IGC

Element 6: Workplace
Hazards and Risk Control
Revision Questions & Answers





ELEMENT 6: WORKPLACE HAZARDS AND RISK
CONTROL.
1. Question
a. Give FOUR reasons why accidents may occur on stairs. (4 Marks)
b. Outline ways in which accidents on stairs may be prevented. (4 Marks)

Model Answer:

Part (a)

Most candidates were able to gain all the marks available for the first part of the question by
giving reasons such as poor design of the staircase (inadequate handrails, steep, poor
tread/riser ratio, etc.), slippery condition of the stairs (highly polished, icy, oily, etc.), a poor
state of repair, (e.g. worn steps or loose coverings), obstructions on the stairs, a poor
standard of lighting, and bad practice (including the carrying of loads, rushing, improper
footwear, etc.).

Part (b)

Part (b) was not so well answered even though it should have been relatively straightforward
to link control measures with the deficiencies identified in part (a). Candidates could therefore
have referred to the removal of obstructions and the provision of non-slip surfaces, reflective
edging and adequate lighting. They could also have mentioned maintenance as an important
issue, together with the safe design and construction of the staircase, including the provision
of handrails. The introduction and monitoring of site rules and procedures for using stairs
could also have been included.

2. Question
a. Outline the precautions to be used when using a mobile elevating work
platform (MEWP) to reach a high point such as a streetlight. (8 Marks)

Model Answer:

Part (a)

The need to inspect the equipment before use & ensure it is in a good state of repair.
Using only competent workers using outriggers & brakes.
Erecting warning signs and barriers to avoid collisions.
Ensuring the platform is not overloaded.
Avoid overhead obstructions.
& wearing a harness.

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3. Inadequate lighting in the workplace may affect the level of stress amongst employees.
a. Outline Eight other factors associated with the physical working environment
that may increase stress at work (8 Marks)

Model Answer: Part (a)

Cramped conditions
Dirty or untidy working conditions
Workplace layout resulting in a lack of of privacy or security
Problems with glare
Extremes of temperature &/or humidity
Inadequate ventilation resulting in stale air (or conversely, draughty conditions)
Exposure to noise & vibration
Inadequate welfare facilities
&, for those working outside, inclement weather conditions

4. Other than those relating to the physical environment

a. Outline Eight possible causes of increased stress levels amongst employees
other than those associated with the physical working environment. (8 Marks)
(Or)
Outline the options that might be available to an organization to reduce stress
levels amongst its employees (8 Marks)

Model Answer: Part (a)

Shift-work
Unsocial hours
Excessive overtime
Lack of adequate breaks, etc)

Work demands
Too high or Too low
Repetitive or monotonous work
Lack of control over the job
Mismatch between skills & job requirements etc)

Relationships with others

General relationships with supervisors or peers
Poor lines of communication
& issues of harassment, bullying discrimination, abuse & violence
Employees may also, of course, face pressures in their private lives (financial,
marital, etc) that can increase general stress

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5. Question.
a. Outline the issues that should be considered to ensure the health & safety of
cleaner employed in a school out of normal working hours. (8 Marks)

Model Answer:

Part (a)

Relevant issues fall into three key areas are:

Those relating to cleaning in general (the use of chemicals & electrical equipment,
dealing with sharp objects such as broken glass, manual handling, etc)
Those particularly to the school situation (e.g. laboratory & workshop hazards)
& those associated with out-of-hours work (lone working, communication,
supervision, security, emergency arrangements, etc)

6. Question.
a. Outline the specific risks that should be considered when assessing the risks
to employees working on night shifts. (8 Marks)

Model Answer:

Part (a)

Relevant issues fall into three key areas are:

The effects of fatigue & the increased likelihood of human error.
The number hours worked & the period allowed for recovery between shifts.
General well-being when normal routines are disrupted.
The level of supervision provided & excess to specialist advice if required.
& the possible increased risk of violent assault on the way to & from work.

