Elwment 1

Question 1

2. Identify prevention strategies an organization could consider reducing the risk violence
   towards workers. (8)

Answer 1

• Collecting and analyzing incident reports.
• Interviewing staff formally or informally.
• Staff surveys.
• Zero tolerance policy and prosecution of offenders.
• Security staff.
• CCTV cameras.
• Security doors between public areas and staff areas.
• Minimize queues and waiting times.
• Clear announcements about waiting times.
• Training for staff, e.g.
• Providing a good quality service.
• Diffusing aggression.
• Screens between staff and public.
• Panic alarms.
• Pleasant environment.
• Preventing violence to workers conducting home visits:
• No lone working or no lone working in certain high-risk areas.
• Keeping records of past incidents and vetting customers.
• Visit-logging with supervisor.
• Pre- and post-visit telephone calls.
• Training for staff, e.g.
• Lone working procedures.
• Break-away techniques (self-defence).
• Always having a means of communication (e.g. mobile phone).
• No visits after dark.
• Parking in secure areas.
• Not carrying cash or valuables.

Question 2

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

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Outline how slips and trip hazards in the workplace might be controlled. (page no: 1-10) (4)

Answer 3

Slip resistance surface: All floor surfaces where people may walk should be designed to ensure an appropriate level of slip-resistance. (e.g. by applying a non-slip resin to an existing floor).

Spillage control and drainage: Floors and pedestrian routes should be designed and constructed to withstand foreseeable spillages. Such spillages might simply be of water (e.g. drinks), but in other instances might be of oil, fuels (e.g. diesel).

Warning signs and boards: Clearly visible and easily understood signs and markings should be provided so that pedestrians (even those unfamiliar with the workplace) are made aware of hazards and what they must do to avoid them. Signs should conform to relevant standards.

Question 4

3. Outline three control measures to segregate pedestrians and vehicles in the workplace. (3)

Answer 4

Vehicle free zones - it may be possible to eliminate the hazard by creating pedestrian only areas. Pedestrian free zones – since pedestrians are usually the group at greatest risk during vehicle maneuvering operations, it may be possible to eliminate them from certain parts of the workplace.

Vehicle traffic route layout – good design of roads and routes can be used to keep vehicles at a distance from pedestrian walkways and other vehicles. One-way systems are an effective method of reducing the risk of vehicle/vehicle collisions.

Question 5

Outline / Identify the main hazards that may be present during the demolition of a building. (page no:1- 17) (8)

Answer 5

• Premature collapse of structures.
• Work at height.
• Plant and machinery.
• Contact with live overheads.
• Contact with buried services.
• Asbestos.
• Dust.
• Movement of vehicles.
• Explosives.
• Noise and vibration.
• Hazardous substances from previous use of the building.
• Biological hazards from vermin or stagnant water.
• Sharp objects, including glass and nails from the demolition, or syringes left by trespassers
• Manual handling.

Question 6

5. A three meter deep trench has to be dug across a car park.
   i. Identify hazards associated with the work. (10)

Answer 6

• Contact with underground services
• Collapse of the excavation’s sides
• Materials falling onto people working in the excavation
• People and vehicles falling into the excavation
• People being struck by plant
• Flooding
• Soil collapse
• Improper access and egress
• Fumes

Question 7

ii. Outline control measures that could be implemented to reduce the risk. (page no:1-34) (10)

Answer 7

Battering - the sides of the excavation can be sloped back (battered) at an angle that is sufficiently shallow that the soil will not slip.

Shoring - the sides of the excavation can be supported (shored) with metal or timber that is fixed in place inside the excavation.

Trench box - the sides of the excavation can be temporarily supported by a metal box that can be lifted into the excavation and moved along to give a protected work area.

Barriers should consist of guard-rails (as for a scaffold work platform) to prevent people falling in, and toe boards to prevent objects being kicked down into the excavation.

Good lighting (both within the excavation and at the edges) and signage should be provided.

