availability of natural light ,
 Light levels should be adjusted to suit the level of detail required and the visual acuity of
the workers.
 Local lighting, such as spotlights positioned above machinery, might be required to give
higher levels of light on critical areas.
 Lighting must be arranged to avoid reflections and glare that might dazzle or temporarily
disable.
 Lighting must be arranged to avoid the creation of shadows that might obscure areas and
create risk.
 Flickering should be avoided to prevent nuisance and in particular the “stroboscope
effect”.
 Lighting must be suitable for the environment (e.g. intrinsically safe lighting used in a
flammable atmosphere).

13. An independent tied scaffold is to be erected on a building in a busy town center location.
(a) Outline the precautions that should be taken in order to reduce the risk of injury to members of the
public during erection and use of the scaffold. (8)

• Guard-rail fitted to the work platform.

• Tower must not be overloaded.
• Tower must be sited on firm, level ground.
• People and materials should not remain on the tower when it is moved.
• Care should be taken to avoid overheads when the tower is moved.
• Outriggers should be used where necessary to ensure stability.
• People should not climb up the outside of the tower.

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 • Tower must be erected by trained workers.

(b) Outline the inspection requirements for an independent tied scaffold. (8)

• When they are first erected.

• After any substantial alteration.
• After any event that may affect their stability, e.g. after being struck by a vehicle or after high
winds.
• Periodically (typically weekly).
• Inspection must be carried out by a competent person .
Points to check would include:
• Condition of the tubes (especially standards).
• Tying and bracing are of enough in quantity for stability.
• Condition of the working platform.
• Edge protection (guard-rails, toe-boards).

14. Identify ways in which accidents may be prevented when using portable ladders as a means of access.
(8)

• Site on a solid, flat base so that the feet do not sink into the ground. Weight should only be
supported on the styles, never on the rungs.
• Angle of the ladder should ideally be 75° to the horizontal or at a ratio of 1:4 distance away
from the wall to height (1 out: 4 up).
• Top of the ladder must rest against a solid support.
• Ideally the ladder should be secured at the top.
 Do not site or handle near live overheads.
• If this is not possible, then guy ropes should be attached and secured to firm supports.
• If this is not possible, ladder should be “footed” by someone standing on the bottom rung.
• Top of the ladder should extend far enough above the level of the working position or the
platform onto which it provides access to provide a safe handhold. The stepping off point should
be safe and clear.
• Only one person should climb on the ladder at any one time.
• Nothing should be carried in the hands while climbing, so that both hands are free to grasp the
styles.
• Wooden ladders should not be painted as this can hide defects.

15. Emergency rescue procedures should be considered when planning to work at height.
i) Give reasons why a person may need to be rescued when working at height. (4)
A person may need to be rescued as he could have been suspended from the working
platform and hanging with the help of fall arrester /safety harness/lifeline , When they cannot
help themselves, the rescue operation should commence as quick as possible, otherwise it
could lead to panic condition , headache, increase in hear beat rate, shivering, pale/redness of
and prolonged suspension could lead to condition called “ orthostatic intolerance” or “
Suspension Trauma” that may require hospitalization of person , Hence the rescue operation
should start as quick as possible as soon as the person are suspended while working at height.
ii) Identify methods that could be used to rescue a person when working at height. (4)
 Using access equipment such as ladders, MEWP or scissor lifters ;

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16. Identify factors that may increase the risk of injury to workers who need to walk through the
warehouse. (8)
• Unclean floors and walkways.
• Smooth floor surfaces
• Wet because of spills or cleaning operations.
• Contamination of a floor with a slippery contaminant uneven or loose floor surfaces (e.g.
broken paving slab; poorly-laid floor mat).
• Trailing cables (e.g. the flex of a vacuum cleaner).
• Objects on the floor (e.g. a bag left on the floor).
• Pedestrian walkways that require pedestrians to walk in vehicle traffic routes (e.g. in a
warehouse or car park).
• Areas where people have to work adjacent to moving vehicles (e.g. road works; loading
bays).
• Inadequate Lighting for safe movement through a workplace and lights should therefore be
routinely inspected and replaced/repaired as necessary.
• Noise levels should be kept as low as possible to enable pedestrians to hear any
communications (such as tannoy announcements or shouts of warning), alarms (such as a fire
alarm) and hazards (such as approaching vehicles). High noise level in the warehouse will
increase the overall risk to the workers.
• During maintenance activities relating to environmental considerations (lighting, noise, dust)
will increase the risk.

17. Mobile Tower scaffolds should be used on stable level ground. Outline the additional factors that
should be considered for the safe use of mobile tower scaffold. (8)

 Guard-rail fitted to the work platform.

 Tower must not be overloaded.
 Wheels should be locked when the tower is in use.
 Close boarding of working platforms – minimizing gaps between scaffold boards or placing
sheeting over the boards so that material cannot fall through.
 Tower must be sited on firm, level ground.
 People and materials should not remain on the tower when it is moved.
 Care should be taken to avoid overheads when the tower is moved.
 People should not climb up the outside of the tower.
 Tower must be built by trained workers.
 Weather conditions

18. (a) Outline reasons why a person could be injured when using mobile elevated working platform. (4)
 Improper ground condition
 Unprotected edge
 Overturning of MEWP
 Vehicle collision
 Bad weather condition
 uninformed movement
 collide with adjacent or overhead obstruction
(b) Outline precautions to reduce the risk of injury when using MEWP (4)
 Never drive with raised cradle
 Avoid overloading
 Guard rails should be fitted properly

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  Sufficient clearance from obstructions
 Vehicles sited in firm ground condition
 Periodic maintenance and inspection to be done.

19. Identify the precautions to be taken when using a mobile elevating platform (MEWP) to reach a high
point as a streetlight. (8)
 Vehicle sited on firm, stable ground.
 Sufficient clearance from obstructions and overheads when operating.
 Barriers around MEWPs to prevent it being struck by vehicles or mobile plant.
 Barriers also act to keep people out from underneath the cradle.
 Guard-rails incorporated into the cradle.
 Safety harnesses worn as an additional backup.
 Controls of the MEWP should be inside the cradle so that the person actually working at
height has some control.
 Not driven with the cradle raised unless specifically designed to do so.
 Must not be overloaded.
 Must be inspected as an item of lifting equipment designed to carry people.
 Use restricted to trained, authorized staff only.

20. Light bulbs in the roof space of a busy warehouse are to be replaced by maintenance workers using a
Mobile elevating work platform (MEWP)

(a) Outline possible hazards associated with this task (8)

Hazards associated with use of MEWPS:
• Personnel falling from the working platform
• Objects falling/dislodged from the working platform.
• Collapse/overturning (toppling) of the MEWP due to uneven ground/excavated areas .
• Struck/Collision with other plant/vehicle,
• Contact with live overheads or other obstructions.
• Unauthorized use/using during heavy wind, Over-reaching to carryout work or transferring
of personnel from the working platform can lead to fall of personnel/materials.

b)Outline control measures to be taken to help ensure the safety of the maintenance workers and others
who may be affected by the work. (12)
Safety precautions for use of MEWPs:

• Vehicle sited on firm, stable ground

• Sufficient clearance from obstructions and overheads when operating.
• Barriers around MEWPs to prevent it being struck by vehicles or mobile plant
• Barriers also act to keep people out from underneath the cradle.
• Guard-rails incorporated into the cradle. Safety harnesses worn as an additional backup.
• Controls of the MEWP should be inside the cradle so that the person actually working at
height has some control.
• Not driven with the cradle raised unless specifically designed to do so.
• Must not be overloaded.
• Must be inspected as an item of lifting equipment designed to carry people.
• Use restricted to trained, authorized staff only.

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21.A ladder has been identified as the most appropriate item of work equipment when working at height
(a) Outline features of the ladder that would help ensure that it is suitable for working at height (2)
Top of the ladder should extend far enough above the level of the working platform (1m
above) and the ladder should be constructed of sound materials and no broken rungs/styles exists.
(b) Outline reasons why a worker could fall from the ladder during use. (6)
Toppling of the ladder perhaps due to heavy wind, guy ropes not attached for stability or not
supported on the solid surface, Ladder has not been angled correctly to 75degree, Ladder was not
placed on the firm, level ground, Over-reaching to carry out the work may cause instability or
perhaps side on working, Not maintaining three points of contact, Perhaps due to incompetency
of the worker carrying out working at height using ladder.

22.Outline control measures that can be implemented in order to reduce the risk of violence to workers
in an accident and emergency department of a hospital. (8)

• Zero tolerance policy and prosecution of offenders.

• Security staff.
• CCTV cameras.
• Security doors between public areas and staff areas.
• Minimize queues and waiting times.
• Clear announcements about waiting times.
• Training for staff, e.g.
• Providing a good quality service.
• Diffusing aggression.
• Screens between staff and public.
• Panic alarms.
• Pleasant environment.
23. Periodic Maintenance on a large item of machinery will require workers to work at height.
(a)Outline factors that should be considered when assessing the risks of working at height (4)
• Nature and duration of the task to be carried out.
• Level of competence of the persons to be involved.
• Training that may need to be provided
• Planning and level of supervision required
• Means of access and egress.
• Suitability of the equipment to be used, and its maintenance.
• Use of working platforms, guard-rails and toe- boards.
• Personal protective equipment, such as harnesses and helmets.
• Whether a fall-arrest system is required, or netting.
• Weather conditions.
• Health condition of the individuals (e.g. vertigo or a heart condition).
• Compliance with relevant regulations.
• Finally, adequate supervision must be provided to ensure that the controls developed at the
planning stage are implemented in practice.

(b) Outline precautions that could be taken in order to help reducing working at height risks (8)
Avoiding Work at Height: All work at height should be risk assessed. The best way of managing
the risks inherent in work at height is to eliminate the need to work at height entirely. This can be
achieved by modifying a work process, e.g. cleaning windows from the ground by pole cleaning
rather than off ladders.

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 Preventing fall and Falling: Provide a safe working platform with guard-rails, fences, toe-boards,
etc. that are strong enough to prevent a fall. Where this is not possible or reasonable, provide
properly installed personnel equipment such as rope access or boatswain's chairs If this is not
possible and a worker can approach an unprotected edge, provide equipment which will arrest falls,
such as a safety harness or safety net.
Prevention of injury caused by falling materials: Prevent materials from falling using physical
safeguards such as toe-boards and brick-guards. If risk remains use physical safeguards to prevent
falling objects from hitting people below, such as debris netting, fans (wooden shielding angled to
catch debris) and covered walkways.
Work Platforms: Work platforms (e.g. on a scaffold tower) should be: Sufficiently large to allow
safe use. Capable of bearing the loads imposed upon them. Fully boarded to prevent gaps that could
present tripping hazards to allow materials or people to fall through.
Suspended Access Equipment: Suspended access equipment usually consists of a suspended cradle
lowered into position from above. The cradle can be fully guarded in with guard-rails and toe boards
to provide a safe work platform. In some instances it is not practicable to use this sort of equipment
and then it may be necessary to use personal suspended access equipment such as a boatswain's
chair.
Emergency Rescue: Emergency procedures need to be developed for reasonably foreseeable events
where workers might become trapped whilst working at height (e.g. cannot climb back after falling
m safety harness).The method of rescue may well be simple, such as putting a ladder up to a net and
allowing the fallen person to descend In other circumstances, the use of other work equipment may
need to be considered, such as mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) or proprietary rescue
systems.

Minimising distance and Consequences of a fall

Fall Arrest: If it is not possible to provide a safe work platform with guard-rails and toe-boards, or
an alternative means of safe access (such as suspended access equipment), and workers might fall
from height, then it will be necessary to provide some form of fall arrest. Fall arrest comes in two
main forms (a) Collective protection systems, such as safety nets and air bags, (b) Personal
protective systems, such as a fall arrest harness.
Training and Instruction : Workers should be trained in order to work at height safely; but the
exact content of the training will depend upon the nature of the work and the access methods or
controls used
Head Protection: Construction sites almost always have a risk of falling objects so they should be
mandatory hard hat areas. A hard hat protects the wearer from severe head injury as a result of
impact from small objects, It will not protect the wearer from heavy impact as might occur if the
object is very large and heavy (e.g. a scaffold tube) or is dropped from a great height (e.g. a hammer
from 10 storeys up). Effective alternative methods should therefore be used to prevent such falling
objects.

(C) Outline control measures that may be required for the safe maintenance of the machinery (8)
• Maintenance should only be carried out by competent staff.
• Power sources should be isolated and physically locked off (secured).
• Stored power should be released or secured to prevent accidental discharge.
• Where power cannot be isolated additional precautions required are:
- Cover live parts with insulating material.
- Use additional PPE such as insulated tools and rubber gloves.
• If dangerous moving parts have to be accessed additional precautions required are:
- Run at very slow speed rather than normal operating speed.

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 • Fit maintenance guards that have been made specifically to allow minimum access to
required areas only.
• Precautions should be taken to allow safe access, especially when working at height such as
safety harness/fall arresters
• Handling aids and equipment should be used to reduce manual handling risk.

24. An organization is to temporarily increase the size of its workforce due to product demand
Outline requirements of the workplace that will need to be considered with reference to health, safety and
welfare of the entire workforce (8)
Minimum welfare standards:
Drinking water : Access to wholesome drinking water, when non potable water is also available
then supplies should be clearly labeled to distinguish between the two.
Sanitary conveniences : access to a sufficient number or sanitary conveniences (WCs) for the
number or workers present with separate facilities for men and women. They should be protected
from the weather and adequately clean, lit and ventilated. Special provision should be made for
the disabled.
Washing facilities - access to suitable washing facilities by sanitary conveniences, changing
facilities and as required in work areas. Showers may be necessary if the work is dirty, strenuous
or involves potential contamination with hazardous substances. Washing facilities should have
hot and cold (or warm) running water, soap and towels (or other means of drying).
Changing rooms - suitable changing facilities if workers have to change into special work wear
and this involves significant undressing. These should be adequately lit, clean and ventilated, with
separate facilities for men and women.
Accommodation for clothing - lockers or other storage facilities where workers have to change
for work so that their personal clothing can be kept clean and secure. Separate storage for dirty
work clothing may be necessary to prevent cross-contamination.
Resting and eating facilities - access to suitable rest areas where workers can take a break from
work. Such areas should have sufficient seating and be away from hazardous work areas,
allowing workers to remove PPE and relax. Eating facilities should be provided so that food can
be eaten in a hygienic environment If hot food is not provided at work then basic facilities might
be provided so workers can make their own hot drinks and food Non-smoking facilities should
be available to protect workers from second-hand smoke. (Note that smoking in workplaces is
tightly regulated by statute law in many countries.)
Work Environment Requirements
The workplace environment should be designed and regulated as far as is possible to ensure
safety and freedom from health risk.
Space - provision of adequate space to allow workers to perform the task safely.
Seating - provision of appropriate seating, seats should be stable, with a backrest and footrest
where appropriate.
Ventilation - provision of a sufficient supply of fresh or purified air.
Heating - maintenance of a reasonable temperature in the workplace. Note that workers carrying
out hard manual work will prefer a cooler workplace than those doing sedentary work.
Lighting - provision of adequate lighting.
Noise - provision of controls to reduce excessive noise if necessary.

25.A stepladder has been selected as a suitable item of work equipment to access a high shelf.
Outline safe working practices that would reduce the risk of a fall from height when using the
stepladder (8)

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 Carry out a daily check of the step ladder prior to use,Ensure that the ladder is fully open,
Ensuring that the locking device in place and used ,Use step ladder on a firm, level ground that is
not slippery, Work should be not carried out on the top off two steps , Avoid over-reaching ,
Avoid side on working , Holding of ladder by a person underneath to give additional support ,
carry necessary tools in a pouch which can be fitted around the waist to avoid going down for
getting tools .

26. a) Identify types of object that could fall and hit a person below,when work is carried out at height (3)
• Scaffold boards due to heavy wind,
• Bricks due to inadequate edge protection ,
• Slates dislodged from a roof during roof work.
(b) Outline precautions that could help reduce the risk of falling objects when work is carried out at
height (5)
Use of physical safeguards such as toe-boards and brick guards, Use of debris netting to discard
the debris at height which could be collected at the bottom for safe removal, Safe means of
hoisting materials required by use of hoists/brick guards, Use of safety nets, Tool box talk and
training for the workers who is carrying out work at height, also good level of supervision.

27. Contractors are to carry out maintenance work on a roof of a building and working at height cannot be
avoided.
Outline control measures that should be considered in order to help reduced the risk of injury and ill-
health to contractors and others (8)
Control measures that should be considered include use of crawling board/ladder and ensure it is
secured tightly at different anchoring points and Assessing and identification of any fragile part of the
roof and clearly mark them with signage; Carrying out risk assessment and develop and implement
permit to work and safe system of work;Assessing the level of competency of contractor workers ,
ensuring only the experience and trained workers are carrying out the maintenance task; Use of
physical guards such as guard rails and toe-boards at the edges of roof to prevent falling of workers
and materials onto the ground, use of debris netting to collect the materials on the ground where
dispose of any materials which is of not necessary tools can be sent via net , use of safety nets around
the roof to hold the personnel/materials falling on to the ground level, use of Safety belts with lanyard
and connected to anchoring points ; Adequate planning of maintenance work and it must be carried out
under the supervision; Barricade/Seal the area to limit the access to only authorized personnel;
Provision of good level of supervision/security guards in place to prevent the trespassers/children to
enter the area, Provision of warning signage around the work area includes Maintenance work under
progress, Speed limit etc .

Element 2: Transport hazards and risk controls

1. Identify measures to reduce the risk to pedestrians and vehicles in the work place. (5)

As part of the risk assessment, transport hazards must be identified and assessed
 The provision of designated safe crossing points and refuges
 Fitting vehicles with audible or visual alarms for example to give warning of a reversing
operation
 The use of a banksmen to ensure safe vehicle movement in areas where pedestrians are likely
to be present
 Ensuring a good standard of visibility by the provision of mirrors, transparent doors and
CCTV

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  The introduction of a speed restriction on vehicles; the use of trained and authorized drivers
particularly for forklift trucks
 The provision and use of high visibility personal protective equipment such as safety jackets.
 Provision of a good standard of lighting which avoids the possibility of glare.

2. Identify precautions that should be taken when leaving a fork-lift truck unattended or Identify rules
that should be followed by a driver when leaving a forklift truck unattended during a work break (8).

• Parking forklift truck on a firm level surface and also chocking the wheel using wheel
stopper.
• Park in a designated area.
• The truck must not be left in a position where it could not obstruct the emergency exits,
walkways or fire points, and must be parked away from other vehicles.
• The truck should be left with the mast tilted slightly forward and forks resting on the floor to
make sure that it is stable and not likely to overturn.
• The truck must not be left until the hand brake has been applied and the power switched off.
• Where a start key is used, the key must be removed and returned it to a responsible person, as
appropriate.
• If LPG forklift, then gas valve must be turned off.

