Old IB5 and July 2010 adapted 2.0

Question 1

Water-sports instructors at a local water-sports centre are at risk of contracting Weil’s Disease (Leptospirosis).. Provide advice to these workers to outline:
(a) The ill-health effects of the disease. (2)

Answer 1

1) Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection of the blood (initially) which results in flu-like symptoms in the first instance (headache, fatigue, fever).
2) it can lead to more severe effects in some cases; abdominal pain, jaundice and liver damage as the bacteria move out of the blood and invade internal organs.
3) it can be fatal if left untreated.

Question 2

Water-sports instructors at a local water-sports centre are at risk of contracting Weil’s Disease (Leptospirosis).. Provide advice to these workers to outline:
(b) Why they might be at risk. (2)

Answer 2

1) the causative bacteria (Leptospira genus) are carried by rats (and other rodents) which live close to water and continuously urinate.
2) the bacteria is carried in the rate in urine and so may find its way directly into water where it can survive longer than if allowed to dry out.
3) if a windsurfer touches contaminated water, or wet urine, then they pick up the bacteria which can enter the body through cuts and grazes, and through the nose and mouth.

Question 3

Water-sports instructors at a local water-sports centre are at risk of contracting Weil’s Disease (Leptospirosis).. Provide advice to these workers to outline:
(c) Practical steps that they can take to minimise the risks to themselves. (6)
PT1

Answer 3

1) staying out of the water when instructing (supervising training from land or boat).
2) good personal hygiene practices such as showering after immersion in water and always washing hands before eating.
3) avoiding swallowing the potentially contaminated water.
4) disinfecting cuts received whilst in the water before dressing the wound.

Question 4

Water-sports instructors at a local water-sports centre are at risk of contracting Weil’s Disease (Leptospirosis).. Provide advice to these workers to outline:
(c) Practical steps that they can take to minimise the risks to themselves. (6)
PT2

Answer 4

5) protecting the skin against water contact by wearing protective footwear, wet suit and covering existing cuts and abrasions with waterproof plasters.
6) seeking medical assistance in cases of illness and informing doctors about occupation / carrying card.
7) looking for signs of rat infestation and applying appropriate pest control methods.

Question 5

Define the term ‘biological agent’

Answer 5

“Any micro-organism, cell culture, or human endoparasite, which may cause any infection, allergy, toxicity or otherwise create a hazard to human health. These include viruses and bacteria which can cause infection and disease, dangerous plants and animals (for example parasites or insects), biologically contaminated dusts, or wastes from humans and animals.”

Question 6

Reference for the term ‘biological agent’

Answer 6

Health, Safety and Environment: a series of trade union education manuals for agricultural workers (Manual 4, Fact Sheet 3)

Question 7

Give four examples of disease caused by biological agents at work, stating for each case the causation agent and an occupation particularly at risk. (8)
PT1

Answer 7

1) Hepatitis B, a liver disease, caused by the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV).
2) Transmitted by body fluid contact, eg through cuts and grazes and through needle stick injuries.
3) Workers most at risk are those in close contact with infected individuals or come into contact with sharps (such as hypodermic needles) that have been infected by individuals, eg doctors, nurses and ambulance teams, as well as firemen and refuse disposal operators are at risk.

Question 8

Give four examples of disease caused by biological agents at work, stating for each case the causation agent and an occupation particularly at risk. (8)
PT2

Answer 8

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This is found in body fluids of infected individuals and is transmitted by direct body fluid transfer, so paramedics, doctors and nurses are likely to be at risk.

Question 9

Give four examples of disease caused by biological agents at work, stating for each case the causation agent and an occupation particularly at risk. (8)
PT3

Answer 9

Legionnaire’s disease (Legionellosis) caused by the Legionella bacteria which can be contracted by people passing near to infected cooling towers (parts of air conditioning units).

Question 10

Give four examples of disease caused by biological agents at work, stating for each case the causation agent and an occupation particularly at risk. (8)
PT4

Answer 10

Weil’s disease (Leptospirosis) caused by the bacteria Leptospira. This disease can be contracted from the urine of rats, so sewer workers, people who take part in water sports, excavations, etc. can be at risk.

Question 11

There are a number of factors that create a risk of someone acquiring legionellosis, such as:
PT1

Answer 11

(a) the presence of legionella bacteria;
(b) conditions suitable for growth of the organisms, eg suitable water temperature (20 °C–45 °C) and deposits that are a source of nutrients for the organism, such as sludge, scale, rust, algae, other organic matter and biofilms;

Question 12

There are a number of factors that create a risk of someone acquiring legionellosis, such as:
PT2

Answer 12

(c) a means of creating and spreading breathable droplets, eg the aerosol generated by cooling towers, showers or spa pools;
(d) the presence (and numbers) of people who may be exposed, especially in premises where occupants are particularly vulnerable, eg healthcare, residential and nursing homes.