Long excavations should be provided with crossing points (bridges) that should be similarly guarded in with barriers and toe-boards.

Access to the excavation should be achieved by properly positioned and secured ladders. Ladders should extend 5 rungs above the edge of the excavation to give a secure stepping off point. They should be routinely inspected.

Question 8

. Identify EIGHT safe working practices that should be considered to reduce the risk when using a mobile tower scaffold. (8)

Answer 8

• Guard-rail fitted to the work platform.
• Tower must not be overloaded.
• Wheels should be locked when the tower is in use.
• Tower must be sited on firm, level ground.
• People and materials should not remain on the tower when it is moved.
• Care should be taken to avoid overheads when the tower is moved.
• Outriggers should be used where necessary to ensure stability.
• People should not climb up the outside of the tower Tower must be built by trained workers

Question 9

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

i. Identify control measures to reduce the risks to roof workers.

Answer 9

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

Question 10

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

Answer 10

Construction sites almost always have a risk of falling objects so they should be mandatory hard hat areas.

• Collective protection systems, such as safety nets and air bags.
• Warning signs
• Barricade the area

Question 11

Identify why accidents may occur in staircase

Answer 11

Poor lighting

• Not using handrails
• Not following rules(eg. Running)
• Improper footwear
• Spillages
• Insufficient treads and risers
• Slippery surfaces

Question 12

. Identify the factors to consider when assessing the adequacy of lighting within an open plan office. (page no: 1-

Answer 12

• Natural light should be used in preference to artificial light.
• Light levels should be adjusted to suit the level of detail required and the visual acuity of the workers.
• Local lighting, such as spotlights positioned above machinery, might be required to give higher levels of light on critical areas.
• Lighting must be arranged to avoid reflections and glare that might dazzle or temporarily disable.
• Lighting must be arranged to avoid the creation of shadows that might obscure areas and create risk.
• Flickering should be avoided to prevent nuisance and in particular the “stroboscope effect”.
• Lighting must be suitable for the environment (e.g. intrinsically safe lighting used in a flammable atmosphere).

Question 13

12. List eight design features or safe practices intended to reduce the risk of accidents on staircases used as internal pedestrian router within work premises

Answer 13

• Adequate width
• Provision of handrails
• Dimensions of treads and risers.
• Provision of landings.
• Provisions for disables persons.
• Possibility of using a lift as an alternative.
• Avoid the need to carry large or heavy items up or down stairs
• Appropriate footwear – low heels.
• Provision of non slip surfaces.

Question 14

13. Identify the safe working practices for the use of a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) or a Scissor lift. (In the test book page no:1-30)

Answer 14

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

Question 15

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

Answer 15

 Guard-rail fitted to the work platform.
 Tower must not be overloaded.
 Wheels should be locked when the tower is in use.
 Tower must be sited on firm, level ground.
 People and materials should not remain on the tower when it is moved.
 Care should be taken to avoid overheads when the tower is moved.
 Outriggers should be used where necessary to ensure stability.
 People should not climb up the outside of the tower.
 Tower must be built by trained workers.

Question 16

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

Answer 16

 • When they are first erected.
 • After any substantial alteration.
 • After any event that may affect their stability, e.g.after being struck by a vehicle or after high winds.
 • Periodically (typically weekly).
 • Points to check would include:
 • Condition of the tubes (especially standards).
 • Tying and bracing.
 • Condition of the work platform.
 • Edge protection (guard-rails, toe-boards).

Question 17

15. Workers who deal with the public may be subject to violent behavior.
    (a) Give the meaning of ‘work-related violence’.

Answer 17

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

Question 18

(b) Identify reasons why a member of the public may behave violently towards a worker.

