Health and Social Care AS Unit 4

Question 1

What is the role of the Health and Safety executive

Answer 1

To provide advice and guidance and enforce legislation

Question 2

What are the 4 categories under the signs and signals regulations

Answer 2

Prohibition, mandatory, warning and exit (safe condition)

Question 3

what are the five stages of risk assessment

Answer 3

look for hazards
assess who may be harmed
consider the risks (are precautions adequate)
document the findings
review and revise

Question 4

what should the background colour of a warning sign be

Answer 4

Yellow

Question 5

what should the background colour of a mandatory sign be

Answer 5

Blue

Question 6

Identify three pieces of information that should be on an accident reporting form

Answer 6

date & time of accident - to ensure correct records for
RIDDOR / in case of legal action / investigation
 place where accident occurred – to look for patterns or trends / to check if area has particular hazard
 details of what happened – reasons below
 when help was called and what type – for RIDDOR / in
case of legal action
 names and contact details of witnesses – to ensure
corroboration of facts / in case of investigation
 details of any first aid treatment given and by whom –
informs later treatment
 details of injured person – to ensure correct records / incase of legal action / identify trends
 details of person who completed the accident form

Question 7

Name one piece of equipment that a practitioner could use to move a service user

Answer 7

Hoist / slide board / slide sheet / wheelchair / evacuation chair

Question 8

how does a practitioner maintain their personal safety when dealing with clinical waste

Answer 8

wear disposable gloves – prevent contamination
of hands by microbes from waste – microbes can
enter through cuts in skin or by hand to mouth
cross-contamination – remove gloves by turning
inside out so outside surface is not exposed
 wear disposable apron – prevent contamination of
clothes by microbes from waste / bodily fluids –
microbes could then be transferred home
 keep waste in sealed, labelled containers –
prevents accidental exposure by opening bag in
error – inhaling of airborne pathogens
 dispose of soiled waste in correctly coloured /
labelled containers – prevents accidental
contamination since labelling cannot be missed
 fluid spillages cleaned with disinfectant plus
absorbent material – prevents spread further /
prevents airborne spread
 wearing face masks if dealing with serious
infection that is air-borne – prevents accidental
inhalation
 sharps placed immediately after use in suitable
bin – ensure not over-filled - prevents accidental
injury to care worker including needle-stick
injuries
 ask advice / follow instructions relating to specific
contaminants which hold particular risks – follow
best practice & reduce infection risk however
caused
 wash hands after handling – prevents spread
through hand to mouth transfer or via cuts in skin
etc in case some transfer to hands has occurred

Question 9

Explain how the security of people who use services should be protected in a care setting

Answer 9

 pwus should be protected from unsuitable
visitors - Monitoring of people coming in or out
of setting – CCTV / visitors’ book etc – ensure
practitioner knows who has visited in case of
problems
 pwus should be protected from unknown
people entering setting (to abduct / steal etc -
locked doors / restricted entry eg pin code on
door – prevents free access to all and sundry
 pwus should be protected from unsuitable
practitioners – CRB check to reduce risk of
inappropriate practitioners
 pwus should feel confident in their care – staff
wearing identification badges – ensure all are
confident that practitioners are genuine
(especially in a large establishment
 pwus should have opportunity to keep personal
property safe – lockable cupboards in hospital
– locks on bedrooms in residential care or safe
for valuables
 data protection – keep information secure eg
passwords on computers, office locked, filing
cabinets locked etc

Question 10

Name the legislation that controls the use of warning signs

Answer 10

Health and Safety (signs and signals) Regulations

Question 11

outline the roles of the Health and Safety executive

Answer 11

• upholding Health and Safety legislation – can enter premises toinspect and question staff
• may issue improvement notices to bring workplace up to standard – thismay have a time limit on it
• will give advice (asked for or otherwise) to improve practice
• in severe situations will close workplaces prosecute employers who are in serious breach of the law

Question 12

Give the full name of the legislation that controls which work related illnesses must be reported

Answer 12

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and

Dangerous Occurrences Regulations

Question 13

describe the key features of RIDDOR

Answer 13

• To give protection to workers by placing a legal responsibility on employers to provide safe working
  conditions – this is checked by investigation into serious and/or repeated notification
• Regulates reporting of certain serious accidents – specifies accidents which are usually very serious and may be caused by unsafe practices e.g. collapse of
  wall, explosion etc.
• lists diseases which must be notified– aims to reduce infection spreading uncontrollably/epidemic –
  safeguards health of users/general
  public
• regulates serious injuries which must be reported – by specifying time off work or in hospital
• ensures investigation follows any seriously harmful incident – prevents future occurrences
• prosecution of employers possible –encourages compliance with safe practice
• reporting rules – give protection to employees (sick pay safeguarded)