Question 13

The following list contains some of the factors to consider, as appropriate, when carrying out the risk assessment:
PT1

Answer 13

(a) the source of system supply water, eg whether from a mains supply or not;
(b) possible sources of contamination of the supply water in the premises before it reaches the cold water storage tank, calorifier, cooling tower or any other
system using water that may present a risk of exposure to legionella bacteria;

Question 14

The following list contains some of the factors to consider, as appropriate, when carrying out the risk assessment:
PT2

Answer 14

(c) the normal plant operating characteristics;
(d) unusual, but reasonably foreseeable operating conditions, eg breakdowns;
(e) any means of disinfection in use;
(f) the review of any current control measures;
(g) the local environment.

Question 15

(a) Explain how, in a working environment, the Hepatitis B virus may be transmitted to employee, identifying the types of occupation that may present a particular risk. (5)

Answer 15

1) Hepatitis B, a liver disease, caused by the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV).
2) Transmitted by body fluid contact, eg through cuts and grazes and through needle stick injuries.
3) Workers most at risk are those in close contact with infected individuals or come into contact with sharps (such as hypodermic needles) that have been infected by individuals, eg doctors, nurses and ambulance teams, as well as firemen and refuse disposal operators are at risk.

Question 16

REPORT REPORT
(b) As the health and safety adviser to a local authority, prepare a short report for departmental managers that outlines with relevant examples, a strategy of measures to minimise the risk of Hepatitis B infection. (15)
PT1

Answer 16

Introduction (Heading and date)
The Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is a highly infectious agent that can be transmitted in body fluids from an infected individual to one of our employees by direct body fluid contact and through needle stick injury.

Outlined below is a simple strategy that can be applied to a variety of work situations that will effectively minimise the risk of employee infection.

Question 17

REPORT REPORT
(b) As the health and safety adviser to a local authority, prepare a short report for departmental managers that outlines with relevant examples, a strategy of measures to minimise the risk of Hepatitis B infection. (15)
PT2

Answer 17

Strategy
At risk occupations within the local authority and particular at risk activities and workers must be recognised by departmental managers. This can be done through a simple risk assessment process where some questions are asked. Namely, does this work or occupation expose workers to the risk of contact with injured members of the public? For example, a normal office worker would not be considered ‘at risk’. However, a first aider would. Does this work or occupation expose workers to the risk of contact with contaminated sharps? For example, a civil works inspector would not, but a house clearance crew would be at risk.

Question 18

REPORT REPORT
(b) As the health and safety adviser to a local authority, prepare a short report for departmental managers that outlines with relevant examples, a strategy of measures to minimise the risk of Hepatitis B infection. (15)
PT3

Answer 18

Information, instruction and training
Information, instruction and training must be provided to at risk workers. A basic level of information should be provided to all staff. This can be done by the provision of information on notice boards and leaflets distributed in communal areas. More specific training and information must be provided to at risk work groups identified in the risk assessment process. Training and information should cover basic background information such as the nature of the virus, the symptoms of infection, the relative severity of the disease. There should also be information about the most likely routes of infection.

Most importantly, the training and information must deal with the control measure that exist to prevent infection.

Question 19

REPORT REPORT
(b) As the health and safety adviser to a local authority, prepare a short report for departmental managers that outlines with relevant examples, a strategy of measures to minimise the risk of Hepatitis B infection. (15)
PT4

Answer 19

Controls
Decontamination and disinfection equipment and procedures must be put into place for at risk workers and work areas. this would comprise the use of suitable disinfectants (hypochlorite based - as HBV is very resistant to non-aggressive cleaning agents) and the provision of suitable clinical waste bins for the disposal of contaminated cleaning material.

Gloves must be used to prevent contamination of the hands with potentially infected body fluids. These gloves must present a suitable barrier to the passage of the virus. Nitrile gloves are to be proffered over latex, for reasons of employee sensitivity to latex (latex allergy).

In certain instances, the use of disposable aprons and eye protection would also be necessary to prevent contamination of clothes and face with body fluids.

Personal hygiene is an essential factor in preventing HBV infection. Hand washing before touching foodstuffs and before eating or drinking is necessary. Those in at risk occupations must cover wounds.

Inoculations should be offered to all identified at risk workers, however, there are issues with immunisation programmes; they do not guarantee immunity, and they may encourage bad practices because of feelings of invulnerability.

