IGC 2: Control of International Workplace Hazards

ASSESSMENT 1

1. Identify Eight safe working practices that should be

considered to reduce the risk when using a mobile tower
scaffold (8)

Mobile tower scaffolds are meant to be used for short

period of time
Considerations must be given to design and
manufacturers recommendations i.e. height and width
etc.
Ensure all scaffolding components are in good order
without any defects
They must be erected and dismantled by competent
workers only.
Ensure ground conditions are stable, firm and even
Scaffold must be secured / tied to structures and
outriggers are used
Safe means of access i.e. stairs and ladders to be
provided
Prior to use ensure that scaffold wheels & brakes locked
Working platforms must be protected with guard rails,
mid rails and toe boards
Never use mobile scaffolds near live overhead power
lines and services
Never move scaffolds when the workers, materials and
tools on the working platform
Regular inspections by competent personnel before
first use / any alterations / any event / periodical
Conduct trainings and ensure competent supervision.

2. Excavation work is being carried out on a construction site.

Identify the control measures needed to reduce the risk to
workers (8)
 Prior to commencement of any excavation that SSW
Permit to dig / excavate should be followed
Consultation of as built drawings to identify existing
services
Identification / detection of underground services i.e.
power cables, gas lines, sewer / water pipes etc. By CAT
scan and trail / pilot ditch.
Mark and protect located services
Safe digging methods manual & mechanical
Provision of support systems and shoring protection i.e.
benching, battering, sheeting and trench boxes etc.
Suitable means of access / egress ladders, ramps and
working platforms
Provide adequate Barriers, lighting and signs
Safe storage of soil & materials at least 1-1.5M away
from the edge of the excavation
Control of water dewatering
Control of vehicles, designate traffic routes and
deployment of banksmen
Carryout atmospheric testing in deep excavations to
check oxygen levels and presence of any toxic gases
Regular inspections to be conducted by competent
personnel
PPE
IT IS

3. Outline the main hazards that may be present during the

demolition of a building (8)
Demolition is one of the most hazardous operations in the
construction industry.
Falls people & materials
Flying objects, dust & debris
Collapse of building or structure
Fire & Explosions
Live utilities
Confined spaces
 Projected & protruded objects
Working at height

4. Identify safe working practices for the use of mobile

elevating work platforms (MEWP) (8)
Operator is fully trained and competent
Ensure statutory inspections and testing is carried out
Ensure MEWP is situated on firm, stable and even
ground
Ensure that there are no overhead services
The work area is cordoned and restricted to prevent
unauthorized access
Work platform is fitted with guard rails and toe boards
Outriggers are extended and wheels are blocked and
chocked
Full body harnesses are used by workers
Never exceed SWL or overreach from the platform
Never move the equipment with the platform in the
raised position
Conduct training and competent supervision

5. a) Identify Eight hazards that can cause slips and trips (8)
Slips, trips and falls from the same level are considered
to be one of the most common causes of major injuries
at work.
Poorly maintained surfaces polished surfaces,
damaged floor tiles, pot holes, debris etc.
Lack of warning of ramps, slopes, kerbs and steps etc.
Poor lighting and design
Poor housekeeping
Slippery surfaces caused by water, oils and mud etc.
General obstructions i.e. walkways, trailing cables,
pipes and ducts
Inappropriate footwear

b) For the hazards identified above, Outline measures that

can be used to control the risk (8)
 Floors and traffic routes must be of suitable
construction.
No holes or slopes; not to be uneven or slippery.
Appropriate warning signage i.e. ramps
Free from obstructions and trip hazards.
Provide adequate lighting
Using slip resistant walkways, surface coating and grip
grit sheets
Adequate width of walkways, stairs and provision of
handrails
Procedures for reporting defects and dealing with
spillage
Regular housekeeping and management

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

a) Identify control measures to reduce the risks to the roof
workers (6)
At first the hierarchy of control for the repair work on
the roof to be considered -Avoid work at height or
Prevent falls if cant avoid work at height.
Also requires risk assessment, planning and provision of
training and information.
Adoption of physical safeguards to prevent falls such as
suitable and sufficient guardrails, fencing and
toeboards, working platforms and ladder hoops
Personnel equipment, such as rope access and
boatswains chairs.
Fall-arrest equipment in the event of a fall, e.g. safety
harnesses, nets or associated equipment.
Ensure safe means of access and egress
Avoid working in adverse weather conditions
 b) Identify two control measures to reduce the risks to other
persons (2)
Cordon the area and restrict the entry
Post appropriate warning signage
Supervision during the work

7. Outline prevention strategies an organization could consider

to reduce the risk of violence towards workers (8)
The policy for dealing with violence
Staff Training - ITIS
Set up procedures for reporting any occurrence
Identify the most vulnerable
Improve security CCTVs, panic alarms etc.
Improve the environment i.e. seating and lighting
Remove any items that could be used as weapon
Set up policy for alcohol and substance misuse
Redesign the job i.e. Credit cards & cheques
Avoid lone working
Arrange safe transport or secure car parking

8. Identify precautions that should be considered to prevent

accidents to children who may be tempted to gain access to a
construction site (8)
Perimeter fencing to keep children away from the
construction hazards
Provide barriers and appropriate warning signs.
Keep entrances locked/guarded. Use CCTV, alarms and
lighting.
Keep site clear of dangerous equipment and substances.
Cover or section off excavations, open trenches and
confined spaces.
Ensure construction machinery and equipment away from
the site and park in designated areas and remove keys
from it.
Ensure entry is restricted to high risk equipment i.e.
cranes etc.
 Ensure electrical tools and equipment is switched off and
energy isolated and secured.
Emergency contacts are displayed in order to deal with
any emergencies.

9. A three meter deep trench has to be dug across a car park.

a) Identify hazards associated with the work (10)
Buried service electrical / gas / water mains / drains /
sewers etc.
People falling in.
Materials falling in.
Collapse of sides and cave-ins.
Collapse of adjacent structures.
Flooding and water ingress.
Gases / Vapours
Lack of oxygen and Asphyxiation.
Plant and vehicles.
Access and egress
Biological agents

Element 2

1. Identify the control measures that could be implemented to

reduce the risks to pedestrians in areas where vehicles are
maneuvering (8)
Separate Vehicle & Pedestrian routes.
Clear, well marked and signposted traffic routes.
Speed Limits and Monitoring.
Fencing.
Separate doorways, gates.
Managing Blind spots.
 Cross over points (Bridges/subways)
Marking the areas.
Adequate Visibility.
Audible and visual warnings.
High visibility Jackets.
Signaller/Banksman
Reduced speed.
One way systems.
Good housekeeping.
Parking areas.

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