Unit IB Mock Exam Answers

NEBOSH INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMA IN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

UNIT IB - HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES/AGENTS

ANSWERS TO MOCK EXAM

The following Suggested Answers have not been given in full, but instead provide points that you could have included
in your answer. You should ensure that all your answers take note of the command words provided in the question.
For example, Question 1 calls for an “outline” and a brief answer such as that provided below would not usually be
considered sufficient to gain full marks.

These answers, like your own, may contain information from additional reading and personal experience. Examining
bodies encourage this and it will enhance your answers.

SECTION A
Question 1
Your answer should include outlines which encompass some of the following points:

• Potentially the wrong gloves, which do not provide protection against the chemical, are being used.
• It is possible that a new chemical and/or work process has been introduced, to which these gloves offer
inadequate protection.
• The current gloves may be the wrong size or may fit poorly.
• The gloves may have been damaged by the chemical (degraded) during use.
• The gloves may have been accidentally damaged (e.g. punctured) whilst in use or intentionally damaged, e.g. by
removing a finger to improve dexterity.
• Workers may have developed an allergy to the material that the gloves are made from, e.g. latex.
• Workers may be suffering from excessive perspiration whilst wearing the gloves for a long time, causing irritation.
• There may be a poor maintenance system, meaning that gloves are not replaced when damaged.
• There may be poor decontamination and storage procedures so gloves are not stored away from contaminants.
• Workers may not have received training in:
–– How to put on and remove the gloves.
–– The importance of carrying out personal checks on the gloves and their skin condition and reporting
problems.
–– The significance of good hygiene procedures.
–– The use of barrier and after-care creams.
• Finally, it is possible that supervision is inadequate to ensure that workers wear the gloves at all times.

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Unit IB Mock Exam Answers

Question 2
(a) Lasers are classified according to BS EN 60825, which contains seven different classifications (1, 1M, 2,
2M, 3B, 3R and 4), with class 1 being the lowest powered type - found in, for example, CD players and
supermarket checkout scanners - through to class 4.
(b) (i) Design features should include:

• Using class 1 lasers, which are the lowest powered.

• Ensuring that the lasers are enclosed or embedded in the scanning unit and can’t be accessed.
• Enclosing the scanning device in a protective housing or enclosure.
• Where hand-held scanning guns are used, providing a trigger to operate these devices.
• Providing a key control with interlock to the power source to prevent unauthorised access to the
laser.
• Positioning the laser device to avoid eye-level contact.
• Using suitable warning signs.
(ii) Procedural controls include:

• Following the manufacturer’s guidance.

• Training operators not to look directly into the beam or, in the case of hand-held systems, not to
direct the beam at a person.
• Providing a safe system of work for maintenance of the equipment.
• Ensuring that maintenance is carried out by a competent person.
• Ensuring that the housing can only be removed by a competent person with the correct tools and
that the beam is controlled.
• Implementing a defect reporting procedure.

Question 3
Information sources available that an employer might use in order to determine the extent of work-related stress for
workers include:

• Results of any assessment of stress management (e.g. an assessment made using the HSE management standards
approach guidance).
• Absence levels and rates (compared with historic or benchmark rates).
• Reasons given for absences when self-certificating and given on Fit Notes.
• Return-to-work interviews.
• Records of staff turnover and poor timekeeping (late attendance, early departure).
• Complaints (both formal and informal) received from workers and formal grievances or disciplinary issues.
• Data from exit interviews (given when a worker leaves the organisation).
• Medical assessment and health surveillance reports.
• Data from internal or contracted-out counselling and referral services.
• Data on workplace productivity and efficiency.
• Accidents/incidents and work-related ill-health rates.
• Staff surveys and questionnaires.
• Records from appraisals.