Question 14

Explain three steps that a practitioner should carry out when moving a person who uses services

Answer 14

assess the risk
ensure minimum of two people
are there to help – to ensure full control/adhere to guidelines
ensure that correct flat shoes/loose clothing are being
worn – reduce risk of slipping/injury to care worker
Keep area clear – so no collisions/falls etc/
ensure sling (if used) is appropriate for weight of user –
ensure capable of taking load –prevents failure and injury
stand correctly – legs apart on stable base as close as possible to user – prevents damage to back etc
apply brakes to equipment (where appropriate) – prevent sudden unexpected movement
ensure service user agrees to manoeuvre – won’t panic or struggle so less risk of accidents
encourage active participation of service user – promote
independence
maintain communication throughout – ensure continued
cooperation/agreement of user/so they do not panic
ensure dignity and comfort of pwus are checked - ensure care values upheld

Question 15

Describe the first aid provision that is legally required in a care setting

Answer 15

Must provide an adequate first aid / medical kit – minimise risk to employees from accidents at work
First aid kit must be fully labelled and there must be information on whereabouts of first aid kit – for
speedy access
First aid kit must contain items within expiry date
Must have a person to take charge in an emergency (approved person) and information about where they
are– need someone with overview and expertise who can be contacted quickly
Accident book provided and notice stating location of accident book with information on how to use accident
book – to ensure RIDDOR legislation is complied with
A first aid room / first aiders should be present if the setting is hazardous or has a large number of employees
– to improve provision where there is greater need
Health and Safety Policy – to ensure adequate procedures are in place / everyone knows what is expected.
Health & Safely Law Poster displayed – gives contact details

Question 16

Identify the legislation that controls the storage and handling of dangerous substances

Answer 16

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health

COSHH

Question 17

Explain how the use of PPE increases the safety of people in a car setting

Answer 17

• Gloves: Prevents bacteria / germs/ bodily fluids getting onto hands of care workers and transferred into own body or that of pwus / prevents entry into small cuts etc on care workers hands.
• Apron: Prevents transfer of infectious agents via own clothes back home or to pwus or onto food.
• Mask: prevents inhalation by care worker of infectious agents from pwus/ contaminants.
• Goggles /eye shields: Prevents contaminants / body fluids entering eyes of care worker and infecting them/
  protects pwus from same e.g.at dentists

Question 18

Analyse the importance of following a standard fire evacuation procedure in a care setting

Answer 18

• raise the alarm – alert others, allow people to escape/not get trapped or burned
• care workers check rooms/assist people out – to ensure no-one is left behind/trapped
• call the fire brigade – people may be trapped and need rescuing,
• prevent further spread of fire close windows and doors –removes oxygen from fire and reduces spread giving more time to escape
• move swiftly to the nearest fire exit – reduce risk of becoming injured or trapped
• do not stop to collect belongings– ensure not trapped or overcome by smoke
• walk don’t run – reduce risk of accidents or falls so reducing risk of being trapped
• fire wardens/marshals check – ensure no-one left behind and to verify areas are clear
• gather in the designated area – place is safe and away from building and everyone knows where to go
• take a register to ensure everyone is out – in case need to look for/rescue anyone – notify fire brigade

Question 19

Identify the legislation which regulates the handling and storage of many dangerous substances (date not required).

Answer 19

COSHH

Question 20

Identify three substances which are governed by this legislation. For each, describe one feature of how the substance should be handled or stored.

Answer 20

• bleaching agent – store in clearly marked (original)
  container in locked cupboard out of reach of children etc
  • oxidising agent – store in sealed container away from
  flammable substances
  • flammable chemicals – store in fire resistant locked
  cupboard away from sparks etc
  • poisons – store in locked cupboard with clear
  instructions for dealing with accidents and/or limited staff
  access
  • glue – stored in locked cupboard/away from
  children/unauthorised users

Question 21

Identify the legislation which controls the reporting of certain accidents at work (date not
required).

Answer 21

RIDDOR

Question 22

Give examples of three accidents that should be reported under this legislation.

Answer 22

Correct answers would include:
• fracture (except fingers, thumbs and toes)
• serious scald to patient
• fall from height causing serious injury
• back injury due to lifting patient (more than 3 days off
work)
• serious assault on staff member
• amputation
• electric shock causing unconsciousness or requiring
resuscitation
• loss of sight (permanent or temporary)
• burn or penetrating injury to eye
• injury leading to hypothermia, heat-induced illness or
unconsciousness
• collapse of lifts
• electrical short circuit causing fire or explosion
• explosion or fire closing workplace for more than 24
hours
• death

Question 23

Identify two pieces of information that should be present in an accident report and explain why each is useful.