3. a) Outline why a vehicle may not be able to stop effectively (4)

• Lack of proper / adequate braking system
• Over speeding
• Vehicle been operated by Incompetent driver .
• Lack of proper maintenance of the vehicle.
• Chance of oil spillage on the road / Slippery Surface.

b) Outline activities associated with vehicles when they are not moving that could result in risk
of injury (4)
• Loading, e.g. When doing manual handling jobs like loading crates from a truck
• Unloading e.g. When unloading crates from a truck
• Securing – When workers climb onto the vehicle in order to secure the load could
lead to fall hazard.
• Coupling – When vehicles are attached to other towed equipment there is a potential
of collision and crushing.
• Maintenance Work – while doing maintenance work either on top or underneath the
vehicle.

4. Outline the precautions that might be needed to ensure the safety of pedestrians in vehicle
maneuvering areas. (8)
• Segregated systems for vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
• Appropriate road markings.
• Maintaining good visibility (mirrors, provision of lightings etc.,)
• Audible warnings for vehicles.
• The drawing up and enforcement of site rules.
• The provision of refuges.
• The wearing of high visibility clothing.
• A good standard of housekeeping.
• Training for, and supervision of, all concerned.

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5. Outline the means by which the risk of accidents from reversing vehicles within a workplace
can be reduced (or) Outline control measures to help reduce the risk of accidents from reversing
vehicle in a workplace. (8)
• Avoidance of reversing by implementing one way traffic systems.
• Segregation of pedestrians and vehicles or the provision of refuges.
• Good vehicle selection so that drivers have adequate visibility.
• Provision of audible reversing alarms and flashing beacons.
• Provision of mirrors at blind spots to see approaching pedestrians.
• Use of high visibility clothing.
• Ensuring that the area is well lit.
• Provision of banks men.
• Training for drivers and pedestrians working in the area.

6. Forklift trucks are operating in a busy workplace.

Identify suitable control measures to reduce the risk of collision with workers (8)

• Selection and Suitability of forklift for their intended use.

• Suitable for the environment and conditions in which they are used.
• Maintained in safe working order.
• Only driven by suitably trained, qualified staff.
• Inspected routinely before use.
• Provision of audible reversing alarms and flashing beacons.
• Provision of mirrors at blind spots to see approaching pedestrians.
• Separate access routes for forklift truck and workers by means of segregation.

7.(a) Identify fixed objects that could struck by a moving vehicle in a workplace. (4)
 Buildings
 Walls
 Tower cranes
 Signage
 Barricaded structures
 Scaffold
(b) Outline control measures to reduce the risk of vehicle hitting fixed objects. (4)
 Adequate lighting should be provided inside the workplace
 Convex mirror should be maintained at the blind corners
 Proper sign boards should be installed wherever necessary
 Proper barricading over fixed objects
 Good selection of vehicle which has good visibility .
 Speed limit should be maintained.

8.(a)Outline control measures that could be implemented in order to reduce the risk of pedestrians in a
warehouse where separate traffic routes cannot be provided. (8)

 Appropriate road markings.

 Maintaining good visibility (mirrors, provision of lightings etc.,)
 Audible warnings for vehicles.
 The drawing up and enforcement of site rules.
 The provision of refuges.

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  The wearing of high visibility clothing.
 Training for, and supervision of, all concerned.

b)Outline three control measures to segregate pedestrians and vehicles in the work place. (3)

 Vehicle free zones - it may be possible to eliminate the hazard by creating pedestrian only areas.
 Pedestrian free zones – since pedestrians are usually the group at greatest risk during vehicle
maneuvering operations, it may be possible to eliminate them from certain parts of the workplace.
 Traffic route layout – good design of roads and routes can be used to keep vehicles at a distance
from pedestrian walkways and other vehicles. One-way systems are an effective method of
reducing the risk of vehicle/vehicle collisions.

9)Outline control measures that would help reduce the risk of a worker being hit by a moving vehicle
in a workplace. (8) (or) A vehicle traffic route needs to be established on a construction site, Outline
control measures that should be considered for a suitable traffic route (8) (or) Outline control
measures that could be used to help reduce the risk to pedestrians in vehicle maneuvering areas (8)

• Vehicle free zones - it may be possible to eliminate the hazard by creating pedestrian only
areas.
• Pedestrian free zones - is nee pedestrians are usually the group at greatest risk during
vehicle maneuvering operations; it may be possible to eliminate them from certain parts of
the workplace.
• Vehicle traffic route layout - good design of roads and routes can be used to keep vehicles
at a distance from pedestrian walkways and other vehicles. One way systems are an
effective method of reducing the risk of vehicle/vehicle collisions. Reversing should be
eliminated where possible through the introduction of one-way systems and turning
circles where appropriate.
• Segregation of vehicles and pedestrians - wherever possible pedestrians should be provided
with a separate walkway. It may be necessary to barrier this route to provide additional
physical protection in some situations (such as in loading bays), safe havens should be
provided that pedestrians can retreat into during vehicle movements.
• Where barriers cannot be used segregation might be achieved by marking pedestrian
walkways on the floor.
• Separate site and building entrances should be provided for vehicles and pedestrians so
that they are not forced into close proximity at these bottlenecks.
• Speed limits should be set for traffic routes and then clearly indicated by s1gnage, and
enforced. Traffic calming measures such as speed bumps might be used where experience
shows there is a problem with vehicles speeding.
• Banks men may be used to ensure that vehicle manoeuvres in the vicinity of pedestrians are
earned out safely.
• Crossing points may be implemented to allow pedestrians to cross traffic routes safely.
• Good visibility is essential, so that drivers have unobstructed views from their vehicles.
Blind spots should be eliminated by careful traffic route design; where this is not possible,
aids such as mirrors, CCTV and transparent doors should be provided.
• Good standards of lighting should be present on traffic routes.
• Appropriate signage should be used to alert vehicle drivers to hazards on their route (such as
lower overheads).
• Whilst barriers can protect pedestrians from vehicles, they can also be used to protect
structures which might be at risk of damage or collapse in the event of a collision, e.g. In a
warehouse racking may be protected with barriers at vulnerable locations.

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 • The surface of the traffic route must be suitable for the vehicles using it, with attention paid
touts strengths and stability, grip characteristics and drainage.
• Gradients should be avoided, but if this is not possible, must not exceed the capabilities of
the vehicle using the traffic route

10. Following the introduction of forklifts trucks into a workplace, several collision have occurred

Give reasons why the physical layout of the workplace may have contributed to the collisions (8)

• Poor design of vehicle entrance and exit points, such as the forklift truck entrance point from an
outside yard area into a workshop
• Poor design of pedestrian walkways and crossing points,
• Bottlenecking of vehicles through these routes.
• Presence of blind spots (places that the driver cannot see) no convex mirrors in place on the blind
corner,
• Change in light levels that usually occurs (from brightly lit to dark and gloomy, or the reverse) -
the driver's eyes takes a while to adapt to the new light level.
• No separate access for pedestrians and forklift trucks,
• Perhaps no designated traffic routes or marked walkways for pedestrians,
• Height of overhead structures may be too small that could have led to collision,
• Perhaps the route of forklifts may be steeper or sloppy surface ,
• Inadequacy of lighting in forklift maneuvering areas/Strobe effect lighting,
• Perhaps deep curves,
• Perhaps lack of designated parking areas for forklift or parking forklift in the vehicle or
pedestrian route.

11. During redecoration work, temporary access is to be provided for office workers through an external
storage area where vehicles are operating.

Outline control measures that should be put in place in order to reduce the risk of injury to the office
workers when using this temporary access (8)

• Vehicle free zones - it may be possible to eliminate the hazard by creating pedestrian
only areas.
• Pedestrian free zones - pedestrians are usually the group at greatest risk during vehicle
maneuvering operations, it may be possible to eliminate them from certain parts of the
workplace.
• Vehicle traffic route layout - good design of roads and routes can be used to keep vehicles at
a distance from pedestrian walkways and other vehicles. One way systems are an effective
method of reducing the risk of vehicle/vehicle collisions. Reversing should be eliminated
where possible through the introduction of one-way systems and turning circles where
appropriate.
• Marking pedestrian walkways on the floor.
• Separate site and building entrances should be provided for vehicles and pedestrians so that
they are not forced into close proximity at these bottlenecks.
• Speed limits should be set for traffic routes and then clearly indicated by s1gnage, and
enforced. Traffic calming measures such as speed bumps might be used where experience
shows there is a problem with vehicles speeding.

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 • Banks men may be used to ensure that vehicle maneuvers in the vicinity of pedestrians are
earned out safely.
• Crossing points may be implemented to allow pedestrians to cross traffic routes safely.
• Good visibility is essential, so that drivers have unobstructed views from their vehicles.
Blind spots should be eliminated by careful traffic route design; where this is not possible,
aids such as mirrors, CCTV and transparent doors should be provided.
• Good standards of lighting should be present on traffic routes.
• Appropriate signage should be used to alert vehicle drivers to hazards on their route (such
as lower overheads).
12. (a)Outline protective measures that would help reduced the risk of vehicle colliding with people or
structures in a workplace (3)
Segregation of Pedestrian and vehicle by means of physical barrier ;Design and Implementation of one –
way traffic system to avoid reversing ;Traffic route layout for pedestrians and Vehicles; Separate
Entrance and Exit for Vehicle and Pedestrians; Design of adequate width of roads for vehicle route and
maintenance of roads at all times. Provision of crash barriers; Provision of radar sensors to warn drivers if
reversing too near to an object where necessary; Apply control system to prevent vehicles from moving
(e.g. Hand Brake) while leaving the vehicle unattended.

(b) Outline site rules that would help reduced the risk of vehicle colliding with people or structures in a
workplace (5)
Site rules that would help to reduce the risk of vehicle colliding with people of structures include;
Never Drink and Drive/Do not Drink and Drive.; Never run a red signal/Stop at red signal/Follow the
traffic lights at various juncture.; Follow the Lane marks/traffic route for vehicle &pedestrians; Do not
Cross the Speed Limit/Follow the Speed Limit at juncture as mentioned in the sign board; Follow the road
markings (For e.g. Go Slow) ;Follow give way rules for pedestrians;Sound warning devices when going
through doorways, around blind corners or when starting to reverse.

13.In order to improve the safety of pedestrians in vehicle maneuvering areas of a workplace, Identify
rules that should be followed by:

(a) Drivers: (4)

 Never Drink and Drive/Do not Drink and Drive.

 Never run a red signal/Stop at red signal/Follow the traffic lights at various juncture.
 Follow the Lane marks/traffic route for vehicle.
 Do not Cross the Speed Limit/Follow the Speed Limit at juncture as mentioned in the sign board
 Follow the road markings (For e.g. Go Slow)
 Follow give way rules for pedestrians
 Sound warning devices when going through doorways, around blind corners or when starting to
reverse.
 Reverse the vehicle with the help of spotter/banks man.
 Pre-use inspection of vehicle includes reverse alarm, condition of braking system, mirror, lights ,
hydraulic systems, horn and tyre pressure .
(b) Pedestrians: (4)

 Follow the crossing point given for pedestrian, Cross only when right of way for pedestrians ( for
e.g. Zebra crossing points)
 Walk on pavements made for pedestrians ( For e.g. Kerbs)

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  Follow the mandatory signs ( for e.g. wearing of Hi-Vis clothing or reflexive jackets on vehicle
maneuvering areas)
 Follow the pedestrian lane or route designated at all times
 Follow warning signs at various juncture includes “Beware of Forklift truck” or Following the
traffic signals at Blind corners
14. a. Identify the ways in which a driver may be injured while driving a forklift truck (3)
Collision caused with other vehicle/stationary objects due to over speeding; Overturn of forklift truck due
to exceeding the safe working load or driving with the load elevated/raised forks; Collision with the
kerbs/at the corners/blind spots due to lack of lighting or uneven tyre pressure.

(b)Outline features of a forklift truck that could help reduce the risk of a driver being injured (5)
Features of a forklift truck that could help reduce the risk of a driver being injured include;
Mechanism that prevents forklift from starting when the driver is not restrained/engaged by seat belt or
other devices ;Speed limiters to reduce the maximum speed of a forklift depending on the load, the height
of the load and turning radius; Load weighing devices supplied as standard equipment to warn or indicate
when exceeds the safe working load; Incorporated with swivel seats where practicable on forklifts to ease
the back strains caused to operators while turning to look behind; Automatic operation of audible warning
while reversing; Provision of hand brake when stopping the forklift truck in sloppy/inclined areas.

15. (a) Outline control measures that would allow a vehicle to reduce speed and stop safely (4)
Speed retarders to reduce the speed at various junctures includes blind corners/ zebra crossing points;
Warning sign includes Speed limit/Go Slow to be followed on different lanes or at different junctures (for
e.g. Goal posts above overhead obstructions; Maintenance of vehicle to ensure the effective braking
condition; Provision of Speed limiters to reduce the maximum speed of a forklift depending on the load,
the height of the load and turning radius

(b) Other than reducing speed, Outline control measures that would help to reduce the risk of vehicles
colliding with fixed objects (4)
Apply hand brake when the vehicle is parked and the wheel is chocked using wheel stopper to prevent the
unintended movement of vehicles when parked/stopped at inclined surfaces; Restrict the use of vehicle to
competent licensed driver; Provision of good level of lighting at all areas where operation of vehicle
involved ;Adequate width of roads for the safe movement of vehicles ; Provision of crash barriers where
stationary/fixed objects exist , Physical limiters to adjust the height of vehicle that can eliminate the
collision with any overhead projections .

16. Outline ways in which forklift truck may become unstable during operation (8)
Raising the forks too high with the load; Driving too fast while cornering; Collision with the kerbs or on
the fixed/stationary objects; Aggressive braking by the driver; Driving close to pit /excavated zones;
Driving across the inclined/sloppy surfaces ;Operating when the tyre pressure is not even ;Driving over
the potholes.
17. Outline why a person may be unaware of an approaching vehicle when walking through a workplace
(8)
The vehicle could be a battery operated where it gives away reduced/less amount of sound for a person to
be heard of; Blind spot or corner may exist; Hearing disability of the person hence did not hear the horn
of the vehicle; Person may be new to the workplace could be a visitor /new employee; Workplace was too
noisy were sound/horn of the vehicle was not heard through; Person may be using ear plug/ear muff while
walking around; No warning signs such as “ Vehicle maneuvering areas”/”Vehicle Zone”; Person may
be communicating over the phone or radio .Any obstructions placed in a way that obstructs the view of an
approaching vehicle; Low illumination .

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18) Identify eight rules to be followed to minimize the risks of forklift overturning (8)

Not over speeding especially while cornering of the Fork lift truck; Not exceeding the safe work load; Not
elevating the fork than the optimum level while carrying load; Carrying out pre use check like Even tyre
pressure; eliminating the driving across the slopes with the load; Ensure stability by evenly loading the
forks with the consideration centre of gravity and weight of the load; Forklift truck should only be
operated by qualified and licensed drivers; Never park the forklift truck on the inclined /sloping surfaces .

19) Identify issues that should be included in training programme for vehicle (8)
Issues that can be included in the training programme for vehicle are:
Type of vehicles to be used for different work activity; Pre – use inspection of vehicle and why it is
necessary to inspect the vehicle and what need to be checked while carrying out user checks prior to use
of vehicle; Accident reporting system and why accident must be reported; Different routes to be followed
for work related driving task; consequences of previous vehicle accidents; site traffic rules to be followed
at all times and course of action for offenders of the site rules; Defect reporting system for both vehicles
and roads ; Maintenance of vehicle and why vehicle should be maintained at regular intervals . Schedule
of refresh training at regular intervals for drivers.

20) Identify markings, warnings and signs that could be used to reduce the risk of vehicle incidents in
the workplace (8)

 Markings include Proceed left, Proceed right, Proceed ahead, Zebra crossing points.
 Warning signs includes Speed limit signs, No U- Turn , No Right turn, No left turn , Stop signs
at ( Pedestrians crossing points e.g. Zebra crossing ) , No pedestrians, No vehicles etc.
 Signs includes
-Rectangular sign ( Blue, Green and White in color) – This is to pass information ( for e.g.
Parking for vehicles )
- Circles sign( Red and Blue) – To give orders ( For e.g.- No entry for vehicles/Speed limits you
must not exceed 30KMPH)
- Triangle sign- To warn generally (For e.g. Road narrows on both sides /Pedestrian crossing)

Element 3: Musculoskeletal hazards and risk control

1. A worker is manually loading boxes of components onto metal shelves.

(a)Identify four types of injury that worker could suffer while carrying out this activity Or List four
specific types of injury that may cause by the incorrect manual handling of loads. (4)
 Tendon and ligament injuries
 Muscle injuries
 Hernias
 Work-related upper limb disorders (WRULDs)
 Cuts, burns, dislocation and broken bones

(b).Identify factors in relation to the task that will increase the risk of injury. (8)
 At what height is the load being picked up, carried or put down
 Is the task very repetitive
 Is there a high work-rate
 Is a long carrying distance involved

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  Does the task involve stooping (worker has to keep their legs straight and bend their
back) to move the load
 Does the task involve twisting (turning the shoulders while the feet stay still)
 Can rest breaks be taken as the worker requires them
 Does the task involve lifting the load through a vertical distance
 Does the task involve reaching above shoulder height
 Does the task involve the worker holding the load away from their trunk (torso).

2. (a).Outline a good handling technique that could be adopted by a person required to lift a load from
the ground. (6)
Employees should be trained in basic safe lifting technique. This technique minimizes the risk of
musculoskeletal disorders.
 Before lifting
–– Check the weight and stability of the load.
–– Plan the route of the carry.
–– Establish a firm grip.
 The lift
–– Bend the knees and use the leg muscles to lift.
–– Keep the back upright.
–– Keep the load close to the body.
–– Avoid twisting, over-reaching, jerking.
 Setting down
–– Use the same principles as when lifting.
–– Maintain good balance.
–– Set the load down and then adjust its position using body weight.

(b) Give TWO examples of how a manual handling task might be avoided. (2)
Using mechanical aids such as the following the manual handling task can be avoided

• Forklift Trucks
• Hoists
• Conveyors
• Cranes

3. Outline the precautions that should be taken when using mobile cranes. (8)

• Ensuring that the load to be lifted is within the safe lifting capacity of the crane – safe
lifting capacity will vary with the length of the jib and the distance away from the crane
that the jib is positioned to (radius), so capacity can vary from one lift to the next.
• Carefully siting the crane on even, stable ground in a safe position away from structures
or overheads that might be struck during the lifting operation.
• Using the outriggers correctly.
• Checking that the crane has been maintained and has a certificate of thorough
examination in accordance with local laws.
• Restricting use of the crane to trained and competent operators only.
• Ensuring that each lift is planned and supervised by a competent person and that the
driver and slinger are competent.
• Providing a banks man to give directions to the crane operator with good means of
communication between driver and other operators.

