IGC 2 - QUESTION AND ANSWERS

ELEMENT 1: WORKPLACE HAZARDS AND RISK CONTROL

1. A manufacturing company has to relocate its workforce and workshops while a new factory is to be built.

There will be 24 hour working at the new premises.

a. Outline the sanitary and washing facilities, drinking water supply and other welfare facilities that will

be required at the new location.

b. Identify other aspects of the work environment that the company will also need to consider.

Answer – a:

� Separate sanitary conveniences for men and women in proportion to the size of the organization.

� Washing facilities to have adequate disinfectants to remove bacteria and harmful substances.

� Accommodation for clothing and facilities for changing clothing should be provided. Arrangements

should be in place for disposing contaminated clothing.

� Drinking water facilities located in close proximity of workshops and should be filtered and potable for

drinking purpose.

� Facilities for rest and eating must be provided with a special consideration to the pregnant women and

nursing mothers to rest. The food should be kept in clean premises away from contamination.

Answer – b:

� Ventilation systems in the workplace should be effective and sufficient of any impurity. There should be

proper maintenance to the ventilation systems in the organization.

� Heating and Temperature in the organization should be reasonably comfortable . Installation of

thermometers to monitored workplace temperature should be done. Suitable protective clothing should

also be made available for employees’ use.

2. Extremes of temperature in the workplace may have an adverse effect on the health of workers.

a. Identify the possible effects on health that may be caused by working in a hot and cold environment.

b. Outline the controls required when workers are exposed to:

i) A hot environment

ii) A cold environment

Answer – a:

In a hot temperature, the body may suffer perspiration, heat stroke, heat stress and also may suffer dehydration

issues.

In a Cold environment, the body may lose heat and in extreme cases they may even suffer shivering, frost bite

particularly to those who work in cold storage units.

Answer – b:

Controls for a hot environment – a good supply of ventilation, minimising exposure time and increasing breaks

would help. Provision of drinking water, comfortable clothing, barrier creams etc would reduce the risk of heat

related health issues to the worker.

Controls for a cold environment – Provision of suitable thermal clothing, hot drinks and external heating is

recommended. Whilst for the workers in cold storage units should have emergency alarms in case they get trapped

in the stores.

A regular health surveillance for those exposed to extreme temperatures is to be carried out and monitored for

adverse symptoms.

3. An office building is to be fitted out and equipped by a magazine publishing company.

a) Identify the issues that should be considered by the company when the lighting requirements are

being specified for the building.

b) Outline FOUR other health and safety issues associated with the physical working environment that

should also be considered by the company.

Answer – a:

� The availability of the natural light

� Requirement for the job / task - local lighting

� Glare issues

� Type and color of the light fittings

� Local adjustability of the light fittings

� Obstructions to the light or shadow issues

� Heating issues from the light fittings

� Maintenance of the light fittings

� Need for emergency lighting

Answer – b:

� Noise from the equipments in use

� Vibration issues from use of the equipments and machines

� Floors and stairways – their maintenance

� Seating arrangements

� Traffic routes for vehicles and pedestrians

� Windows and doors for allowing natural ventilation

4. a. Identify FOUR types of work where employees may be at an increased risk of violence when dealing

with members of the public.

b. Outline an action plan that can be developed to protect employees from the risk of violence in the

workplace

c. Identify FOUR types of security equipment that could be employed to protect vulnerable workers from

the risk of violence when dealing with members of the public.

Answer – a:

1. Health and Social Services

2. Police and fire fighters

3. Customer service

4. Debt collectors

5. Handling cash and valuables

6. Lone workers

Answer – b:

� A zero tolerance policy for dealing with violence at work

� Consultation with the employees at risk

� Informing emergency services

� Improving the layout of the workplace

� Improving lighting

� Increasing security systems

� Reducing queue systems

� Improving the service quality

Answer – c:

� Access control – barriers and swipe card access; coded locking system

� CCTV installation to monitor crime and violence

� Alarms – installation of intruder, panic and personal alarms

� Radios and pagers – to provide specifically for lone workers

� Communication devices such as mobile phones

5. a. Outline FIVE possible indications that an employee may be suffering from alcohol , solvent or drug

abuse

b.Identify the risks to health from the misuse of these substances

c.Outline the control measures that could reduce these risks to health

Answer – a:

� Sudden mood changes ## Dishonesty and theft

� Unusual irritability or aggression

� A tendency to become confused

� Abnormal fluctuations in concentration and energy

� Impaired job performance

� Poor time-keeping

� Increased short term sickness leave

� A deterioration in relationships with colleagues, customers or managemen

Answer – b:

� Slurring of speech

� Impaired concentration

� Poor memory and judgement

� Mood swings ## Effects may be acute or chronic.