Workers must not smoke, eat or drink in potentially contaminated areas.

Sharps bins must be provided in areas where there is a recognised risk of needing to dispose of contaminated sharps.

All incidents where there is the potential for infection, for example needle stick injuries, must be reported.

Question 20

(a) Describe the physiological effects of carbon monoxide on the body. (4)

Answer 20

1) carbon monoxide is absorbed via the lungs into the bloodstream and displaces the oxygen by chemically bonding to haemoglobin,
2) hence reducing the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood and reducing the supply of oxygen to tissues.
3) carbon monoxide is only slowly displaced from the body.
4) its symptoms include drowsiness, headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, unconsciousness
and, ultimately, death.

Question 21

(b) Outline the control measures that could be used to reduce exposure to carbon monoxide in a motor vehicle repair premises. (6)

Answer 21

1) minimising the duration of engine running time,
2) providing local exhaust ventilation attached to the vehicle exhaust pipe,
3) providing a good standard of general ventilation
for the workshop
4) inspection pits,
5) carrying out regular maintenance of the
ventilation systems,
6) using a carbon monoxide monitor or alarm,
7) providing specific information, instruction and training for the employees
8) isolating or segregating the area from customers.

Question 22

Demands, control, support and relationships are categories used in the Health and Safety Executive ‘stress management standards’.
outline the occupational factors that could contribute to stress amongst call centre workers. PT1

Answer 22

1) demands: workload, work patterns and the work environment.
2) work overload or underload dependent on the number of calls waiting in a queue for answer
3) meeting sales or promotional targets that have been set;
4) unacceptable work patterns with the centre operating a seven day, twenty four hour system
5) operators having to take their breaks at the workstation;
6) a poor work environment resulting from the
inadequate provision of lighting and heating and high noise levels.

Question 23

Demands, control, support and relationships are categories used in the Health and Safety Executive ‘stress management standards’.
outline the occupational factors that could contribute to stress amongst call centre workers. PT2

Answer 23

1) control: amount of control the workers may have in the way they do the job and this could be minimal if there is
2) no consultation with them either individually or in team meetings on call volumes
3) the avoidance of repetition in the way the work is carried out.

Question 24

Demands, control, support and relationships are categories used in the Health and Safety Executive ‘stress management standards’.
outline the occupational factors that could contribute to stress amongst call centre workers. PT3

Answer 24

1) support: factors that might increase the stress placed upon workers when they are
2) not given encouragement and/or praise for good work from management and colleagues,
3) when they are not given the opportunity to raise
concerns or problems
4) when they see that no resources are provided for example, for them to receive further training and so advance their careers.

Question 25

Demands, control, support and relationships are categories used in the Health and Safety Executive ‘stress management standards’.
outline the occupational factors that could contribute to stress amongst call centre workers. PT4

Answer 25

1) relationships: the steps taken to ensure workers do not have to deal with conflict or put up with unacceptable behaviour.
2) dealing with aggressive customers
3) bullying and harassment by managers
4) all of which might be exacerbated by cultural differences and the fact that because of the
working arrangements, such as one to one phone calls, they do not have the opportunity to establish relationships with colleagues.

Question 26

LEPd

LAeq.

Answer 26

x

x

Question 27

A machine operator is required to work at a number of different machines during a normal 8-hour working day.
(a) Explain how a series of static measurements can be taken in the workplace and then used to estimate the operator’s daily personal noise exposure (LEP,d). (5)

Answer 27

1) static measurements would have to be taken at the operating positions of each machine during normal operation of the machines.
2) This would involve measuring the equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure LAeq at each machine using an integrated sound level meter.
3) A note would need to be taken of the time the operator spends at each machine.
4) The operator’s daily personal exposure can then be calculated using a nomogram or an alternative
such as the electronic spread sheets to be found on the HSE web site.

Question 28

A machine operator is required to work at a number of different machines during a normal 8-hour working day.
(b) The result of personal dosimetry on a similar day provides an LEP,d that is 4dB(A) greater than the estimate made in (a). Identify the factors that may account for the difference. (5)

Answer 28

1) the actual operator position was not represented when the static measurement was taken;
2) different machines, materials and machine speeds were used
3) there was a presence of other noise sources.
4) Other factors would include those associated with techniques such as
5) static measurements taken over too short a period of time with the possibility that peak levels were missed; 6) other significant noise exposure that might occur between jobs or during breaks was not taken into account;
7) errors were made in calibration or the use of static measurement equipment together with the possibility that reflected sound from the body might lead to an increased measurement.

Question 29

WBGT

Answer 29

x

Question 30

WBGT

Answer 30

X