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 • Ensuring that safety devices such as overload indicators are operational and are used
correctly, these devices are frequently disabled or ignored by the crane operator.
• Checking that there are no obstructions such as buildings or overhead lines in the vicinity
of the lift.
• Checking weather conditions and obeying any manufacturer‟s recommendations about
maximum wind speed.

4. Battery powered fork-lift trucks are used to move materials in a warehouse lift trucks.
Identify FOUR hazards associated specifically with battery-powered fork lift trucks. (4)

 Charging batteries emit hydrogen gas which is explosive.

 Batteries contain dilute sulphuric acid which is corrosive.
 Batteries are extremely heavy and present a manual handling risk if they have to be
changed for charging purposes.
 The electricity can cause arcing, shock, burns or fire.
 Battery contents are an environmental hazard requiring appropriate disposal.
 Battery-powered vehicles can be very quiet or almost silent, increasing the risk of
collision with pedestrians.
 Battery leads can short and result in burns and electric shock.

5. Outline the specific causational factors that may have contributed to Work Related Upper Limb
Disorders (WRULD). (20)
(Or) Outline factors to be considered when carrying out a manual handling assessment of the
work of baggage handlers at a large, busy airport (8)

Manual handling risk assessment based on four main factors:

 The task.
 The load.
 The environment.
 Individual capabilities

The task:
 At what height is the load being picked up, carried or put down
 Is the task very repetitive
 Is there a high work-rate
 Is a long carrying distance involved
 Does the task involve stooping (worker has to keep their legs straight and bend their
back) to move the load
 Does the task involve twisting (turning the shoulders while the feet stay still)
 Can rest breaks be taken as the worker requires them
 Does the task involve lifting the load through a vertical distance
 Does the task involve reaching above shoulder height
 Does the task involve the worker holding the load away from their trunk (torso)
The load:
The load can be assessed by asking questions such as:
 How heavy is the load?
 How large and bulky is the load?
 Is the load an easy shape to lift?

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  How stable is the load?
 Where is the centre of gravity (C of G) of the load?
 Is the load difficult to grip? (or does it have handles)?
 Is the load hot, sharp or otherwise hazardous?
The Environment:
The environment can be assessed by asking questions such as:
 Are there restrictions on the space available?
 Is the floor surface slippery or uneven?
 Are there changes in floor level (steps, stairs, etc.)?
 What are the light levels like?
 What is the temperature and humidity?
The Individuals:
Individual capabilities can be assessed by asking questions such as:
 Does the activity require unusual ability? Some handling activities require unusual
strength, stamina, size or technique.
 Does the activity present significant risk to vulnerable individuals such as pregnant
women or people with pre-existing back injuries?
6. Outline the measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of Work Related Upper Limb Disorders. (8)
 Control repetitive handling by introducing frequent rest breaks or job rotation to
minimize the length of time that an individual worker has to perform the task.
 Eliminate stooping and twisting by changing the layout of the workstation.
 Use a table or lift to bring the load to waist height to eliminate picking up from floor
level.
 Break down a heavy load into smaller parts.
 Use several workers to handle a large, bulky load rather than just one.
 Stabilize an unstable load by securing it or putting it into a container.
 Mark up a load with an Centre of Gravity ( C of G) so that workers can see where the
C of G is.
 Attach handles to a load that is difficult to grasp.

7. Outline the main factors to be considered when doing ergonomic assessment of a DSE workstation (8)
(Or) Outline the factors that could contribute towards the development of work‐related upper limb
disorders (WRULDs) among workers at a supermarket checkout (8)
Task Factors:
 Repetition – the need for repetitive movements when carrying out the task (e.g.
typing for several hours).
 Force – the physical force required to perform the task and the strain this puts on the
body (e.g. closing stiff catches on a machine).
 Posture – any requirement to adopt an awkward posture (e.g. stooping over into a bin
to pick out contents).
 Twisting – any twisting action required by the task (e.g. twisting the wrist when
using a screwdriver).
 Rest – the potential for the worker to rest and recover from any fatigue (e.g. a worker
on a production line cannot stop the line; they have to keep working even when
fatigued).
Environment Factors:
 Lighting – the availability of natural and artificial light and the effect on the worker‟s
ability to see the work clearly. The presence of glare may also cause a problem.

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 Other environmental parameters – in particular temperature, humidity and ventilation
will directly affect the worker‟s ability to perform the task and their comfort.
Equipment Factors:
 Equipment design – the shape of the equipment and how this affects ease of use (e.g.
a large, shaped handle on a scraper makes it easier to hold and use).
 Equipment adjustability – the scope there is for the user to adjust the equipment to
suit their personal requirements (e.g. the height of the seat for a computer user)

8. Identify the features of a chair to ensure it is suitable for use at a DSE workstation. (8)

 Stability of chair
 Chair can be adjustable as per physical demand of different personnel and of suitable
size to fit anyone.
 Swivel mechanism
 Seat back height and tilt adjustment
 Category of chair such as five star,Wheels that may be required to move around the
workstation , Foot rest of the chair

9. Outline the possible risks to health associated with the use of display screen equipment (DSE). (8)
• WRULDs – associated with repetitive use of the keyboard and mouse for long periods of
time.
• Eye strain – temporary eye fatigue associated with prolonged use of the screen.
• Back pain – and other MSDs associated with sitting in a fixed position, perhaps with poor
posture, for long periods of time.
• Fatigue and stress – associated with the type of work being done, e.g. call center staff may
be
subjected to verbal abuse during telephone calls.

10. An engineering workshop uses an overhead crane to transport materials.

a) Identify reasons why loads may fall from this crane. (2)
 Overloading.
 Improper lifting technique.
 No Training for workers and supervision.

(b)Outline precautions that should be taken in order to prevent accidents to workers at ground level when
overhead cranes are in use. (6)
 Ensuring that the load to be lifted is within the safe lifting capacity of the crane – safe lifting
capacity will vary with the length of the jib and the distance away from the crane that the jib
is positioned to (radius), so capacity can vary from one lift to the next.
 Carefully siting the crane on even, stable ground in a safe position away from structures or
overheads that might be struck during the lifting operation.
 Using the outriggers correctly.
 Checking that the crane has been maintained and has a certificate of thorough examination
in accordance with local laws.
 Restricting use of the crane to trained and competent operators only.
 Ensuring that each lift is planned and supervised by a competent person and that the driver
and slinger are competent.
 Providing a banks man to give directions to the crane operator with good means of
communication between driver and other operators.

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  Ensuring that safety devices such as overload indicators are operational and are used
correctly, these devices are frequently disabled or ignored by the crane operator.
 Checking that there are no obstructions such as buildings or overhead lines in the vicinity of
the lift.
 Checking weather conditions and obeying any manufacturer‟s recommendations about
maximum wind speed.

11. In order to minimize the risk of injury when carrying out a manual handling operation:

a) Identify types of mechanical aids that can be used to assist the manual handling operation. (4)

• Forklift truck,
• Hoist / Electric hoist
• Conveyor
• Crane
• Mechanized robot
• Gravity roller

a) Other than using mechanical aids, outline ways to reduce risks that could be presented by the load (4)

• Train the people on Safe lifting technique

• Assign the job to individual capability
• Avoid over loading
• Reduce the distance and time
• Use Manual Handling equipment‟s.

12. Newspapers are printed, bundled and placed on to roller conveyors at a publisher‟s where there are
transported to an area for dispatch to the customer.

Outline hazards to which workers involved with the transport of the newspapers from the printing room
to the dispatch room may be exposed (8)

In-running nip points - where fingers might be drawn into moving parts, Entanglement - where loose
clothing might become entangled with rotating parts, falling objects - from overhead conveyor
systems. Ergonomic hazards such as Manual handling while placing the bundle on to roller
conveyor.Fatigue possibly due to excessive workload or repetition of placing the bundles on the roller
conveyor without taking adequate breaks. Slip hazard possibly due to floor condition around the
conveyor/low lighting levels,Noise hazard, for those workers who could be working close to the
rotating part of the machine.Trip hazard possibly due to obstruction of the object placed around the
conveyor.

13.In a factory conveyor system is used to transfer manufactured articles to the warehouse area.
Identify the control measures to be taken to reduce the risk of injury to workers from the conveyor. (8)
 Fixed guards on drums
 Enclosure of conveyed items by side guards
 Trip wires, if necessary , along the full length of the conveyor
 Emergency stop buttons
 Avoid loose clothing
 Restrict access to authorized personnel only
 Provision and use of PPE such as gloves and hearing protection (ear plug)
 Regular maintenance by competent workers.

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14 a) Outline defective conditions of non ‐powered hand tools that could present risks to the user (5)
• The tool may shatter during use, throwing off sharp metal fragments (e.g. Loose hammer
head or chisel blade)
• The handle may be broken leading to create blanching risk on the palms of the operator .
• The tool may be blunt leading to use of excessive force which causes loss of control (e.g.
blunt knife).
• Tool may be excessively sharp which may lead to cutting or severing.
• Tool may be rusty.

(b) Outline the requirements of safe use of non‐powered hand tools (3)
• Tools must be suitable for the task that they are going to perform and for the environment
in which they are to be used, e.g. non-sparking tools (do not produce sparks when struck)
is suitable for use in a potentially flammable atmosphere.
• Users should be given appropriate information, instruction and training. Many workers
serve some form of apprenticeship or spend several years in training where they acquire
an understanding of safety in the use of the tools for their trade, but not all workers come
to the workplace with this knowledge (which may seem like common knowledge to
others).
• Tools should be visually inspected routinely before use to ensure they are in an
acceptable condition. This should be done by the user. Spot checks by line management
will ensure that users comply. Substandard tools should be maintained or discarded
• Tools should be maintained in a safe condition, e.g. blades should kept sharp and handles
firmly attached.
• Supervision is important to ensure that safe working practices are adhered to and misuse
does not become common practice.
15.A store man is placing boxes of metal components by hand on to shelved racking

(a) Identify types of injury to which the store man may be at risk while carrying out this operation(4)
• Back injury
• Tendon and ligament injuries
• Muscle strain or torn
• Hernias
• Work-related upper limb disorders (WRULDs)
• Cuts, burns, dislocation and broken bones

(b) Outline factors in relation to the task that will affect the risk of injury (4)
The task can be assessed by asking questions such as:

• At what height is the load being picked up, earned or put down?
• Is the task very repetitive?
• Is there a high work-rate?
• Is a long carrying distance involved?
• Does the task involve stooping (worker has to keep their legs straight and bend their
back) to move the load?
• Does the task involve twisting (turning the shoulders while the feet stay still)?
• Can rest breaks be taken as the worker requires them?
• Does the task involve lifting the load through a vertical distance?
• Does the task involve reaching above shoulder height?
• Does the task involve the worker holding the load away from their trunk (torso)?

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16. An item of process equipment with two large, fixed control panels and a computer screen has been
introduced into a workplace. One person operates the equipment and this includes loading and unloading
material by hand. An ergonomic assessment has been carried out.

(a)Give the meaning of the term „ergonomics’ (2)

The study of the relationship between the worker, the work that they are doing, and the
environment in which they are doing it.
(b) Identify potential ergonomic problems associated with the use of this equipment (6)

• WRULDs - associated with repetitive use of the control panels for long periods of time.
• Eye strain - temporary eye fatigue associated with prolonged use of the screen.
• Back pain - and other MSDs associated with sitting in a fixed position, perhaps with poor
posture, for long periods of time.
• Fatigue and stress - associated with the type of work being done
• Tendon and ligament. When overloaded they tear causing extremely painful injuries which
can take a long time to heal.
• Muscle injuries overloaded muscle tissue can tear impairment,
• Hernias when the sheet muscle that surrounds the gut is overloaded it can distort and tear.

17. (a)Give the meaning of the term „work –related upper limb disorder (WRULD) (2)
Upper Limb Disorder such as aches, pains, tension and disorders involving any part of the arm
from fingers to shoulder, or the neck, also include problems with the soft tissues muscles, tendons
and ligaments, along with the circulatory and nerve supply to the limb; and are often caused or
made worse by work.
(b) Give examples of occupations that could cause WRULDs (2)
• Data entry operators who uses keyboards for typing for long hours for administrative
reasons,
• Baggage handlers at the airport.

(c) Outline possible causes of WRULDs (4)

• Nature of the work could be due to repetition or excessive force needs to be applied
• Duration of the work such as typing for long hours or lifting/carrying loads repeatedly
• Insufficient breaks during the work schedule
• Poor posture or awkward position such as stopping/twisting frequently
• Excessive load of work

18.Outline ways to improve task of a manual handling activity that will reduce the risk of injury (8)
• Eliminate the manual handling - by automation or mechanization of the handling
activity. Conveyor belt systems, forklift trucks, electric pallet trucks, cranes, hoists and
other types of mechanical moving or lifting equipment provide a way of moving loads
without the need for workers to use bodily force.
• Assess manual handling that cannot be eliminated - by looking at the four factors of:
task, load, environment, and individual capabilities.
• Use handling aids - consider the use of a piece of equipment that does not completely
eliminate the manual handling but does make it much easier. For example, a sack truck
does not eliminate the need to push the load, but it does eliminate the need to carry it.

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 There are many handling aids available such as: trolleys, barrel lifts, gin wheels, trucks,
hoists and lifts that require some manual effort to lift or support the load, but give the
worker mechanical advantage.
Modify
• The task:- Control repetitive handling by introducing frequency of rest breaks or job
rotation to reduce the length of time that an individual worker has to perform the task.
Eliminate stooping and twisting by changing the layout of the workstation. Use a table or
lift to bring the load to waist height to eliminate picking up from floor level.
• The load: - Break down a heavy load into smaller parts. Use several workers to handle
a large, bulky load rather than just one. Stabilize an unstable load by secunng it or putting
it into a container. Mark up a load with an off-center C of G so that workers can see
where the C of G is. Attach handles to a load that is difficult to grasp.
• The environment: - Rearrange the workspace to allow more space for the handling
activity. Level an uneven floor. Supply additional lighting in a poorly lit location.
• Ensure individual capabilities are matched to the activity - if the activity requires
unusual ability then workers must have that ability. For example, if unusual strength and
size are required then the worker must have those characteristics; if a particular technique
is required then the worker must be trained so that they develop that technique.

19. A display screen equipment workstation user has complained of neck and back pain.
Identify the features associated with the workstation that might have contributed towards this
condition. (8)
The factors that might have contributed include in terms of seating arrangement there might not be a
chair provided ( as found in some of the billing counters of shopping mall or super market checkout
sections) ;may not have features to adjust the chair height and angle of seat back ,hence may not provide
good lumbar support; Screen height could not be altered and fixed in one position where in the operator
has to either look up or down to the screen ;may be a result of frequent turning perhaps due to incorrect
positioning document holder provided with wherein worker has to overreach from the chair provided;
Where the operator provided with fixed chair and does not have swiveling provision where his job to
rotate to access stationaries like papers frequently ,display screen fixed too far from the operator where
the operator has to focus more sometimes he/she needs to move in front to see small contents displayed
on the screen, extensive working hours without adequate breaks in the schedule; frequent usage of phone
without headset while using key board that requires the operator to hold the phone headset with the
support of head and neck.
20. Outline hazards associated with the use of powered materials hoist in a workplace (8)
Collapse of hoist due to overload, Objects/Materials falling from height, People falling from height; Trip
hazard when the landing level of hoist is not even with the level of getting out from the hoist , Contact
with any overhead projections/obstruction which includes overhead power line cables ;

Element 4: Work equipment hazards and risk control

1. Identify the mechanical hazards related with the work equipment. (8)
• Crushing
• Shearing
• Entanglement
• Cutting or severing
• Drawing in or trapping
• Impact
• Friction or abrasion
• High pressure fluid injection

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2. Outline the precautions that should be taken in order to ensure the safety of employees carrying out
maintenance work on process equipment. (8)
• Maintenance should only be carried out by competent staff.
• Ensure isolation of power source is confirmed.
• Stored power should be released or secured to prevent accidental discharge.
• Where power cannot be isolated live parts should be covered with insulating materials.
• Use of personnel protective equipment which are insulated like rubber gloves.
• Running of dangerous moving parts at low speed when need to work in live machines.
• Provision of maintenance guards which are allowing access to required areas only.
• Use of handling aids to prevent chance of manual handling.
• Use of a safe system of work like permit to work to be implemented

3. Identify precautions that would need to be considered before welding work can commence. (8)

• Maintain a safe workplace - If possible, move the material to be welded or cut to a safe
location designated specifically for welding and cutting.
• Keep fire hazards away- Areas for welding, cutting, and heating must be kept clear and
free of flammable liquids and solvents.
• Provide fire barriers - If welding or cutting cannot be performed in a designated location
or away from combustible materials, provide metal sheets or a fire-resistant screen to
prevent heat, sparks, and slag from reaching these materials.
• Be alert for cracks or crevices - Sparks and slag can travel long distances.
• Provide fire extinguishing equipment - Be prepared to put out fires. Service-able fire
extinguishers, fire hoses, or sand buckets should be on hand.
• Consider the need for a fire watcher - Operators may not become aware of a fire starting
while welding or cutting.
• Know the local fire codes for welding and cutting.
• Inspect the work area after completing operations - Make sure there are no hot sparks or
hot metal which could start a fire later.
• Before welding or cutting in a new location for the first time, please do the risk
assessment. They may know of some serious fire hazard that might otherwise be
overlooked.

4. Outline control measures to reduce the risk to workers when using non-powered hand tools. (8)
• Tools must be suitable for the task that they are going to perform and for the environment
in which they are to be used, e.g. non-sparking tools (do not produce sparks when struck)
is suitable for use in a potentially flammable atmosphere.
• Users should be given appropriate information, instruction and training. Many workers
serve some form of apprenticeship or spend several years in training where they acquire
an understanding of safety in the use of the tools for their trade, but not all workers come
to the workplace with this knowledge (which may seem like common knowledge to
others).
• Tools should be visually inspected routinely before use to ensure they are in an
acceptable condition. This should be done by the user. Spot checks by line management
will ensure that users comply. Substandard tools should be maintained or discarded.
• Tools should be maintained in a safe condition, e.g. blades should kept sharp and handles
firmly attached.
• Supervision is important to ensure that safe working practices are adhered to and misuse
does not become commonplace.

