NEBOSH International General

Certificate
NEBOSH International General Certificate
Week 2 Element 1
Workplace Hazards and Risk Control
Question

Identify FOUR health effects of working outside in extreme heat created by

the sun. (4)

Skin burns
Dehydration
Heat stress
Heat cramps
Heat rash
Heat exhaustion
Heat strokes
Question
Outline control measures that could be used to reduce the effects of the sun on
construction workers. (4)

Medical pre-selection
Acclimatization
Cold drinks
Minimize exposure
Shielding and refuges
Regular work breaks
Suitable clothing
Health Surveillance
Mechanical aids
Question
Identify welfare and work environment requirements that should be
provided in a workplace. (8)
Toilets
Washing facilities
Facilities for changing clothing (men and women)
Accommodation for clean clothing
Facilities for eating meals
Facilities for resting
Drinking water
Ambient temperature (heating and cooling)
Question
Outline prevention strategies an organization could consider to reduce the risk
of violence towards workers (8)
Provision of training on how to handle dangerous situations and aggressive
people,
Security systems such as 24 hour security guards
CCTV systems
Call back systems particularly for lone workers
Arrangements for staff working late
Change public waiting areas
Provision of escape routes
Question
A large office is open to the public for enquiries and the risk assessment has
shown a significant risk of violence to workers from visitors.
Outline measures that the employer could take to reduce the risk. (8)
Queue management and information - the time customers have to spend
waiting to pay and their experiences in the queue
Reduced face to face contact
Use cashless systems
Avoid lone working
Arrangements for staff working late
Employee training
Cont......
 Change public waiting areas
Provide staff with escape routes
CCTVs, alarms, visible security
Protective screens/security codes
Wider counters/higher floor staff side
Security guard to be present at all times
Question
Identify FOUR hazards that can cause trips or slips.(4)
Trailing cables, torn carpet, uneven floor, wet floor

Identify control measures that can be used to reduce the risk of slips and trips.
(4)

Adequate lighting
Eliminate the need to carry load that obstruct vision
Implement procedures to wear correct footwear
All floor surfaces to be made non-slip
Maintenance of all floor surfaces
Question
Identify the control measures to prevent slip and trip hazards in an
engineering workshop. (8)
Implement general good housekeeping throughout the workshop to
remove all instruments, tools and parts to storage, all spillage to be
reported and cleaned, any obstacles on walkways and doorways
are to be removed to storage.
All tools and car parts are to be removed to storage when not in
use and not left lying on the floors of the workshop
All floor surfaces to be made non-slip
Maintenance of all floor surfaces
Drip trays to be used to collect all dripping oil during maintenance
Implement spillage control procedures and ensure all employees
are trained on spillage control and reporting
Adequate lighting
Implement procedures to wear correct footwear
Eliminate the need to carry load that obstruct vision
Question

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

Identify two control measures to reduce the risk to other people (2)

Barricade the area to prevent unauthorized entry.

Toe boards to be installed to prevent tools from falling and hitting

people

Install signage to warn pedestrians

Question
Identify precautions that should be considered to prevent accidents to
children who may be tempted to gain access to a construction site. (8)
Fencing
Hoardings
Warning signs
Security patrols
Visiting schools
Viewing panels
Remove ladders
Cover holes
Hazardous substances to be stored away under lock and key
Question
Identify precautions that would need to be considered before welding work can
commence (8)
Competent welders, trained and experienced
Pre-use check of equipment
Permit to Work system is in place
Barriers to prevent unauthorized entry into welding area
Warning and safety signage to be erected
Dedicated safe welding area - adequate ventilation (LEV system)
Availability of fire extinguishers
Provision of PPE to welders
Mechanical aids to avoid manual handling of heavy equipment.
Question
Outline the main hazards that may be present during
the demolition of a building (6)
Hazards in demolition are generally from falling debris, and masonry,
premature collapse of the building
Falls from height or falls on same level
Contact with underground and overhead services
Explosion and fire use of explosives
Chemical and biological contamination, asbestos
Manual handling
Plant collisions and toppling over
Health issues could also include dust, noise and vibration.
Question
Identify eight safe working practices that should be considered
to reduce the risk when using a mobile tower scaffold.

