Old IB11 & Jan 2011 adapted

Question 1

Outline the range of possible functions that an occupational health service might perform within a large pharmaceuticals manufacturing company. (10)
PT1

Answer 1

1) Development of health and safety policies
2) Pre-employment health screening
3) Specialist input to risk assessments such as hazardous substances and manual handling/ergonomic
4) Managing first-aid provision, by the assessment of the first aid needs, management of training and performance.

Question 2

Outline the rage of possible functions that an occupational health service might perform within a large pharmaceuticals manufacturing company. (10)
PT2

Answer 2

5) Management of any immunisation programme, such as Hepatitis, overseas workers, etc.
6) Biological monitoring such as the carrying out of routine drugs and alcohol testing.
7) Health education and promotion of a healthy lifestyle.
8) Sickness absence monitoring.

Question 3

Outline the rage of possible functions that an occupational health service might perform within a large pharmaceuticals manufacturing company. (10)
PT3

Answer 3

9) Liaising with enforcement officers and medical advisory services.
10) Return-to-work assessments.
11) Health surveillance, such as lung function tests, audiometry, etc.
12) Provision of counselling for workers experiencing psychological distress
13) Keeping health records for employees, including ex-employees 40 years.

Question 4

A catalogue distribution company employs 300 employees as drivers, warehouse operatives and office staff, processing telephone and internet orders.
Identify the possible functions of this company’s occupational health department:
(a) When recruiting new employees. (5)

Answer 4

1) Pre-employment screening
2) Warehouse staff - manual handling
3) Drivers - fit to drive - eye-sight assessed
4) Forklift truck drivers - fit to drive
5) Office work - eyesight checks
6) Drugs/alcohol testing - drivers
7) Initial DSE workstation assessment for DSE users

Question 5

A catalogue distribution company employs 300 employees as drivers, warehouse operatives and office staff, processing telephone and internet orders.
Identify the possible functions of this company’s occupational health department:
(b) When an employee returns to work after ill health. (5)

Answer 5

1) Return-to-work health assessments
2) Initial return-to-work (RTW) interviews
3) Suitable light duties for workers
4) Provision of support such as rehabilitation services to aid the RTW of employees (eg physiotherapy)
5) Provision of counselling to people whose absence was associated with stress or psychological trauma

Question 6

A food manufacturer employs 450 people undertaking various tasks, including production, warehousing, delivery and administration. There are significant risks to workers from noise, manual handling, ergonomic issues and pressure of work. There are also high levels of sickness absence.
(a) Outline the possible benefits, composition, role and functions of an occupational health service for this organisation. (12)
PT1

Answer 6

Benefits

1) legal compliance (where health surveillance is required)
2) better management of sickness absence (potential financial savings - reduce absence, improve health, increase productivity, reduce claims)
3) expert contributing to risk assessments
4) Access to specialist (and perceived as independent) occupational health advice

Question 7

(a) Outline the possible benefits, composition, role and functions of an occupational health service for this organisation. (12)
PT2

Answer 7

Composition

1) Depend on available resources
2) part time occupational health physician
3) full time OH nurse (first aiders).
4) access to a physiotherapist
5) part time or access to occupational hygienist
6) access to trained counsellors
7) access to an ergonomist (could be OH nurse)

Question 8

(a) Outline the possible benefits, composition, role and functions of an occupational health service for this organisation. (12)
PT3

Answer 8

Role

1) minimise impact
2) maximise efficiency

Question 9

(a) Outline the possible benefits, composition, role and functions of an occupational health service for this organisation. (12)
PT4

Answer 9

Functions
1) development 2) pre-employment 3) specialist 4) managing 5) management 6) biological 7) health 8) sickness 9) liaising 10) return-to-work 11) surveillance 12) counselling 13) keeping

Question 10

(b) Explain the contribution that an occupational health specialist might make in addressing the issues of stress, manual handling, ergonomics and noise. (8)
PT1

Answer 10

Stress

1) rehabilitation of workers after stress related absence
2) counselling for staff undergoing psychological stress or trauma
3) risk assessments of high risk occupations or high risk individuals
4) assessing the adequacy of controls

Question 11

(b) Explain the contribution that an occupational health specialist might make in addressing the issues of stress, manual handling, ergonomics and noise. (8)
PT2

Answer 11

Manual handling/Ergonomics

1) risk assessment of MH tasks, Erg (DSE)
2) identifying appropriate control
3) assessment of physical ability
4) eyesight screening
5) rehabilitation following physical injury or ill-health

Question 12

(b) Explain the contribution that an occupational health specialist might make in addressing the issues of stress, manual handling, ergonomics and noise. (8)
PT3

Answer 12

Noise

1) noise risk assessment
2) noise surveys
3) identification of suitable controls
4) audiometry of at-risk staff
5) training for staff on use of controls (PPE)