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5. a)Identify the hazards that could be faced by the worker who is using a petrol-driven strimmer to
maintain roadside grass verges. (8)
• Contact with the moving parts of the strimmer
• The possibility of being struck by flying stones or other materials
• Slips / Trips / Falls
• Manual handling hazards
• The danger posed by moving traffic, noise and vibration
• Dust and fumes.
• The hazards associated with the storage and transfer of petrol.
• Weather condition like exposure to ultraviolet radiation

b. List the five items of personnel protective equipment that should be provided to the worker who is
engaged in using petrol driven strimmer to maintain roadside grass verges. (4)
• Ear defenders
• Eye protection
• Respiratory protection
• Gloves
• Safety footwear
• Gaiters
• High visibility jackets

c. Outline measures other than the use of protective equipment that might be necessary to ensure the
health and safety of the worker who is engaged in using petrol driven strimmer to maintain roadside grass
verges. (4)

• The use of traffic control or barriers

• The selection and maintenance of equipment to reduce to a minimum the levels of noise
and vibration
• The provision of information, instruction, training and supervision and health
surveillance
• Completion of a risk assessment for the job to be done

6 (a).Identify FOUR hazards associated with the use of bench top grinder. (4)
(or) Identify specific risks associated with the use of bench top grinder
• Abrasion on contact with rotating abrasive wheel.
• Drawing in at nip-point between wheel and tool rest.
• Ejection of parts of the wheel during normal use or if it bursts.
• Entanglement with the spindle on which the wheel is mounted.
• Electricity.
• Hot parts caused by friction (especially the workpiece being ground).
• Health hazard from dust.
• Noise and vibration.

b).Other than a guard, Identify four control measures that could be introduced to reduce risk to a worker
using a bench top grinder. (4)
• Secure grinder in position.
• Tool rest adjusted to minimize nip point between rest and wheel.
• Use and setting restricted to trained operators only.
• Eye protection (impact resistant).
• Hearing protection may be necessary.
• Installation of LEV may be required to control dust.

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 • Routine maintenance, including inspection and portable appliance testing for
electrical safety.
• Regular checks of the grinding wheel.
• Regular checks to ensure correct grinding material has been selected.
c).Outline the basic requirements that you would consider when selecting a guard or safety devices for a
bench top grinder. (4)
• The guard or safety device should be suitable for the machinery
• The guard should reduce the accident rate rather than increasing the accident rate
• Select standard guard or safety device and it should be easy to use.
• The guard should be tamper proof.
• The guard should not obstruct the working cycle of the machine if required in such
operations.

7. Outline the merits and limitations of

i. an interlock guard
Merits (2)
The guard is intended to allow frequent access to a machine or danger zone by removing
the power source and preventing the equipment from operating while the guard is open.
When a guard is removed a safety interlock system prevents machine operation For
example, a microwave oven has a hinged door on the front to allow easy access; this door
is interlocked so that power to the microwave generator is shut off when it is open.
Limitations: (2)
The main limitation of an interlocked guard is that it is possible to bypass the system so
that the machine can be operated with the guard open. With simple interlock systems this
is easily done, but even complex interlock systems can be defeated by a
determined/competent person. The dangerous parts or machinery may not be at rest as the
equipment is opened, and this may put the operator at risk (though this can be overcome
by good design and consideration of “run down” times).
ii. a trip device
Merits (2)
Trip devices are intended to minimize severity of an injury and are often used as an
additional control measure, e.g. in combination with an interlocked access gate to ensure
that an operator does not gain access by climbing over a fence or being locked in by a
colleague.

Limitations: (2)
Do not provide a physical barrier to prevent access. Can be over-ridden, e.g. using
platforms to span a pressure mat. May not operate fast enough to prevent harm (but may
reduce the severity). May be overly sensitive, leading to frequent trips and production
delays which will encourage the operator to bypass or disable them. Frequent trips may
result in operator stress.

8.Outline FOUR main categories of guards and safeguarding devices that may be used to minimize the
risk of contact with the dangerous parts of machinery. (8)
Fixed Guards:
A fixed guard is a physical barrier that prevents a person from coming into contact with
dangerous moving parts.The guard may by shaped to fit the machine quite closely (enclosing
guard), or it may be more like a fence around the machine (perimeter guard). It may have
openings in it (e.g. to allow raw material to be fed into a machine),but these must be designed in
such a way that it is not possible to reach in and contact dangerous parts (distance guard).
Adjustable Guards:

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 An adjustable guard can be set to a range of positions by the operator depending on the
nature of the workpiece and the operation being carried out. For example, the top guard on a
bench-mounted circular saw can be set at a range of heights depending on the size of wood being
cut.
Interlock Guards:
An interlocked guard is a protective device designed to be removed as a normal part of
routine machine operation. The guard is intended to allow frequent access to a machine or danger
zone by removing the power source and preventing the equipment from operating while the guard
is open. When the guard is removed a safety interlock system prevents machine operation. For
example, a microwave oven has a hinged door on the front to allow easy access; this door is
interlocked so that power to the microwave generator is shut off when it is open.
Trip Devices:
Trip devices are protective devices that do not put a physical barrier between the operator
and the dangerous parts of machinery. Instead some form of sensor is used to detect the presence
of the operator and stop the machine. Trip devices are intended to minimise severity of an injury
and are often used as an additional control measure, e.g. in combination with an interlocked
access gate to ensure that an operator does not gain access by climbing over a fence or being
locked in by a colleague.

9(a).Identify FOUR mechanical hazards presented by pedestal drill & outline in each case how injury
may occur. (8)
• Entanglement with the rotating drill bit or chuck.
• Stabbing or puncture by the drill bit during normal use or if the bit breaks.
• Puncture by swarf ejected during metal cutting.
• Impact if struck by the work piece if the bit jams and the work piece rotates.
• Drawing in at nip-points between motor and drive belts.
(b) Outline four control measures to reduce the risk of injury from pedestal drill (4)
• Fixed guards over motor and drive mechanisms.
• Adjustable (possibly interlocked) guard over chuck and drill bit.
• Clamp to secure work piece to base.
• Eye protection (impact resistant).
• Hearing protection may be necessary.
• Routine maintenance, including inspection and portable appliance testing for
electrical safety.
• Use restricted to trained operators only

10.(a) Identify hazards associated with the use of a cement mixer. (4)
• Entanglement with rotating drum or drive motor.
• Drawing in at nip-point between motor and drive mechanism.
• Crushing between drum and drum stop when tipping.
• Friction or abrasion on contact with moving drum.
• Electricity.
• Ergonomics and manual handling injuries during loading.
• Health hazard from cement dust inhalation (irritant) and contact with wet cement
(corrosive).
• Hazards due to the fuel (electricity or petrol).
• Being struck by vehicles operating in the area.

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 (b) Outline control measures that can be used to reduce the risks of injury to operators of a
cement mixer.
(4)
• Location of the mixer on firm, level ground.
• Location away from traffic or where traffic is controlled.
• Fixed guards to motor and drive mechanism.
• Routine inspection and portable appliance testing, and use of residual current device
(RCD) for electrically powered equipment.
• Safe storage of petrol and control of ignition sources for petrol-powered equipment;
avoid use in confined spaces due to emission of exhaust gases.
• Reduction in manual handling or positioning of cement bags close to the equipment.
• Use restricted to trained operators only.
• Hand protection, respiratory protection, overalls and eye protection (splash resistant).
• Hearing protection to reduce noise exposure.

11.Identify non-mechanical hazard associated with machinery and give an example in each case. (8)

 Electricity-Contact with damaged wire leads to electrocution

 Noise- working near to generator
 Vibration- Working with drilling machine
 Hazardous substances-Bio medical waste, Asbestos
 Ionising radiation-Gamma rays /X-ray in baggage scanning at airport.
 Non-ionising radiation- UV by sunlight

12. Employers are required to have arrangements in place to prevent access to dangerous parts of
machinery or to stop dangerous parts if a person enters a danger zone.
Describe the principles of operation of:
(a) Sensitive protective equipment (trip devices) (2)
Trip devices are protective devices that do not put a physical barrier between the operator and the
dangerous parts of machinery. Instead some form of sensor is used to detect the presence of the
operator and stop the machine. Trip devices are intended to minimise severity of an injury and are
often used as an additional control measure, e.g. in combination with an interlocked access gate to
ensure that an operator does not gain access by climbing over a fence or being locked in by a
colleague.

(b) Two hand controls (2)

These are a way of protecting the machine operator‟s hands where operation of the machine can
only be achieved when two start buttons are pressed at the same time. The idea is that the
machine will only operate when the operator has both hands on the controls.
(c )Interlock guards (2)
An interlocked guard is a protective device designed to be removed as a normal part of routine
machine operation. The guard is intended to allow frequent access to a machine or danger zone
by removing the power source and preventing the equipment from operating while the guard is
open. When the guard is removed a safety interlock system prevents machine operation. For
example, a microwave oven has a hinged door on the front to allow easy access; this door is
interlocked so that power to the microwave generator is shut off when it is open.
(d) Protective appliances (2)
Protective appliances are pieces of equipment that allow an operator to keep their hands away
from dangerous parts. They include clamps, jigs and push-sticks.

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13) Outline ways to help reduce the risk of contact with moving parts of machinery (8)
Machine Guards: The best approach is to create a safe machine using engineering controls. They
are:
• Fixed Guards: A fixed guard is a physical barrier that prevents a person from coming into
contact with dangerous moving parts. The guard may by shaped to fit the machine quite closely
(enclosing guard), or it may be more like a fence around the machine (perimeter guard). It may
have openings in it (e.g. to allow raw material to be fed into a machine), but these must be
designed m such a way that u is not possible to reach in and contact dangerous parts (distance
guard).
• Adjustable and Self-Adjusting Guards: Adjustable and self-adjusting guards are used when it
is not possible to completely prevent access to dangerous parts. They are commonly used to
safeguard woodworking and metalworking machinery where a work piece has to be fed into
the machine or manipulated during machine use.
• Interlocked Guards: An interlocked guard is a protective device designed to be removed as a
normal part of routine machine operation.The guard is intended to allow frequent access to a
machine or danger zone by removing the power source and preventing the equipment from
operating while the guard is open when the guard 1s removed a safety interlock system prevents
machine operation. For example, a microwave oven has a hinged door to allow easy access;
this door is interlocked so that power to the microwave generator is shut off when it is open.
• Trip Devices: Trip devices are protective devices that do not put a physical barrier between the
operator and the dangerous parts of machinery. Instead some form of sensor is used to detect the
presence of the operator and stop the machine. Trip devices are intended to minimise severity of
an injury and are often used as an additional control measure, e.g. in combination with an
interlocked access gate to ensure that an operator does not gain access by climbing over a fence
or being locked in by a colleague.
• Protective Appliances: Protective appliances are pieces of equipment that allow an operator to
keep their hands away from dangerous parts. They include clamps, jigs and push-sticks.

14(a) Describe when a fixed guard would be an appropriate means of providing protection against
mechanical hazards (2)

A fixed guard is a physical barrier that prevents a person from coming into contact with
dangerous moving parts. The guard may by shaped to fit the machine quite closely
(enclosing guard), or it may be more like a fence around the machine (perimeter guard). It
may have openings in it (e.g. to allow raw material to be fed into a machine), but these must
be designed m such a way that it is not possible to reach in and contact dangerous parts.

(b) Outline features of fixed guards designed to minimize the risk of injury and ill‐ health from the
mechanical and non‐mechanical hazards of machinery (6)
 Fixed guards are often made of sheet metal. If ventilation (e.g. to prevent overheating of
machine parts) or visibility into the machine is required, then a mesh guard or Perspex
guard might be used instead. If a mesh guard is used then care must be taken to ensure that
the mesh size is not so large as to allow access to dangerous parts.
 Fixed guard completely prevents access to dangerous parts by covering the hazardous
moving parts of the equipment
 It is fixed in place and the chances of guard misuse is very less as compared to that of
adjustable guard
 Fixings require a tool for removal and the guard cannot be removed by finger force alone.

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  The hazards related to electricity, noise, non-ionising radiation would be reduced as the
guard completely covers these hazardous parts

15. Outline precautions that are required to help prevent injury when using a bench top grinder (6)

• Secure grinder in position.

• Fixed enclosing guards around motor and part of abrasive wheel.
• Adjustable polycarbonate eye guards over exposed part of wheel.
• Tool rest adjusted to minimise nip point between rest
• Use and setting restricted to trained operators only.
• Eye protection (impact resistant).
• Hearing protection may be necessary.
• Installation of LEV may be required to control dust
• Routine maintenance, including inspection and portable appliance testing for electrical safety.
• Regular checks of the grinding wheel.
• Regular checks to ensure correct grinding material has been selected

16. Employers are required to provide adequate information, instruction and training in the safe use of
work equipment

(a) Identify categories of workers who should receive information, instruction and training on the
safe use of work equipment (4)
• Maintenance workers,
• Operators,
• Management of operators such as Managers/supervisors/shift leaders ,
• Contractors when the work equipment has been given to use
(b) Outline issues that could be included in such information, instruction and training (4)
Hazards associated with the use of equipment includes mechanical and non- mechanical and its
consequences. Voltage that the equipment needs to be operated, Guards such as interlock/fixed
guards that should be in place during the operation, Risks that may pose during maintenance,
Action needs to be taken during an emergency such as operation of emergency stop buttons and
its location .
17.a) When operating machinery ,Identify
(i)the merits (1)
Protects the hands of operator when he/she is placing both hands on the controls.

(ii) the limitations Of two handed controls as a safety device. (1)

Does not protect the other parts of the body except hands of the operator(s).

(b) Outline types of sensitive protective equipment (trip devices) that could be used in addition to two
handed controls in order to improve safety (6)
 Trip bars- wands or rods placed close to dangerous parts which ,when touched ,will stop
machine operation.
 Pressure mats- mats placed around an item of machinery ,if a person stands on mat, their weight
activates the trip and brings the machine to stop.
 Photoelectric devices - shine beams of light across an access point of dangerous part of machine
,if the beams are broken then the machine is stopped .

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18. a)Identify hazards associated with the use of photocopiers (4)
Hazards associated with the use of photocopiers
• May expose to ozone gas (unstable form of oxygen ) this odorous gas is irritating to the eyes,
lungs , throat and nasal passages.
• May expose to toner materials which is mildly toxic may cause eye irritation .
• Expose to laser radiation when standing close to photocopier during use.
• Excessive dry heat produced may cause discomfort due to poor ventilation or placed in closed
place.
• Excessive noise may be exposed due to poor maintenance.
• Clearing paper jams in printers and other duplicating machinery may expose users to hot or
moving parts, sharp edges, pinch points or exposed electrical live parts.
• Manual handling hazards due to handling paper and collating copies.

(b) Outline precautions that should be taken in order to help reduce the risk to the health and safety
of photocopier users (4)

Precautions that should be taken in order to help reduce the risk to health and safety includes:

• Fixed and interlocking guards enclosing all mechanical hazards.

• Use photocopier in a well ventilated room.
• Switch off the power supply to photocopier while clearing jams .
• Insulating all exposed live parts of the electrical supply.
• Regular maintenance and inspection to ensure in good working condition and to does not
cause excessive noise.
• Maintain sufficient distance from the photocopier and wearing of appropriate protective
clothing to minimize the exposure of radiation.

19) Outline reasons why an item of machinery should be maintained (4)

An effective maintenance programme will make plant and equipment associated more reliable,
regular maintenance may lead to fewer break down , cost benefits of better productivity and
efficiency, maintenance allows to diagnose the faults early to manage the risks effectively,
ensures work equipment does not deteriorate to the extent that may put people at risk, ensures
safety critical parts of equipment and replacement of critical parts at regular intervals
,manufacturer‟s instruction may suggest routine and type of maintenance to be carried out at
regular intervals to keep the equipment safe and in good working condition ,finally to meet the
legal/statutory requirements.

20) A worker is to use a petrol-driven chainsaw to fell a tree from ground level
Outline hazards faced by the worker in carrying out this task (8)
• Cutting on contact with moving blade.
• Entanglement with moving blade
• Drawing m at nip-point between blade and casing.
• Puncture by ejected parts (especially broken blade fragments).
• Burns on the hot exhaust system.
• Noise.
• Vibration (into hands).
• Fire and explosion from petrol (fuel).
• Ergonomic from handling.
• Health hazards from dust, fumes and lubricating oils.

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21) Other than guarding of dangerous parts, outline requirements for safe use of work equipment (8).

Equipment should be suitable for intended use and selected based on the nature of work going to be
undertaken, condition going to be used and marked with appropriate standards such as CE; Work
equipment should be restricted to competent person and pre-use inspection must be carried out; Regular
inspection and maintenance to identify the integrity/performance; Avoid use of faulty equipment and
defective conditions must be reported and repaired, use of safe system of work/follow in-house safe using
procedure; Follow manufacturers instruction; Not using equipment by workers under the influence of
drugs and alcohol, Use of RCD or ELCB ,Ensure no damage to flex& intact of casings while using; Use
of equipment at appropriate rate of voltage if it is electrically operated .Provision of instruction ,
information and training to operators of the hazards and risk involved and precaution to be followed when
used.

Element 5: Electrical safety

1. Identify the possible effects of electricity on the body. (4)

 Electric shock –can cause involuntary muscle grip, heart fibrillation, respiratory failure
and cardiac arrest.
 Burns – burns can also result from an electric shock, at the point of contact and at the
point that the current flows out of the body. There may also be internal burns along the
current path.
2. Outline four factors that may affect the severity of injury from contact with electricity (8)
Several factors influence the severity of injury associated with receiving an electric shock:
Voltage – as Ohm‟s law shows there is a simple relationship between voltage and current, the higher
the voltage, the greater the current.
Duration – the length of time that a person is exposed to the flow of electricity is critical. For
example, a current flow of 60 mA for 30 milliseconds (30 thousandths of a second) is unlikely to
cause a severe injury, whereas the same current flow over a period of 2 seconds can induce VF and
prove fatal.
Frequency – of the AC current.
Current path – the route that the electricity takes as it flows through the body is also critical. If it
runs through the chest it is likely to affect the heart.
Resistance – as Ohm‟s law shows there is a simple inverse relationship between current and
resistance - the higher the resistance the lower the current. Most of the body‟s resistance to the
passage of electricity is because of the skin. A person with dry skin has a resistance of about 100,000
ohms, but if their skin is wet or damaged this reduces dramatically to 1000 ohms. Any clothing that
the person is wearing will also affect their resistance to the passage of electricity.
Contact surface area – the more skin that is in contact with the live surface, the lower the resistance
and the more severe the injury.
Environment – any environmental factors that reduce resistance will cause an increase in current
flow and therefore increase the severity of the shock, e.g. wet surfaces, humid air, metal surfaces, etc.