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Question 4
(a) The ergonomic risk factors to consider include:

• Highly repetitive motions (movement of upper body to pick up pasta pieces and place them in trays).
• Work rate (speed of conveyors) with short cycle times giving little time for recovery.
• Continuous nature of the activity for each person (eight-hour shift).
• Posture (standing and reaching from one conveyor belt to another).
• Height of conveyor relative to each employee (the conveyor is presumably not adjustable).
• Pattern of work (number and duration of breaks compared to duration of continuous work).
(b) Since automation is not an option, control measures that could be taken therefore include:

• Adjusting the height of conveyors.

• Re-positioning conveyors in parallel.
• Preventing over-reaching - allowing work to be carried out from both sides of the conveyor.
• Seating for workers.
• Reducing conveyor speed (work rate).
• Job rotation.
• Encouraging workers to report issues (including development of health problems).
• Pre-employment health screening (determination of existing health issues).
• Adequate rest breaks.
• Information and training (on good posture, regular stretching, etc.), so that workers develop good habits.

Question 5
In order to achieve compliance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 2002, the
risk assessment of worker exposure to silica dust would have to consider the following factors:

• The hazard classification of silica dust.

• The health effects associated with silica dust exposure (it can cause silicosis, a form of pneumoconiosis, or
scarring of the lungs, and is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer).
• The likely routes of entry (in this case, inhalation).
• The particle size distribution of the airborne silica dust (to determine if the dust is inhalable or respirable).
• The chemical form of the silica (different WELs exist for different forms, with crystalline-free silica being the most
hazardous).
• The number of workers exposed and the duration and frequency of their exposures, which will determine their
actual levels of exposure (their dose).
• The Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) that may apply to silica - which will be expressed both as Long-Term
Exposure Limits (LTELs) and Short-Term Exposure Limits (STELs).
• The nature of the work activity, since some activities will create more airborne dust than others and, in particular,
the use of power tools during work.
• Any existing control measures that may be available and in use, such as local exhaust ventilation systems and dust
suppression systems (e.g. water jets used to lubricate stone cutting) or Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE).
• The concentration of any airborne dust clouds that are created, as measured by direct reading instruments or
by personal or static sampling. This can be used in combination with the duration of exposure to determine the
personal exposure of works to silica.

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Unit IB Mock Exam Answers

Question 6
(a) HIV:

• Affects the body’s immune defence system, reducing its ability to fight infections.
• Can result in Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
• Can reduce appetite and result in AIDS wasting syndrome.
• Can result in opportunistic infections, such as hepatitis B, thrush or tuberculosis.
(b) Control measures must focus on workplace controls, such as:

• Pre-employment medical screening.

• Identification of high-risk workers.
• Sharps procedures and controls for dealing with and disposing of sharps.
• Procedures for dealing with and disposing of spills of bodily fluids.
• Use of microbiological cabinets for handling samples in a laboratory, such as a pathology lab.
• Cleaning and disinfection procedures for surfaces such as lab benches.
• Providing PPE, e.g. overalls/scrubs, gloves, masks.
• Providing controls to avoid physical contact with potentially violent persons, such as patients or prison
inmates.
• Providing facilities for those working outside of the ‘controlled’ environment, e.g. in clients’ or patients’
homes, such as social workers or the police.
• Providing a high level of worker supervision.
• Providing workers with training in the need to follow control measures and observe good personal
hygiene.

Section B
Question 7
(a) Isocyanates (depending on their particular type) can cause:

• Irritation of the eyes, skin and respiratory system.

• Respiratory sensitisation (occupational asthma).
• Skin sensitisation (dermatitis).
• Specific organ damage.
• In some cases, cancer.
(b) Factors to be considered when assessing risk:

• Type of isocyanates (some are more hazardous than others).

• Possible health effects.
• Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs).
• Route of entry.
• Quantity/concentration to be used.
• Number and susceptibility of people who may be exposed.

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Unit IB Mock Exam Answers

• Duration of exposure.
• Other risks, e.g. due to fire or explosion.
• How paints are to be used, e.g. how they will be mixed, stored, handled, sprayed, etc.
• Operating conditions, such as high or low temperature environments (e.g. high temperatures could
increase the level of risk).
• Effectiveness of current controls.
• Likelihood of failure.
(c) Practical controls should be structured around the hierarchy of control and include:

• Substitution of the isocyanates for a less harmful alternative, if possible.