Only to be used on firm, stable level ground

To be moved only by pulling or pushing at the base.
Working platforms should be clear of men and materials when the
scaffold is being moved.
Wheels should be turned outwards to provide maximum base
dimensions and wheel brakes must be on and locked when the
scaffold is being used.
Cont..........
 Correct height to width ratio
Diagonal bracing
Working platform properly boarded and evenly supported
Working platform properly fitted with guardrails and toe boards
Not overloaded
Properly secured access extending above landing place
Account taken of overhead obstructions/ power lines
Correct fittings and materials used
Inspected every 7 days
Question
A three meter deep trench has to be dug across a car park.
Identify hazards associated with the work (10)
Falls of equipment, persons and materials
Collapse of excavation
Collapse of structures near by
Buried services, electricity, gas, water and sewerage
Flooding
Fire and explosion from gas leak
Access and Egress
Hazardous atmospheres
Undermining adjacent structures
Contact with contaminated soil
Question
A three meter deep trench has to be dug across a car park.
Outline control measures that could be implemented to reduce the risk (10)

Carry out a risk assessment to identify the hazards and risks, the people who
are exposed and the control measures required.
Nearby structures must not be undermined
Procedures must be in place to deal with emergencies such as evacuation,
hazardous atmospheres, flooding, collapse
The type of soil needs to be assessed
All personnel trained and competent
Methods to prevent collapse - battering, trench box (a structure that goes inside
the excavation to support (shoring) it),
Cont..........
 (Cont.)

Precautions against flooding (de-watering pumps)

Traffic routes should be clearly marked.
Inspection before the start of every shift
Inspection after any event likely to affect the strength
Inspection after any accidental fall of materials
Inspection carried out by a competent person before filling in
Workers to wear correct PPE
 NEBOSH International General Certificate
Week 2 Element 2
Transport Hazards and Risk Control
Identify the control measures that could be implemented to reduce the risks
to pedestrians in areas where vehicles are maneuvering. (8)

Segregation if possible Adequate lighting

Separate routes Clear direction signs and door
High visibility clothing marking
Clearly marked routes Sharp bends avoided
Gangways suitable width and Good floor conditions with gentle
clearance gradients
Speed limits Sufficient parking
Alerting people to hazard Avoid reversing
Alerting people to hazard
Outline the specific hazards associated with the use of battery powered
forklift trucks AND identify the precautions in EACH case. (8)

Hazards Precautions
Hydrogen gas Ensure good ventilation and
Eliminate sources of
Electrical short circuits
ignition/smoking
Battery acids
Insulated tools
Manual handling
Use suitable PPE (gloves)
Quiet operation
Use lifting equipment
Fit audible alarm & flashing light
Identify control measures to reduce the risk of accidents from reversing
vehicles in the workplace

AVOID THE NEED FOR REVERSING

Design and implement one-way systems
Drive through systems
Turning circles

If reversing cannot be avoided..see part 2

IF REVERSING CANNOT BE AVOIDED
Separation of vehicles and pedestrians (barriers etc.)
Suitable workplace design
Audible alarms and flashing light for vehicles
Suitable mirrors for vehicles and at blind corners
Ensure adequate lighting
Use Banksmen
Speed limit
Wear high visibility clothing
Implement and enforce site rules/training
Question
Outline precautions that should be taken when leaving a fork
lift truck unattended (8)

Designated parking area

Applying brakes
Controls in neutral position
Switch off engine
Removing key and returning to responsible person
Forks resting on floor
Mast tilted slightly forward
Not obstructing walkways
Not obstructing fire exits/fire points
Question

