NEBOSH

International
General Certificate
Unit IGC2
Control of
international workplace
risks
Element 1

Workplace hazards and

risk control
 Workplace hazards and risk control
Health, welfare and work environment requirements

Health and welfare provisions

• Drinking water
• Washing facilities
• Sanitary conveniences
• Accommodation for clothing
• Facilities for changing clothing
• Rest and eating facilities
• Seating
• Ventilation
Source: ILO, Ergonomic checkpoints
• Temperature
• Lighting
• Cleanliness
• Workspace
 Workplace hazards and risk control
Safe movement of people in the workplace

Hazards related to the movement of people in the

workplace
Typical hazards
Slips, trips and falls on the same level
• Broken bones are the usual result when the following
conditions are present:
- Poorly maintained surfaces
- Changes in level
- Slippery surfaces
- Inappropriate footwear
- Rules not followed
- General obstructions in walkways
 Workplace hazards and risk control
Safe movement of people in the workplace

Hazards related to the movement of people in the

workplace
Trip hazard, damaged tile/Slip hazard spilt liquid

Source: RMS
 Workplace hazards and risk control
Safe movement of people in the workplace

Hazards related to the movement of people in the

workplace
Typical hazards
Falls from a height
• Inadequate access to and from the workplace
• Fragile roofs
• Inadequate barriers
• Unprotected trenches
 Workplace hazards and risk control
Safe movement of people in the workplace

Hazards related to the movement of people in the

workplace
Falls from a height/Fall from a height - roof used for storage

Source: RMS
 Workplace hazards and risk control
Safe movement of people in the workplace

Hazards related to the movement of people in the

workplace
Typical hazards
Striking by moving, flying or falling objects
• Stacking raw materials too high
• Damaged/unsuitable pallets
• Overloading of materials on racking
• Loose materials
• Faulty or inappropriate means of lifting
• Unstable loads on vehicles
• Insecure components
• Products of machining processes not contained
• Free dust from work processes or outside blown into eyes
 Workplace hazards and risk control
Safe movement of people in the workplace

Control measures for safe movement of people in

the workplace
Risk assessment
• Some or all of the following issues might affect the hazards faced by pedestrians:
- Weather conditions
- Lighting
- Surfaces
- Unusually high numbers of people
- The effectiveness of existing controls
- Unexpected movements of people
- Special needs for certain groups of people
 Workplace hazards and risk control
Safe movement of people in the workplace

Control measures for safe movement of people in

the workplace
General controls for the safe movement of people in the workplace
Slip and trip hazards in the workplace may be controlled by:
• Designated slip resistant walkways
• Using high grip surface coating
• Highlighting changes in level with hazard warning strips
• Providing good lighting
• Reporting defects and dealing with spillage
• Ensuring high standards of housekeeping
• Roughened concrete walkways
• Fitting high grip grit sheets on the edge of steps and stairs
• Mats at the entrance to buildings
 Workplace hazards and risk control
Safe movement of people in the workplace

Control measures for safe movement of people in

the workplace
Slip resistant surfaces
Should be provided:
• At the entrance of buildings
• On designated walkways
• On changes of level
• On ramps or slopes
• Where walkways intersect with internal transport routes
• Work areas where spills of liquids are likely
• Where liquids are decanted
• On access areas
• Where exposed to weather
 Workplace hazards and risk control
Safe movement of people in the workplace

Control measures for safe movement of people in

the workplace
Slip resistant surfaces
When selecting a slip resistant surface consider:
• The consequences of slipping
• The type of contamination likely
• Ability to control contamination
• Amount of use of the surface
• The range of people using the surface, age, disability
• What people are doing on the surface
• Environmental issues
• Footwear
 Workplace hazards and risk control
Safe movement of people in the workplace

Control measures for safe movement of people in

the workplace
Spillage control and drainage
• Material and substances spilt onto floors and walkways can
present a risk of slipping
• Arrangements should be in place to control spills
• Spill proof containers instead of open containers and use of
drip trays
• Control measures should anticipate where and how spills
may occur
• Equipment may also have to be provided to stop spills
spreading
 Workplace hazards and risk control
Safe movement of people in the workplace

Control measures for safe movement of people in

the workplace
Designated walkways
• Clearly marked walkways
• Traffic systems - consider the
safety interface between
pedestrians and traffic
• Routes that people use should be
clearly defined and marked
• Approach roads, portable access
equipment and shoring of
underground workings must be
considered Source: ILO, Ergonomic checkpoints
 Workplace hazards and risk control
Safe movement of people in the workplace

Control measures for safe movement of people in

the workplace
Fencing and guarding
• Suitable and effective measures should be taken to prevent any
person falling a distance and being struck by a falling object likely
to cause personal injury
• Physical barriers should be erected to ensure that there is
adequate protection for pedestrians
 Workplace hazards and risk control
Safe movement of people in the workplace

Control measures for safe movement of people in

the workplace
Use of signs and personal protective equipment
• Signs should conform to ISO 7010 “Graphical symbols -
Safety colours and safety signs - Registered safety signs”.
• They must be clearly visible and be easily understood
• Safety signs should indicate the need to use PPE
• Signs to indicate the presence of a temporary hazard should
be used to warn people
• Hazard signs might be used where excavations are present
• Appropriate footwear is important to avoid slips or trips or
puncture wounds in the workplace
 Workplace hazards and risk control
Safe movement of people in the workplace

Control measures for safe movement of people in

the workplace
Information, instruction, training and supervision
• The employer, through management should ensure that
rules, policies and procedures are followed
• Certain circumstances may require specific information,
instruction and training
• Employers must provide active supervision as necessary
• Increase the level of supervision on a needs basis
 Workplace hazards and risk control
Safe movement of people in the workplace

Control measures for safe movement of people in

the workplace
Maintenance of a safe workplace
• Cleaning and housekeeping
requirements
• Access and egress
• Lighting
• Dust

Source: RMS
 Workplace hazards and risk control
Safe movement of people in the workplace

Control measures for safe movement of people in

the workplace
Control measures for maintenance work
• May involve using large pieces of equipment which may
compromise access and/or egress routes
• Temporary signage may be displayed
• Barriers may also be required
• Competent supervision of the activity is essential to monitor and
control any changes to the work
• Maintenance in the form of cleaning operations may have to be
planned
 Workplace hazards and risk control
Construction hazards and control

Main hazards and controls relating to construction

and demolition
Excavations
• The main hazards related to
excavations are:
- Adverse weather
(flooding)
- Gas accumulation
- Collapse
- Instability of adjacent
buildings/structures
- Underground services Source: RMS

- Falling objects
- Traffic
 Workplace hazards and risk control
Construction hazards and control

Main hazards and controls relating to construction

and demolition
Demolition
Hazards
• Falls of people, falls of materials, flying materials, dust and debris,
resulting in a wide range of injuries and conditions, some of which are
of a fatal nature
• Collapse of a building or structure, either deliberately or unplanned
• Overloading of floors or the structure with debris
• Explosions in tanks or other confined spaces
• Presence of live electric cable or gas mains
• Presence of dusty, corrosive and poisonous materials and/or
atmospheres
• Projecting nails in timber etc
 Workplace hazards and risk control
Construction hazards and control

Main hazards and controls relating to construction

and demolition
Demolition
Controls
Prior to demolition commencing
• A safe system of work must be established
• A pre-demolition survey must be conducted
• Local authorities and owners of adjacent properties must be
notified and consulted
• Services such as gas, water and electricity, must be isolated
• A competent supervisor must be appointed
• Dangerous areas must be fenced off
• Workers must be briefed that PPE must be provided and worn
 Workplace hazards and risk control
Construction hazards and control

