Here’s a detailed explanation of the NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC) course
structure followed by a comprehensive course outline:
✅ Course Structure of NEBOSH IGC
The NEBOSH International General Certificate is divided into two main units:
1. IG1: Management of Health and Safety
Focuses on the principles of health and safety management, including risk assessment,
control measures, and incident investigation.
Assessment: An open book written exam (scenario-based questions) submitted online.
2. IG2: Risk Assessment (Practical Application)
Involves carrying out a real workplace risk assessment, applying the knowledge from
IG1.
Assessment: A practical assignment where the learner identifies hazards and
recommends controls using a standard NEBOSH template.
Assessment Examples
IG1 Written Exam Example Question:
“Based on the given scenario of a manufacturing plant, outline the key steps you would
take to manage the risks associated with machinery operations.”
IG2 Practical Assessment Example:
Conduct a workplace inspection at your organization, identify at least 10 hazards (e.g.,
slips, trips, chemical exposure), evaluate risk levels, and propose suitable control
measures using the NEBOSH risk assessment form.
✅ Detailed Course Outline with Modules and Duration
Duration:
Total Duration: 10–14 days of classroom or online training (usually spread over 2–3
weeks)
Study Hours: Approx. 80–120 hours (including self-study)
Module Breakdown
Unit IG1: Management of Health and Safety
(Usually 6–8 days of training)
Element 1: Why We Should Manage Workplace Health and Safety
Moral, legal, and financial reasons for health and safety
Health and safety culture and its impact
The role of health and safety management systems
Element 2: How Health and Safety Management Systems Work and What They Look Like
Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) model
Key elements of health and safety policies
Element 3: Managing Risk – Understanding People and Processes
Risk assessment principles
Hierarchy of control
Human factors and their influence on safety
Element 4: Health and Safety Monitoring and Measuring
Active and reactive monitoring
Incident investigation process
Performance measurement and audits
Unit IG2: Risk Assessment (Practical Application)
(Usually 4–6 days including practice and assignment)
Element 5: Physical and Psychological Health
Musculoskeletal disorders and control measures
Workplace stress and fatigue
Substance misuse and violence at work
Element 6: Musculoskeletal Health
Manual handling hazards
Ergonomic risk controls
Element 7: Chemical and Biological Agents
Hazardous substances and control measures
COSHH principles
Biological hazards
Element 8: General Workplace Issues
Work at height
Confined spaces
Workplace layout and housekeeping
Element 9: Work Equipment
Machinery hazards
Safe systems of work
Element 10: Fire
Fire risk assessment
Fire prevention and control measures
Element 11: Electricity
Electrical hazards and controls
Final Assessment:
IG1: Open book written exam (scenario-based, 24 hours to submit online).
IG2: Practical workplace risk assessment report.
NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC) – Course
Structure
The NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC) is one of the most widely recognized
health and safety qualifications in the world. It is designed to provide individuals with the
knowledge and practical skills needed to manage workplace health and safety effectively.
Course Structure
The NEBOSH IGC is divided into two main units:
Unit IG1: Management of Health and Safety
This unit focuses on the essential principles for managing health and safety within an
organization. It covers:
The importance of health and safety management.
Risk assessment techniques.
How to control workplace hazards.
Monitoring and reviewing health and safety performance.
Assessment Method:
Open Book Written Exam:
o Candidates receive a real-life scenario based on a workplace setting.
o You have 24 hours to complete and submit the answers online.
o Questions test your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
Example IG1 Questions:
1. Scenario: You are the safety officer in a manufacturing plant where workers handle
heavy machinery and chemicals. Outline the steps you would take to identify hazards and
minimize risks in this workplace.
2. Explain the moral, legal, and financial reasons why the organization should manage
health and safety effectively.
3. Describe how you would investigate a workplace incident and the importance of root
cause analysis.
Unit IG2: Risk Assessment (Practical Application)
This unit is designed to test your ability to carry out a practical risk assessment in your own
workplace.
What You Need to Do:
Identify hazards across various categories (physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic,
etc.).
Evaluate the level of risk and suggest suitable control measures.
Complete the NEBOSH risk assessment form and submit it.
Assessment Method:
Practical Risk Assessment Report:
o Conducted in a real or simulated workplace environment.
o Requires at least 10 different hazards identified, with control measures
explained.
Example IG2 Assessment Task:
Visit your workplace and identify hazards such as:
o Unprotected moving machinery parts.
o Slippery floors causing slip hazards.
o Improper storage of chemicals leading to spill risks.
o Blocked fire exits.
For each hazard, assess the risk and recommend appropriate controls using the
hierarchy of controls (elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative
controls, PPE).
Final Assessment Summary:
IG1: Open book exam (scenario-based, written answers, 24 hours to submit).
IG2: Practical workplace risk assessment (report submitted within a specified deadline).
PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment.
It refers to clothing, equipment, or devices worn by individuals to protect themselves from
hazards in the workplace. PPE is considered the last line of defense when risks cannot be
eliminated through engineering or administrative controls.
Common Types of PPE
Head Protection: Helmets, hard hats
Eye & Face Protection: Safety goggles, face shields
Hearing Protection: Earplugs, earmuffs
Respiratory Protection: Masks, respirators
Hand Protection: Safety gloves
Foot Protection: Safety shoes, boots
Body Protection: High-visibility jackets, chemical-resistant suits
When is PPE used?
When hazards cannot be completely removed
During maintenance work, chemical handling, construction, welding, etc.
Here’s a detailed explanation of PPE with examples for NEBOSH course notes:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Definition:
PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment. It is any clothing or equipment worn by a
worker to protect against workplace hazards that could cause injury or illness. PPE acts as a last
line of defense when hazards cannot be eliminated or controlled by other means such as
engineering controls or administrative measures.
Types of PPE with Examples
1. Head Protection
o Purpose: Protects against falling objects, head bumps, or impact.
o Examples:
Hard hats (construction sites)
Bump caps (low headroom areas)
2. Eye and Face Protection
o Purpose: Protects eyes from dust, chemicals, flying particles, and radiation.
o Examples:
Safety goggles (chemical handling)
Face shields (grinding, welding)
3. Hearing Protection
o Purpose: Reduces noise exposure to prevent hearing loss.
o Examples:
Earplugs
Earmuffs
4. Respiratory Protection
o Purpose: Protects against harmful dust, fumes, gases, or lack of oxygen.
o Examples:
Disposable masks (dust protection)
Half/full-face respirators (chemical exposure)
5. Hand Protection
o Purpose: Prevents cuts, burns, chemical contact, and vibration injuries.
o Examples:
Nitrile gloves (chemical handling)
Cut-resistant gloves (sharp materials)
6. Foot Protection
o Purpose: Protects feet from falling objects, punctures, slips, and electrical
hazards.
o Examples:
Steel-toe safety boots
Anti-slip shoes
7. Body Protection
o Purpose: Shields body from chemicals, flames, heat, and mechanical hazards.
o Examples:
High-visibility jackets
Chemical-resistant suits
Fire-retardant clothing
Key Points about PPE
PPE should be provided by the employer free of cost (as per legal requirements in most
regions).
It must fit properly and be comfortable for the user.
Training must be provided on correct use, maintenance, and limitations of PPE.
PPE should be regularly inspected and replaced if damaged or expired.
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