Identify possible causes of a mobile crane overturning on a

construction site. (8)

Poor road surfaces soft, greasy, uneven surfaces

Poor environmental factors such as lighting, dust and noise
Speed limits not enforced or defined
Poor or lack of regular maintenance and check up of vehicles
Poor training, untrained drivers and lack of regular refresher trainings
Overloading of vehicles
Vehicles carrying unstable loads
NEBOSH International General Certificate
Week 2 Element 3
Musculoskeletal Hazards &
WEEKControl
Risk 2 ELEMENT 2
Question
Identify the possible ill health effects to workers using
display screen equipment.

Musculoskeletal disorders (hand, arm, shoulder and

neck)
Eye and eyesight problems (temporary visual fatigue)
Fatigue and stress (high speed, insufficient breaks, lack
of social interaction)
Facial Dermatitis redness of skin

27
Question
A worker is manually loading boxes of components onto
metal shelves.
Identify four types of injury that the worker could suffer
while carrying out this activity (4)

Cuts from sharp metal shelves,

Muscle strain from lifting of boxes,
Crushing injury from dropping boxes onto foot,
Hernia from lifting heavy boxes,
Slip disc from incorrect lifting technique.
Questio
nAmetal
worker is manually loading boxes of components onto
shelves.
Identify factors in relation to the task that could increase
the risk of injury (4).

The amount of lifting, twisting, turning, reaching and

bending, the rate of work
Distances involved
Strenuous pulling and pushing of load
Repetitive handling
Sufficient rest or recovery period
NEBOSH International General Certificate
Week 2 Element 4
Work Equipment
WEEK 2Hazards & Control
ELEMENT 3
Outline the FOUR main categories of guards and safeguarding devices that
may be used to minimize the risk of contact with dangerous parts of
machinery. (4)

Fixed guards provides a physical barrier held in its place at all times, not
linked to the machine operation & requiring a special tool for its removal
Interlocked guards is a guard linked mechanically, electrically to the
machine operation & preventing access when the machine is in a
dangerous position, while also preventing operation of the machine when
the guard is open
Automatic (push away) guard designed to physically remove a part of a
person from danger. The use of these guard is limited to slow moving
machines like presses.
Trip device stops movement of the machine when approach is detected
(for example, a pressure mat, probe or photo-electric system)
Outline the hazards associated with the use of a cement mixer and
explain how they should be controlled. (8)

Manual handling (which might be controlled by the use of mechanical aids,

reduced weight of loads, the positioning of materials to reduce twisting
and/or the provision of training);
The corrosive and irritant properties of cement (which could be countered
by the provision and use of appropriate personal protective equipment, safe
systems of work and good hygiene practices);
Inhalation of the cement dust (against which masks might be provided); and
Machinery hazards such as moving parts, ejection of materials and noise
(where the control measures would include, where appropriate, the
provision of guarding, goggles & hearing protection).
Cont..
Outline four mechanical hazards associated with the use of a
pedestal drill.
Entanglement with rotating drill bit, Contact with drill bit
causing puncture wound, Ejection struck by flying
broken drill bit, Impact from an unsecured work piece

Identify four control measures to reduce the risk of injury to a

operator of pedestal drills
Provision of glove, safety shoes, face visor,
Routine and plan maintenance of equipment
Provide operator with training on correct use of machine
Install guarding on machine
In relation to machinery safety, outline the principles of
operation of:
(a) Interlocked guards (2)
An interlocked guard as one that is linked to the
machine controls (by mechanical, electrical means) so
that the machine will not operate until the guard is
closed, & when the machine is in a dangerous
condition, the guard is either prevented from opening
or, if it is opened, the dangerous parts of the machine
are made safe.
 A chainsaw is to be used to fell a tree from ground level. In
relation to this task:
(i) Identify FOUR hazards associated with the use of the
chainsaw. (4)

contact or entanglement with the chain,

noise and vibration,
dust and fumes,
ejected particles,
hot surfaces,
manual handling and ergonomic hazards, and
being struck by falling branches or trees
NEBOSH International General Certificate
Week 2 Element 5
Electrical Safety
Outline how earthing can reduce the risk of receiving an
electric shock. (4)