7. Question.
a. Outline the practical measures that might be taken to reduce the risk of
violence to employees who deal with members of the public as part of their
work. (8 Marks)
(Or)
Outline the measures an employer might consider to minimise the risk of
violence against employees (8 Marks)

Model Answer: Part (a)

Environment, Job factors, Individual protection & general security

The design of public areas, in terms of dcor, seating, the means of providing
information (e.g. on waiting times) & the absence of obvious barriers, can help to
reduce the build-up of confrontation & violent episodes.
A balance must be drawn, however, between presenting a calm & open
environment & protecting staff from any violent incidents that could arise.
Hence, there will often be a need for Wide counters, Coded locks on doors, CCTV
systems, Panic buttons, & alarm systems
Whether these are made discreet or obvious will depend upon the particular
circumstances

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Some situations, particularly those involving money, may mean that the risk is too
great to avoid the use of some sort of physical separation, such as security screens,
between employees & members of the public
Many occupations, such as estate agents & social workers, involve interaction with
the public outside work premises, In these cases, measures such as the
Avoidance of carrying large amounts of cash
Implementing appointment systems
Client risk assessment
& accurate record-keeping may need to be considered
The risks to lone workers should be given particular attention, with the need in certain
circumstances to avoid lone working altogether &/or to implement regular check-in
procedures & to issue panic alarms
In addition to designing the workplace & the task to minimize the risk of violent
assault, staff will need to be trained in the procedures & possibly how they might
recognize the early signs of aggressive behaviour & avoid, defuse or otherwise deal
with a violent situation
In certain circumstances, the employment of security staff & the provision of PPE
(e.g. bullet or stab proof vests, helmets etc) may be required

8. Question.
a. Outline the possible effects on health & safety of poor housekeeping in the
workplace. (8 Marks)

Model Answer: Part (a)

Slips, & falls (from spillages, oil/grease & slippery materials such as plastic)
Trips & falls (e.g. from articles obstructing walkways)
An increased risk of fire (from a build-up of combustible materials)
& falling materials (e.g. from poor stacking arrangements)
An increased chance of coming into contact with chemicals (e.g. from poor storage
arrangements)
The possibility of infestation, particularly if food is involved
Vehicle collisions if traffic routes are blocked
& the effects on emergency evacuation if fire exits are obstructed

9. Question.
a. Identify the type of hazards that may cause slips & trips at work (4 Marks)
b. Outline how slips & trip hazards might be controlled. (4 Marks)

Model Answer:

Part (a)

The floor being poorly maintained

Changes in level caused by ramps
Slopes or kerbs
Slippery surfaces caused by oil or water
Inappropriate footwear
& general obstructions in walkways such as trailing cables, pipes & air hoses

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Part (b)

Improved work layout with designated walkways

Using non-slip flooring
Highlighting changes in level with hazard warning strips
Providing good lighting
Introducing procedures for reporting defects & for dealing with spillages
& ensuring high standards of housekeeping to keep floors clear of obstructions

10. An office building is about to be occupied by new owners.

a. Identify the factors that should be considered by the new owners when
assessing the suitability of lighting within the building (8 Marks)
(Or)
Outline the factors to consider when assessing the adequacy of lighting within
an open-plan office (8 Marks)
(Or)
Outline the factors that should be considered by the new owners when
assessing the suitability of lighting within the building (8 Marks)
b. Other than lighting, Outline Four factors associated with the physical working
environment that may affect the health & safety of employees. (4 Marks)
c. Outline the requirements with respect to the welfare facilities that should be
provided in the building. (8 Marks)

d. Describe Four effects on health & safety that might result from inadequate
lighting (4 Marks)

Model Answer:

Part (a)

The tasks to be undertaken & the equipment to be used

The availability of natural light
The adequacy of the existing lighting levels including that provided for specific areas
such as stairs & corridors
Significant contrasts in lighting levels between different areas
The layout of the office, including the position of screen dividers in relation to
overhead lighting & other areas that may be in shadow
The appropriateness & condition of the particular type of artificial lighting installed
(e.g. florescent & spot lighting)
Possible glare created on computer screens & workstations
& the provision of local lighting for specific tasks
The availability & adequacy of emergency lighting is another issue that should have
been considered

Part (b)

Noise (as a stress factor)

Temperature
Humidity
air quality/ventilation

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The condition of the floors (e.g. undamaged), non-slip)
space constraints, workstation design
& other features of the physical environment in which people are required to work.