3. In relation to the use of electrical cables and plugs in the workplace identify FOUR examples of faults
and bad practices that could contribute to electrical accidents. (4)
(or) Outline examples of faults and bad practices that could contribute electrical accidents when using
portable electrical equipment in the workplace (8)
 Using unsuitable equipment, e.g. the use of non-intrinsically safe equipment in a
flammable atmosphere.
 Using equipment in wet, damp or humid conditions.

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  Misuse, e.g. sticking wires directly into a socket rather than using a plug.
 Physical abuse, e.g. pulling the plug out by tugging at the flex; carrying the tool by the
flex; allowing the flex to be pinched, trapped or crushed, driving over the flex, etc.
 Repairs carried out by unauthorized personnel or carried out badly, e.g. split flex taped up
with insulating tape.
 Continued use of faulty, defective equipment.
 Chemical damage to the flex, e.g. by corrosive wet cement.
 Lack of routine inspection, testing or maintenance.

4. Explain how Earthing can reduce the risk of receiving an electric shock. (4)
Earthing is a way of protecting equipment so that in the event of an electrical fault, current flows
safely to earth rather than flowing through a person who might be touching the equipment. The earth
wire of an item of electrical equipment is usually connected to the outer metal casing or chassis of the
equipment. If a fault develops and the casing or chassis becomes live then a current will flow down
this earth wire. Electricity always takes the path of least resistance, and since the earth wire will have
very low resistance the majority of fault current will flow safely to earth through the wire. Any person
touching the casing will receive a minor shock

5. Outline the emergency actions to take if a person suffers a severe electric shock. (4)
The action of discovering a person having suffered an electric shock should be to make others aware of
the situation and, at the same time or immediately afterwards, to turn off the power supply. If this is
not possible, and the victim is still in contact with, or in close proximity to, the live part, then he/she
should be pushed clear using a non-conductive implement (such as a broom). First-aid should then be
administered, which, depending on the condition of the person, may include cardio-pulmonary
resuscitation. If successful, an airway should be maintained by placing the victim in the recovery
position and breathing should be monitored until medical help arrives.

6. Outline the practical measures to reduce the risk of injury from electricity when using a portable
electrical appliance on a construction site. (8)
• Consider the use of battery-powered equipment.
• Consider the use of reduced and low voltage (110v) equipment centre tapped to earth.
• Provide increased protection through the use of an RCD.
• Locate cables carefully, away from hazards, e.g. vehicles which may drive over them.
• Consider the use of double insulated equipment.
• Carry out pre-use checks of the equipment for signs of damage.
• Train operators in safe use of the equipment.
• Avoid using in wet conditions (unless the equipment and supply cables are suitable for
this).
• Implement a programme of routine visual inspection and thorough testing of electrical
equipment and cables, examination carried out by competent person.

7.In relation to electrical safety, Explain the meaning of the following terms:
(i) „Isolation‟ (2)
it refers to shutting of the electrical supply to an item of equipment or part of an item
of equipment or part of an electrical system and preventing inadvertent reconnection
in order, for instance, to carry out maintenance work.

(ii) „Earthing‟ (2)

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 this means whereby electrical equipment and conductive items are connected to earth
by a cable or metal pope work such that the route to earth provides the path of least
resistance to a current flowing under fault conditions.

(iii) „Reduced low voltage „ (2)

Commonly used on construction sites, involves the reduction of local supply voltage
by a transformer to a lower, safer voltage – typically 110 or 55volts.

(iv) „Overcurrent protection‟. (2)

A method of preventing the flow of excess current by cutting the supply under fault
conditions by means of a fuse or circuit breaker.

8.Identify the electrical hazards that could be discovered by a visual inspection. (8)
• Worn cable
• Max current capacity exceeded
• Overheating
• Defective Equipment
• Exposed electric cable
• Misuse of electrical equipment
• Failure to follow safety instruction
• Incorrect fuse rating
• Poor connections
• Bad circuit connections

9. Outline precautions that should be taken in order to prevent electrical contact when:
(a) Excavating near underground cables (4)
• Excavate by using area map to avoid any contact with underground utilities.
• Permit to work system to be followed
• Isolate the power supply before excavation
• Avoid manual excavation
• Use proper PPE‟s if manual excavation is permitted
(b) Working in the vicinity of overhead power lines (4)
• Isolating the power supply when working near power lines. If power cannot be
isolated, it may be possible to sleeve low voltage power lines.
• Using permit systems to control access into danger areas.
• Using barriers, signage and goal posts to keep plant and vehicles a safe distance from
power lines.
• Using banks men when plant is maneuvering near power lines.
• Using non-conducting equipment, such as fiberglass ladders.
10. Identify issues to consider when assessing strength &capability of portable electrical equipment (6)
• Age of the equipment
• Usage time
• Working environment
• Standard of equipment
• statutory requirement
• Usage procedure
• Type of work to be carried out.
11. Outline how the following two protective measures reduce the risk of electric shock and, in each case,
give an example of its application.
 (a) Reduced voltage (2)

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 The lower the voltage that an electrical system is operated at, the lower the risk of injury
associated with electric shock. This is because of the relationship that exists between
voltage and current as indicated by Ohm‟s law. As voltage is reduced, so the shock current
is reduced and the severity of injury reduced.
Ex. Using 230 V is high risk; by using step down transformer we can reduce the voltage by
110 V, so that the risk is low.

 (b) Double insulation (2)

There are two layers of insulation between the user and any live conductors. This
eliminates the need to provide earth protection, so double-insulated equipment will have a
two-core flex: live (hot) and neutral only. Double insulation is commonly used as the
means of protection for hand-held portable electrical equipment such as hedge trimmers.

12. Outline precautions that should be included in a safe system of work on a 230v electrical circuit (8)

Avoid use of faulty equipment and overloading of the electrical circuit,restricting the use of
electrical equipment which is of correct rating matching to the voltage and must be operated by
competent person, No flammable substances should be kept around the electrical circuit, Avoid
misuse of the electrical circuit such as wires directly pluged to socket, Use of RCD‟s and fuse for
the equipment to reduce the impact of severity of shock, Carrying out visual inspection before
equipment connected to 230v and ensure that no live parts being exposed , Testing and
maintenance of electrical circuit have been carried out by competent person, Covering the
electrical circuit using insulated board or covers and it should be locked to prevent unauthorized
access , Signage /marking clearly location of isolation and finally PPE requirement when carrying
out test, repair on electrical circuit such as insulated tools and gauntlets .

13. Outline the factors that should be considered when determining the frequency for the inspection and
testing of electrical equipment (8)

Factors to consider when determining the frequency of inspection and testing of electrical
equipment includes:

• Legal standards and codes of practice.

• Type of equipment and whether or not it is hand-held
• Manufacturer‟s recommendations
• Initial integrity and soundness of the equipment
• Age of the equipment
• Working environment in which the equipment is used (such as whether it is wet or dusty)
or the likelihood of mechanical damage.
• Frequency and duration of use.
• Foreseeable abuse of the equipment
• Effects of any modifications or repairs to the equipment
• Analysis of previous records of maintenance, including both formal inspection and
combined inspection testing

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 Element 6: Fire safety

i. Explain using a suitable sketch, the significance of a „fire triangle‟. (4)

Fuel
Any combustible material or substance
Oxygen
Consumed during combustion when it is chemically combined with the fuel.
Heat
A heat or ignition source is essential to start the combustion process.

ii. Identify four methods of heat transfer and explain how EACH can cause the spread of fire. (4)
Conduction:
The principle that heat can be transmitted through solid materials, some metals in
particular,conducts heat very efficiently (e.g. Copper) Any pipes, wires,ducts or services
running from room to room can act as conduits for heat and spread the fire.
Convection:
As the hot air and gases rise from the fire, cooler air is drawn in which, in turn, his heated
and rises. The continuous process of air being drawn in and heated, then rising, cooling and
descending, forms circulating currents which enable the fire to spread.
Radiation:
Heat energy from the fire, in the form of infrared radiation, is transmitted through the air
and may be absorbed by other fuel sources causing them to heat up, possibly enough to
cause ignition.
Direct burning:
The simplest method of fire spread, where a flame front moves along or through the
burning material .For example,if the corner of a piece of paper catches fire,the flame front
will spread across the paper.

iii. Outline measures that should be taken to minimise the risk of fire from electrical equipment. (8)
 Measures such as the proper selection of equipment to ensure its suitability for the task, pre-
use inspection by the use, establishing correct fuse ratings, ensuring circuits and sockets are
not overloaded, disconnecting or isolating the equipment when it is not in use, and ensuring
that electric motors do not overheat (e.g. by checking that vents are uncovered).
 Additional measures include the need to uncoil cables (particularly extension leads) to prevent
the buildup of heat and protecting cables from mechanical damage.
 Importantly, electrical equipment and systems should be subject to regular inspection, testing
and maintenance by competent persons. This should ensure, for instance, that contacts are
sound, thereby reducing the likelihood of electrical arcing or causing overheating at the
joints.Avoiding poor internal connections and use of faulty equipment .

4.List eight ways of reducing the risk of a fire starting in a workplace. (8)
 Flammable materials are removed from the work area.

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  Items that cannot be removed are covered with fire- retardant blankets.
 The floor is swept clean.
 Any wooden floor is damped down.
 A suitable fire extinguisher is at hand.
 A “fire-watcher” is present in the area.
 The work area is visited routinely after the work has finished checking the area for smoldering.
 Ensure that workplace is well ventilated.
 Store and use required minimum volume only.
 Use away from heat and ignition sources.

5. List the five steps in doing an assessment on fire risks. (5)

 Identify the fire hazards: Sources of fuel, ignition, Oxygen.

 Identify the people who might be harmed (people in the premises and special consideration to
vulnerable people).
 Identify and implement the fire precautions that are required,
 Fire prevention
 Prevention of the spread of smoke and flames
 Fire detection and alarm.
 Means of escape
 Sign and notice.
 Lighting.
 Record findings, plan and train
 Review and revise the assessment as necessary.

6. Outline the requirements to ensure safe evacuation of persons from a building in the event of a fire (8)
 Means of raising an alarm and sufficient call out points located strategically,
 Automatic detection of fire installations such as heat/smoke detectors and directly linked to
raise an alarm and activating the fire extinguishing system such as sprinklers or flooding.
 Fire doors should open towards the way persons running and should be kept clear off any
obstructions
 Escape routes should be of sufficient width & kept clear off obstructions with the fire door
closed to prevent the spread of smoke,
 Clear sign of escape routes and the provision of emergency lighting which works on battery
and should lead to safest place ( safe assembly point) which should be away from the building
but of minimum distance to reach their safely .
 The provision of fire-fighting equipment and those responsible staff should carry out their
duties such as closing of fire doors and also assisting physically challenged personnel for their
safe evacuation
 The need to practice the evacuation plan & fire mock drills at regular intervals.

7. Outline the general duties of a fire marshal in case of an emergency evacuation in a work place in the
event of a fire. (8)
Fire Marshal might be required to:
 Raising fire alarm to ensure that everyone in a workplace are aware to evacuate,
 To check all areas in the building to ensure that everyone knows that evacuation is in progress
and to help where necessary.
 Give special assistance to the disabled and infirm personnel for their safe evacuation.
 Fire marshal is responsible for closing all fire doors and ensures that no one present in the area
before he/she shuts.
 Responsible to conduct the head count to ensure everyone has been accounted

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  Vocal point to assist authorities and coordinate with them such as fire emergency services.

8.Identify the classification of fires and the associated fuel sources. (5)

Class A - Solid materials , usually organic, such as paper, wood, coal and textiles.

Class B - Flammable liquids, such as petrol, oil and solvents.

Class C - Gases, such as methane, propane and acetylene.

Class D - Metals such as aluminium or magnesium.
Class F - High temperature fat and oils such cooking fat fire.

9. Identify eight common causes of fires in the workplace. (8)

Common causes of workplace fire includes

• Discarded smoking materials.

• Electrical faults /overheating.
• Friction,e.g.grinding gears.
• Blocked vents on electrical equipment.
• Static discharge.
• Sparks from hot work such as welding and grinding
• Arson
• Incorrect use of equipment
• Chemical reactions
10. Identify the sources of ignition that should be taken into account when storing and using flammable
solvents. (4)
• Hot works,
• Heat energy generated during chemical reaction,
• Electrical heat energy,
• Arcing, friction,
• Naked flames,
• Static electricity,
• Sunlight etc

11. Identify extinguishing agents that can be used on fires that involve flammable solvents and give their
mode of action. (4)
• DCP Fire extinguisher –It prevents the contact between Fuel and oxygen
• Foam type fire extinguisher - It prevents the contact between Fuel and oxygen
• CO2 type- Removal of oxygen.
• SF6-Removal of oxygen contact.
• HFC- Removal of oxygen contact.

12. Other than the provision of extinguishing agents, outline precautions that should be taken in order to
minimize risk when storing and using flammable solvents. (10)

 Flammable materials are removed from the work area.

 Items that cannot be removed are covered with fire- retardant blankets.

44
  The floor is swept clean.
 Any wooden floor is damped down.
 A suitable fire extinguisher is at hand.
 A “fire-watcher” is present in the area.
 The work area is visited routinely after the work has finished checking the area for smoldering.
 Ensure that workplace is well ventilated.
 Store and use required minimum volume only.
 Use away from heat and ignition sources.

13. Outline control measures that may be needed to help ensure that persons with sensory impairments
and/or physical disabilities may be evacuated safely in the event of fire. (8)
Identify individuals with disabilities and the people assigned to assist them in the Emergency
Action Plan. Provide the person with a nominated assistant to support their speedy escape, like
with the use of a specially designed evac chair to enable them to make their way out of building
down emergency exit stairs. Always check with disabled people how you can help before
attempting any rescue technique or giving assistance. Ask how they can be assisted or moved,
and if there are any special considerations or items that need to come with them. Provide with a
refuge adjacent to the stairs, for a wheel chair user above ground level in a multi-story building.
Give verbal instructions or information for visual impairment like elevators cannot be used and
give visual instructions to advise of safest route or direction by pointing toward exits or
evacuation maps for hearing impairment. Provision should be made to ensure that an emergency
exists, by special alarm arrangements that cater for their disability, for example, a visual or
vibrating alert for the hearing impaired. A worker with some hearing impairment might be
capable of hearing the audible fire alarm in their work area, so no special arrangements are
required. A profoundly deaf worker might not be able to hear the audible alarm, in which case a
visible alarm (flashing light) might be used in conjunction with the audible alarm. Buddy system
might be adopted where a colleague alerts the worker to the fire alarm. Technical solution might
be sought involving a vibrating pager.

14.Outline ways of reducing the risk of fire starting within a workplace (8)

• Fire can be prevented by controlling potential fuel sources. Risk from fuel sources can be
managed by elimination, substitution, minimizing quantities and by safe use and storage.
• Fire can also be prevented by controlling potential ignition sources such as electrical
equipment, hot works, discarded smoking materials, and cooking and heating appliances.
• Safe systems of work can be used to control work activities involving fire risk, e.g. permit-
to-work systems can be used to manage the risk associated with hot works. This includes
ensuring good standards of housekeeping
• Flammable liquids must be used and stored with appropriate care to minimize the associated
fire risk.
• If a fire does start within a building then structural measures will normally exist to contain
the fire and smoke in one part of the building. This compartmentation must be maintained;
doorways should be properly protected with self-closing fire doors.
• Electrical equipment must be of a suitable category for use in an explosive atmosphere

15.Describe the following principles of heat transfer during a fire

(a)Conduction (2)
(b) Convection (2)
(c) Radiation (2)

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 (d)Direct burning (2)

Conduction: The principle that heat can be transmitted through solid materials. Some metals, in
particular, conduct heat very efficiently (e.g. copper). Any pipes, wires, ducts or services running
from room to room can act as conduits for heat and spread the fire.
Convection: The principle that hot air rises and cold air sinks. Hot gases generated by the fire
rise straight up from the fire inside a building these hot gases will hit the ceiling and then spread
out to form a layer underneath the ceiling. When these hot gases touch any combustible material
(such as a wooden curtain pole) they may heat that material up sufficiently so that it bursts into
flame. Outdoors these convection currents will contain burning embers that are carried on the
currents until the air cools and the embers are dropped to the ground. This is a common way for
forest fires to travel and jump over obstacles (such as roads)?
Radiation: Heat energy can be radiated through air in the form of infrared heat waves which
travel in straight lines Gust like light) and can pass through transparent surfaces (such as glass).
Radiant heat generated by a fire shines onto nearby surfaces and is absorbed. If the material heats
up sufficiently it can burst into flames.
Direct burning: The simplest method of fire spread where a flame front moves along or through
the burning material For example, set fire to the corner of a piece of paper and then watch the
flame front spread across the paper.

16.A small fire has started in a motor car repair workshop and is currently contained to a waste bin
holding cardboard packaging materials

a)Outline source of ignition that may have started this fire (3)

• Electrical equipment - faulty wiring, overloaded conductors, misused equipment and the
incorrect use of electrical equipment in inappropriate environments.
• Deliberate ignition - many workplace fires are started deliberately. In some cases the
workplace has been targeted, e.g. by a disgruntled employee or an unhappy customer; in
other cases it has not, e.g. youths playing with matches on an industrial estate.
• Hot work - any work involving the use of naked flames (e.g. propane torch or oxy-
acetylene cutting equipment) or that creates a significant ignition source (e.g. arc-welding
and grinding).
• Smoking - in particular carelessly discarded smoking materials such as cigarette butts and
matches.
• Heating appliances, e.g. electric fan heaters and space heaters, especially when left
unattended.
• Unsafe use and storage of flammable liquids and gases, e.g. petrol, acetone and liquefied
petroleum gas (LPG). Static sparks can be generated which could ignite a flammable
vapour.
• Mechanical heat - generated by friction between moving parts such as a motor and its
bearings, and cold work generating sparks.

