THE NATIONAL EXAMINATION BOARD IN OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

NATIONAL GENERAL CERTIFICATE IN OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

PAPER A1: IDENTIFYING AND CONTROLLING HAZARDS

MARCH 2002
Answer ALL questions Time Allowed: 2 hours

Section 1

This section contains ONE question. You are advised to spend approximately HALF AN HOUR on
it. The maximum marks for each part of the question are shown in brackets.

Question 1

An inefficient local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system has been identified as the main cause of excessive
dust levels in a workplace.

(i) IDENTIFY four possible indications of a dust problem that may have alerted staff to the inefficiency
of the LEV system. (4)

(ii) Outline the factors that may have reduced the effectiveness of the LEVsystem. (8)

(iii) Describe control methods other than LEV that might be used to minimise levels of airborne dust. (8)

In answering part (i), most candidates were able to identify at least three indications of a dust problem in a
workplace, such as:
deposits of dust on people and surfaces
particles visible in the air
complaints of discomfort and irritation by the employees.

Only a few referred to the results of air monitoring or actual ill-health effects

For paint (ii), most candidates were able to outline at least a reasonable range of factors. Better candidates
addressed both underlying factors, such as poor design and a lack of maintenance and/or periodic testing,
and the more immediate factors, such as the hood being placed too far from the source of the emission
damaged or blocked ducting or filters
unauthorised alteration to the system
incorrect settings
a faulty fan
possible changes the process leading to increased dust emissions.
In part (iii), candidates were given the opportunity to describe methods of minimising levels of airborne dust
that may be needed in addition or as an alternative to local exhaust ventilation. These could have included:
the cessation of the activity creating the dust,
changing the process to reduce the amount of dust produced,
substituting a dust creating material for another in paste or liquid form
segregating or enclosing the process
damping down the dust to enable it to be removed by vacuum.
Many candidates demonstrated a good understanding of the principles by describing such methods in a
hierarchical order, and almost all indicated the importance of using cleaning methods that do not disturb
settled dust (i.e. vacuuming instead of sweeping). Some became a little carried away with the COSHH
hierarchy by referring @to the use of respiratory protective equipment, which may reduce personal
exposures but has no effect on levels of airborne dust. Many candidates also suggested the introduction of

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dilution ventilation, which is an ineffective method of controlling dust and may even have the effect of
distributing it more widely across the workplace.

Question 2

Outline the possible hazards from using a petrol driven strimmer to maintain roadside verges
(8)

This was not a well answered question, with most candidates able to achieve only a few of the marks
available for outlining some of the possible hazards arising from using a petrol-driven strimmer. Such
hazards include:
exposure to fumes,
the possibility of fire or explosion,
contact with the moving parts of the strimmer
being struck by flying stones and fragments
noise and vibration
manual handling,
slips, trips and fails,
the possibility of being struck by moving traffic
exposure to extreme weather conditions.
Some candidates decided not to answer the question that was asked and either outlined the possible hazards
arising from the use of an electric strimmer or discussed how the risks associated with the use of the
equipment might be controlled.

Question 3

Outline the precautions to protect against electrical contact when

(i) excavating near underground cables (4)
(ii) working in the vicinity of overhead power lines. (4)

Part (i) of this question was answered slightly more successfully than part (ii), with better candidates
referring to:

isolation of the supply,

the identification of cable routes from plans
by the use of cable detectors,
checking for service box covers
marking of cable routes on site
digging with hand-tools rather than with a mechanical excavator.

Precautions against overhead power lines, for part (ii), include:

isolation,
erection of goal-post barriers to define clearance distances,
clear marking of danger zones (for example with signs and bunting),
ensuring safe access routes under lines (for instance, with 'tunnels'),
the appropriate use of marshals and banksmen when there is a possibility that cranes, excavators or tipper
lorries might approach overhead lines,
the restricted use of items such as metal ladders and scaffold tubes near live lines.

The idea that insulated footwear and tools would afford protection and that residual current devices might be
appropriate in either of the two situations was DEFINITELY incorrect. It was significant that only about
half of the candidates mentioned the possibility of isolating the power supply in either part of the question.
Some candidates missed the focus of the question and either concentrated on the preparation of a risk
assessment or described in detail the operation of a permit-to-work system, neither of 'which directly affords
protection against electrical contact.

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Question 4

(a) Outline the principles of the following types of machine guard:

(i) fixed guard (2)

(ii) interlocked guard. (2)

(b) Identify TWO advantages and TWO disadvantages of a fixed machine guard. (4)

In answering part (a) of the question, most candidates showed they had at least a basic understanding of the
principles of the most common types of guard. The majority correctly identified that a fixed guard is:

physically attached to the machine

normally requires a special tool to remove it.
it provides a physical barrier that has no moving parts
is not linked to the controls, motion or hazardous condition of the machine.

Interlocked guards, on the other hand, work on the principle that:

a machine cannot start or otherwise become dangerous until the guard is closed,
that when the machine is in a dangerous condition either the guard cannot be opened or opening the
guard causes the machine to come to rest.
Where problems did arise was in the identification of the advantages and disadvantages of a fixed guard.
Candidates should have identified that the simplicity of a fixed guard means:
it is easy to inspect and maintain
the fact that there are no moving parts leads to increased reliability.