Main hazards and controls relating to construction

and demolition
Demolition
Controls
During the demolition process
• Access to the demolition area must be strictly controlled
• Demolition should be carried out in the reverse order of
erection of the building
• No freestanding wall should be left on its own unless
considered to be secure by the competent person
• Scaffold working platforms should be used
• Entrances, passages, stairs and ladder runs should be kept
clear of all material
 Workplace hazards and risk control
Construction hazards and control

Main hazards and controls relating to construction

and demolition
Demolition
Controls
During the demolition process
• Disturbed staircases, particularly stone staircases, should
not be used
• Timber with protruding nails should have the nails removed
• Glass in partitions, doors, roofs and windows should be
removed separately
• Adequate and suitable lighting should be provided
 Workplace hazards and risk control
Construction hazards and control

Management controls for significant construction

projects
Assessment, selection and control of contractors
Assessment
• Checking of the health and safety aspects/requirements of
bids and selection of contractor
Selection
• Contractor agrees to be subject to client's rules
Control
• Control of the contractor on site
• Checking after completion of contract
 Workplace hazards and risk control

Practice Question 1

Identify precautions that should be considered to prevent

accidents to children who may be tempted to gain access to
a construction site
 Workplace hazards and risk control

Answer 1
a. Fencing and guarding to prevent unauthorised entry
b. Security guards to control people entering the workplace
c. Designated and clearly marked walkways or routes that people
use
d. Precaution for Slip and trip hazards such as designated slip
resistant walkways
e. Suitable and effective measures should be taken to prevent any
person falling a distance and being struck by a falling object
likely to cause personal injury
f. Physical barriers should be erected to ensure that there is
adequate protection for pedestrians
 Workplace hazards and risk control

Answer 1
g. Information, instruction, training and supervision such as
employers must provide active supervision as necessary
h. Regular cleaning and housekeeping at the workplace
i. Use of signs and personal protective equipment
j. Provide sufficient lightings at the workplace
k. Conduct risk assessment for all work activities at the workplace
 Workplace hazards and risk control

Practice Question 2
Identify the main hazards that may be present during the
demolition of a building
 Workplace hazards and risk control

Answer 2
• People falling from height,
• Materials falling from height, flying materials, dust and debris,
• Collapse of a building or structure, either deliberately or
unplanned
• Overloading of floors or the structure with debris
• Explosions in tanks or other confined spaces
• Presence of live electric cable or gas mains
• Presence of dusty, corrosive and poisonous materials and/or
atmospheres
• Projecting nails in timber etc
• Biological hazards arising from the presence of vermin and
stagnant water
Element 2

Transport hazards and

risk control
 Transport hazards and risk control
Safe movement of vehicles in the workplace

Hazards from workplace transport operations

There are five main kinds of accidents associated with vehicles:

• Being struck by a moving vehicle

• Injury caused by a vehicle collapse or overturn
• Falling from a vehicle
• Being hit by a load (materials) falling from a vehicle
• Being hit against a vehicle whilst travelling in it
 Transport hazards and risk control
Safe movement of vehicles in the workplace

Hazards from workplace transport operations

Collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians or fixed objects
• People may unexpectedly appear from a part of a building
structure
• Restricted space in workplaces e.g. warehouses
• Racking increased in height to maximise the floor space
• Leads to restricted visibility especially at busy junctions
where vehicles come together
• May lead to collisions
 Transport hazards and risk control
Safe movement of vehicles in the workplace

Hazards from workplace transport operations

Non-movement related hazards
Loading and un-loading
• There is a risk of objects falling particularly where a vehicle
like a forklift truck is used to load materials at a height
• Unloading by hand can mean that the load shifts and
becomes unstable
• When the load is removed it can lead to load collapsing onto
the worker
• Resulting in serious injury or death
• Some loading and unloading tasks cause people to work at
height - may fall from a vehicle
• Poor weather conditions
 Transport hazards and risk control
Safe movement of vehicles in the workplace

Control measures for safe workplace transport

operations
Segregating pedestrians and vehicles
• Clearly defined and marked entrance and exit routes should
be provided
• Clear, well-marked and signposted vehicle traffic routes
• Speed limits of 10 or 15mph are appropriate
• Transport requires clear routes to be designated, marked
with painted lines and preferably fenced off from
pedestrians
• Separate gates/doorways should be provided for vehicle
entry and blind spots
• Briefings, site induction and signs
 Transport hazards and risk control
Safe movement of vehicles in the workplace

Control measures for safe workplace transport

operations
Segregating pedestrians and vehicles

Source: RMS
 Transport hazards and risk control
Safe movement of vehicles in the workplace

Control measures for safe workplace transport

operations
Measures to be taken when segregation is not practicable
Control measures to be taken when pedestrians work in vehicle
manoeuvring areas
• Defined traffic routes
• One-way systems
• Segregated systems for vehicular and pedestrian traffic
• Maintaining good visibility
• Signs indicating where vehicles operate in the area
• Audible warnings on vehicles
• Site rules
• Provision of refuges
 Transport hazards and risk control
Safe movement of vehicles in the workplace

Control measures for safe workplace transport

operations
Measures to be taken when segregation is not practicable
Control measures to be taken when pedestrians work in vehicle
manoeuvring areas
• Wearing of high-visibility clothing
• Good standard of housekeeping
• Traffic control
• Training
• Provision of parking areas
• Provision of suitable battery charging or refuelling areas
 Transport hazards and risk control
Safe movement of vehicles in the workplace

Control measures for safe workplace transport

operations
No segregation - high visibility clothing/Control of vehicle movement

Source: RMS
 Transport hazards and risk control
Safe movement of vehicles in the workplace

Control measures for safe workplace transport

operations
Protective measures for people and structures
Barriers
• Moving vehicles, and in particular large plant, have high
impact energy when they are in contact with structures or
people
• It is essential that vehicles be separated from vulnerable
people and structures
• Because of the high energy involved the barrier used must
reflect what is likely to be in contact with it
• It is important to identify vulnerable locations that warrant
protection
 Transport hazards and risk control
Safe movement of vehicles in the workplace

Control measures for safe workplace transport

operations
Protective measures for people and structures
Markings
• Any structure that represents a height or width restriction
should be readily identified for people and vehicle drivers
• Include low beams or doorways, pipe bridges and protruding
scaffolds and edges
• By means of attaching hazard tape or painting the structure
to highlight the hazard
 Transport hazards and risk control
Safe movement of vehicles in the workplace

Control measures for safe workplace transport

operations
Protective measures for people and structures
Signs
• Used to provide information, such as height restrictions, and
to warn of hazards on site
• Used to direct vehicles around workers at a safe distance
 Transport hazards and risk control
Safe movement of vehicles in the workplace

Control measures for safe workplace transport

operations
Protective measures for people and structures
Warnings of vehicle approach and reversing
• Warnings may be audible or visual or a combination
• Used to warn that the vehicle is operating in the area:
- Flashing light on the top of a forklift truck
- An audible warning that a large vehicle is reversing
• Designed to alert people in the area
• They do not provide the driver with authority to reverse the
vehicle or to proceed in a work area without caution
 Transport hazards and risk control
Safe movement of vehicles in the workplace