Electricity will always try to reach earth and earthing is a

means of providing a low resistance path to earth
Identify four factors that could affect the severity of injury
resulting from contact with electricity. (4)

Length of contact time

Path through the body
Conductivity/resistance of the body
The voltage
Conductivity of the environment
Nature of the contact
Age and health status of victim
Identify the effects on the human body from a severe electric
shock (4)
Damage to the nervous system
Fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)
Tissue burns at entry and exit
Damage to internal organs
Muscular contractions
Physical trauma
Stopping breathing (respiratory paralysis)
Stopping the heart (cardiac arrest)
Identify the electrical hazards that could be discovered
by a visual inspection. (8)
Overloaded circuits
Incorrect fuses (e.g. nails)
Damaged wiring and insulation
Loose connections
Coiled and entangled cables potential for
overheating
Overheating due to lack of ventilation
Flammable materials too close to electrical
equipment
Cables trapped under desk, cupboards
Damaged casing of sockets
Burnt stains on sockets, melted sockets
Outline the emergency action to take if a person suffers a
severe electric shock.

Do not touch injured person until the current is switched

off.
If the current cannot be switched off, stand on some dry
insulating material and use a wooden or plastic implement
to remove the injured person from the electrical source.
Administer first aid if qualified
Call professional help
NEBOSH International General Certificate
Week 2 Element 6
Fire Hazards and Control
(a) Identify four types of ignition source that could cause a fire in the workplace. (4)
Naked flame from cigarette lighter, sparks from welding, portable heater,
overloaded electrical outlet

(b) Outline control measures for each of the ignition sources identified in (a). (4)

Naked flame : Ban smoking in the workplace and introduce a no smoking policy.
Sparks from welding : Introduce a permit to work system and enforce usage of
the system, accompanied by supervision of welding activities.
Portable heater : ban the use of portable heaters in the workplace. Install
reverse cycle cooling and heating central system in the workplace
Overloaded electrical outlet: Disconnect all overloaded electrical outlet.
Arrange for electrician to install additional outlets to all offices to meet the
requirements of users. Procedures for safe use of electrical equipment to be
implemented.
Identify FOUR methods of heat transfer AND explain how EACH method contributes
to the spread of fire. (4)

Conduction Convection
Movement of heat through Movement of hotter gases
materials up through the air

Radiation Direct Burning

Transfer of heat through the air Combustible materials in contact with naked
flame
Identify the principle of the fire triangle in health and safety

The principle of the fire triangle is to show that a fire can be

prevented or stopped by removing one of the three elements.
Outline the measures that should be in place for a successful evacuation of a
workplace in the event of a fire. (8)
Measures for a successful evacuation of a workplace in the event of fire would include:
Conducting practice drills to:
Test the effectiveness of the evacuation procedure
Familiarize employees with the alarms etc.
Give opportunity for fire wardens to practice their roles
Checking alarm can be heard throughout the premises

Other measures:
Means of raising the alarm
Clear and adequate fire evacuation routes
Fire evacuation signs
Identifying who are and the role of fire marshals
Suitable Assembly points/place of safety/role call
Prevention of return
Disabled evacuation procedure
NEBOSH General Certificate
NEBOSH International General Certificate
Week 2 Element 7
Chemical & Biological
Health Hazards and Control
Identify activities on a construction site that may expose workers to
cement or material containing cement. (3)
Breaking up of concrete using jack hammer, mixing of cement,
brick laying using cement compound.