(b) Identify reasons why a water extinguisher would be the most appropriate to tackle this small fire AND
give the reason why the fire would be extinguished by using it. (2)

Water is suitable for Class A fires as it works by cooling the fire. Standard water extinguisher is not
suitable for use on Classes B, D or F fires or live electrical equipment (risk of shock). Certain
specialized water extinguishers are available for use on Class B and F fires

46
(c) If the fire is not extinguished quickly, describe how the transmission of heat may cause this fire to
spread other parts of the workplace. (3)
• Convection: The principle that hot air rises and cold air sinks. Hot gases generated by the
fire rise straight up from the fire: - Inside a building these hot gases will hit the ceiling and
then spread out to form a layer underneath the ceiling. When these hot gases touch any
combustible material (such as a wooden curtain pole) they may heat that material up
sufficiently so that it bursts into flame. Outdoors these convection currents will contain
burning embers that are carried on the currents until the air cools and the embers are
dropped to the ground. This is a common way for forest fires to travel and jump over
obstacles (such as roads).
• Conduction: The principle that heat can be transmitted through solid materials. Some
metals, in particular, conduct heat very efficiently (e.g. copper). Any pipes, wires, ducts or
services running from room to room can act as conduits for heat and spread the fire.
• Radiation: Heat energy can be radiated through air in the form of infrared heat waves
which travel in straight lines Gust like light) and can pass through transparent surfaces (such
as glass). Radiant heat generated by a fire shines onto nearby surfaces and is absorbed. If the
material heats up sufficiently it can burst into flames.

17. (a) Identify types of emergency warning system that can be installed in a building to help ensure
all the workers can be made aware of the need of evacuate the building (2)

• The simplest system -. If there is a fire, people will see the fire and shout "Fire".
• Simple with more noise - hand bell, whistle or air horn
• Manually-operated fire alarm - system can be manually activated at call points. These call
points are usually buttons behind a clear plastic disc
• Interlinked smoke alarms - made up of interlinked smoke alarms.
• Automatic fire alarm - a system made up of automatic detectors and manual call points
linked into a central control box linked in turn to sounders

b)Outline structural measures that can help to prevent the spread of fire and smoke (6)

• Compartmentation: It is done by designing the building in such a way that is is divided up

into separate compartments, each surrounded by fire-resistant materials that can resist the
spread of smoke and flame.
• Fire doors: built to withstand the spread of smoke and flames.
• Intumescent strip: A strip built into the edge of a fire door that expands when it gets hot,
sealing the gap between the door and the door frame.
• Cold smoke seal: A plastic or foam strip that seals the gap between the door and frame at all
times.
• Brick - is usually very resistant to fire (bricks are made by exposure to very high
temperatures in a kiln).
• Timber: thick timber, such as structural beams, will not usually burn in a building fire (a
layer on the outside of the timber will char and protect the inner core).Thick timber is
unlikely to fail suddenly, but will do so slowly.
• Insulation: Insulation (such as wall insulation) can be combustible so fire-retardant versions
must be used

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 • Protection of Openings and Voids: This can be done in many different ways, e.g. a self-
dosing shutter held open by a fusible link (a piece of soft metal that melts at a very low
temperature, releasing the shutter).

18.Substantial changes are to be made to the internal layout of a workplace.

Outline factors to be considered when reviewing the fire risk assessment (8)
Factors to consider when reviewing fire risk assessment includes
Introduction of any new elements in fire such as sources of ignition ,fuel/oxygen during this
change in the internal layout ,Number & Type of people going to be affected includes vulnerable
groups and reviewing the existing evacuation plan,Type of Construction materials, Installation
requirements of any automatic detection system such as Heat/Smoke detectors which can be
directly linked to raise an alarm,Fire extinguishing system requirement such as water
sprinklers/foam types/fire extinguishers, Distance and number of fire exit routes required to
reach safe assembly points , Emergency lighting requirement for the fire exit routes and adequate
space/width in the fire exit routes and separate access for fire fighters to access inside the building
, consideration of control measures already exists and provision of refuge in the fire exit routes
and signage, Adequacy requirement check of fire extinguishers and type that is required and
availability of wheel chairs , stretchers for vulnerable groups for quick evacuation .Frequency of
mock drills and exercises ,development/updating fire emergency procedures .

19.Give reasons which may delay the safe evacuation of workers from a workplace during a fire (8)

 Confusion for workers to distinguish from fire alarm to other alarms

 Fire alarms was not audible due to volume being set at low, or due to machinery noise
 Inadequate space /width for escape route due to poor design
 Too long distance of the escape route to reach safe assembly point
 Inadequate width of corridors, passage ways and doors
 No Emergency lighting (in case the mains power supply fails).
 The escape route impeded by obstructions such as stored material or inappropriate doors.
 Unprotected stairs and corridors of escape route
 Workers collecting their belongings/investigating the cause of fire /completing their work
before evacuation,
 Negligence of worker could be this may be just fire drill.

20. Outline cleaning and housekeeping requirements in a workplace (8)

 Floors and walkways should be cleaned routinely to ensure that surfaces are kept free of
contamination.
 Spills will have to be cleaned up quickly and safely.
 Housekeeping routines should be established to ensure that pedestrian routes are free of trip
hazards and obstructions.
 Floors and walkways should be inspected and repaired to keep them in a safe condition (e.g.
pot holes should be repaired as soon as possible).
 Guard rails and fencing should be inspected and repaired as necessary.
 Access and egress routes should be inspected routinely and cleaned or repaired as necessary.
This is particularly important for outdoor areas when snow and ice can make external
pedestrian walkways hazardous (in which case gritting or clearing the snow and ice may be
appropriate).

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  Emergency exit routes should be kept free of slip and trip hazards and obstructions at all
times.
 Lighting is essential for safe movement through a workplace and lights should therefore be
routinely inspected and replaced/ repaired as necessary.
 Noise levels should be kept as low as possible to enable pedestrians to hear any
communications (such as annoy announcements or shouts of warning), alarms (such as a fire
alarm) and hazards (such as approaching vehicles).
 Special care should be taken during maintenance activities to ensure that required standards
relating to environmental considerations (lighting, noise, dust) are maintained.

Element 7: Chemical and Biological health hazards and risk control

1. A factory uses small quantities of various toxic chemicals which obtained from & returned to a central
storeroom.
a.Outline FOUR possible routes of entry of toxic substances into the body & in EACH case, describe
a circumstance in which the storeroom staff might be at risk of such exposure. (8)
Ingestion – the substance is taken in through the mouth and swallowed down into the stomach
and then moves on through the digestive system. This is a less significant route of entry since
people are unlikely to deliberately swallow a hazardous substance. Ingestion usually occurs by
cross-contamination (of the hands by a toxic substance) or by mistaken ingestion.
Absorption through the skin – the substance passes through the skin and into the tissues
beneath and then into the blood stream. Only some substances (e.g. organic solvents) are able to
permeate the skin in this way, but when they can this route can be very significant since any skin
contact allows absorption.
Injection through the skin – the substance passes through the skin barrier either by physical
injection (e.g. a needle-stick injury) or through damaged skin (cuts and grazes). This route is
significant for many biological agents (e.g. hepatitis).
Inhalation – the substance is breathed in through the nose and mouth and down into the lungs.
This is a significant route of entry for many hazardous substances in the gas, vapour, mist, fume
or dust form. People have to breathe; if the hazardous substance is present in the air around them
then it will be inhaled. Dust can be inhaled through the nose and mouth in this way, but not all
dust will travel down into the lungs. Dust is made up of small particles of various diameters.
Large dust particles are filtered out by the lungs‟ defence mechanisms before they can travel
down into the lungs; smaller particles are not trapped by these defences and will travel deep into
the lungs.

b) Identify the factors to consider when assessing the health risk to storeroom staff from handling the
chemicals. (8)
• The hazardous nature of the substance present – is it toxic, corrosive, carcinogenic,etc.?
• The potential ill-health effects – will the substance cause minor ill-health or very serious
disease and will these result from short-term or long-term exposure?
• The physical forms that the substance takes in the workplace – is it a solid, liquid,
vapour, dust, fume, etc.?
• The routes of entry the substance enters–inhalation, ingestion, skin absorption, etc.?
• The quantity of the hazardous substance present in the workplace – including the total
quantities stored and the quantities in use or created at any one time.
• The concentration of the substance – if stored or used neat or diluted, and the
concentration in the air if airborne.

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 • The number of people potentially exposed including vulnerable groups .
• The frequency of exposure – will people by exposed once a week, once a day or
continuously?
• The duration of exposure – will exposure be very brief, last for several hours or last all
day?
• The control measures that are already in place - such as ventilation systems and PPE.

c) Identify the control measures that might be required in order to minimize the risk to the health of
those working in the store room. (4)
• Minimization of emission, release and spread of hazardous substances through design and
operation of processes and task activities.
• Effectiveness and reliability of control options that minimize the escape and spread of
hazardous substances.
• Exposure control to be proportional to health risk.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as suitable RPE , gloves , safety shoes and
jackets
• Personal hygiene and protection regimes.
• Health and medical surveillance

2. a)Identify possible routes of entry of biological organism into the body. (4)
• Inhalation
• Ingestion
• Absorption
• Injection.

b)Outline control measure that could be used to reduce the risk of infection from biological
organisms(8)
• Sterilization and disinfection – this process removes the biological agent and therefore the
hazard. It is often used to treat wastes to make them safe for disposal, e.g. treatment of used
laboratory equipment, contaminated medical supplies, etc. Disinfection of workrooms and
benches is an important control to minimise the spread of infectious materials.
• PPE can be used to prevent contamination of clothing (e.g. lab coats), or to prevent materials
entering the body (e.g. respiratory and eye protection to prevent entry via inhalation or
absorption, gloves to prevent contact with broken skin). Those handling biological agents
should ensure that open wounds are covered at all times.
• The use of microbiological agents can often be restricted to a designated area, e.g. the use of
microbiological safety cabinets (similar to laboratory fume hoods in principle but filtered to
prevent the escape of agents) is common place; however if the agent is on a host, such as an
animal, then quarantine areas may be needed.
• Spill containment methods which prevent release of agents are required. Spill trays may be
used in laboratories, whilst uncontrolled releases of, for example, body fluids such as blood
may be treated with a chemical to contain and disinfect.
• High standards of personal hygiene are essential – smoking, drinking, eating and applying
cosmetics should all be banned in the workplace, and clothing should be changed (e.g. lab
coats removed) before entering uncontaminated areas.
• Finally vaccinations may be used to prevent infection in some instances, e.g. the hepatitis B
vaccinations for first aiders already mentioned.

3. A worker is engaged in general cleaning a large veterinary Clinic.

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 a) Identify FOUR specific types of hazard that cleaner might face when undertaking cleaning (4)
FOUR specific types of hazards can be:
• Cleaning workers are at risk of exposure to zoonoses, infectious diseases that spread from
animals to humans. Possible routes of transmission include aerosol, droplet spray,
ingestion (oral), direct contact, indirect contact. Sources of exposure include animals,
body fluids, contaminated tools, surfaces, or other objects in the environment.
• Cleaning workers are exposed to additional biological hazards especially from the animal
droppings which may contain a contagious disease.
• Different chemical hazards including glutaraldehyde and other disinfectants, hazardous
drugs, latex , pesticides, and waste anesthetic gases exist in the veterinary clinic.
Exposure to these chemicals may occur by dermal contact and/or inhalation (being
breathed in)
• Workers may be exposed to blood borne pathogens while cleaning the blood of animals
• Additional hazards may include slip while cleaning the biological and /or chemical spills

b) Outline the precautions that could be taken to minimize the risk of harm from these hazards
Following precautions can be adopted at a workplace: (4)
• Personal hygiene practices are the best way to protect the workers from exposed hazards
• Hand washing routines and use of hand sanitizers to be made part of workers daily job
routines
• Double bag all the chemical waste, partially filled vials, undispensed products, needles
and syringes, gloves, gowns, mats and contaminated materials from spill clean ups and
animal bodily fluids
• Prohibition of eating, drinking and smoking in the workplace
• Health Surveillance of the workers to be carried out for health monitoring and biological
monitoring
• Sterilisation to be carried out to treat wastes to make them safe for disposal
• Disinfection to be carried out immediately for the work room and benches to minimize
the spread of infectious materials
• Vaccinations may be used for the workers in some instances e.g. hepatitis B
• Post the sign to warn employees that they are working in an environment where
hazardous drugs are being handled
• Train workers to recognize and understand the risks of working with hazardous chemicals
used as drugs and the biological hazards they are going to face while cleaning
• Training for the use of spill kits followed by the mock drills for the spills at workplace to
make workers trained how to deal with the spill
• Cleaning workers should be part of the dedicated team who carry out the spillage control
at the workplace
• Use of proper personal protective equipment which include but not limited to specialized
gloves, safety shoes (only for cleaning not to be worn outside), coveralls, safety goggles,
hair nets etc.

5. A company produces a range of solid and liquid wastes, both hazardous and non-hazardous. Identify
the arrangements that should be in place to ensure the safe storage of the wastes prior to their
collection and disposal. (8)

• The hazardous nature of the waste – the waste may be inherently hazardous to staff involved
in handling it, e.g. toxic or radioactive. This may require the use of PPE.
• The waste may present a manual handling risk.This might be overcome by the use of
mechanical handling equipment or handling aids.

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 • Storage equipment such as skips, bins and compactors may be difficult to access and may
require steps or platforms to allow safe use.
• Waste containers/skips should be stored on concrete surfaces and not on unstable or unmade
ground (grass or earth) to prevent contamination of ground and groundwater.
• Compactors will have moving parts that must be effectively guarded to prevent access.
• Collection vehicles such as skip lorries present a significant hazard when manoeuvring,
especially when reversing (use a banksman).
• The waste may present a temptation to scavengers (e.g. waste metals) and to vandals
(unlocked storage tank valves) and so must be secured.
• Stored liquid waste should be contained in either a double-skinned container or the vessel
should be contained in a bund.
• Containers should be located away from bund walls.
• Bunds should have the capacity to store 110% of the volume of the largest container in the
bund.
• Provision should be made to empty the bund of rainwater if the storage area is outside (or a
roof installed to prevent rainwater ingress).
• Where liquids are pumped, transferred or decanted the transfer points or tanker connections
should also be contained in a bunded area or the operation carried out over a drip tray.
• Bunds may need to be protected from damage, e.g. by vehicles such as tankers approaching
to make deliveries.
• Bunds will need to be checked and maintained to ensure that they do not leak.
• Any escape may have the potential to cause pollution. Adequately securing the waste might
control this risk, but emergency spill or release plans may also be required, along with the
necessary personnel, equipment and training to put these plans into effect (see Topic Focus).
• Waste types (streams) must be segregated to prevent the mixing and contamination of one
type of waste with another. This usually requires separate secure storage for each type of
waste and the clear identification of types.
• Appropriate documentation should accompany the waste and the duty of care, to dispose of
waste in line with legal requirements, must be fulfilled.

6. Outline the precautions to ensure the health & safety of persons engaged in spray painting activities in
a motor vehicle repair shop. (8)
• Proper ventilation is important when working with paint coatings, a spray booth is an
excellent way to remove spray paint vapors and debris from a worker‟s breathing zone
• To provide maximum protection, the spray booth must be properly maintained, including
regular cleaning of filters and overspray
• When painting in an enclosed space (a room),provide outside ventilation air with fans or
open windows & turn off ignition sources like wall heaters
• The air-purifying type of respirator should be used only during exposure to those specific
chemicals, or groups of chemicals, described on the respirator cartridge. While the
atmosphere-supplying type of respirator must be used in some paint spraying operations,
particularly with urethane paints or when painting in a confined space e.g. inside a tank.
Other PPE to be used can be eye googles and coveralls.
• Some of the chemicals you work with can injure skin or cause dermatitis. Coveralls and
gloves prevent these chemicals from coming into contact with your skin, reducing the
risk of damage. Wear your coveralls and gloves whenever working with chemicals. Clean
your gloves and wash your coveralls regularly to prevent chemicals from accumulating,
especially around the cuffs where they can easily come into contact with your skin. As an
additional protective measure, use BARRIER CREAMS on your hands, face and neck.
Check to make use you have the correct barrier cream for the chemicals being used.

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 • Because of the danger of fire and explosion where paints which contain flammable
solvents are being used, care should be taken to remove all potential sources of ignition
before starting work. This means naked flames, cutting and welding torches, gas fired
heaters and materials which may give off sparks, whether electrical, mechanical, friction
or static, and there must be no smoking. Make sure the correct types of fire extinguishers
are available at the work site
• Many painting projects require preparation of the materials to be painted. Preparation
often involves sanding of the surface which creates a health hazard if dust masks are not
worn. Ideally dust collection systems should be used to prevent large amounts of small
particulates from entering the air. Sanding and scraping of old paint may hold additional
hazards if the old paint contains lead.
• Understand the information given with the material safety data sheet of the paint been
used. For most people who work with a material, there are sections of the MSDS that are
more important than others. You should always read the name of the material, know the
hazards, understand the safe handling and storage requirements, and understand what to
do in an emergency.
• Hazard Communication Standard (HAZCOM) needs to be implemented at the work
place. The Hazard Communication standard requires employers to; maintain an inventory
of hazardous materials, provide employees training on the potential hazards associated
with a material, obtain and maintain MSDSs for each material onsite, establish proper
methods and types of labels, and inform contractors of the hazards that their employees
may be exposed to in their work area
• Step ladders are commonly used for painting. Ladder safety begins with selecting the
right ladder for the job and includes inspection, setup, proper climbing or standing,
proper use, care, and storage. This combination of safe equipment and its safe use can
eliminate most ladder accidents
• One of the most common health hazards associated with exposure to solvents is
dermatitis. This can be avoided by use of substitute solvents which are less hazardous to
health
• Use of safety signage with no smoking, no welding to be posted
• Grounding of all spraying equipment

7. Identify sources of information which could be used in the assessment of risk to toxic substances (8)
• The hazardous nature of the substance present – is it toxic, corrosive, carcinogenic,etc.?
• The potential ill-health effects – will the substance cause minor ill-health or very serious
disease and will these result from short-term or long-term exposure?
• The physical forms that the substance takes in the workplace – is it a solid, liquid,
vapour,dust, fume, etc.?
• The routes of entry the substance can take in order to cause harm – is it harmful by
inhalation, ingestion, skin absorption, etc.?
• The quantity of the hazardous substance present in the workplace – including the total
quantities stored and the quantities in use or created at any one time.
• The concentration of the substance – if stored or used neat or diluted, and the
concentration in the air if airborne.
• The number of people potentially exposed and any vulnerable groups or individuals –
such as pregnant women or the infirm.
• The frequency of exposure – will people by exposed once a week, once a day or
continuously?
• The duration of exposure – will exposure be very brief, last for several hours or last all
day?

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 • The control measures that are already in place - such as ventilation systems and PPE.