Control measures for safe workplace transport

operations
Protective measures for people and structures
Control measures for reversing vehicles within the workplace
• Separation of vehicles and pedestrians
• Warning signs
• Audible alarms
• Space to allow good visibility
• Adequate mirrors/vehicle cameras that are kept clean
• Refuges to protect signaller/‘banksman’
• Adequate lighting
• Appropriate site rules adequately enforced
• Procedural measures
• Avoiding the need for vehicles to reverse
 Transport hazards and risk control

Practice Question 1
a. Identify 4 hazards associated specifically with battery-
powered fork-lift trucks
b. Identify precautions that may be needed to reduce the risk
to pedestrians in areas where the fork-lift trucks are
operating
c. Identify precautions that should be taken when leaving a
forklift truck unattended
 Transport hazards and risk control

Answer 1a
i. Battery charging leading to the generation of hydrogen gas
which can cause explosion or fire; the possibility of electric
shock and burns through the shortening of battery leads;

ii. Possibility of workers being burned by battery acid when

carrying out maintenance work on the truck;

iii. Weight of the batteries which could give rise to problems if

handled manually;

iv. Potential for collision with pedestrians since the trucks are
virtually silent when running
 Transport hazards and risk control

Answer 1b
i. The marking of traffic routes, segregation of pedestrians from
transport;
ii. The introduction of one way systems;
iii. The provision of barriers and refuges;
iv. The erection of warning signs and the use of the truck’s warning
device by drivers when personnel are being approached;
v. The enforcement of site rules on speed restrictions and access;
vi. Visibility issues requiring the provision of adequate lighting, mirrors
and transparent doors;
vii. The introduction of safe systems of work for activities such as loading,
unloading and stacking;
viii. Ensuring that floor surfaces are well maintained;
ix. Providing high visibility clothing for pedestrians and ensuring that all
workers are fully briefed on the hazards associated with the use of
forklift trucks and the precautions that they should observe
 Transport hazards and risk control

Answer 1c
i. Parking the truck away from other moving vehicles
ii. Parking the truck in a position that does not obstruct
emergency exits, walkways and fire points;
iii. Parking the truck into the designated parking lot
iv. Leaving it on a firm level surface in a designated area with the
mast tilted slightly forward and the forks resting on the floor;
v. Switching the power off
vi. Applying the brake
vii. Removing the key and returning it to a responsible person to
prevent unauthorized use.
viii. Place barricade or signage around the unattended truck to
prevent unauthorised
Element 3

Musculoskeletal hazards
and risk control
 Musculoskeletal hazards and risk control
Work-related upper limb disorders

The factors giving rise to ill-health conditions

Tasks
• Repetitive
- Injury may occur to the muscles and ligaments affected
• Strenuous
- Will cause fatigue, strains and sprains
 Musculoskeletal hazards and risk control
Work-related upper limb disorders

The factors giving rise to ill-health conditions

Environment
• Poor working environments
• Extremes of temperature
• Lighting
• Length of time
• Uncomfortable positions
• Poor posture

Source: Speedy Hire Plc

 Musculoskeletal hazards and risk control
Work-related upper limb disorders

The factors giving rise to ill-health conditions

Equipment
• All work factors that influence health issues should be under
the influence of the operator as much as possible
• Equipment design should take into account the ergonomic
requirements of the user
• Where possible, allow the user to adjust any settings to suit
their needs
• Such things as workbench height and positioning of switches
and buttons should be in the operator’s easy control
 Musculoskeletal hazards and risk control
Work-related upper limb disorders

Appropriate control measures

• Workstation
• Temperature
• Hand tools
• Vibration
• Use of muscular force
• Repetitive movements
• Postures
• Gloves
• Mechanical pressure
• Organisation of work
 Musculoskeletal hazards and risk control
Manual handling hazards, risks and control measures

Common types of manual handling injury

• The most common injuries are:
- Rupture of intervertebral discs (‘slipped or prolapsed
disc’) in the lower spine
- Muscle strain and sprain
- Tendons and ligaments can also be over-stretched and
torn
- Rupture of a section of the abdominal wall can cause a
hernia
- Loads with sharp edges can cause cuts
- Dropped loads can result in bruises, fractures and
crushing injuries
 Musculoskeletal hazards and risk control
Manual handling hazards, risks and control measures

Common types of manual handling injury

Damage to intervertebral disc
• The intervertebral discs are made from a tough, fibrous case,
which contains a softer, gel-like core
• Strain on the disc can cause it to bulge and protrude out
between the vertebrae
• Press on nearby nerves or spinal cord
• Can cause pain and inflammation in the area of the spinal
cord contacted
• The damage to the disc is usually caused by too much
pressure being applied to it during lifting and handling
operations that involve ‘top-heavy’ bending
 Musculoskeletal hazards and risk control
Manual handling hazards, risks and control measures

Common types of manual handling injury

Sprains/strains, fractures and lacerations
Sprains and strains
• A sprain is an injury to a ligament, the tough fibrous tissue
that connects a bone to another bone; ligament injuries
involve a stretching or a tearing of this tissue
• A strain is an injury to either a muscle or a tendon, the tissue
that connects muscles to bones
• Depending on the severity of the injury, a strain may be a
simple overstretch of the muscle or tendon or it can result in a
partial or complete tear
• Rupture of the muscles in a section of the abdominal wall can
cause a hernia
 Musculoskeletal hazards and risk control
Manual handling hazards, risks and control measures

Common types of manual handling injury

Sprains/strains, fractures and lacerations
Fractures and lacerations
• A fracture is a break in a bone
• Usually the result of trauma where the physical force exerted
on the bone is stronger than the bone itself
• Fractures of the hands and feet are the most likely type of
fractures to arise from manual handling work
• May be due to the load that is being lifted inadvertently being
dropped
• Lacerations are often caused by the unprotected handling of
loads with sharp corners or edges, or slippage of grip when
trying to prevent a dropped load
 Musculoskeletal hazards and risk control
Manual handling hazards, risks and control measures

Means of avoiding or minimising the risks from

manual handling
• Practical measures that may be taken to reduce the risk of
injury can also be based on LITE
• For example:
- L oad
- I ndividual
- T ask
- E nvironment
 Musculoskeletal hazards and risk control
Manual handling hazards, risks and control measures

Means of avoiding or minimising the risks from

manual handling
L oad
• By lightening, reducing in size, provision of handles,
elimination of sharp edges etc
• Reducing the weight of the load might encourage people to
move more objects and attempt to move more than one at a
time
 Musculoskeletal hazards and risk control
Manual handling hazards, risks and control measures

Means of avoiding or minimising the risks from

manual handling
I ndividual
• Address the individual factors such as selection, provision of
information and training, provision of appropriate protective
equipment and clothing
• Personal factors such as height, build, physical condition,
and pre-existing health conditions such as pregnancy must
be considered
 Musculoskeletal hazards and risk control
Manual handling hazards, risks and control measures

Means of avoiding or minimising the risks from

manual handling
T ask
• Redesign the task so that manual handling is eliminated or
reduced by mechanisation, reducing carrying distances, team
lifting, job rotation, etc
• Some manufacturers have used technology to redesign cars
so that the need to remove a spare wheel from the wheel
well in the boot is no longer necessary
 Musculoskeletal hazards and risk control
Manual handling hazards, risks and control measures

Means of avoiding or minimising the risks from

manual handling
E nvironment
• Risks can be minimised by improving the working
environment, for example:
- Optimum heights of surfaces, improving floor conditions,
increasing workspace, improving lighting, avoidance of
changes in floor level etc
 Musculoskeletal hazards and risk control