Part (c)

An adequate number of well ventilated & lit sanitary conveniences in relation to the
numbers of male & female employees
Washing facilities with hot & cold running water & means of drying
A suitable source of drinking water (clearly marked where appropriate)
Facilities for taking rest & refreshment away from working areas
Accommodation for clothing not worn during working hours
First-aid facilities
Rest facilities for pregnant women & nursing mothers
& protection for non-smokers from the effects of smoke

Part (d)

Eye strain
Headaches & increased levels of stress
Trips & falls
& the possibility of errors in performing tasks that might put others at risk

11. A newly established company is to refurbish existing office accommodation before

recruiting staff.
a. Outline the welfare facilities that should be considered when planning the
refurbishment (8 Mark)
b. Outline the main issues to be addressed in a general health & safety induction
programme for the new staff (6 Mark)
c. Outline the procedure that might be needed in order to ensure the health &
safety of visitors to the premises during working hours (6 Mark)

Model Answer:

Part (a)

An adequate number of well ventilated & lit sanitary conveniences in relation to the
numbers of male & female employees
Washing facilities with hot & cold running water & means of drying
A suitable source of drinking water (clearly marked where appropriate)
Facilities for taking rest & refreshment away from working areas
Accommodation for clothing not worn during working hours
First-aid facilities
Rest facilities for pregnant women & nursing mothers
& protection for non-smokers from the effects of smoke

Part (b)

The company health & safety policy

Emergency procedures
Specific risks associated with the working environment
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Procedures for reporting incidents
First-aid arrangements
Information on welfare facilities
Consultation procedures & the responsibilities of employee

Part (c)

The initial reception process involving the registration of personal details & the issue
of identification badges
The provision of information on site rules (including emergency procedures)
& information on the hazards & risks within the establishment that might affect the
visitor

12. Question.
a. Outline a procedure designed to ensure the health & safety of visitors to work
premises (8 Marks)

Model Answer:

Part (a)

The need for visitor identification (e.g. with badges) with a routine for signing in & out
Prior notification to those members of staff to be involved in the visit
The provision of information to visitors on hazards & emergency procedures
An explanation of specific site rules, for example the wearing of personal protective
equipment
& the need for visitors to be escorted by a member of staff.

13. Question.
a. Outline the precautionary measures that may be needed to prevent slip & trip
hazards in an engineering factory (8 Marks)

Model Answer:

Part (a)

The initial design & layout of the workplace, with designated walkways & non-slip
floors
A system of maintenance that ensures the prompt repair of floor defects such as
holes & bumps
Procedures for avoiding & dealing with spillages
The provision of adequate lighting & highlighting strips to warn of a difference in
levels
A good standard of housekeeping (including the proper management of cables &
hoses)
& procedures for reporting defects & incidents

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14. Question.
a. Outline the measures that may be needed to reduce the risk of slip & trip
accidents in a large supermarket (8 Marks)

Model Answer: Part (a)

Housekeeping issues & cleaning up spillages.

Workplace design & layout issues (such as displays & warehouse storage
arrangements)
The provision of non-slip flooring
A procedure for the identification & repair of floor defects such as holes & bumps
The provision of an adequate standard of lighting in all areas
Highlighting changes of level
The provision of handrails on stairs
The use of procedures for re-stocking to minimize the need to block aisles
Cable & flexible hose management
& the wearing of suitable footwear by employees

15. Question.
a. Give Four reasons why accidents may occur on stairs (4 Marks)
b. Outline ways in which accidents on stairs may be prevented (4 Marks)

Model Answer:

Part (a)

Poor design of the staircase (inadequate handrails

Steep
Poor tread/riser ratio etc)
Slippery condition of the stairs (highly polished, icy, oily, etc)
A poor state of repair (e.g. worn steps or loose coverings)
Obstructions on the stairs
A poor standard of lighting
& bad practice (including the carrying of loads, rushing, improper footwear, etc).