Identify the harmful effects to workers which could result from contact
with cement. (5)
Workers may develop dermatitis, redness of the hands, allergies,
rashes, asthma, silicosis, irritation to the eyes
Identify possible routes of entry of biological organisms into the body.
(4)

Inhalation through the mouth and nose

Ingestion through the mouth

Injection through skin puncture

Absorption through the skin and mucous membrane of the eye

Outline control measures that could be used to reduce the risk of
infection from biological organisms. (4)
Cleaning / Disinfecting / personal hygiene
Water treatment
Pest control
Procedures for handling, containment and disposal of wastes
Immunization to build resistance to specific infections
Health surveillance strategies
Specific training
PPE
Outline the factors that may reduce the effectiveness of a local exhaust
ventilation system (LEV). (12)

Damaged Ducting
Alterations
Process Changes
Poor Hood Location
Fan Strength
Bends In Ducting
Blocked Filters
Lack of maintenance
LEV made with incorrect material
Explain the difference between acute and chronic health effects. (4)
Acute:
Is an immediate or rapidly produced adverse effect, following a single or short-term
exposure to a hazardous substance, usually with a rapid or immediate response
which is normally reversible.
Chronic:
Adverse health effect resulting from prolonged, repeated exposure to a hazardous
substance the response being gradual (often unrecognized for a long time) may get
worse with no further exposure and is often irreversible.
Outline the term respirable dust (2)
Respirable dust is airborne dust of such a size that it is able to enter the lungs
during normal respiration. Particle size is between 0.5 and 10 microns.

Outline how the human body defends itself against the effects of airborne dust
(6)
Nasal hair
Nasal mucus
Sneezing
Coughing
Saliva
Eyes watering, ciliary escalator
Outline using practical examples, the control measures that should be
implemented to reduce levels of dusts in a workplace. (10)

Eliminate at source Example purchase ready mixed cement

Substitute Example instead of using powder detergent, use pellets
Change process - Example, arrange for flour to be deposited directly into
the hopper to minimize handling.
Use liquid process Example instead of using powder detergent, use liquid
detergent
Enclose the complete process Example by using a dedicated enclosed
room for timber machining
Ventilation Example using local exhaust ventilation to extract dust
Control by suppression Example using water to damp down dust
Housekeeping Example daily vacuuming of the workplace
Maintenance Example ensure all the filters of the machine, local exhaust
ventilation, vacuum cleaners are maintained and clean
NEBOSH General Certificate
NEBOSH International General Certificate
Week 2 Element 8
Physical and Psychological Health
Hazards and Control
A noise survey has been conducted in a factory which has resulted in the need for
provision of hearing protection.
Outline the advantages AND disadvantages of:
Earmuffs; (4)
Ear plugs. (4)
Earmuffs Ear Plugs
Advantages : Advantages:
Comfortable Inexpensive
Easy to monitor Disposable and hygienic
Reusable Do not interfere with other PPE
Disadvantages : Disadvantages:
Expensive Uncomfortable
Hygiene issue Difficult to monitor
Interferes with other PPE Training needed for correct use
Outline the possible effects on health from exposure to high levels of noise. (6)
Chronic:
Tinnitus (ringing in the ear, over-stimulation of the hair cells)
Permanent threshold shift (permanent damage)
Loss of frequency (damage to hair cells)
Acute:
Trauma from loud noise ( explosion, Burst eardrum)
Temporary threshold shift (hearing affected at specific frequency)
Short term tinnitus (over-stimulation of the auditory nerves)
Secondary effects (stress, loss of concentration)

Outline TWO noise control techniques that would benefit all workers. (2)

Location - Move source away from noise sensitive area

Enclosure - Surrounding the noise source with sound insulating material (care to be taken
not to overheat machine)
Identify TWO types of non-ionizing radiation AND give an occupational source for
EACH. (2)
Ultra violet Welding
Infra red radiation Foundry (hot metal)

Outline the health effects associated with exposure to non-ionizing radiation. (2)
Skin burn
Arc-eye
Eye cataract