Practice Question 1
A worker is manually loading boxes of components onto metal
shelves.
a.Identify 4 types of injury that the worker could suffer while
carrying out this activity.
b.Identify factors in relation to the task that will increase the risk
of injury
 Musculoskeletal hazards and risk control

Answer 1a
Potential injuries such as:
i.spinal disc compression or a prolapsed disc;
ii.strains to tendons, muscles or ligaments;
iii.hernia;
iv.dislocation or fracture of bones;
v.cuts and abrasions;
vi.crushing or impact injuries and work related upper limb
disorders (WRULDs).
 Musculoskeletal hazards and risk control

Answer 1b
Task related factors such as:
i.the manipulation of the load at a distance from the trunk;
ii.the work rate and periods allowed for rest and recovery;
iii.excessive carrying and lifting or lowering distances;
iv.pushing or pulling the load;
v.the need to adopt unsatisfactory body position because of
space restrictions
Element 4

Work equipment hazards

and risk control
 Work equipment hazards and risk control
General requirements for work equipment
Types of work equipment
Examples of work equipment commonly used in the workplace include:

• Air compressor • Health care bed pan macerator

• Automatic car wash • Lifting sling
• Automatic storage/retrieval • Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
equipment filling plant
• Blast furnace • Medical image scanners
• Butcher's knife • Mobile access platform
• Car ramp • Photocopier
• Check-out machine • Portable drill
• Circular saw • Potato grading line
• Digital image projector • Power press
 Work equipment hazards and risk control
General requirements for work equipment
Equipment to be maintained and maintenance
conducted safely
Equipment to be maintained
Employers should ensure that work equipment exposed to
conditions causing deterioration that is liable to result in
dangerous situations is inspected:
• Before initial use
• At suitable intervals
• Each time that exceptional circumstances that are liable to
jeopardise the safety of the work equipment have occurred
 Work equipment hazards and risk control
General requirements for work equipment
Equipment to be maintained and maintenance
conducted safely
Maintenance to be conducted safely
Maintenance hazards
Typical accidents:
• Crushing by moving machinery
• Falls
• Burns
• Asphyxiation
• Electrocution
• Explosions
 Work equipment hazards and risk control
Hand-held tools
Hand tools
Hazards and misuse of hand tools
• Anyone who uses a hand-held tool may be at risk of injury, either
accidentally, through misuse or equipment failure
• There is a range of injury hazards relating to the use of hand tools
• For example, noise induced hearing loss, respiratory disease, eye
injury, and punctures and cuts
• Misuse includes using the wrong tool for the job
• For example, a hammer to drive a screw into material, rather than
a screwdriver, or a file as a lever, as it is brittle and may break
unexpectedly
 Work equipment hazards and risk control
Machinery hazards
Main mechanical and non-mechanical hazards
Chop saw - cutting and abrasive wheel - abrasion

Source: Speedy Hire plc Source: RMS

 Work equipment hazards and risk control
Machinery hazards
Main mechanical and non-mechanical hazards
Mechanical hazards
Cutting
• Saw blades, knives and even rough edges, especially when
moving at high speed, can result in serious cuts and even
amputation injuries
• The dangerous part can appear stationary due to the stroboscopic
effect under certain lighting conditions
• Examples include:
- Saws, slicing machines, abrasive cutting discs and
chainsaws
 Work equipment hazards and risk control
Machinery hazards
Main mechanical and non-mechanical hazards
Mechanical hazards
Crushing
• Caused when part of the
body is caught between
either two moving parts of
machinery or a moving part
and a stationary object
• Examples include the
platform of a hoist closing
together with the ground or
an overhead beam or moving
Source: RMS
parts of an adjustable
hospital bed
 Work equipment hazards and risk control
Machinery hazards
Main mechanical and non-mechanical hazards
Mechanical hazards
Drawing-in
• When a belt runs round a
roller an ‘in-running nip’ is
created between the
moving parts, in the
direction of travel of the
belt
• This inward movement
draws in any part of the
body presented to it
Source: RMS
 Work equipment hazards and risk control
Machinery hazards
Main mechanical and non-mechanical hazards
Other (non mechanical) hazards
• Electricity - shock and burns
• Hot surfaces/fire
• Noise and vibration
• Biological - viral and bacterial
• High/low temperatures
• Manual handling
• Chemicals that are toxic, irritant, flammable, corrosive, explosive
• Access - slips, trips and falls; obstructions and projections
• Ionising and non ionising radiation
 Work equipment hazards and risk control
Control measure for reducing risks from machinery hazards

The principles, merits and limitations of protection

methods
Hierarchy of measures for dangerous parts of machinery
• The various guards and safety devices can be summarised
as follows:
F ixed
I nterlock
A utomatic (including self-closing)
T rip devices
 Work equipment hazards and risk control
Control measure for reducing risks from machinery hazards

The principles, merits and limitations of protection

methods
Fixed guards
• A fixed guard/fence must be
fitted such that it cannot be
removed other than by the use
of specialist tools
• A fixed guard may be designed
to enable access by authorised
personnel for maintenance or
inspection

Source: RMS
 Work equipment hazards and risk control
Control measure for reducing risks from machinery hazards

The principles, merits and limitations of protection

methods
Fixed guard - panel removed and Fixed guard - mesh too big

Source: RMS
 Work equipment hazards and risk control
Control measure for reducing risks from machinery hazards

The principles, merits and limitations of protection

methods
Fixed guards
Merits of fixed guards
• Create a physical barrier
• Require a tool to remove
• May not protect against non-mechanical hazards
• No moving parts
Limitations of fixed guards
• Do not disconnect power when not in place
• May cause problems with visibility for inspection
• If enclosed, may create problems with heat
 Work equipment hazards and risk control
Control measure for reducing risks from machinery hazards

The principles, merits and limitations of protection

methods
Interlocking guards
• Similar to a fixed guard but
has a movable part
• Connected to the machine
controls so that if the
movable part is in the
open/lifted position the
dangerous moving part at the
work point cannot operate
• Interlocked guards are useful
if operators need regular Source: RMS

access to the danger area

 Work equipment hazards and risk control
Control measure for reducing risks from machinery hazards

The principles, merits and limitations of protection

methods
Interlocking guards
Merits of interlocking guards
• Connected to power source
• Allow regular access
Limitations of interlocking guards
• Regular maintenance
• Can be over-ridden
• If interlock is in the form of a gate, a person can step inside and
close the gate behind them
• Dangerous parts of machinery may not stop immediately the
guard is opened
 Work equipment hazards and risk control
Control measure for reducing risks from machinery hazards

The principles, merits and limitations of protection

methods
Open and closed interlock guard / Power press - interlock guard

Source: BS EN ISO 12100

 Work equipment hazards and risk control
Control measure for reducing risks from machinery hazards

The principles, merits and limitations of protection

methods
Automatic guard
• Operates as the machine goes through its cycle
• Physically moves the operator away from danger
• Only suitable for slow cycling equipment
Merits of automatic guards
• Guard becomes effective as part of the normal cycle of the
equipment
• Does not have to rely on human intervention
Limitations of automatic guards
• Usually restricted to slow cycling machinery
 Work equipment hazards and risk control
Control measure for reducing risks from machinery hazards

The principles, merits and limitations of protection

methods
Automatic guard for a power press

Source: BS EN ISO 12100

 Work equipment hazards and risk control
Control measure for reducing risks from machinery hazards