Part (b)

The removal of obstructions

& the provision of non-slip surfaces
Reflective edging
& adequate lighting

16. Question.
a. Outline the possible causes of a dumper truck overturn on a construction site.
(6 Marks)
b. Identify the design features of a dumper truck intended to minimize the risk of,
or severity of injury from, an overturn. (2 Marks)

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Model Answer:

Part (a)

This previously used question was generally well answered. Many of the issues apply equally
to other types of vehicles, such as fork-lift trucks, and reasonable marks could be obtained for
simply addressing these general issues. Candidates, who excelled, however, were those who
related their answers specifically to dumper trucks and to the construction environment. For
part (a) of the question, Examiners were expecting candidates to outline causes such as
overloading or uneven loading of the bucket, cornering at excessive speed, hitting
obstructions, driving too close to the edges of embankments or excavations, mechanical
defects, inappropriate tyres pressures and driving across slopes. The bald statement of
'driving too fast' could not be given credit unless it was specifically connected with cornering
or manoeuvring since speed by itself would not lead to an overturn.

Part (b)

In answering part (b), most candidates gained credit for referring to the use of seat belts and
roll-over protection. A few expanded on this to include other design features such as a wide
wheelbase and a truck's low centre of gravity.

17. Identify the main hazards associated with excavation work on construction sites.
(8 Marks)

Model Answer:
Who might be harmed by a collapse of the excavation
Contact with buried services
Ingress of water
Build-up of fumes or being struck by falling materials
The excavation machinery (e.g. contact with overhead lines)
The effect on adjacent structures
& the possibility of vehicles or people falling into unprotected excavations

18. Outline Four duties of the following persons under the Construction (Design &
Management) Regulations 1994.
a. The Planning Supervisor (4 Marks)
b. The Principal Contractor (4 Marks)

(Or)

Outline the main duties of a planning supervisor under the Construction (Design &
Management) regulations 1994 (4 Marks)

Model Answer: Part (a)

The Planning Supervisor has to co-ordinate the health and safety aspects of project
design and the initial planning to ensure the Regulations are able to flow quite
smoothly.
To ensure the designers, if more than one, co-operate with each other in all aspects
of health and safety on the project

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To ensure individual designers comply with their duties, particularly with respect of
risk avoidance and reduction
To ensure that the pre-tender stage health and safety plan is prepared before
arrangements to appoint a Principal Contractor are made and work begins on the
project
To give advice if requested, to the Client or the Clients agent, on the competence and
whether or not the allocation of resources by designers and all contractors is
adequate
To advise other contractors who may be appointing designers and also advise the
Client on the health and safety plan before the construction phase starts
To ensure the health and safety file is prepared and delivered to the Client at the end
of the project
The Planning Supervisor needs to consider how the different aspects of planning and
design interact with each other general principles of prevention and protection
should be followed.

Part (b)

Co-ordinating the activities of all contractors on site

Developing the health & safety plan & enduring compliance with it on site
Displaying statutory notices
Proving health & safety information to contractors
Ensuring effective consultation with employees
Controlling access to the site
Ensuring the competence of all contractors involved
& passing to the planning supervisor any information that should be included in the
health & safety file.

19. Question.
a. Identify Four items of information in the health & safety file for an existing
building that might be needed by a contractor carrying out refurbishment work
(4 Marks)
Model Answer: Part (a)
Drawings & plans
Location of utilities & services
Details of construction methods & material used
& details of installed equipment (e.g. lifts, air-conditioning systems) including manuals
produced by specialist contractors & suppliers

20. Question.
a. List Eight components of an independent tied scaffold that has been erected by
a competent person (8 Marks)

Model Answer: Part (a)

Standards
Base plates
Sole boards
Ledgers
Bracing
Ties

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Working platforms
Toe boards
& guard rails, safe means of access such as ladders internal to the structure
& brick guards
& chutes to dispose of waste