8. Identify the sources of information available in Material Safety Data Sheet. (8)
• Identification of the substance or preparation and supplier – including name, address and
emergency contact phone numbers.
• Composition and information on ingredients – chemical names.
• Hazard identification – a summary of the most important features, including adverse
health effects and symptoms.
• First aid measures – separated for the various risks, and specific, practical and easily
understood.
• Fire-fighting measures – emphasizing any special requirements.
• Accidental release measures – covering safety, environmental protection and clean-up.
• Handling and storage – recommendations for best practice, including any special storage
conditions or incompatible materials.
• Exposure controls and personal protection – any specific recommendations, such as
particular ventilation systems and PPE.
• Physical and chemical properties – physical, stability and solubility properties.
• Stability and reactivity – conditions and materials to avoid.
• Toxicological information – acute and chronic effects, routes of exposure and symptoms.
• Ecological information – environmental effects, which could include effects on aquatic
organisms, etc.
• Disposal considerations – advice on specific dangers and legislation.
• Transport information – special precautions.
• Regulatory information – overall classification of the product and any specific legislation
that may be applicable.
• Other information – any additional relevant information (e.g. explanation of
abbreviations used).

9. Explain the difference between acute and chronic health effects. (4)
Acute Effect: Is an immediate or rapidly produced, adverse effect, following single or
short term exposure to an offending agent which is usually reversible.
Chronic Effect: Is an adverse health effect produced as a result of prolonged or repeated
exposure with a gradual or latent, and often irreversible, effect that may often go
unrecognized for a number of years.

10. Identify the factors affecting the suitability of Respiratory Protective Equipment. (8)
• Concentration of the contaminant and its hazardous nature.
• Physical form of the substance, e.g. dust or vapor.
• Level of protection offered by the RPE.
• Presence or absence of normal oxygen concentrations.
• Duration of time that it must be worn.
• Compatibility with other items of PPE that must be worn.
• Shape of the user‟s face and influence on fit.
• Facial hair that might interfere with an effective seal.
• Physical requirements of the job such as the need to move freely.
• Physical fitness of the wearer.

11. Identify factors that could reduce the effectiveness of Local Exhaust Ventilation. (8)
• Poorly positioned intake hoods.
• Damaged ducts.
• Excessive amounts of contamination.

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 • Ineffective fan due to low speed or lack of maintenance.
• Blocked filters.
• Buildup of contaminant in the ducts.
• Sharp bends in ducts.
• Unauthorized additions to the system.

12. Outline TWO types of cellular defense mechanisms that body has as a natural defense system.(4)
Respiratory Defenses
• Ciliary escalator – the bronchioles, bronchi and trachea are lined with small hairs (cilia).
Mucus lining these passages is gradually moved by these cilia up out of the lungs. Any
particles trapped in this mucus are cleaned out of the lungs by this mechanism. This
filtration mechanism is effective at removing all particles larger than 7 microns in
diameter.This will collect larger asbestos fibres,silica and larger particles in dust,but
again will not defend against finer fibres and particulates.
• Macrophages – scavenging white blood cells of irregular outline .They produce enzymes
that attack and destroy particles that enter body tissues.

13. Give the meaning of the term „Maximum allowable concentration’. (2)

The maximum concentration of airborne contaminants-normally measured across a particular

reference period of time-to which employees may be exposed by inhalation.

14.(a) Explain the health risks associated with exposure to the Leptospira bacteria. (2)
The disease leptospirosis starts with flu-like symptoms (fever, headache, and muscle pain) and
then progresses to a more serious phase involving jaundice. At this stage the disease is causing liver
damage and may be known as Weil‟s disease.
(b) Identify the workplace circumstances where leptospira bacteria may be present. (4)
 Dairy farming where cattle been effected by Leptospira
 Sewer workers those who clean drainage / sewage tanks could be exposed to infected rat
urine (absorption via cuts/grazes)
 Water -sports instructors
 Diving instructors.
(c) Identify precautions that will reduce the risks from exposure to leptospira bacteria. (2)
 Preventing rat infestation, by good housekeeping and pest control.
 Good personal hygiene (e.g. hand-washing).
 PPE (especially gloves).
 Covering cuts and grazes.
 Issuing workers with an “at risk” card to be shown to the worker‟s doctor (physician) to
allow early diagnosis.

15. A dust produced during a work process contains a substance that is classified as toxic and has been
assigned a workplace exposure limit.
a) Give the meaning of the term „Toxic‟. (2)
Toxic – small doses cause death or serious illhealth when inhaled, swallowed or absorbed
via the skin (e.g. potassium cyanide (KCN)).
b) Give the meaning of the term „Workplace Exposure Limit‟. (2)
Maximum concentrations of airborne contaminants, normally measured across particular
reference period of time, to which employees may be exposed.
c) Identify the Limitations of WEL. (6)

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 • OEL are designed only to control the absorption into the body of harmful substances
following inhalation only and they are not concerned with ingestion, absorption through eyes,
skin and injection
• No account of individual susceptibility
• No account of synergistic effects
• Become invalid if the normal environmental condition changes(e.g. Changes in temperature)
• Monitoring equipment may be contaminated hence ineffective
• Most of them based on male physiology

16. (a) Identify the health risks associated with exposure to silica dust. (2)
 Silicosis
 Breathlessness
 Chest pain
 Heart and lung failure
(b) Identify the workplace circumstances where silica dust may be present. (2)
 Mining
 Quarrying
 Pottery
 Construction industries
(c) Outline precautions that will reduce the risk from exposure to silica dust. (4)
 Prevention of exposure by use of alternative work methods
 Dust suppression by water jet/spray
 Local exhaust ventilation
 Respiratory protective equipment
 Health surveillance
17. Outline the factors to consider when selecting respiratory protective equipment (RPE) to give suitable
protection against exposure to airborne substances (8)

 Nature of the hazard (chemical properties, concentration in the air, warning properties)
 Physical form of the substance, e.g. gas, vapor or particulate (mist, dust or fume)
 Level of protection offered by the RPE.
 Whether it can be used in firefighting or emergencies situations.
 Presence or absence of normal oxygen concentrations.
 Duration of time that it must be worn.
 Compatibility with other items of PPE that must be worn.
18.A factory producing furniture uses wood in the manufacturing process and is concerned about the
health risk of wood dust.
a. Identify operations which are likely to produce high levels of wood dust in the workplace. (4)
 Sawing
 Routing
 Turning
 Cleaning items or areas with compressed air lines
 While cleaning of LEV ducts

b.Identify health risk which could be associated with the wood dust. (4)
 Dermatitis
 Allergic respiratory effects
 Mucosal
 Non-allergic respiratory effects

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 c. Outline control measures which could reduce the risk from the wood dust. (12)
 Installing Local Exhaust Ventilation
 Provide Respiratory Protective Equipment
 Provide other Personal Protective Equipment
 Good standards of Housekeeping
 Vacuum cleaning equipment should be maintained properly
 Washing facilities for workers
 Separate storage for workers clothing and laundering
 High standard of personal hygiene by changing overalls and washing hands before
eating and drinking.

19.(a) Identify possible health risks associated with exposure to cement (4)

The harmful effects of exposure include:

 Irritation or corrosive burns to the eyes.
 Irritation of the respiratory tract.
 Irritant dermatitis on skin contact.
 Allergic dermatitis on repeated skin contact.
 Corrosive burns to the skin on prolonged contact

(b) Outline control measures to help reduce health risks when working with cement (4)
Typical controls include:

 Eliminating or reducing exposure.

 Use of work clothing, and PPE such as gloves, dust masks and eye protection.
 Removal of contaminated clothing.
 Good hygiene and washing on skin contact.
20. Identify FOUR possible routes of entry of a hazardous substance into the body AND, in EACH case,
Give an example of how a worker might be at risk of such exposure (8)
• Inhalation - the substance is breathed in through the nose and mouth and down into the lungs.
This is a significant route of entry for many hazardous substances in the gas, vapour, mist, fume
or dust form. People have to breathe; if the hazardous substance is present in the air around them
then it will be inhaled. Dust can be inhaled through the nose and mouth in this way, but not all
dust will travel down into the lungs. Dust is made up of small particles of various diameters.
Large dust particles are filtered out by the lungs' defence mechanisms before they can travel
down into the lungs; smaller particles are not trapped by these defences and will travel deep
into the lungs. These two types of dust are called:
- Inhalable dust - particles of all sizes that can be inhaled into the nose and mouth.
- Respirable dust - particles less than 7 microns (7 /1000 mm) in diameter that can travel
deep into the lungs on inhaled breath.
• Ingestion - the substance is taken in through the mouth and swallowed down into the stomach
and then moves on through the digestive system. This is a less significant route of entry since
people are unlikely to deliberately swallow a hazardous substance. Ingestion usually occurs by
cross contamination (of the hands by a toxic substance) or by mistaken ingestion.
• Absorption through the skin - the substance passes through the skin and into the tissues beneath
and then into the blood stream. Only some substances (e.g. organic solvents) are able to
permeate the skin in this way. But when they can this route can be very significant since any
skin contact allows absorption.

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 • Injection through the skin - the substance passes through the skin barrier either by physical
injection (e.g. a needle-stick injury) or through damaged skin (cuts and grazes). This route is
significant for many biological agents (e.g. hepatitis).

21.Outline precautions that are necessary for the safe storage and handling of small containers of
flammable solvents (8)

 Bottles (cylinders) should be stored outside.

 The storage area should be fenced with a secure, lockable gate.
 Warning signs should be displayed.
 Ignition sources should be eliminated from the area.
 Bottles should be chained upright.
 The storage area should be separate from other buildings.
 Empty and full bottles should be kept separate.
 Oxygen bottles should not be stored with LPG.
 Only those bottles actually required should be removed from the storage area and
should be returned after use.

22.As part of cleaning process solvents needs to be sprayed on to components before being painted

(a) During the spraying process, identify the forms that the solvent could take (2)
 Gas - a basic state of matter; expands to fill the space available
 Mist - very small liquid droplets suspended 111 air, normally created by spraying
 Vapour - the gaseous form of a substance that exists as a solid or liquid at normal
temperature and pressure

(b) Outline control measures that could be taken in order to help reduce the risks of exposure to this
solvent (6)
 Exposure to solvent should be prevented or, if this is not possible, controlled below any
relevant workplace exposure limit.
 A general hierarchy of controls can be applied to controlling exposure: eliminate or
substitute the substances; change the process; reduce exposure time; enclose or segregate;
local exhaust ventilation; dilution ventilation; respiratory protective equipment; other
personal protective equipment; personal hygiene; and health surveillance.
 Local exhaust ventilation works by extracting airborne contamination from the place where it
is created using an inlet hood linked to a filter and fan by ductwork. Such systems have to be
inspected and maintained to ensure their ongoing effectiveness.
 Respiratory protective equipment can be subdivided into two groups: respirators (filtering
face-piece, half mask, full face, and power types) and breathing apparatus (air hose,
compressed air, and self-contained types).

23. Outline circumstances where the following biological agents might be present in a workplace.

(a) Blood –borne viruses (4)

(b) Legionella (4)
Blood –borne viruses

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 Hepatitis A is contracted orally by cross-contamination with faecal material containing the
hepatitis-A virus so sewage workers are at risk.
Hepatitis B is transmitted in body fluids, such as blood, so occupations at risk would include
health care workers (doctors and nurses), firefighters, and police and waste disposal workers. The
virus survives for long periods outside the body and can survive harsh treatment that would kill
other micro-organisms (such as boiling in water). Contaminated body fluids can cause infection
by contact with damaged skin, needle-stick injury and even splashing to the eyes and mouth.
Symptoms of the disease include jaundice and liver damage. Though many people are able to
make a full recovery, some will become long-term sufferers and some continue to carry the virus
but do not display any symptoms of infection.

Legionella

Legionella bacteria are water-loving soil bacteria. The bacteria are hazardous when inhaled into
the lungs, where they cause Legionnaire's Disease (also called legionellosis). This can occur
when water systems in a workplace become contaminated with the bacteria and that
contaminated water is then sprayed to create a mist (with living bacteria inside the droplets). The
most common sources for outbreaks of the disease are outdoor cooling towers associated with air
conditioning systems. Water containing the bacteria is sprayed inside the cooling tower, then
drifts out of the top of the cooling tower and is inhaled by passers-by. These people may then
develop the disease. Symptoms start as flu-like (fever, headache, muscle pain, etc.) and then
progress to pneumonia. It can prove fatal, especially for the elderly, infirm or
immunosuppressed, or if not diagnosed early.

24.a) Identify possible routes of entry of biological agents into the body (4)
 Inhalation -the substance is breathed in through the nose and mouth and down into the
lungs
 Ingestion - the substance is taken in through the mouth and swallowed down into the
stomach and then moves on through the digestive system.
 Absorption through the skin - the substance passes through the skin and into the tissues
beneath and then into the blood stream.
 Injection through the skin - the substance passes through the skin barrier either by
physical injection (e.g. a needle-stick injury) or through damaged skin (cuts and grazes)
(b)Outline control measures that could be used to help reduce the risk of exposure to biological
agents(4)
 Sterilisation and disinfection - this process removes the biological agent and therefore
the hazard. It is often used to treat wastes Lo make them safe for disposal, e.g. treatment
of used laboratory equipment, contaminated medical supplies, etc. Disinfection of
workrooms and benches is an important control to minimise the spread of infectious
materials.
 PPE can be used to prevent contamination of clothing (e.g. lab coats), or to prevent
materials entering the body (e.g. respiratory and eye protection to prevent entry via
inhalation or absorption, gloves to prevent contact with broken skin). Those handling
biological agents should ensure that open wounds are covered at all times.
 The use of microbiological agents can often be restricted to a designated area, e.g. The
use of microbiological safety cabinets (similar to laboratory fume hoods in principle but

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 filtered to prevent the escape of agents) is common place; however if the agent is on a
host, such as an animal, then quarantine areas may be needed.
 Spill containment methods which prevent release of agents are required. Spill trays may
be used in laboratories, whilst uncontrolled releases of, for example, body fluids such as
blood may be treated with a chemical to contain and disinfect.
 High standards of personal hygiene are essential- smoking, drinking, eating and
applying cosmetics should all be banned in the workplace, and clothing should be
changed (e.g. lab coats removed) before entering uncontaminated areas.
 Finally vaccinations may be used to prevent infection in some instances, e.g. the
hepatitis B vaccinations for first aiders already mentioned.
25.A powdered raw material is to be mixed with water to make a paste that will be applied to internal
walls of a building as a decorative coating.
Explain factors that should be considered when carrying out an assessment of the health risks to workers
exposed to these substances. (8)
Factors to consider when carrying out an assessment:
 The hazardous nature of the substance present - is it toxic, corrosive, carcinogenic, etc.?
 The potential ill-health effects - will the substance cause minor ill health or very serious disease
and will this result from short-term or long-term exposure?
 The physical forms that the substance takes in the workplace - are it a solid, liquid, vapour, dust,
fume, etc.?
 The routes of entry the substance can take in order to cause harm - is it harmful by inhalation,
ingestion, skin absorption, etc.?
 The quantity of the hazardous substance present in the workplace – including the total quantities
stored and the quantities in use or created at any one time.
 The concentration of the substance - if stored or used neat or diluted, and the concentration in the
air if airborne.
 The number of people potentially exposed and any vulnerable groups or individuals - such as
pregnant women or the infirm.
 The frequency of exposure - will people by exposed once a week, once a day or continuously?
 The duration of exposure - will exposure be very brief, last for several hours or last all day?
 The control measures that are already in place such as ventilation systems and PPE.

26.Hazardous substances in the form of paints, solvents and cleaning chemicals are to be used by
contractors for the internal redecoration of a public library.

a) Identify possible routes of entry into the body of the hazardous substances (4)
 Inhalation - the substance is breathed in through the nose and mouth and down into the lungs
 Ingestion - the substance is taken in through the mouth and swallowed down into the stomach
and then moves on through the digestive system.
 Absorption through the skin - the substance passes through the skin and into the tissues beneath
and then into the blood stream.
 Injection through the skin - the substance passes through the skin barrier either by physical
injection (e.g. a needle-stick injury) or through damaged skin (cuts and grazes)

(b) Outline factors that should be considered when carrying out an assessment of the risks to
health from the hazardous substance (8)
 The hazardous nature of the substance present – is it toxic, corrosive, carcinogenic,etc.?
 The potential ill-health effects – will the substance cause minor ill-health or very serious disease
and will these result from short-term or long-term exposure?

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  The physical forms that the substance takes in the workplace – is it a liquid, vapour, dust, fumes,
etc.?
 The routes of entry the substance can take in order to cause harm – is it harmful by
inhalation,ingestion, skin absorption, etc.?
 The quantity of the hazardous substance present in the workplace – including the total quantities
stored and the quantities in use or created at any one time.
 The concentration of the substance – if stored or used neat or diluted, and the concentration in the
air if airborne.
 The number of people potentially exposed and any vulnerable groups or individuals – such as
pregnant women or the infirm.
 The frequency of exposure – will people by exposed once a week, once a day or continuously?
 The duration of exposure – will exposure be very brief, last for several hours or last all day?
 The control measures that are already in place - such as ventilation systems and PPE.

(c) Outline control measures required to help reduce the risk of exposure to hazardous substance to
library workers and members of the public (8)

Barricading the areas where painting work has been carried out with adequate ventilation, brush
techniques instead of spraying to avoid the spread of mist/fumes of paints. Warning Signage
around the painting areas, Installation of LEV in the painting areas to extract the fumes of paints,
Adequate information and training given to library workers,members of the public and workers
who are carrying out the painting work on the precaution being taken and safe system of work
needs to be followed, Wearing PPE such as RPE and goggles for eye protection .

27. Asbestos is to be removed from a building that is used as a work place.

(a) Outline the difference between acute and chronic health effects (4)
 Acute: short term exposure of high level of the substance, the immediate/quick effect as a result
of exposure (For e.g. exposure to high concentration of chroline gas can cause immediate
irritation to the respiratory system )

 Chronic: Repeated/prolonged exposure to low level of substance , the health effect caused as a
result of exposure ( For e.g. Asbestosis occurs 10-20 years after multiple exposures to asbestos)

b.Identify possible Chronic health risks from exposure to asbestos (2)

The possible chronic health risks from exposure to asbestos includes :
 Asbestosis
 Lung Cancer
 Mesothelioma

c) Outline where asbestos may be found within the building (4)

Asbestos can be found in building parts includes
 Roofs ( Asbestos cement) ,
 Ceiling( Ceiling tiles)
 Walls and ceilings ( in fire breaks)
 Floors( Floor tiles)

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(d) Outline control measures that should be considered before and during the removal of asbestos (10)

Control measures before the removal of asbestos:

Work must be notified to local authority/local enforcement agency and also seeking advice from them on
the precaution before and during the removal includes , (Width of the area that needs to be sealed,
emergency arrangements that should be in place etc.);Work area must be sealed to prevent the escape of
air contaminated with asbestos dust ;Training should be provided to all workers involved in the removal
of asbestos which includes precaution should be taken while handling asbestos; Health surveillance
should be done to all workers who is going to be involved ;Provision of PPE Breathing apparatus or Full
face piece respirator taking into consideration of physical requirement, measurement and duration of time
to be worn , Carrying out risk assessment, Developing safe system of work and permit to work system
.Provision of asbestos dust monitoring equipment to link with OEL( Occupation Exposure limit inside the
sealed zones .
Control Measures during the removal:
Workers must wear protective clothing and respiratory protective equipment to prevent dust inhalation
;Sealed area must be ventilated by a negative pressure ventilation system with high-efficiency particulate
air ( HEPA) filters; All Asbestos containing materials must be securely double-bagged,labeled and
disposed of as a hazardous waste at a site licensed to receive it ; Job rotation and frequency of breaks and
also regular dust level monitoring to ensure the workers are within the limit of Occupation Exposure
Limit .