The principles, merits and limitations of protection

methods
Self-adjusting guard
• These are guards which close themselves over the dangerous
parts
• Prevent accidental access by the operator
• Allow entry of the material to the machine
Merits of self-closing guards
• Close over the dangerous parts
Limitations of adjustable guards
• May obscure visibility when in use
• Are vulnerable to damage in the operation of the equipment
 Work equipment hazards and risk control
Control measure for reducing risks from machinery hazards

The principles, merits and limitations of protection

methods
Self adjusting (fixed) guard and Adjustable (fixed) guard

Source: RMS Source: BS EN ISO 12100

 Work equipment hazards and risk control
Control measure for reducing risks from machinery hazards

The principles, merits and limitations of protection

methods
Trip device on radial drill and Light curtain

Source: RMS Source: UK, HSE HSG180

 Work equipment hazards and risk control
Control measure for reducing risks from machinery hazards

The principles, merits and limitations of protection

methods
Sensitive protective equipment
Merits of sensitive protective equipment
• Can be used as an additional risk control measure
• Can minimise the severity of injury
Limitations of sensitive protective equipment
• Can be over-ridden
• May not prevent harm from occurring
• May cause production delays
 Work equipment hazards and risk control
Control measure for reducing risks from machinery hazards

The principles, merits and limitations of protection

methods
Two-hand control (2HC) device
• Provide a level of protection
where other methods are not
practicable
• Requires both hands to
operate it
• Assures that both hands are
kept away from the dangerous
parts
• '2HC' devices protect only the
operator
Source: BS EN ISO 12100
 Work equipment hazards and risk control
Control measure for reducing risks from machinery hazards

The principles, merits and limitations of protection

methods
Two-hand control (2HC) device
Merits of 2HC devices
• Ensures both of the operator’s hands are out of danger area
when the machine is operated
Limitations of 2HC devices
• Only protects the operator from harm
• May limit speed of operation
 Work equipment hazards and risk control
Control measure for reducing risks from machinery hazards

The principles, merits and limitations of protection

methods
Emergency stop controls
• Emergency stops are intended to effect a rapid response to
potentially dangerous situations
• Emergency stop controls should be easily reached and actuated
• Common types are mushroom-headed buttons, bars, levers, kick
plates, or pressure-sensitive cables
• They can be used by the operator or other workers to quickly
stop the machine
• They can be useful in quickly bringing a machine to rest in
situations where material has got stuck in the machine
 Work equipment hazards and risk control
Control measure for reducing risks from machinery hazards

The principles, merits and limitations of protection

methods
Emergency stop controls and Emergency stop / cut-out switch

Source: RMS Source: www.oilybits.com

 Work equipment hazards and risk control
Control measure for reducing risks from machinery hazards

The principles, merits and limitations of protection

methods
Emergency stop controls
Merits of emergency stop controls
• Removes power immediately
• Equipment has to be reset after use
• Prevents accidental restarting of the equipment
Limitations of emergency stop controls
• Does not prevent access to the danger area
• May be incorrectly positioned
 Work equipment hazards and risk control

Practice Question 1
Outline 4 main types of guards and safeguarding devices that
may be used to reduce the risk of contact with dangerous
parts of machinery.
 Work equipment hazards and risk control

Answer 1
a. Fixed guards
b. Interlocking guards
c. Automatic guards
d. Self adjusting guards
 Work equipment hazards and risk control

Answer 1
a. Fixed guards
• A fixed guard is fitted such that it cannot be removed other than by the
use of specialist tools
• Merits of fixed guards
• Create a physical barrier
• Require a tool to remove
• May not protect against non-mechanical hazards
• No moving parts
• Limitations of fixed guards
• Do not disconnect power when not in place
• May cause problems with visibility for inspection
• If enclosed, may create problems with heat
 Work equipment hazards and risk control

Answer 1
b. Interlocking guards
• Connected to the machine controls so that if the movable part is in the
open/lifted position the dangerous moving part at the work point cannot
operate
• Merits of interlocking guards
• Connected to power source
• Allow regular access
• Limitations of interlocking guards
• Regular maintenance
• Can be over-ride, example if interlock is in the form of a gate, a person
can step inside and close the gate behind them
• Dangerous parts of machinery may not stop immediately when the guard
is opened
 Work equipment hazards and risk control

Answer 1
c. Automatic guards
• Operates as the machine goes through its cycle
• Physically moves the operator away from danger
• Merits of automatic guards
• Guard becomes effective as part of the normal cycle of the
equipment
• Does not have to rely on human intervention
• Limitations of automatic guards
• Usually restricted to slow cycling machinery
 Work equipment hazards and risk control

Answer 1
d. Self adjusting guards
• These are guards which close themselves over the dangerous parts
• Merits of self-closing guards
• Close over the dangerous parts
• Limitations of adjustable guards
• May obscure visibility when in use
• Are vulnerable to damage in the operation of the equipment
Element 5

Electrical safety
 Electrical safety
Principles, hazards and risks associated with electricity

Principles of electricity
Relationship between voltage, current and resistance
• Electrical pressure = Volts (V)
• Current = Amperes or Milli-amperes (I)
• Resistance = Ohms (R)
• V=IxR
 Electrical safety
Principles, hazards and risks associated with electricity

Principles of electricity
Relationship between voltage, current and resistance
By Ohm’s law:

Current = Voltage
Resistance

OR
I=V
R
 Electrical safety
Principles, hazards and risks associated with electricity

Hazards of electricity
The hazards relating to electricity include:
• Electrical shock
• Electrical burns
• Electrical fires
• Explosions
• Secondary injuries
 Electrical safety
Principles, hazards and risks associated with electricity

Hazards of electricity
Electric shock and its effect on the body
• The term electric shock is used to describe the unwanted or
undesirable exposure to electricity at a detectable level
• Electricity has the ability to burn tissue well beneath the skin,
including internal organs
• Muscles may also be triggered by a shock current, which will
cause them to involuntarily contract
• Electric current is able to affect more than just skeletal muscles; it
can also affect breathing and heart function
• Can lead to respiratory failure of the lungs and fibrillation of the
heart or cardiac arrest
 Electrical safety
Principles, hazards and risks associated with electricity

Risks of electricity
Factors influencing severity of the effects of electric shock on the body

• Voltage
• Type and size of the current involved
• Path taken through the body by the current
• Length of contact time
• General health and age of the person involved
• Electrical resistance of the skin and the internal body resistance
• Factors associated with the footwear and clothing being worn by
the person
• Environmental issues
 Electrical safety
Principles, hazards and risks associated with electricity

Hazards of electricity
Factors influencing severity of the effects of electric shock on the body

Common causes of electric shock

• Work on electrical circuits by unqualified persons
• Work on live circuits
• Replacement of fuses and light bulbs on supposedly dead circuits
• Working on de-energised circuits that accidentally become re-energised
• Using electrical equipment in a wet environment
• Faults in electrical systems
 Electrical safety
Principles, hazards and risks associated with electricity

Hazards of electricity
Electrical fires and explosions

Common causes of electrical fires

• Wiring with defects
• Overheating of cables
• Too high fuse rating for the circuit
• Poor connections
 Electrical safety
Principles, hazards and risks associated with electricity

Hazards of electricity
Worn cable - risk of electrical fire/Evidence of overheating

Source: RMS
 Electrical safety
Principles, hazards and risks associated with electricity