21. Question.
a. Explain how a person may be injured when using a mobile elevated work
platform (MEWP) to undertake maintenance work at height (8 Marks)

Model Answer: Part (a)

The overturning of the equipment because it was positioned on an uneven floor or
because the outriggers were not fully extended
Falling from the platform because no hand rails were provided
Inadvertent movement of the equipment because the brakes were not applied before
raising the platform
Trapping in the scissor mechanism
Mechanical failure of the lifting mechanism
Striking or being crushed against overhead obstructions
Failure of the MEWP because of overload
& following a collision with moving vehicles

22. Question.
a. Outline the checks that could be made in assessing the health & safety
competence of a contractor (8 Marks)
(Or)
List the factors that could be considered when assessing the health & safety
competence of a contractor (8 Marks)
(Or)
List the factors that might be considered when assessing the health & safety
competence of a contractor (8 Marks)

Model Answer: Part (a)

The contractors previous experience with the type of work
The reputation of the contractor amongst previous or current clients
The content & quality of the contractors H&S policy & risk assessments
The level of training & qualifications of staff (including those with H&S responsibilities)
Accident / enforcement history
Membership of accreditation or certification bodies
Equipment maintenance & statutory examination records
& the detailed proposals (e.g. method statements) for the work to be carried out

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23. Question.
a. Outline the precautions that should be taken to reduce the of injury when work
is carried out on a pitched (sloping) roof. (8 Marks)

Model Answer: Part (a)

The provision of safe access to the roof & roof edge protection
The use of crawling boards or roof ladders
Iidentifying & covering roof lights
Arrangements for moving tools & materials to & from the roof
The issue of wearing of PPE such as helmets, footwear & harnesses
The employment of a trained & competent workforce
& the need to stop the work activity during adverse weather conditions

24. Question.
a. Explain the meaning of the term hazard.
b. Outline the particular hazards that may be present during the demolition of a
building. (8 Marks)
(Or)
Outline the main hazards associated with demolition work (6 Marks)

Model Answer: Part (a)

A hazard is the inherent potential to cause injury or damage to peoples health, or
something with the potential to cause harm.
Hazard can be defined as potential to cause injury or damage to people, equipment
or material.
The various types of hazards are physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic or
psychological.

Part (b)

Falls from a height

Falling debris & premature collapse
Use of explosives
Contact with noise from equipment & heavy plant
Dust (possibly including asbestos)
& the possible presence of services such as electricity, gas & water

25. Mobile tower scaffolds should always be used on stable, level ground.
a. List Eight additional points that should be considered to ensure safe use.
(8 Marks)

Model Answer: Part (a)

Ensuring the correct ratio between the height & base dimensions of the tower
The use of diagonal bracing
The use of stabilisers
The provision of toe boards & guard rails
Ensuring that wheels are locked

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Ensuring that the scaffold is not overloaded
& ensuring that it is not moved when loaded with persons &/or materials.
Secure means of access & maintaining safe distances between the tower & overhead
power lines

26. Question.
a. Outline the control measures needed to ensure safety during excavation work
on a construction site. (8 Marks)

Model Answer:

Part (a)

Support of sides (shoring, benching, etc)

Detection of services (e.g. from plans, use of cable/pipe detectors, etc)
Storage of materials, equipment & spoil away from edge
Means of preventing vehicles falling into the excavation or causing collapse (e.g. stop
blocks)
Means of preventing people falling in (guard-rails, barriers, crossing points & covers)
Means of preventing collapse of adjacent structures
Safe means of access & egress
Testing for, & ventilation of, noxious fumes
Means of pumping out water
Procedures for working with mechanical plant, & general issues such as
o Inspection, Training, Supervision & the use of PPE (e.g. for protection against
contaminants).