• Minimise quantities used.
• Enclose in a spray booth, to protect those not spraying from exposure.
• Extraction of the spray booth LEV to a safe location away from workers.
• Maintaining and cleaning the booth and the LEV system, including testing LEV efficiency.
• RPE may be required, e.g. a half-mask respirator with the correct protection factor for the concentration
of contaminant present.
• If RPE is to be worn, the appropriate filters and cartridges must be selected and used. They should
be changed on a regular basis to avoid saturation (and hence breakthrough of the chemical) and the
respirator should be maintained.
• Other PPE may be needed, e.g. overalls, gloves or goggles.
• Health surveillance for signs of skin irritation/dermatitis or degradation in lung function, and biological
monitoring to determine if absorption has taken place through the skin.
• Workplace monitoring should be carried out to ascertain the level of contamination present in the
workplace and, hence, determine whether controls are adequate.
• Training on the nature of the hazard and operational controls required should be provided to workers,
together with supervision to ensure that these controls are adhered to.

Question 8
(a) Information that should be obtained before carrying out a noise survey would include:

• Site layout and the location of the printing presses and any other machines or significant noise sources
(such as PA speakers).
• Work times and shift patterns that determine the likely duration of exposure of workers in the open-plan
area.
• The identity of printing presses, other noisy machines, noisy processes, and other noise sources. This
might be taken from manufacturer’s data.
• Maintenance records on machinery and equipment that may reveal problems or issues.
• Details about the workers who work in the open-plan area - their numbers, identity, work locations and
likely durations of exposure (as determined by shifts and activities during work time).
• Details of other workers who pass through the open-plan area - their numbers, identity, locations and
likely exposure times.

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Unit IB Mock Exam Answers

• Any complaints about noise exposure from workers, as revealed by appraisals, grievances, exit interviews,
etc.
• Results from any previous/existing audiometry records (that might show a pattern of noise-induced
hearing loss with the workplace).
• The results of previous/existing noise surveys.
• Any data on existing controls in use (such as manufacturers’ attenuation data on any hearing protection
currently in use).
• Relevant legislation and the legal limits that apply (such as the Control of Noise at Work Regulations
2005 in Great Britain).
(b) In preparation for the survey, a competent person would have to be appointed or assigned to undertake the
work. This person might hold a certificate of competence from a relevant organisation (such as the UK’s
Institute of Acoustics) and should have relevant experience. Consultation with the workforce should take
place so that they are aware of the reason for, and method of, the survey. Careful planning will be required
to ensure that all surveys are carried out at times that give a realistic measure of the typical workplace noise
exposures.

A basic survey might be carried out first. This would involve the use of a simple sound level meter to carry
out spot checks and/or might involve the use of an Integrating Sound Level Meter (ISLM) to take reading
across short periods of time to give an indication of where the high and low noise exposures are likely to be
occurring.

This would allow for a simple noise map to be created so that areas where personal exposure might be
above the relevant levels (such as the lower or upper exposure action values under CNAW 2005) can be
identified. The likely positions of workers would also be recorded along with their likely exposure times and
the likely duration that different machines are put into use. Unusual or intermittent noise sources would have
to be recognised and taken into account (such as sporadic operation of noisy automated machinery and PA
announcements) as well as impulse noise (sharp spikes in noise exposure, e.g. caused by dropped objects).

This basic survey would then be followed by a detailed survey that would involve the use of integrating
sound level meter (that must be of type/class 2 or better). The detailed survey would involve taking
measurements at likely worker positions as identified in the initial survey. These measurements would have
to be taken across a sufficient period of time so as to give a realistic estimate of actual workers’ exposure.
This might be seconds, minutes or hours, depending on the nature of the noise sources in the area, and
gives a measure of the equivalent continuous sound pressure levels, or LAeq. The duration of worker exposure
would also have to be recorded. These two pieces of information - LAeq and total exposure time - can then
be used to make a calculation of daily personal noise exposure (LEP,d), which can then be compared to the
relevant legal standards and levels (such as UEAV and UEAV under CNWR 2005).