Question 13

A small engineering company operates a number of noisy machines which are located in an open plan workshop. Following a noise survey the company discovers that their employees are being exposed to noise levels above the Upper Exposure Action Value of 85dB(A) LEP,d.
Describe the range of technical control measures that could be introduced to reduce the employees’ exposure to noise. (10)
PT1

Answer 13

Source

1) replacing older and noisier equipment with machines that emitted lower levels of noise
2) reducing the speed of the machines
3) mounting the noisy equipment on rubber strips or dampers
4) applying damping to metal panels on machines;
5) fitting silencers on exhausts and metal ducting and ensuring the machinery was maintained on a regular basis

Question 14

Describe the range of technical control measures that could be introduced to reduce the employees’ exposure to noise. (10)
PT2

Answer 14

Transmission
1) provision of a noise enclosure of suitable noise
attenuating material around the main sources of noise
2) placing acoustic screens around noisy equipment
3) lining the walls and floor of the workshop with acoustically absorbing material

Question 15

Describe the range of technical control measures that could be introduced to reduce the employees’ exposure to noise. (10)
PT3

Answer 15

Receiver

1) reduced by isolating the more noisy equipment in another area of the workshop and introducing automation and creating a noise haven for the employees
2) As a very last resort, the additional use of hearing protection might have to be considered.

Question 16

(a) Identify the hazard classification system for lasers (2)

Answer 16

lasers are defined in BS EN standard – BS EN 60825-1:2014. The classifications are based on accessible emission levels with the power of the lasers measured in milliwatts (mW). There are seven different classifications – 1, 1M, 2, 2M, 3B, 3R, and 4
Class 1 - safe in foreseeable use (lowest hazard level)
Class 4 - high powered devices (greatest hazard level)

Question 17

(b) Low power lasers are widely used to read bar-code labelled products at checkouts in retail premises.
Outline:
(i) the design features; (4)
that should be in place for the safe operation and maintenance of this equipment.

Answer 17

Design features

1) the laser having no greater power than Class 1
2) the use of embedded or enclosed systems
3) the fitting of a protective housing
4) trigger operation on hand held versions
5) incorporating a key control with interlock to the power source
6) the use of suitable signage
7) the appropriate positioning of the laser, including hand-held equipment, to avoid eye-level exposure

Question 18

(b) Low power lasers are widely used to read bar-code labelled products at checkouts in retail premises.
Outline:
(ii) the procedural controls (4)
that should be in place for the safe operation and maintenance of this equipment.

Answer 18

Procedural controls

1) strict observance of the manufacturer’s guidance
2) training workers in the safe use of the equipment for example warning them that they should not look directly into the beam
3) a safe system of work for the maintenance and repair of the equipment
4) ensuring that if the case is to be removed, it requires a special key or tool and that the beam is properly controlled
5) procedure for reporting defects
6) ensuring that any maintenance and repair of the equipment is carried out by a competent person.

Question 19

WEL
TWA
APF
RPE

Answer 19

Workplace Exposure Limit
Time-Weighted Average
Assigned Protection Factor (is the concentration of contaminant in the air divided by the maximum
allowed concentration in the face piece)
Respiratory Protective Equipment

Question 20

An airborne contaminant has a WEL of 10ppm, 8-hour TWA. Engineering controls have been introduced but the airborne concentration of the contaminant in a workshop has been measured at 180ppm, 8-hour TWA.
The occupational hygienist has selected a piece of RPE with an APF of 20, which is to be worn temporarily by all employees in the contaminated area.
(a) Using the data above outline how the hygienist could have calculated the APF AND outline whether the hygienist has made an appropriate selection. (4)

Answer 20

The maximum concentration in the face piece to which an employee should be exposed would be the
WEL – 10ppm. Therefore the minimum APF required would be 180/10 = 18. The chosen piece of equipment has an APF of 20 which is in excess of that required and would lead to an exposure within the face piece of 9 ppm. It is therefore appropriate for use. A higher factor of safety could of course have been obtained by selecting respiratory protective equipment with an even higher APF

Question 21

The occupational hygienist has selected a piece of RPE with an APF of 20, which is to be worn temporarily by all employees in the contaminated area.
(b) Outline other factors that should be taken into account when selecting appropriate RPE. (6)

Answer 21

1) the nature of the dust or vapour involved
2) comfort factors, the length of time and the type of work including its physical nature, the degree of movement and restrictions of the space
3) whether fit testing would be required, the ease with
which the equipment can be put on and the amount of training required
4) the manufacture of the equipment to an appropriate standard and its cost and durability
5) the ease of maintenance for example for cleaning and changing filters
6) its compatibility with other forms of personal protective equipment
7) the need to consult fully with the workforce on the selection of the equipment.