27. Question.
a. Outline Eight precautions that may be taken to ensure the safety of children
who might be tempted to gain unauthorized access to a construction site.
(8 Marks)

Model Answer: Part (a)

Use of fencing.
Warning against the dangers by means of signs.
& monitoring using security patrols or CCTV.
This was followed by reference to the need, should entry be gained to make the site
itself safe by
Isolating services
Reducing heights of materials
Covering or fencing excavations as well as removing ladders & denying access to
scaffolding
Securing: Tools, Chemicals, Equipment & vehicles
& working with the community including visits to schools.

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28. Question.
a. Outline the precautions to be taken when carrying out repairs to the flat roof of
a building. (8 Marks)
(Or)
Outline the precautions that may be needed when carrying out repairs to the
flat roof of a building (8 Marks)

Model Answer: Part (a)

The provision of safe access to the roof (by scaffolding &/or ladders)
Edge protection to prevent the falls of people or materials
& restricting access to the area below the work by means of barriers & so forth.
Falling through fragile roof-lights & voids
& from harmful contact with overhead obstructions & services
The means of transporting materials to & from the work area
The possible need for netting under the roof
Protection from the weather
& the positioning & use of hazardous equipment such as bitumen boilers & gas
cylinders

29. Damaged corrugated roofing sheet on a single storey factory are to be replaced.
Access to the roof will be via a mobile tower scaffold
a. Identify the hazards that are likely to be encountered during such work.
(6 Marks)
b. Outline the precautions needed to ensure the safe use of the mobile tower
scaffold. (6 Marks)
c. Outline the further precautions that may be required to control the hazards
identified in (a) (8 Marks)

Model Answer: Part (a)

Working at height, falls of material & exposure to extreme weather conditions.
Work equipment (including access equipment)
Manual handling
Work on or near fragile material
& contact with hazardous substances, particularly the possibility of asbestos.

Part (b)

Ensuring that the ratio of the height of the tower to its base dimensions is appropriate
The provision of adequate diagonal bracing
A fully boarded working platform with toe-boards & guardrails in place
Safe means of access to the platform
Means for locking the wheels of the tower when work is in operation
The use of outriggers
Checking that the condition of the ground on which the tower is sited is suitable (e.g.
level & firm)
& the erection & inspection of the scaffold by competent persons.

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Part (c)

The provision & use of Roof ladders, Crawling boards, Protection at roof edges &
voids & harnesses.
The provision of Hoists, Chutes & covered skips for the removal of material being
stripped from the roof.
Protection for those working below (e.g. Barriers, Netting, Signs, Safety helmets).
Isolation of overhead services or ensuring safe distances.
The use of reduced low voltage or residual current devices for portable electrical
tools.
& protection against extreme weather conditions.
Particular precaution would be required If asbestos were involved, including
o The avoidance of breaking the sheets
o The provision of respiratory protection & overalls
o The need for damping down
o & ensuring the safe disposal of waste

30. Mobile tower scaffolds should be used on stable, level ground.

a. List Eight additional points that should be considered to ensure the safe use of
mobile tower scaffold. (8 Marks)

Model Answer: Part (a)

Ensuring that the ratio of the height of the tower to its base dimensions is appropriate
The provision of adequate diagonal bracing
A fully boarded working platform with toe-boards & guardrails in place
Safe means of access to the platform
Means for locking the wheels of the tower when work is in operation
The use of outriggers
Checking that the condition of the ground on which the tower is sited is suitable (e.g.
level & firm)
& the erection & inspection of the scaffold by competent persons.

31. Question.
a. Outline the precautions that might be taken in order to reduce the risk of injury
when using stepladders. (8 Marks)

Model Answer:

Part (a)

The need to ensure that the stepladder is inspected for defects before use
That it is correctly erected on level ground with its chain or rope fully extended
That it is suitable for the task to be performed & does not involve carrying out work
from the top step
That it is footed by a second person when necessary
That it is correctly positioned to avoid over-reaching
& that it is not overloaded.