Impulse noise would also have to be taken into account by measuring peak noise levels using the ISLM. This
is recorded as the peak sound pressure level on the C-weighted scale or LCPEAK.

It may be possible to make calculations of weekly personal noise exposure (LEP,w). This might be relevant
where noise levels fluctuate widely on a day-to-day basis (e.g. no printing one day and then lots of machine
use the day after). These weekly personal exposure values might then be compared to the legal standards
(e.g. LEP,w as recognised in CNWR 2005).

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Unit IB Mock Exam Answers

In order to determine if hearing protection that is currently in use is adequate, or to determine what types
of hearing protection may have to be used in future, it might be necessary to undertake frequency analysis
(or octave band analysis) in the open plan area. This is done using an ISLM with frequency analysis capability.
The results of this measurement can then be used, in combination with manufacturer’s attenuation data) to
make a calculation of the actual level of exposure at the ear, that workers would experience if wearing the
hearing protection in the noise environment.

In addition to the detailed survey outlined above, there might also be a requirement to undertake personal
dosimetry. This would require workers to wear a personal noise dosimeter (an ISLM fitted with a small
microphone that can be worn on clothing) so that typical personal exposure reading can be directly taken as
workers’ work.

This might be very useful for workers passing through the open-plan area but not actually based there.

All of the equipment used in the basic and detailed survey would have to be maintained and tested according
to manufacturer’s requirements and must be certificated as such. All equipment would also have to be
calibrated before and after use, using a tested and certificated calibrator. This ensures the accuracy and
validity of all readings taken.

Question 9
(a) Toxicity is the degree to which a substance can cause damage to an organism. Toxicity can be acute (short
term), chronic (after long-term exposure), local (at the point of contact with the body) or systemic (acting
throughout the organism).
(b) Asbestos is a natural fibre that was mined for use as an insulating material due to its thermal stability and fire
resistance. It also has good absorbance properties, average tensile strength and is chemically inert. It can be
found in blue (crocidolite), brown (gruntherite, also known as amosite) and white (chrysotile) forms. As it
was used historically in insulation, it can be encountered in operations such as pipe lagging removal, drilling
into walls containing asbestos, insulating board, etc.
(c) Asbestos-related diseases:

• Asbestosis - a fibrotic illness caused when asbestos fibres cause scarring of the lung tissues.
• Mesothelioma - cancer of the mesothelium (tissue covering major organs) caused by asbestos and
affecting mainly the lung lining, but also the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum).
• Lung cancer.
• Pleural plaques - fibrotic areas resulting in a thickening of the pleura.
Signs and symptoms may take many years to appear and include:

• Chest pain.
• Shortness of breath.
• Coughing.
• Emphysema.
• Asbestosis, which also causes loss of lung function.
• Lung cancer, which can also result in expectorating (coughing up) blood.

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Unit IB Mock Exam Answers

(d) Measuring the asbestos fibres in the air requires a controlled flow sampling pump with a sampling head fitted
with a cowl and a membrane filter.

The procedure is as follows:

• Calibrate the pump.

• Draw a known volume of air through the sampling device (determined by knowing sampling duration
and flow rate).
• Air is drawn through the membrane filter, capturing fibres.
• The filter is removed, mounted on a microscope slide and wetted. The number of fibres is then counted.
• The number of fibres is related to the volume of air drawn through the sampling device. The result is
given in fibres per ml of air.

Question 10
(a) (i) On recruitment, the occupational health department would:

• Screen applicants to advise the employer on their health and any issues that could affect their
suitability for employment.
• Check warehouse applicants for ability and fitness to carry out manual handling.
• Check drivers’ eyesight (delivery drivers and forklift truck drivers).
• Screen drivers, especially for signs of drug or alcohol misuse.
• Carry out eyesight tests for computer users.
(ii) After an employee returns from ill health, occupational health could:

• Assess their current health status.