High risks associated with electricity

Hazard - damaged cable insulation/Hazard - taped joints

Source: RMS
 Electrical safety
Control measures

Advantages and limitations of protective systems

Earthing
• A conductor called an earth wire is fitted to the system
• Connected at one end to a plate buried in the ground
• Other end connected to the metal casing of the equipment
• Earth is lowest point of potential
• Wire designed to have very little resistance
• Earthing provided where the casing can become live
• In summary, earthing provides a path of least resistance for
“stray” current and provides protection against indirect shock
 Electrical safety
Control measures

Emergency procedures following an electrical incident

• Assess the situation
• Summon help
• Do not touch the casualty
• Remove the power
• Remove the casualty from the power
• Reassess the situation
• Check breathing and pulse, apply CPR
as necessary
• Lay in recovery position if the casualty is
unconscious
• Keep the casualty under observation for
Source: RMS

secondary effects
 Electrical safety

Practice Question 1
a. Identify the effects on the human body from a severe
electric shock
b. Outline how earthing can reduce the risk of receiving an
electric shock
 Electrical safety

Answer 1a
Effects such as
i. interference with nerve/muscle action leading to
involuntary grip;
ii. fibrillation of the cardiac muscle producing an irregular
heart rhythm;
iii. respiratory failure;
iv. cardiac arrest;
v. tissue burns with the main sites of damage being the
entry and exit points with the possibility of damage to
the internal organs.
 Electrical safety

Answer 1b
• A conductor called an earth wire is fitted to the system
• Connected at one end to a plate buried in the ground
• Other end connected to the metal casing of the equipment
• Earth is lowest point of potential
• Wire designed to have very little resistance
• Earthing provided where the casing can become live
• In summary, earthing provides a path of least resistance for
“stray” current and provides protection against indirect
shock
Element 6

Fire safety
 Fire safety
Fire initiation, classification and spread

Basic principles of fire

The fire triangle
• Three essential elements:
- Fuel
- Oxygen
- Heat (source of ignition)
• Must be kept apart to prevent
fire
• Combustion takes place if
brought together Source: RMS/Corel
 Fire safety
Fire initiation, classification and spread

Basic principles of fire

Sources of ignition
• Discarded smokers materials
• Naked flames
• Fixed or portable heaters
• Hot processes
• Burning vegetation or rubbish
• Lighting
• Cooking
• Electrical equipment
• Machinery
• Static electricity
 Fire safety
Fire initiation, classification and spread

Basic principles of fire

Sources of ignition
Illicit smoking/Hot lighting bulbs

Source: FSTC Ltd Source: UK, HSE, HSG168

 Fire safety
Fire initiation, classification and spread

Basic principles of fire

Sources of fuel
• Flammable liquids
• Flammable gases
• Flammable chemicals
• Wood
• Plastics, rubber and foam
• Paper and card
• Insulating materials
• Waste materials

Source: FSTC Ltd

 Fire safety
Fire initiation, classification and spread

Basic principles of fire

Sources of fuel
Combustible materials - waste

Source: RMS
 Fire safety
Fire initiation, classification and spread

Basic principles of fire

Sources of oxygen
• In the air around us
• Ventilation systems
- Natural airflow through doors, windows and other openings
- Mechanical air conditioning systems and air handling
systems
• Leaks from oxygen supplies
- Cylinders or piped supply which, combined with poor
ventilation can lead to an oxygen enriched atmosphere
- Materials that ordinarily will burn only slowly will burn very
vigorously in oxygen enriched atmosphere
 Fire safety
Fire initiation, classification and spread

Principles of heat transmission

Convection Conduction Radiation

Source: RMS

Direct burning

Source: Corel Clipart

 Fire safety
Fire initiation, classification and spread

Principles of heat transmission

Convection
- The movement of gases and liquids caused by heat transfer, as
the fire burns, hot air rises and either become trapped beneath a
ceiling or travel through voids and ducts to remote parts of a
building, in both cases raising temperatures and causing ignition.
Conduction
- The transfer of heat through conducting solids such as metal
beams or pipes to other parts of the building and igniting
combustible or flammable materials
Radiation
- The transfer of heat involving the emission of heat in the form of
infra red radiation which can raise the temperatures of adjacent
materials so that they reach their ignition temperatures or flash
points.
 Fire safety
Fire initiation, classification and spread

Common causes and consequences of fire

Causes
Careless actions and accidents
• ‘Hot works’ such as welding,
cutting and grinding
• Discarded lighted cigarette end or
match
• Smouldering waste
• Unattended burning of waste
materials
• Poor electrical connections

Source: RMS
 Fire safety
Fire initiation, classification and spread

Common causes and consequences of fire

Causes
Misusing equipment
• Overloading electrical
circuits and/or using fuses of
too high a rating
• Failure to follow servicing
instructions
• Failure to repair faulty
machinery/equipment
promptly
Source: RMS
 Fire safety
Fire initiation, classification and spread

Common causes and consequences of fire

Causes
Defective machinery or equipment
• Electrical short circuits
• Electrical earth fault can cause local
overheating
• Electrical insulation failure may occur
when affected by heat, damp or
chemicals

Source: RMS
 Fire safety
Fire risk assessment

Temporary workplaces and changes to workplaces

Materials in escape route

Source: Lincsafe
 Fire safety
Fire prevention and prevention of fire spread

Control measures to minimise the risk of fire in

the workplace
Control of ignition sources
• Hot work
• Welding
• Smoking
• Arson
- External security
- Internal security

Source: RMS
 Fire safety
Fire prevention and prevention of fire spread

Control measures to minimise the risk of fire in

the workplace
Good housekeeping
Housekeeping and its effect on fire safety
Poor housekeeping can also lead to:
• Blocked fire exits
• Obstructed escape routes
• Difficult access to fire alarm call points/extinguishers/hose reels
• Obstruction of vital signs and notices
• A reduction in the effectiveness of automatic fire detectors and
sprinklers
 Fire safety
Fire alarm system and fire-fighting equipment

Common fire detection, fire warning and fire-fighting

equipment
Types of fire alarms
Easy operation alarm call point/Alarm point identified and well located

Source: RMS
 Fire safety
Evacuation of a workplace

Fire action
• On discovering a fire
- Sound the fire alarm
- Call the fire service
- Go to the assembly point
• On hearing the alarm
- Leave the building by the
nearest exit
- Close doors behind you
- Go to the assembly point
- Get out of the building and
stay out Source: RMS
 Fire safety
Evacuation of a workplace

Fire action
• On evacuation
- Do not take risks
- Do not stop for personal belongings
- Do not use lifts
- Do not return to the building unless authorised to do so
- Report to assembly point
- Consider the wording on notices
 Fire safety
Evacuation of a workplace

Fire training
• Fire prevention
• Recognition of fire alarms and the actions to be taken
• Understanding the emergency signs
• Location of fire escape routes and assembly points
• Requirements for safe evacuation
• Location and operation of call points
• How the fire service is called
• Location, use and limitations of fire-fighting equipment
• Consideration of people with special needs
• Identity and role of fire marshals
 Fire safety
Evacuation of a workplace

Fire drills
• In the event of fire:
- Act in a calm, orderly and efficient manner
- Those designated with specific duties carry them out in
an organised and effective manner
- The means of escape are used in accordance with a
predetermined and practised plan
- An opportunity for management leadership
• Enables practice and identifies what works well or not
• Helps people to respond quickly to the alarm
• Should be carried out at least once a year
 Fire safety

Practice Question 1
a. Identify the principles of the ‘fire triangle’
b. Identify 3 methods of heat transfer, and state how each
contributes to the spread of fire
 Fire safety

Answer 1a
Three essential elements:
- Fuel
- Oxygen
- Heat (source of ignition)
•Must be kept apart to prevent fire
•Combustion takes place if brought together
 Fire safety