Answer 18

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

Question 19

14. The influence of drugs on workers in the workplace can have a significant effect on health and safety.
    (a) Identify possible reasons why a person may be in possession of drugs in the workplaceDue to work pressure

Answer 19

 Loneliness(work alone)
 Family influence
 Regular habit
 (b) Outline control measures that an employer could take in order to reduce the misuse of drugs in the workplace. . (page no: 1-7)
 Rules restricting access to alcohol in the workplace or during working hours.
 Statutory legal requirements prohibiting workers from being under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
 Non-statutory requirements prohibiting workers from being under the influence of drugs and alcohol that have been set by the employer.
 Arrangements for any random drugs and alcohol testing those workers will be subject to.
 Arrangements for workers to have access to rehabilitation and treatment programmes if they admit to having a problem.
 Disciplinary procedures for workers, who refuse assistance, refuse to be tested or who fail a test.
 Provision of information, instruction and training to workers, supervisors and managers.

Question 20

15. Identify ways in which accidents may be prevented when using portable ladders as a means of access. (page no: 1-26)
    • Site on a solid, flat base so that the feet do not sink into the ground. Weight should only be supported on the styles, never on the rungs.

Answer 20

 Angle of the ladder should ideally be 75° to the horizontal or at a ratio of 1:4 distance away from the wall to height (1 out: 4 up).
 Top of the ladder must rest against a solid support.
 Ideally the ladder should be secured at the top.
 Do not site or handle near live overheads.
 If this is not possible, then guy ropes should be attached and secured to firm supports.
 If this is not possible, ladder should be “footed” by someone standing on the bottom rung.
 Top of the ladder should extend far enough above the level of the working position or the platform onto which it provides access to provide a safe handhold. The stepping off point should be safe and clear.
 Only one person should climb on the ladder at any one time.
 Nothing should be carried in the hands while climbing, so that both hands are free to grasp the styles.
 Wooden ladders should not be painted as this can hide defects.

Question 21

18) a) Identify the issues that should be considered to help ensure that a new item of work equipment is suitable for use. (5)

Answer 21

 Tools and parts are only used for their intended purpose, within their design specification (e.g. the maximum speed of a cutting disc should not be exceeded) and in an environment that they are suitable for.
 Necessary guards and safety devices are always used (e.g. the self-adjusting guard fitted to a portable circular saw).
 Necessary personal protective equipment is always used (e.g. eye protection when using a chain saw).
 Trailing power cables or pipes are carefully positioned so that they do not present a trip hazard and will not be damaged by the tool or passing vehicles, etc.
 Make sure third party certificate is available to ensure the fitness of the equipment.
 If required ensure all personnel are moved away from the equipment before being used.

Question 22

b) Identify measures that could be taken to help ensure that an item of work equipment remains in a suitable condition. (3)

Answer 22

 Regular maintenance.
 Do not overload the machine during its work process.
 Only trained personnel to work on the machine.
 Never use the equipment for those jobs which are not designed for it.

Question 23

19) Outline factors to be considered when undertaking an assessment of health risks from a hazardous substance to be used in the workplace. (8)

Answer 23

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

Question 24

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

Outline the control measures to reduce the risk of injury to the office workers when using this temporary access. (8)

Answer 24

Make sure that adequate warning signs are posted on the site.
 Training to be given to all employees with regards to the temporary arrangement.
 Banksman to be provided on the crossing areas.
 If possible one way system to be implemented.
 During night time ensure that adequate lighting arrangements are provided for clear visibility to operators as well as pedestrians.
 Reduce the speed limit during these time to ensure more safe.
 Provision of high visibility jackets to all pedestrians.
 On all crossing special marking to be provided for crossing the road.
 Provision of a physical barrier to separate the pedestrians and vehicles to be done.

Question 25

21) Outline the hazards associated with the use of a materials hoist on a construction site. (8)

Answer 25

 Falling objects – such as the load falling from the hoist, or the hoist itself falling due to structural failure.
 Being struck by the load during a lifting operation.
 Becoming entangled in moving parts.
 Falls from height – from a landing level or from the platform of the lift itself.
 Being struck by landing levels, parts of any enclosure or other projections while riding on the platform of the lift.