Question 22

Employees working in a warehouse handle a large number of boxes and packages every day. In order to assist with this activity the employer has decided to invest in a range of non-powered handling equipment such as trolleys and trucks.
Outline what factors the employer should consider when selecting suitable equipment. (10)
PT1

Answer 22

1) the cost, durability and likely life time of the
equipment
2) the experiences of other users of similar equipment
3) the outcome of consultation with employees
4) means for securing the boxes during transport
5) the requirements for maintenance and for regular inspection
1a) the level of training which would need to be given to the employees

Question 23

Employees working in a warehouse handle a large number of boxes and packages every day. In order to assist with this activity the employer has decided to invest in a range of non-powered handling equipment such as trolleys and trucks.
Outline what factors the employer should consider when selecting suitable equipment. (10)
PT2

Answer 23

6) the consideration of whether the devices could operate in the space available with respect to headroom, width and manoeuvrability and their safe working load with respect to the loads to be carried
7) the ease with which the equipment may be folded and stored if required
8) the suitability of the handles and their location which ideally should be between waist and shoulder height
and the ease of use
9) the suitability of the devices and particularly the
wheels for the ground conditions and whether brakes are fitted
10) the results of trials of different types of equipment

Question 24

A company is considering substituting a solvent it currently uses for one that is thought to be more effective.
Outline the factors affecting health that should be considered before a decision is taken to make the change. (10)
PT1

Answer 24

1) the information contained on the manufacturer’s data sheet with respect for example to its toxicity
2) the harm that it might cause and its exposure limits
3) the form of the substance whether liquid or spray
4) the quantity to be used and the changes that might have to be made in the process times
5) the possible routes of entry of the solvent to the body

Question 25

A company is considering substituting a solvent it currently uses for one that is thought to be more effective.
Outline the factors affecting health that should be considered before a decision is taken to make the change. (10)
PT2

Answer 25

6) the number of persons likely to be exposed and the level and frequency of exposure taking
into account personal susceptibilities and groups especially at risk such as young
employees
7) the control measures that would be required such as the provision of local exhaust ventilation and personal protective equipment
8) whether specific requirements would be required for the storage of the solvent and what arrangements would have to be made for its safe disposal.

Question 26

(a) Outline the properties of:

i) alpha particles; (4

Answer 26

1) alpha is a particulate radiation, and is naturally occurring
2) formed as a result of radioactive decay and is continually emitted
3) can travel only a short distance in air, but if they enter the body, they can present an internal radiation hazard
4) however they can be shielded by paper or skin

Question 27

(a) Outline the properties of:

ii) x-rays. (4

Answer 27

1) An x-ray is non-particulate, and is electromagnetic radiation
2) artificially generated normally by the use of electrical
energy and emitted when a machine is switched on
3) X-rays can travel a few metres in air, present an external radiation hazard for an individual in the same room or space
4) can penetrate much further into the body but can be shielded with lead or concrete

Question 28

TLD

Answer 28

thermoluminescent dosimeter

Question 29

TLD

Answer 29

thermoluminescent dosimeter

Question 30

Five employees work an 8 hour shift during which they are exposed to a hazardous dust. The employer has asked an occupational hygienist to undertake monitoring of the employees’ personal exposure to the
hazardous dust.
(a) Describe how the hygienist should determine the employees’ long term personal exposure to the total inhalable hazardous dust. (10)
PT1

Answer 30

1) monitor the exposure throughout the eight hour shift
2) note both the work undertaken during the monitoring and the time for which the sampling was undertaken
3) A gravimetric method should be used incorporating
4) a pump
5) a filter
6) an appropriate sampling head such as an IOM inhalable dust sampler with the head being positioned in the breathing zone of the employee

Question 31

Five employees work an 8 hour shift during which they are exposed to a hazardous dust. The employer has asked an occupational hygienist to undertake monitoring of the employees’ personal exposure to the
hazardous dust.
(a) Describe how the hygienist should determine the employees’ long term personal exposure to the total inhalable hazardous dust. (10)
PT2

Answer 31

7) the pump flow rate would be calibrated and noted as would the volume of air in the sample collected
8) filter weighed before and after the sampling to determine any gain in the weight
8) the concentration of total inhalable dust could then be calculated by dividing the weight gain by the volume of air with the result being expressed in mg/m³

Question 32

Five employees work an 8 hour shift during which they are exposed to a hazardous dust. The employer has asked an occupational hygienist to undertake monitoring of the employees’ personal exposure to the
hazardous dust.
(b) The five employees were each monitored for exposure to total inhalable dust during the same 8 hour shift. Four of the results are roughly equivalent but the fifth is significantly higher.
Outline the possible reasons for this discrepancy. (10)
PT1