Answer 23

details of the person injured –(eg name, address,
age) – to record in case of serious
damage/investigation, repeat occurance/law
suit/notifying family etc
• the nature of the injury – needed as a legal record/in
case of suing/in case of HSE investigation/in case of
delayed reaction
• the cause of the accident – location, equipment,
special conditions – to have full details particularly in
cases where further action is needed/to encourage
prevention in future/investigation of patterns
• witnesses – for independent evidence
• what treatment/action carried out – first aid given,
by whom, hospitalisation – in case of investigation ,
check that first aider carried out correct procedure/in
case hospital want to know
• date and time of accident – for complete record, to
check if RIDDOR comes into force, in case of legal
action etc

Question 24

identify one piece of legislation that controls care workers when moving a service user with equipment such as a hoist or slide board (date not required).

Answer 24

One of
• Manual Handling Operations (Regulations)
• Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations
(accept LOLER)

Question 25

Explain how a care worker should prepare themselves and the service user before using
a hoist or slide board.(5)

Answer 25

(a) have correct training – so procedure is carried out
safely
(b) ensure two people are there to help – to ensure full
control/adhere to guidelines
(c) ensure that correct flat shoes/loose clothing are
being worn – reduce risk if slipping/injury to care
worker
(d) check equipment is ready/not broken/maintained –
reduce chance of its failing during move
(e) carry out risk assessment for this move – ensure
that all necessary considerations have been given due
thought since last move including suitability of service
user for procedure/service user has no recent injuries to
take into account
(f) clear area around – so no collisions/falls etc
(g) ensure sling (if used) is appropriate for weight of
user – ensure capable of taking load
(h) stand correctly – legs apart on stable base as close
as possible to user – prevents damage to back etc
(i) apply brakes to equipment (where appropriate)
before manoeuvre – prevent sudden unexpected
movement
(j) ensure that service user understands procedure –
so no confusion during manoeuvre (possible cause of
accidents
(k) ensure service user agrees to manoeuvre – won’t
panic or struggle so less risk of accidents
(l) encourage active participation of service user –
promote independence
(m) safe guarding dignity of service user – examples
likely to be given

Question 26

identify three procedures or equipment that could be present in a care setting to assist evacuation in the event of an outbreak of fire. Explain how each helps to improve safety.(6)

Answer 26

One mark for identifying procedure, THREE required
One for how it helps, THREE required
• sounding fire alarm/smoke alarm – gives early warning
to allow time for evacuation
• fire exit signs – show most direct escape route and
saves time
• exit lights – show exit route in dark even if normal
power fails
• holding regular fire drills – so everyone is familiar with
procedure
• all care workers know service users they are
responsible for/fire evacuation plan – ensure speedy
response/no-one left behind
• flashing light alarms – so service users with auditory
impairment know to get out
• fire fighting equipment – slows the fire to allow more
time for evacuation
• close windows and doors/fire safety doors - slows the
fire to allow more time for evacuation
• wheel chair – to assist service with mobility
problems evacuate quickly

Question 27

Explain factors that should be considered in the event of a fire in: a school for children with learning difficulties (8)

Answer 27

School for children with learning difficulties
Children may not understand– may not cooperate –
dedicated staff needed to look after individuals
Children may think it is a game – may hide or run
from care workers – care workers need to be very
vigilant
Children may panic – lack of cooperation or refusal –
strategies in place for care workers to use
Alarm may cause unusual reactions in children –
inability to move etc – previous practices should have
allowed preparations to be made
Children may have short attention span – lose track
of what they are doing mid evacuation – care workers
to watch out for
Children may wander from assembly point/want to
return – special vigilance required/maybe activities
ready to occupy them

Question 28

identify three different pieces of equipment that could be used to extinguish a small fire.
Describe the circumstances in which each could be used.(6)

Answer 28

One mark per piece of equipment, THREE required
One mark per description, THREE required
• fire blanket – to smother clothing or cover oil/fat fire in
kitchen
• water fire extinguisher (Red) – put out paper or wood
fire
• carbon dioxide extinguisher (Black) – general use
put out most fires especially electrical
• foam fire extinguisher (Cream) – paper etc plus
flammable liquids
• dry powder extinguisher (Blue) – most versatile
almost everything

Question 29

Explain factors that should be considered in the event of a fire in: a hospital (8)