Element 8: Physical and Psychological health hazards and risk control

1. Explain the following terms in relation to noise exposure at work. (4)

a) Noise-induced hearing loss.
b) Tinnitus

a) Noise-induced hearing loss

- Noise induced hearing loss is normally caused by prolonged exposure to high noise levels
causing damage to the hair cells and leading to a permanent threshold shift at particular
frequencies, which worsens with continued exposure both in terms of the extent of the
threshold shift and of the frequencies affected.
b) Tinnitus
- Tinnitus on the other hand is typified by a ringing or similar sound in the ears caused by
over-stimulation of the hair cells. It can be acute or chronic, permanent or intermittent.

2.Identify four limitations of personnel hearing protection as a means of protecting against the effects of
noise or identify the factors that are likely to affect the performance of personnel hearing protection. (4)
Ear Muffs
 Uncomfortable when worn for long time.
 Must be routinely inspected, cleaned and maintained.
 Efficiency may be by long hair, spectacles or earrings.
 Incompatible with some other items worn (e.g. spectacles)
 Needs dedicated storage facility.
Ear Plug

 Difficult to see when fitted, so supervision and enforcement difficult.

 Risk of infection if dirty or if cross-contaminated when inserted.

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  Interface with communication.
 Effectiveness decreases with usage.
 Need to be correctly sized to fit the individual.

3. Outline four types of engineering control that may be used to reduce noise in the workplace giving an
example of each. (4)

Source:
Eliminating or reducing noise at the design stage e.g. nylon bearings instead of metal.
Substitute the source:
Change the noise source for something else that does the same job but generates less noise
(e.g. change a petrol-driven machine for an electric version).
Silencing:
An attachment is fitted to the exhaust of a machine the baffles reduce the noise.
Damping:
Reduction in structure born noise by use of rubber/cork, springs etc in noise path e.g.
panels, motors etc or by reducing vibration.

Isolation:
Protection of persons from noise source by distance or sound proofed rooms.
Lagging:
On pipes carrying steam or hot mud‟s insulation of pipes to reduce sound transmission.
Absorption:
Absorbing sound in the work area by means of acoustic absorbent panels on walls or
ceilings
Enclosure:
Placing a sound-proof cover over the noise source.

4. a.Outline control measures that can be taken to reduce the risk from cement mixers to which workers
on a construction site are exposed. (4)

• Location of the mixer on firm, level ground.

• Location away from traffic or where traffic is controlled.
• Fixed guards to motor and drive mechanism.
• Routine inspection and portable appliance testing, and use of residual current device
(RCD) for electrically powered equipment.
• Safe storage of petrol and control of ignition sources for petrol-powered equipment;
avoid use in confined spaces due to emission of exhaust gases.
• Reduction in manual handling or positioning of cement bags close to the equipment.
• Use restricted to trained operators only.
• Hand protection, respiratory protection, overalls and eye protection (splash resistant).
• Hearing protection to reduce noise exposure.

(b)Identify other noise hazards that may be present on construction sites. (4)
• Grinding activity.
• Welding activity
• Vehicles moving
• Excavation
• Scaffolding
• Destruction or dismantling of structures.

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5.a.In relation to ill-health effects from the use of vibrating hand held tools identify the typical symptoms
that might be shown by affected individuals. (4)
• Hand-Arm Vibrating syndrome (HAVS)
• Vibration White Finger (VWF)
• Nerve Damage
• Muscle weakening
• Joint damage

b. Outline the control measures that may be used to minimize the risk of health effects caused by using
the vibrating hand held tools. (4)
• Eliminate the source
• Reduce the vibration at source.
• Substitute the source.
• Changing work techniques.
• Periodical Maintenance
• Interrupt the pathway from source to receiver.
• Isolation of vibrating parts.
• Limit the duration of exposure.
• Job rotation

6. For each of the following types of non-ionizing radiation, Identify a source and state the possible ill-
health effects on exposed individuals. (4)

a) Infrared Radiation
Red hot steel in a rolling mill, Fire or furnaces and glass manufacture- redness and burns to the
skin; retinal burns, development of eye cataracts over time.
b) Ultraviolet Radiation
welding operations, Sun - redness and burns to the skin (e.g. sunburn), pain and inflammation to
the surface of the eye leading to temporary blindness known as photo keratitis(often called arc-
eye or snow blindness),increased risk of skin cancer, premature aging of the skin.

7. Identify the general methods for protecting people against exposure to non-ionizing radiation. (4)

• Shielding
• Increasing the distance between source and person
• Reducing the duration of exposure
• Appropriate personal protective equipment
• The use of barrier cream.
• By following Safe system work / permit to work system.
• Job rotation/ frequency of breaks during shift.

8.Outline the factors that may lead to unacceptable levels of occupational stress amongst worker. (8)
• Excessive demands of the job in terms of workload, speed of work and deadlines
• Frequent changes in the working pattern (e.g. changing shift patterns)
• Exposure to noise & vibration
• Extremes of temperature and or humidity
• Cramped conditions
• Dirty or untidy working conditions

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 • Workplace layout resulting in a lack of privacy or security
• Poor lighting/stroboscope effect
• Inadequate ventilation resulting in stale air
• Inadequate welfare facilities
• Those working outside, inclement weather conditions

9. A number of workers who are required to work with vibrating hand-held tools for lengthy periods
during a work shift have reported symptoms of tingling and numbness in their fingers. Further analysis
has indicated that the workers concerned could be showing early symptoms of hand-arm vibration
syndrome (HAVs).
(a) Outline further symptoms that might develop should the work continue. (4)
 Vibration white finger (VWF)
 Nerve damage
 Muscle weakening
 Joint damage
(b) Outline factors to consider when assessing the risk of HAVS developing amongst the workers. (8)
 To estimate a worker‟s actual exposure
 Calculate what the equivalent 8 hour exposure
 Workers health condition
 Type of equipment used
 Total shift timing
 Environmental condition
 Rest timing
(c) Outline precautions that could be taken in order to minimize the risk of the workers developing the
condition. (12)

 Eliminate the source

 Substitute the source
 Changing work techniques
 Maintenance
 Isolation
 Limit the duration of exposure
 Change the work schedules
 Training is an essential control measure.

10.(a) Identify possible effects on the health of workers from exposure to excessive noise at work. (6)

 Temporary reduction in hearing sensitivity as a result of short duration exposure to

excessively loud noise.
 Temporary ringing in the ears as a result of short duration exposure to excessively loud
noise.
 Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) – permanent loss of hearing as a result of repeated
exposure to excessively loud noise.
 Tinnitus – persistent ringing in the ears as a result of repeated exposure to excessively
loud noise.
 Stress effects - caused by irritating nuisance/ background noise.
 When people are exposed to excessively loud noise the hearing mechanism itself is
damaged.

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(b) Give reasons why personal hearing protection may not provide the level of protection stated by the
manufacturer. (6)
 If they fail to inspect those equipment‟s periodically
 Improper storage of HPE
 Due to cross contaminations during storage or usage
 Used for long period of time(i.e.) more than one year
 Using damaged equipment‟s will reduce the level of protection
 Used in above excessive noise level

(c) Outline the control measures that an employer can take to encourage workers to wear hearing
protection. (8)
 Employees should be involved in selection of HPE
 Displaying precautionary sign
 Explaining the consequences regards to not using HPE
 Showing some videos, case studies
 Motivational programs for workers
 Safety campaign to be conducted periodically
 Rewards and awards for the workers
 Information, instruction and training on how to wear the hearing protection; its
limitations in use; cleaning, maintenance and replacement arrangements.
 Safe storage in hygienic locations.
 Cleaning: Ear defenders are often designed to be dismantled for easy cleaning. Plugs are
usually disposable.
 Maintenance - including routine inspection and replacement of worn parts (e.g. cushions
on ear defenders).
 Replacement - of lost or damaged items and availability of spares and ranges of sizes to
suit the individual needs .

11. (a) Outline the two main types of personal hearing protection (4)

The two types are:

 Ear defenders or muffs - encase the outer ear in a cup with some sort of foam or gel-filled cushion
to seal against the side of the head. It is easy to supervise and enforce use as visible, less chance
of ear infections, Provides higher level of protection through all sound frequencies; bone
transmission is reduced and it can be integrated with other PPE, e.g. hard hats
 Ear plugs - fit into the ear canal. Cheap, easy to dispose, often more comfortable to wear and do
not interfere with any other items worn (e.g. PPE)

(b)Outline reasons why personal hearing protection may not provide adequate protection against noise (4)
 Efficiency may be reduced by long hair, spectacles or earrings
 Incompatible with some other items worn (e.g. spectacles)
 Difficult to see when fitted, so supervision and enforcement difficult
 Risk or infection if dirty or if cross-contaminated when inserted
 Need to be correaly sized to fit the individual
 Effectiveness decreases with usage

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 12.A dental surgery has installed an X‐ray facility

(a) Identify the principal health effects associated with exposure to X‐ray radiation (4)
Acute effects of exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation include:

 Radiation sickness - nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

 Blistering and ulceration of the skin. Hair loss.
 Dermatitis.
 Cataracts.
 Anemia, due to red blood cell damage.
 Reduced immune system due to white blood cell damage.
 Infertility.

Chronic effects of exposure to ionizing radiation include:

 Cancer.
 Genetic mutations.
 Birth defects.

(b) Outline control measures that could be taken in order to help to reduce the risks to operator from
exposure to X‐ray radiation (4)
 Time - minimise the duration of exposure. Like noise and vibration, the dose of radiation
received is directly proportional to the duration of exposure: halve the duration; halve the dose.
 Distance - the greater the distance from the radiation source to the exposed worker the lower the
dose of radiation received. Alpha and beta particles cannot travel long distances through au; so a
relatively small separation distance can have a significant effect. X- and gamma-rays travel much
greater distances but obey the inverse square law. This means that 1f the distance from source to
person is doubled, the dose of radiation decreases to a quarter (rather than half, as you might
expect).
 Shielding - the type required will be determined by the type of radiation. Relatively thin shields
can be used to contain alpha and beta particle radiation; X and gamma-rays require thicker,
denser material such as lead. Where work potentially exposes people to ionising radiation it may
be necessary to assess the dose of radiation received. The International Commission on
Radiological Protection (ICRP) has recommended the following dose limits on exposure to
ionising radiation: The general public shall not be exposed to more than most per year.
Occupational exposure shall not exceed 20 most per year.

13.A worker is using a hand held, powered rotary grinding tool during the manufacture of large steel
waste containers, this creates high levels of noise and vibration.

(a) Identify FOUR health effects that could be suffered by the worker from the exposure to the noise
AND in EACH case, outline the health effect (8)
 Temporary reduction in hearing One-off exposures to high noise levels (e.g. 4 hours of work in a
high noise area) will probably cause a temporary loss of hearing sensitivity (called temporary
threshold shift).
 Temporary ringing in the ears as a result of short duration exposure to excessively loud noise.

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  Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL). This is usually caused by long-term, repeated exposure to
excessively loud noise When people are exposed to excessively loud noise the hearing
mechanism itself is damaged. The hearing mechanism transmits noise from the outside
environment through the outer and middle ear to the inner ear (the transmission route is ear canal;
eardrum; hammer; anvil; stirrup; cochlea). Microscopically small sensory hairs in the inner ear
then detect the noise and send nerve impulses to the brain. Exposure to excessively loud noise
disturbs these microscopically small hairs.
 Tinnitus - persistent ringing in the ears as a result of repeated exposure to excessively loud noise.
 Stress effects caused by irritating background noise.

(b) Identify THREE health effects that could be suffered by the worker from exposure to this vibration
AND in EACH case, outline the health effect (6)
 Vibration white finger (VWF) - the blood supply to the fingers shuts down (often in response to
cold) and the fingers turn white (known as blanching) and become numb. The blood supply
returns after a time and the fingers become red and painful.
 Nerve damage - the nerves carrying sensory information from the fingers stop working properly
resulting in a loss of pressure, heat and pain sensitivity and feeling.
 Muscle weakening - grip strength and manual dexterity reduce.
 Joint damage - abnormal bone growth at the finger joints can occur.

(c) Outline practical control measures that could be taken in order to help reduce levels of exposure to:
i) Noise (3)
ii) Vibration (3)

(i) Noise can be controlled practically by the following methods

• Insulation - in some instances it is possible to build an acoustic enclosure around the noise
source.
• Noise is generated inside the enclosure but cannot penetrate through the walls to the outside
work environment. For example, a static diesel generator might be placed in a separate
building with sound insulating walls, or a noisy pump may be enclosed in an acoustic hood.
• Isolation - noise is often transmitted in the form of mechanical vibration from machinery into
supporting structures (e.g. from a compressor into the floor
• It is mounted on). Isolation involves separating the machine from any supporting structure
using vibration absorbent mats or springs. This breaks the transmission pathway.
• Absorption - once noise has escaped from its source it may travel directly to the receiver the
rough air or may be reflected off hard surfaces (such as walls and ceilings). Absorption
involves putting
• Sound-absorbing material in the workplace to absorb these sound waves before they can
reach the receiver, e.g. a sound-absorbent material might be used to line a wall, preventing
reflection of sound waves.

ii) Vibration can be controlled practically by the following method

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 • Isolation - vibration is transmitted through solid materials by direct contact (e.g. from the
two-stroke motor of a chainsaw; to the chassis supporting that motor; to the handles; to the
hands).Isolation involves separating vibrating parts from the user's hands using anti-vibration
mountings. This breaks the transmission pathway. This approach can be applied to hand-tools
such as chainsaws and to vehicles • the suspension of a seat in a vehicle cab is isolating the
driver from vehicle vibration.
• Changing work techniques - there may be ways of doing the work that do not produce as
much vibration (e.g. cutting holes in masonry using a diamond tipped drill rather than a
Tungsten hammer drill) It may also be possible to modify the equipment to improve the grip
on the tools.
• Maintenance - machinery often produces vibration because it is in need of maintenance. Bits
in particular should be kept sharp.

14. Workers are using a noisy circular saw which is standing on wooden floorboards inside a room.

(a) Outline transmission paths that the noise could take from the circular saw to workers (2)

 Direct transmission: Noise can be transmitted through air medium.

 Mechanical vibration: noise is often transmitted in the form of mechanical vibration from
machinery into supporting structures (e.g. from a compressor into the floor it is mounted on).
 Reflection: once noise has escaped from its source it may travel directly to the receiver
through reflection off hard surfaces (such as walls and ceilings).

(b) Outline ways in which noise levels could be reduced (6)

 Insulation - in some instances it is possible to build an acoustic enclosure around the noise
source. Noise is generated inside the enclosure but cannot penetrate through the walls to the
outside work environment. For example, a static diesel generator might be placed in a
separate building with sound insulating walls, or a noisy pump may be enclosed in an
acoustic hood.
 Isolation - noise is often transmitted in the form of mechanical vibration from machinery into
supporting structures (e.g. from a compressor into the floor it is mounted on). Isolation
involves separating the machine from any supporting structure using vibration absorbent mats
or springs. This breaks the transmission pathway.
 Absorption - once noise has escaped from its source it may travel directly to the receiver
through air or may be reflected off hard surfaces (such as walls and ceilings). Absorption
involves putting sound-absorbing material in the workplace to absorb these sound waves
before they can reach the receiver, e.g. a sound-absorbent material might be used to line a
wall, preventing reflection of sound waves.
15.(a) Identify FOUR types of non‐ionizing radiation AND give an occupational source of EACH (4)

 Ultra-violet (UV) - high frequency electromagnetic radiation (light) emitted by white hot
materials such as the arc produced during arc-welding or excessive exposure to the sun.
 Visible light - electromagnetic radiation between the UV and IR frequencies and visible
to the human eye, arising from artificial lighting and display screens.
 Infra-red (IR) - lower frequency electromagnetic radiation (light) emitted by red hot
materials such as molten metal being poured into castings.
 Microwaves- lower frequency electromagnetic radiation emitted by a microwave
generator.

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  Radio waves - lower frequency electromagnetic radiation emitted by an antenna.

(b) Outline health effects associated with exposure to non‐ionizing radiation (4)

 UV - redness and burns to the skin (e.g. sunburn), pain and inflammation to the surface of the
eye leading to temporary blindness known as photo keratitis (often called arc-eye or snow•
blindness); increased risk of skin cancer; premature aging of the skin.
 Visible light - can cause temporary blindness if intense (disability glares) and permanent eye
damage if very intense (e.g. high-powered laser).
 IR - redness and burns to the skin; retinal burns, development of eye cataracts over time.
 Microwaves - are absorbed and cause internal heating of the skin. High doses cause internal
organ damage and could be fatal.
 Radio waves - are absorbed and cause internal heating in the same way as microwaves.
Lasers are classified according to intrinsic safety and power output. A Class 1 laser presents
little risk to workers, but a Class 4 laser can cause instant skin burns and eye damage.

16.a)Identify the sources of Radon gas (3)

Radon gas is a naturally occurring gas that seeps from the ground. It could be present in the following
workplaces and workers could be exposed when carrying out their activities
 Geological tasks e.g. in mining and quarries
 Construction and demolition of properties
 Farming and outdoor work

b) Identify the ill-health caused by Radon (1)

If the radon gas is inhaled into the lungs and then decays and emits an alpha particle, then that
alpha particle is inside the body and is more likely to be absorbed and cause harm This effect is
made worse by the fact that the breakdown product of radon decay is itself a radioactive element
which will undergo further spontaneous decay in the lungs leading to lung cancer.

C) Outline the control measures to reduce the risk of health affects due to radon gas exposure (4)

• Control of the risk involves undertaking a survey of radon gas levels to determine if the levels
are acceptable or require action. Where radon levels are shown to be above the action levels
established in national law, then it will be necessary to reduce employee exposure.
• Engineering solutions to high radon levels can often be applied, such as installing:
 Positive pressure air fans to prevent the radon gas from seeping from the ground up
into the workplace.
 Radon sumps and extraction systems to draw radon out of the ground at low-level
before it can seep into buildings.

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