On the other hand, the fact that it is not linked to the machine controls means:

that no protection is afforded should it be removed

since it is fixed and requires a special tool for its removal, access, when required, is more difficult.
a physical barrier, particularly if it is solid rather than meshed, may also hamper visual inspection of the
machine or the work being performed.

Question 5

Identify FOUR possible routes of entry of toxic substances into the body and, in EACH case, describe a
circumstance in which an employee might be at risk of such exposure. (8)

Most candidates successfully identified the routes of entry of toxic substances into the body as

inhalation,
ingestion,
through the skin
injection.
Describing the circumstances in which an employee might be at risk in each case, however, proved a little
more difficult. Examiners were looking for examples such as:

inhalation due to a build up of fume or vapour, either as part of a process (e.g. welding) or accidentally
(e.g. spillage);
ingestion caused perhaps by poor personal hygiene (e.g. eating or smoking without first washing the
hands);
entry through the skin if wounds are not covered or by contact with chemicals (e.g. solvents) that may be
absorbed through the skin;
injection possibly caused by the handling of contaminated sharp objects.

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Question 6

Outline the precautions that should be taken to reduce the risk of injury when work is carried out on a
pitched (sloping) roof. (8)

Answers should have included:

the provision of safe access to the roof and roof edge protection,
the use of crawling boards or roof ladders,
identifying and covering roof lights,
arrangements for moving tools and materials to and from the roof,
the issue and wearing of personal protective equipment such as helmets, footwear and harnesses the
employment of a trained and competent workforce,
the need to stop the work activity during adverse weather conditions.

Question 7

(a) Outline SIX factors to be considered when selecting suitable eye

protection for use at work. (6)

(b) Identify ONE advantage and ONE disadvantage of safety goggles compared with safety spectacles.
(2)

Part (a) of the question, refer to the need to:

ensure that the type of protective equipment is appropriate for the particular hazard against which
protection is required (e.g. chemical, impact, ultraviolet light, molten metal).
to meet quality and safety standards, in particular that it bears a CE mark
comfort factors were also generally identified,
compatibility with other equipment, including prescription spectacles
durability,
cost,
maintenance
training requirements.

Answers to part (b)

Advantages include:

the fact that goggles provide all round protection, particularly against projectiles and chemicals,
tend not to be easily displaced.

Disadvantages include;

the increased tendency of goggles to mist up,

the generally higher cost involved
the fact that they may be more uncomfortable than spectacles.

Question 8

Outline the possible risks to health and safety associated with laying paving slabs in a busy high street.
(8)

Answers should have included:

trapped fingers, and foot injuries

musculoskeletal problems from handling slabs
the possibility of being struck by traffic;

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 injuries from the use of cutting discs (e.g. contact with the disc and being struck by flying particles)
the effects of exposure to noise, vibration, dust and wet cement
the increased likelihood of tripping.
Even though candidates might not have had personal experience of the activity described, it was
nevertheless one that could be visualised quite easily in order to identify a good range of possible risks. A
few candidates, however, again seemed not to have read the question carefully enough and concentrated on
the control measures, for which no marks could be awarded.

Question 9

Outline the measures that should be taken to minimise the risk of fire from electrical equipment. (8)

In answering this question you should outline measures such as:

the proper selection of equipment to ensure its suitability for the task,
pre-use inspection by the user,
establishing correct fuse ratings,
ensuring circuits and sockets are not overloaded,
disconnecting or isolating the equipment when it is not in use,
ensuring that electric motors do not overheat (e.g. by checking that vents are uncovered).

Additional measures include:

the need to uncoil cables (particularly extension leads) to prevent the build up of heat
protecting cables from mechanical damage
electrical equipment and systems should be subject to regular inspection, testing and maintenance by
competent persons. This should ensure, for instance, that contacts are sound, thereby reducing the
likelihood of electrical arcing. 1,
While most candidates were able to outline some of the above measures, surprisingly few offered
comprehensive answers. Of those who did identify a sufficient number of measures, some provided answers
that were far too brief. For an outline, it was necessary to say something about how each measure reduces
the risk of fire.

Question 10

(a) Identify TWO respiratory diseases that may be caused by exposure to asbestos. (2)

(b) Explain where asbestos is likely to be encountered in a building during renovation work (6)

In answering part (a) of this question, many candidates identified a variety of respiratory problems that were
either non-specific or are not associated with asbestos.

Pneumoconiosis and asthma were frequently given as examples.

More knowledgeable candidates referred specifically to

asbestosis,
mesothelioma or lung cancer.
Part (b) was reasonably well answered with most candidates identifying, for instance,
pipe lagging,
roofing materials,
loft and wall insulation,
sprayed coatings (for example, in fire-resistant encapsulation of metal girders),
the use of asbestos in ceiling tiles, panels and textured finishes
gaskets, packing and plugs made of asbestos-containing materials.

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Question 11

List EIGHT non-mechanical hazards associated with machinery. (8)

The list should have included such hazards as:

electricity
noise,
vibration
radiation,
extremes of temperature
fire and explosion,
hazardous substances (both by direct contact with, for instance, oils and greases and by exposure to dust
and fumes)
those related to insufficient attention to ergonomic issues.
Some candidates included in their list, or even concentrated on exclusively, various mechanical hazards, for
which no marks could be given. This suggests that they had either misread the question or did not fully
appreciate the distinction between mechanical and non-mechanical machinery hazards.

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