Answer 29

Patients in bed/unconscious/in plaster etc cannot get
themselves out – need high staffing ratios
Patients immobile etc – do not evacuate but isolate
different areas of hospital
Visitors of unknown number - no way to check for
missing people
Operations/procedures underway cannot easily be
stopped – may need to leave people
inside/emergency power supplies/safe areas with
additional fire protection
Need for use of lifts to move bed-ridden patients,
babies in incubators etc – or move to safer areas
(see above)
Vulnerability of patients to infection/extremes of
temperature – need blankets/electricity supplies
outside for incubators/machinery/monitoring equipment

Question 30

Explain, with examples, how using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) reduces the risk of cross-contamination in a care setting. (6)

Answer 30

(a) gloves – will protect care worker from contamination
from patient eg bacteria into cut/hand to mouth
transmission. As gloves will be disposed of between
patients so preventing carriage of bacteria etc
(b) mask – prevents from inhaling infectious agents from
infected person or breathing infectious agents onto
vulnerable service users and prevents care worker
becoming ill or carrying infection home etc/reduces risk
of spread throughout setting
(c) apron – prevents bodily fluids contaminating workers
clothes and being taken home after work/as apron
changed between service users, prevents infection
moving from one service user to another (MRSA etc)
(d) eye protection – prevents contaminated fluids (eg HIV
or Hepatitis in blood) from landing in eyes and causing
illness to care worker eg in operating theatre
(e) overshoes not now used but candidates may have
learnt this so allow:
overshoes – prevents infection from patient in operating
theatre being spread outside that area and to care
worker (and home) or infection from outside coming into
clean area

Question 31

Assess the importance of standard precautions (excluding the use of PPE) in improving health
and safety in a low-risk care setting such as a nursery (9)

Answer 31

(a) hand hygiene – one of the most important precautions
to prevent cross contamination – additionally important
that staff responsible for hand hygiene of children – they
are likely to forget to wash hands after toilet visits or
before eating – staff supervision crucial
(b) control of environment – also very important since
children tend to use hands indiscriminately moving from
one activity to another – wiping and disinfecting of
surfaces, toilet areas etc a high priority
(c) manage blood and body fluid spillages – maybe
quite important if children have accidents (toilet or cuts
etc). May not know health status of children, so should
be routine disinfection. Accept mopping or wiping spills
to prevent slips
(d) prevent exposure to infection – cover cuts with
plaster just as would at home as no great risk in this
setting
(e) safely manage linen – may be important to store
clothes etc if children have toilet accidents – generally
policy for children to have spare clothes in case of
emergency – soiled clothes sealed in plastic bags for
parents to launder)
(f) provide care in most appropriate place – unwell
children should not be at nursery – policy to send
children home if unwell etc
(g) safe disposal of waste – not generally relevant except
for accidents, related to toilet or first aid (see spillages),
nappies acceptable
(h) care equipment – unlikely to be relevant in this setting
unless have child(ren) with specific needs

Question 32

Explain measures that could protect the security of the service users in a nursery (9)

Answer 32

Nursery
(a) children unaware of many dangers so need adults to
take responsibility for their security
(b) they may be trusting of relative strangers so nursery
must have system in place to vet/check anyone
collecting children and also anyone working or
volunteering to help the children
(c) young children may do unexpected things with no
warning so must prepare for this
(d) children naturally adventurous so need eg high or
secure door fasteners that they cannot use to open
external doors/need secure perimeter fences on play
areas
(e) safety catches on windows similarly to prevent
‘escape’ to exciting new unexplored areas
(f) need staff awareness of child protection issues and
procedures to follow if they have grounds to suspect
child abuse ie infringement of child’s security when
away from the nursery
(g) close supervision of children especially those with
tendencies towards inappropriate behaviour in order to
safeguard the security of other children with whom they
are playing etc

Question 33

Explain measures that could protect the security of the service users in a residential home (9)

Answer 33

Residential Home
(a) residents may be confused or have impaired
memory function so effective monitoring of comings
and goings essential
(b) residents themselves may need to be restricted in
their movements if they are a danger to themselves
(c) dangerous areas such as kitchens may need to be
‘exclusion zones’ to protect residents from harm
(d) residents may be too trusting of visitors or staff so
some control may have to be taken of, say, their money
centrally to protect them from theft or fraud
(e) residents may have memory impairment so systems
need to be of high level as they may themselves be
unable to recall any violations of their rights

Question 34

Discuss the benefits of a Health and Safety Policy to service users and care workers in a care setting.