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

Model Answer:

Part (a)

Ladder is of the correct length/type

& that it is sound (e.g. not painted or damaged)
The ladder:
Must be placed the right way up
On firm ground
& at the correct angle
Securely footed &/or tied
& positioned to avoid over-reaching or contact with live cables.
The base of the ladder should be protected from collisions by people or vehicles
Finally, users of the ladder should have suitable footwear free from mud or grease &
be provided with means of keeping their hands free (e.g. tool belts)

33. Question.
a. Explain the issues that would need to be addressed if work is to be carried out
safely from a ladder. (8 Marks)

Model Answer:

Part (a)

The type, duration & extent of the work to be undertaken

The suitability of the ladder for the work (e.g. its height, condition, material of
construction, etc)
The safe positioning of the ladder & protecting it from impact
The ability of the user to use 3 points of contact
The competence of the operative
Weather conditions
& the type of tools to be used for the work

34. Question.
a. Identify Eight safe practices to be followed when using a skip for the collection
& removal of waste from a construction site. (8 Marks)

Model Answer:

Part (a)

Ensuring the integrity of the skip

Locating the skip on firm, level ground away from excavations
Ensuring clear access for filling & for removing from site by vehicle

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Filling by chute or by mechanical means unless items are to be placed in the skip by
hand
Introducing controls to prevent overfilling
& the tipping of incompatible wastes
& netting or sheeting when the skip is full
Ensure precautions from fire hazards created by the skips & the probable need to site
away from buildings & to protect against arson
Construction waste is controlled waste & must be carried by a licensed waste carrier,
under a waste transfer note system, to a disposal site capable of accepting the waste.

35. A contractor has been engaged to undertake building maintenance work in a busy
warehouse.
a. Outline the issues that should be covered in an induction programme for the
contractors employees. (8 Marks)

Model Answer:

Part (a)

General site safety rules regarding

o Smoking
o Clothing & PPE
o Use of electrical equipment & so on
Requirements for PTWs & other controls
Exclusion zones & traffic routes
Arrangements for the storage of materials
Particular risks in the working area (e.g. Movement of FLTs, Falling materials,
Conveyors, & the possible presence of asbestos)
Accident reporting & other emergency procedures (e.g. action to be taken in the case
of fire)
& the location & use of welfare facilities including first-Aid
Person on site to report to if the need should arise & the procedures for signing in &
out

36. The water main supplying a school is to be repaired, The work will be carried out in a
1.5 metre deep excavation, which will be supported in order to ensure the safety of the
employees working in the excavation.
a. Identify when the Three statutory inspections of the supported excavation must
be carried out by the competent person. (3 Marks)
b. State the information that should be recorded on the excavation inspection
report (5 Marks)
c. Other than the provision of supports for the excavation, outline additional
precautions to be taken during the repair work in order to reduce the risk of
injury to the employees & others who may be affected by the work (12 Marks)

Model Answer: Part (a)

These are at the start of every shift before work commences, after any event likely to
affect the strength or stability of the excavation, & after any accidental fall of rock or
earth or other material.

IGC-2; Element 6. 18





Part (b)

The name & address of the person for whom the inspection was carried out
The location of the place of work
A description of the place of work inspected
Details of any matters identified that could lead to risks to the H or S of any person
The action to be taken to reduce the risk
Any further action that might be needed
The name & position of the person making the report
& the sate & time of inspection.

Part (c)

The detection of underground services, safe digging, preferably by hand, near to the
services & the provision of adequate support for them once exposed
The isolation of the water supply to reduce the risk of flooding the excavation
Ensuring the stability of adjacent buildings if this was thought to be necessary
The provision of safe access in & out of the excavation & placing blocks to prevent
plant from approaching too close to its edge
& using appropriate PPE such as head protection, ear defenders & safety footwear
As for the possible risk of injury to others who might be affected by the work, there
would initially need to be close liaison between the contractors & the school
authorities to ensure, whenever possible, that work in the excavation was carried out
outside school hours.
Additionally, barriers would need to be erected to provide a safe walkway for teachers
& children & other members of the public & precautions would have to be taken to
ensure that materials & equipment were stored in a safe compound & plant
immobilized when not in actual use.

IGC-2; Element 6. 19