Answer 1b
Convection
- The movement of gases and liquids caused by heat transfer, as the fire
burns, hot air rises and either become trapped beneath a ceiling or travel
through voids and ducts to remote parts of a building, in both cases raising
temperatures and causing ignition.
Conduction
- The transfer of heat through conducting solids such as metal beams or
pipes to other parts of the building and igniting combustible or flammable
materials
Radiation
- The transfer of heat involving the emission of heat in the form of infra red
radiation which can raise the temperatures of adjacent materials so that
they reach their ignition temperatures or flash points.
Element 7

Chemical and biological

health hazards and risk
control
 Chemical and biological health hazards and risk control
Health risks from hazardous substances

Forms of chemical agent

• Solids
• Liquids
• Gases
• Dusts
• Fibres
• Fumes
• Smoke
• Mists
• Vapour
 Chemical and biological health hazards and risk control
Health risks from hazardous substances

Forms of biological agents

Fungi
• Fungi are a variety of organisms that act in a parasitic
manner, feeding on organic matter
• Most are either harmless or positively beneficial to health
• A number can cause harm to humans and may be fatal
• An example of fungi is the mould from rotten hay called
aspergilla, which causes aspergillosis (‘farmer’s lung’)
• This occurs deep in the lungs in the alveoli region
• It leads to shortness of breath, which gets progressively
worse at each exposure
 Chemical and biological health hazards and risk control
Health risks from hazardous substances

Forms of biological agents

Bacteria
• Bacteria are single cell organisms
• Most bacteria are harmless to humans and many are
beneficial
• The bacteria that can cause disease are called pathogens
• Examples of harmful bacteria are:
• Leptospira - Weil’s disease
• Bacillus anthracis - anthrax
• Legionella pneumophila - legionnaires disease
 Chemical and biological health hazards and risk control
Health risks from hazardous substances

Forms of biological agents

Viruses
• Viruses are the smallest known type of infectious agent
• They invade the cells of other organisms
• They take over and make copies of themselves
• While not all cause disease many of them do
• Examples of viruses are:
- Hepatitis, which can cause liver damage
- The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes
acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
 Chemical and biological health hazards and risk control
Assessment of health risks

Routes of entry of hazardous substances into the body

Inhalation
• Most significant industrial entry route
• At least 90% of industrial poisons are absorbed through the
lungs
• Harmful substances can directly attack the lung tissue
• Causing a local affect
• Or pass through to the blood system, to be carried round the
body and affect target organs such as the liver
 Chemical and biological health hazards and risk control
Assessment of health risks

Routes of entry of hazardous substances into the body

Inhalation
Local effect
• For example, silicosis, caused by inhalation of silica dust -
where dust causes scarring of the lung
• Leading to inelastic fibrous tissue to develop reducing lung
capacity
Systemic effect
• For example, anoxia, caused by inhalation of carbon
monoxide
• The carbon dioxide replaces oxygen in the bloodstream
affecting the nervous system
 Chemical and biological health hazards and risk control
Assessment of health risks

Routes of entry of hazardous substances into the body

Inhalation
Respiratory system/Digestive system

Source: BBC Source: STEM

 Chemical and biological health hazards and risk control
Assessment of health risks

Routes of entry of hazardous substances into the body

Ingestion
• Normally presents the least problem
• Unlikely that any significant quantity of harmful liquid or solid
will be swallowed without deliberate intent
• Accidents will occur where small amounts of contaminant are
transferred from the fingers to the mouth if eating, drinking or
smoking
• The sense of taste will often be a defence if chemicals are
taken in through this route, causing the person to spit it out
• Vomiting and/or excretion may mean the substance does not
cause a systemic problem
 Chemical and biological health hazards and risk control
Assessment of health risks

Routes of entry of hazardous substances into the body

Absorption (skin contact)
• Substances can enter through
the skin, cuts or abrasions and
conjunctiva of the eye
• Solvents such as organic
solvents, for example, toluene
and trichloroethylene can enter
accidentally or if used for
washing
• May result in inflammation and
cracking of the horny layer
• May pass through into the blood
Source: SHP
system causing damage to the
brain, bone marrow and liver
 Chemical and biological health hazards and risk control
Assessment of health risks

Routes of entry of hazardous substances into the body

Absorption (skin contact)
Dermatitis
• Contact dermatitis
• Sensitisation dermatitis
Can be prevented by:
• Clean working conditions and
properly planned work systems
• Prompt attention to skin
hygiene/cuts/abrasions/spillages
• Use of protective equipment Source: SHP

• Barrier cream
• Pre-employment screening
 Chemical and biological health hazards and risk control
Assessment of health risks

Routes of entry of hazardous substances into the body

Injection
• A forceful breach of the skin, perhaps as a result of injury,
can carry harmful substances through the skin barrier
• On construction sites there are quite a few items that present
a hazard of penetration
• Some land or buildings being worked on may have been used
by intravenous drug users
• Their needles may present a risk of injection of a virus, such
as hepatitis
• The forced injection of an agent into the body provides an
easy route past the skin
 Chemical and biological health hazards and risk control
Assessment of health risks

Sources of information
Manufacturers’ health and safety data sheets
1) Identification of the substance/mixture
2) Hazards identification
3) Composition/information on ingredients
4) First-aid measures
5) Fire-fighting measures
6) Accidental release measures
7) Handling and storage
8) Exposure controls/personal protection
9) Physical and chemical properties
10) Stability and reactivity
 Chemical and biological health hazards and risk control
Assessment of health risks

Sources of information
Manufacturers’ health and safety data sheets
11) Toxicological information
12) Ecological information
13) Disposal considerations
14) Transport information
15) Regulatory information
16) Other information
 Chemical and biological health hazards and risk control
Control measures

Common measures used to implement principles of

good practice
Enclosure of hazards
• Putting lids on substances that have volatile vapours, such
as tins of solvent based products
• The strategy is to enclose the hazard so that vapours are not
given off
• It makes a very simple and effective control of exposure to
hazards
 Chemical and biological health hazards and risk control
Control measures

Common measures used to implement principles of

good practice
Segregation of process and people
• By physical separation
• By worker characteristics
 Chemical and biological health hazards and risk control
Control measures

Common measures used to implement principles of

good practice
Local exhaust ventilation
Components of a basic system
• Hood(s)
• Ducts
• Air cleaner
• Fan
• Discharge
 Chemical and biological health hazards and risk control
Control measures

Common measures used to implement principles of

good practice
Respiratory protective equipment
Respirators
Five main types of respirators:
1) Filtering face piece
2) Half mask respirator
3) Full face respirator
4) Powered air purifying respirator
5) Powered visor respirator
 Chemical and biological health hazards and risk control
Control measures

Common measures used to implement principles of

good practice
Paper filter respirator/3M disposable respirator

Source: Haxton Safety Source: RMS

 Chemical and biological health hazards and risk control
Control measures

Common measures used to implement principles of

good practice
Full face canister respirator/Breathing apparatus

Source: Haxton Safety

 Chemical and biological health hazards and risk control
Control measures

Common measures used to implement principles of

good practice
Other protective equipment and clothing
Protective clothing - gloves

Source: Haxton Safety

 Chemical and biological health hazards and risk control
Control measures

Common measures used to implement principles of

good practice
Other protective equipment and clothing
Protective clothing - overalls
• Head protection - safety helmets or scalp protectors
• Protective outer clothing - normally PVC, often high visibility
to alert traffic
• Protective inner clothing - overalls, aprons
 Chemical and biological health hazards and risk control
Control measures