Answer 34

(a) everyone being aware of expectations – general
feeling of being safe
(b) service users confident that treatment is high standard
and fair – improved relationships – increased trust
(c) staff trained so consistent approach and everyone clear
about procedures – ensures peace of mind on both
sides
(d) channels of responsibility clear so staff can obtain
support readily – they will feel confident in their
approaches and instil that confidence in service
users – mutual trust builds
(e) best practice followed as likely to be following advice
from professional bodies etc – increased confidence –
increased safety
(f) review after appropriate time (questionnaires to service
users/relatives or audit of incidents etc – so all feel
considered
(g) amend policy as required to respond to changing
circumstances – everyone more satisfied

Question 35

Identify the legislation that controls the use of safety signs

Answer 35

Health and Safety (Signs and Signals) Regulations

Question 36

Describe the difference in appearance between warning signs and prohibition signs (2)

Answer 36

Two facts from list required
Warning signs Prohibition signs
 Triangular Round
Yellow background White background
Black words or signs Black words or picture with red
 edging + diagonal line

Question 37

Identifying three pieces of information that must be provided by an employer concerning first aid in the worklplace

Answer 37

• location of accident book
• name of person to take charge in case of emergency /
appointed person
• name of approved first aider (if there is one)
• location of first aid kit
• location of medical room (if provided)

Question 38

Discuss the benefits of RIDDOR to service users (7)

Answer 38

(a) legal guidelines being followed – gives peace of mind
(b) staff likely to have been adequately trained – improves
confidence
(c) can ask to see records – to confirm general opinion
(d) know that there is some redress if things go wrong – feel
safer as a result
(e) know that safety record is reasonable – otherwise action
would have been taken against setting by HSE
(f) information / evidence if lawsuit
(g) chance to improve if situation is known and reported

Question 39

Identify and explain four precautions that could be used in a residential home to safeguard the security and privacy of the residents (8)

Answer 39

secure entry doors (keypad entry or similar – prevents
unauthorised access
• doors un openable from inside without pass / key –
prevents confused service users wandering off
• bedrooms with some entry security (maybe key) –
prevents others accessing private areas
• staff knock and wait to enter bedrooms – safeguards
privacy of residents
• bathroom doors closed when residents toileting or
bathing – safeguards privacy from anyone passing
• visitors signing in system – ensures staff know who is
on site
• asking residents if they want to see visitors – protects
privacy from unwanted visitors
• police checks / CRB on care workers – protection of
service users from harm
• locked records

Question 40

What is the purpose of the Fire Precautions (Workplace)(Amendment) Regulations 97?

Answer 40

To ensure there is an appropriate standard of fire safety in the workplace.

Question 41

What must employers do under the Fire Precautions (Workplace)(Amendment) Regulations 97?

Answer 41

Provide & maintain fire fighting equipment, alarms & detectors.
Provide an evacuation plan.
Appoint an employer as fire safety officer.
Carry out a risk-assessment.
Inform & train staff in fire safety.
Establish a way of contacting the emergency services.

Question 42

What are employers responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act?

Answer 42

To ensure that all work is carried out as safely as possible, without risks to other people
Ensure the health and safety of employees
Provide and maintain equipment and work systems which are safe
Deal with substances such as chemicals safely
Provide a written health and safety policy (5 or more employees)
Provide adequate information and training

Question 43

What are employees responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act?

Answer 43

Take care of their own health and safety at work
Take care of the health and safety of others
Co-operate with their employer
Not misuse or interfere with anything provided for health and safety purposes

Question 44

Why must employers risk assess?

Answer 44

They are legally required to risk assess.

To enable employers to make decisions about what might need to be done to prevent people being harmed.

Question 45

List the five stages of risk assessment in the correct order (5)

Answer 45

Stage 1
Look for hazards

Stage 2
Assess who may be harmed

Stage 3
Consider risk

Stage 4
Document the findings

Stage 5
Review & revise

Question 46

What are the main stages to follow when moving and handling a service user

Answer 46

Assessing service user handling needs
Service user handling assessment form
Working with service users
Handler's Clothing
Encouraging service users independence

Question 47

what is cross infection and how can this occur

Answer 47

The term used to describe the passing of infection from one person to another
By touch
Clothing
Instruments or equipment
Breathing in
Inadequate cleaning

Question 48

name two items of PPE and state how they prevent infection

Answer 48

GLOVES- act as a barrier against infection. Must fit properly and have no holes or tears. Hands should be washed before and after wearing. Any possible contact with bodily fluids care workers must wear
PLASTIC APRONS- should be worn when dealing with any procedure which involves bodily fluids or waste. Can be removed and thrown away. Stops spread of infection by preventing the care workers clothing coming into contact with the infection
MASKS-a disposable mask will protect the mouth and nose from any procedures that produce droplets of body fluids or blood
OVERSHOES- should be worn where there is a possibility of feet being splashed by body fluids or blood.