• Advise management on how best to return the employee to work (phased re-introduction, light
duties, etc.).
• Liaise with the employee’s GP.
• Arrange rehabilitation or counselling.
• Update risk assessments.
(b) Other ways that occupational health can assist in improving health and safety:

• Maintaining health records.

• Monitoring sickness absence.
• Providing first-aid treatment.
• Providing first-aid training.
• Providing advice on health topics such as weight management, smoking cessation and fitness.
• Carrying out health surveillance.
• Carrying out immunisations for those travelling or, for example, first aiders.
• Carrying out OH monitoring.
• Providing training in areas such as manual handling or stress management.
• Developing policies and procedures.
• Assisting in risk assessments.
• Liaison with the enforcing authority on health issues.
• Participating in the health and safety committee.
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Question 11
(a) The typical signs and symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include:

• ‘Flu-like symptoms, such as high temperature (fever), chills, shivering, headache and muscle pain.
• A dry cough and breathing difficulties.
• Diarrhoea (a later symptom as the bacteria attacks the gut).
• Confusion and delirium (later symptom).
• Leading to respiratory failure and death.
(b) Legionella bacteria grow in wet conditions and in water. They therefore grow in man-made water systems,
both hot and cold systems, that have been contaminated with the bacteria.

The bacteria do not grow well in cold conditions. However, temperatures between 20°C and 45°C suit them
well. They are not resistant to heat and are killed at temperatures above 60°C. They therefore grow well in
any water system where the water is between 20°C and 45°C, but not in water systems maintained above
60°C. The bacteria are killed by UV light, such as UV in sunlight, so favour dark areas. They also require
nutrient sources and therefore grow well in water that is contaminated with other organic material, such as
silt, dirt, algae and other bacteria.

Non-moving water and slow-moving water systems favour the build-up of the bacteria – they are therefore
found in non-used systems, such as dead legs in pipework, fire hoses, emergency showers, unused shower
heads and taps and underutilised storage tanks.
(c) Means of controlling the bacteria include:

• The removal of all parts of water systems that are surplus to requirements, such as the removal of old
water storage tanks, cutting back dead legs in pipework and removing unused fire hoses.
• The maintenance of hot water systems at a temperature above 60°C. This temperature has to be
achieved where the water is heated (the boiler or calorifier) and will have to be maintained for a distance
along associated pipework.
• Preventing water sitting stagnant in storage facilities such as tanks. Agitators or stirrers can be fitted into
tanks to ensure that stagnant areas are not allowed to exist for long enough for bacteria to proliferate.
Systems can also be run through routinely, to ensure that water does not sit in pipework for long periods
(e.g. emergency showers might be flushed through routinely).
• Water can be treated with a range of biocides to kill any bacteria present and to reduce other organisms
that might be in the water and therefore supply nutrients to the Legionella bacteria. Biocides include
chlorination of water (as carried out by water supply companies on mains water), UV treatment and the
use of silver ions.
• Parts of the cold water system that might sit within buildings and warm up above 20°C should be
identified and might be protected to prevent this warming (e.g. by lagging pipework that runs adjacent
to hot pipes).
• Parts of the water system can be routinely cleaned to remove silt, organic material and the bacteria
directly. This might be carried out, for example, on cooling towers that can represent a significant source
of Legionella outbreak. Regular cleaning of shower heads and calorifiers may also be required.

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Unit IB Mock Exam Answers

• Descaling water systems to remove limescale may be required and water may have to be treated with
chemicals (water softener) to prevent limescale build-up in the first place (limescale provides a habitat
for the bacteria to grow and also protects the bacteria from biocides added to the water).
• All control systems, such as biocide dosing systems, must be routinely maintained and checked to ensure
they are in efficient working order. Personnel in key roles, such as those involved in water treatment,
must be trained on the risks and control measures for Legionella.
• All of the above will require the initial completion of a Legionella risk assessment by a competent
person and the appointment by the employer of an appropriate person to manage and oversee the
management of Legionella risk.

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