Common measures used to implement principles of

good practice
Other protective equipment and clothing
Goggles/Spectacles

Source: RMS
 Chemical and biological health hazards and risk control

Practice Question 1
a. Identify 3 forms of biological agents.
b. Identify 3 possible routes of entry into the body for a
biological agent
c. Give 2 control measures to reduce the risk of exposure to a
biological agent
 Chemical and biological health hazards and risk control

Answer 1a
Forms of biological agents that could have been identified
include:
i.bacteria,
ii.viruses,
iii.fungi
 Chemical and biological health hazards and risk control

Answer 1b
Possible routes of entry into the body for the agent include:
i.inhalation,
ii.injection,
iii.ingestion, and
iv.absorption through the skin or mucosal membranes.
 Chemical and biological health hazards and risk control

Answer 1c
• A number of control measures such as sterilisation and
disinfection;
• the use of personal protective equipment such as gloves,
respiratory and eye protection and an overall;
• containment of the agent in a microbiological safety
cabinet;
• the use of spill trays; the prohibition of smoking and
eating/drinking in the work area;
• a good standard of personal hygiene;
• covering up wounds;
• and immunisation.
 Chemical and biological health hazards and risk control

Practice Question 2
Identify the information that should be included on a
manufacturer’s safety data sheet supplied with a hazardous
substance.
 Chemical and biological health hazards and risk control

Answer 2
1) Identification of the substance/mixture
2) Hazards identification
3) Composition/information on ingredients
4) First-aid measures
5) Fire-fighting measures
6) Accidental release measures
7) Handling and storage
8) Exposure controls/personal protection
9) Physical and chemical properties
10)Stability and reactivity
 Chemical and biological health hazards and risk control

Answer 2
11) Toxicological information
12) Ecological information
13) Disposal considerations
14) Transport information
15) Regulatory information
16) Other information
Element 8

Physical and psychological

health hazards and risk
control
 Physical and psychological health hazards and risk control
Noise

Basic noise control measures

Consideration should be made to:
• Other working methods
• Choice of appropriate work equipment
• Design and layout of workplaces, work stations and rest facilities
• Suitable and sufficient information and training for workers
• Reduction of noise by technical means
• Appropriate maintenance programmes for work equipment
• Limitation of the duration and intensity of exposure to noise
• Appropriate work schedules with adequate rest periods
 Physical and psychological health hazards and risk control
Noise

Basic noise control measures

• Noise can be controlled at • Main methods of noise
different points in the control:
following ‘chain’: - Isolation
- The source - Absorption
- The path - Insulation
- The receiver - Damping
- Silencing
Physical and psychological health hazards and risk control
Noise

Personal hearing protection

Application and limitations of various types
Banded ear muff/Disposable ear plugs

Source: RMS
 Physical and psychological health hazards and risk control
Vibration

The effects on the body of exposure to vibration

• Long-term, regular exposure to vibration is known to lead to permanent and
debilitating health effects such as:
- Vibration white finger, loss of sensation, pain and numbness in the hands,
arms, spine and joints
• Collectively known as hand-arm or whole body vibration syndrome
• Whole body vibration is transmitted to the worker through a contacting or
supporting structure which is itself vibrating
• Common route of harm to the human body is through the hands, wrist and arms
 Physical and psychological health hazards and risk control
Radiation

Differences between non-ionising and ionising radiation

• Ionising radiation is that radiation, typically alpha and beta
particles and gamma and x-rays, which has sufficient energy to
produce ions by interacting with matter
• Whereas non-ionising radiation does not possess sufficient
energy to cause the ionisation of matter
• The loss or gain of an electron is called ionisation and a charged,
positive or negative, atom is called an ion
 Physical and psychological health hazards and risk control
Radiation

The basic means of controlling exposures to

ionising and non-ionising radiation
Controls for ionising radiation
• Reduced time
• Increased distance
• Shielding
 Physical and psychological health hazards and risk control
Radiation

Basic radiation protection strategies

Protection strategies for ionising radiation
• Responsibilities
- Radiation protection advisers (RPA)
• Assessment
• Arrangements
• Prevention and control
- Categorisation/classification of workers
- Ionising radiation dose limitation
- Classified areas - controlled and supervised areas
- Training and information
 Physical and psychological health hazards and risk control

Practice Question1
Identify 4 types of engineering control that may be used to
reduce noise in the workplace and give a practical
example of each type
 Physical and psychological health hazards and risk control

Answer 1
• Choice of appropriate work equipment
• Example using equipment with silencer type instead of the noisy
type
• Design and layout of workplaces, work stations and rest
facilities
• Example having work stations far away from noisy workplace
• Reduction of noise by technical means
• Example using noise barrier or padding to reduce noise
• Appropriate maintenance programmes for work
equipment
• Example frequent servicing of equipment will prevent the moving
or rotating parts from giving too much noise
 Physical and psychological health hazards and risk control

Practice Question 2
a. Identify 4 types of ionising radiation
b. Outline the main control measures for ionising radiation
 Physical and psychological health hazards and risk control

Answer 2a
i. alpha
ii. beta particles
iii. gamma
iv. x-rays
 Physical and psychological health hazards and risk control

Answer 2b
• Reduced time of exposure
• Increased distance of exposure
• Shielding against exposure
• Categorisation/classification of workers
• Ionising radiation dose limitation
• Classified areas - controlled and supervised areas
• Training and information
Element 9

How to pass the exams

Element summary:
9.1 Action verbs – how to interpret them
9.2 Questions – how to answer them

184
9.1 ACTION VERBS – HOW TO INTERPRET THEM

Common action verbs used in NEBOSH exams:

Define – Provide a generally recognised definition

• Tip – Remember the exact words found in the textbook for the definition

State – Provide the answer slightly of lesser degree of ‘Define’

• Tip – Your way of answering the definitions but still containing the essence of the definition

Sketch – Line drawing using labels to identify specific features

• Tip – Give a clear drawing, don’t squeeze into a small space and LABEL CORRECTLY

Explain – Give reasons or account for the question

• Tip – Give out your reasons clearly and not beat around the bush

Describe – Give a word picture

• Tip – Describe the object of the answer with words

Outline – Give the most important features

• Tip – One of the most used action verbs in NEBOSH, typically it is an answer which is in a
point form and a bit of description.

185
List – Provide a list without explanation
• Tip – Answer usually in point form

Give – Provide answer without explanation

• Tip – Same as ‘List’ but not in point form

Identify – Select and name

• Tip – Common action verb used, select the category of an example and name the product in that
category, e.g. ‘Irritant – Butyl Ester’ where the words ‘IRRITANT’ is the category, ‘Butyl Ester’ is
the product example

9.2 QUESTIONS – HOW TO ANSWER THEM

Tip:
Certain questions are straightforward such as question that require you to just state or list the
answers. However some are rather lengthy and time consuming. Most important factor in
answering the question is the way you answer the questions, followed by the contents of answers.
The length of the question is also determined by the marks awarded for the question. Please
answer them in relation to the marks, don’t waste time to elaborate on a 2 marks question. In
NEBOSH, no two answers are the same, so if yours are, tread back and re answer them. However
certain hazards are common; slips trips and falls are NEBOSH’s favourite hazard and provision of
information, instruction, supervision and training are their favourite counter measures to any
hazards. Remember to study smart, not study hard. NEBOSH expects their candidates to think
outside the box.

186
187