Answer 32

1) those associated with the working environment ,
there could have been areas in the workplace which were not as well ventilated as
others with possible problems with the local exhaust ventilation provided
2) the tasks being performed;
Rate of work

Question 33

Five employees work an 8 hour shift during which they are exposed to a hazardous dust. The employer has asked an occupational hygienist to undertake monitoring of the employees’ personal exposure to the
hazardous dust.
(b) The five employees were each monitored for exposure to total inhalable dust during the same 8 hour shift. Four of the results are roughly equivalent but the fifth is significantly higher.
Outline the possible reasons for this discrepancy. (10)
PT2

Answer 33

3) those resulting from possible failures with the monitoring equipment
4) there could have been errors in the calibration of the pump flow
5) in the timing of the air measurement
6) in the selection of the filter
7) in weighing the filter at the end of the exercise either because of a misreading or because different
8) possibly uncalibrated scales were used for the rogue sample

Question 34

Five employees work an 8 hour shift during which they are exposed to a hazardous dust. The employer has asked an occupational hygienist to undertake monitoring of the employees’ personal exposure to the
hazardous dust.
(b) The five employees were each monitored for exposure to total inhalable dust during the same 8 hour shift. Four of the results are roughly equivalent but the fifth is significantly higher.
Outline the possible reasons for this discrepancy. (10)
PT3

Answer 34

9) those connected with the individual employee
10) if they had been particularly involved in the more dusty operations
11) had taken fewer or shorter breaks than the other operators
12) not taken sufficient care with personal hygiene
13) continued to wear dusty overalls for long periods.
14) possibility of deliberate sabotage could not be discounted

Question 35

IOM sampler

Answer 35

Institute of Occupational Medicine (sampler)

Question 36

Describe a range of organisational and personal factors that can contribute to the incidence of work-related stress. (15)
PT1

Answer 36

1) a poor organisational culture where there was lack of management support and encouragement
2) a lack of consultation with and involvement of the employees
3) a lack of control over work planning resulting in work overload or underload
4) unrealistic deadlines or targets and long hours of work causing an unsatisfactory work/life
balance
5) no positive definition given of the job role or the objectives to be achieved

Question 37

Describe a range of organisational and personal factors that can contribute to the incidence of work-related stress. (15)
PT2

Answer 37

6) organisational change bringing with it the threat of redundancy
7) no formal procedures for raising concerns or grievances with little optimism that if raised, they would be addressed
8) poor working relationships with managers and/or colleagues involving bullying and harassment
9) a lack of resources such as the proper tools and equipment to carry out the job

Question 38

Describe a range of organisational and personal factors that can contribute to the incidence of work-related stress. (15)
PT3

Answer 38

10) a poor physical environment with an inadequate standard of lighting, temperature and ventilation
11) excessive competition between colleagues and
departments
12) a feeling of isolation from work colleagues whether physical or psychological
13) personal concerns such as bereavement, divorce or child care issues

Question 39

HSE’s management standards for work related stress

Answer 39

Demands – this includes issues such as workload, work patterns and the work environment.
Control – how much say the person has in the way they do their work.
Support – this includes the encouragement, resources provided by the organisation, line management and colleagues.
Relationships – this includes promoting positive working to avoid conflict and dealing with unacceptable behaviour.
Role – understand their role within the organisation and whether the organisation ensures that they do not have conflicting roles.
Change – how organisational change (large or small) is managed and communicated in the organisation.

Question 40

A facilities manager of a multi-occupancy office block built in the 1970s is concerned about the risks associated with asbestos in the building.
(a) Outline the steps the facilities manager should take to minimise risks associated with any asbestos that may be present in the building. (12)
PT1

Answer 40

1) The facilities manager should initially accept that his/her company is the duty holder who has the responsibility to manage asbestos in the multi-occupancy building
2) should assume that because of the age of the building that asbestos will be present
3) He/she should therefore identify all materials in the building that might contain asbestos
4) arrange for a competent person to undertake a survey using intrusive and destructive sampling to determine the presence or absence of the material

Question 41

A facilities manager of a multi-occupancy office block built in the 1970s is concerned about the risks associated with asbestos in the building.
(a) Outline the steps the facilities manager should take to minimise risks associated with any asbestos that may be present in the building. (12)
PT2

Answer 41

5) A record would have to be kept of where asbestos containing materials (ACMs) are located and updated following regular reviews of their condition
6) The information should be made available to all tenants in the block
7) Finally consideration would need to be given to what action was necessary to deal with the various ACMs
8) whether to remove, repair, enclose or leave in place
9) draw up an action management plan after the survey is complete and once the decisions had been made

Question 42

ILO Code of Practice - Safety in the Use of Asbestos

Answer 42

Outlines controls