Answer – c:

� A written policy on drug abuse

� Drug screening and testing on consent of the worker

� Display of posters

� Personal Counselling

6. a.Outline EIGHT types of hazard that may cause slips or trips at work

7.

c. Outline the measures that may be needed to reduce the risk of slip and trip accidents in a workplace

that contains manufacturing machiner

Answer – a:

� Wet or dusty floors

� The spillage of wet or dry substances – oil, water, flour dust and plastic pellets used in plastic manufacturing

unit

� Loose mats on slippery floors

� Trailing cables on the floor

� Obstructions on the floors

� Poor housekeeping

� Poor lighting levels

� Unsuitable footwea

Answer – b:

� Ensuring good housekeeping

� Good lighting levels

� Suitable flooring

� Anti-slip mats

8. Permanent staircases are a source of accidents involving a fall from height. Identify FIVE design features

and/or safe practices intended to reduce the risk of such accidents.

Answer – a:

Design features: Safe practices:

� Hand rails * Suitable lighting

� Proportionate tread and risers * Appropriate footwear

� Anti-slippery nosing * Good maintenance

� Landing areas * Not leaving obstructions on the stairs

� Suitable flooring * Not rushing whilst using the stairs

9. Both pedestrians and vehicles use the same traffic routes in a busy warehouse. Identify control measures

that should be in place to reduce the risks to pedestrians in the warehouse.

Answer :

� A well marked, protected and laid out pedestrian walksways

� Designated crossing areas

� Blind spot mirrors to alert vehicle drivers to see moving pedestrians

� Vehicles fitted with horns and flashing beacons

� Speed limits within the warehouse

� Speed governing devices for the vehicles

� Appointment of banksman

� Training and information to the pedestrians

� High-visibility clothing to the pedestrians

10. During the maintenance of a machine that is in a fixed position, a fitter suffers a head injury when he

collides with on overhead beam on the machine. Describe possible control measures that could have

prevented this accident.

Answer:

� Proper lighting with a spot light on the beam

� Caution tape on the beam

� A foam or beam support

� A clear instruction from the area head

� A bump cap given to the fitter

� A risk assessment carried out

� The maintenance work is closely monitored

� Suitable signage highlighting the hazard on the machine

11. a. Identify FOUR hazards associated with work at height above ground level

c. Outline a hierarchy of control measures to be considered when a construction worker is at risk of

falling while working at height

d. Outline the risks facing construction workers required to undertake repair work on a fragile roof

e. Outline the precautions to be taken to ensure the safety of roof workers

Answer – a:

� Falling of people

� Fragile roofs

� Unprotected edges

� Falling material

� Poorly maintained access equipment

� Environmental hazards

Answer – b:

� Avoid working at height

� Use long handled devices

� Work from an existing safe workplace provided such as a properly constructed working platform complete

with toe boards and guard rails

� Safe systems of working – risk assessments, permits to work

� Use of airbags and safety nets

� Training and supervision

� Safety harnesses

Answer – c:

� General condition of fragile roof – deterioration

� Corrosion of cladding and fixing

� Thermal and impact damage

� Weather effects

Answer – d:

� Ensuring only competent personnel are involved in the work

� No work should be carried out in poor weather conditions

� Roof ladders should be used which are well maintained and in good condition

� The anchorage of the roof ladder should not be attached to the fragile roof but to another strong structure

� Safety nets to be installed

� The area below to be barricaded and signposted

12. The three most common types fall arrest equipment are safety harnesses, safety nets and airbags. Outline

the application advantages and disadvantages of each of these devices to protect those working at height.

Answer :

Safety Harnesses:

Advantages – 1. The length of the fall is reduced by use of the safety harness.

2. Works as additional measure to protect the worker.

Disadvantages – 1. The worker will still be injured due to the shock load applied when the fall is arrested.

2. Only competent person can use the safety harness and needs an anchorage point to secure the harness.

Safety Nets:

Advantages – 1. Can control fall of people and material

2. can be installed easily

Disadvantages – 1. Not suitable for use in low level construction

2. Unless positioned correctly they may not be safe to use

Airbags:

Advantages – 1. Can be used when safety nets cannot be installed

2. do not need anchorage points

Disadvantages – 1. Not useful if there is suitable air pressure

2. takes large part of area to install

12. Describe safe practices required when ladders are to be used in the workplace.

Answer:

� Selection of suitable ladder

� Location of the ladder use to be suitable

� Stable in use – rungs etc

� Proper maintenance

� Tied and anchored to prevent from slipping

� Not to use in poor weather conditions

� Not to over reach when using ladders

� Have a three point contact

� Ladder positioned 1:4 angle

� Ensure there is a handrail to use

� Not carry out near overhead power lines

� To be used by competent workers only

13 a) Outline THREE causes of a scaffold collapse

c) Outline the precautions that should be taken to reduce the risk of injury to members of the public

during the erection and use of the scaffold

Answer – a:

� Incompetent erection of scaffold

� Overloading of the work platforms

� Environmental conditions

� Struck by a moving vehicle

Answer – b:

� To be erected by the competent person only and suitably inspected

� Adequate toe boards, guardrails and intermediate rails must be fitted to prevent people or materials from

falling

� Must be erected on a stable surface

� Work platforms should be appropriately tied

� Not to overload

� Ensure vehicle movements are controlled

� Suitable accessories to be used in scaffold erection

14. Mobile tower scaffolds must be used on stable, level ground

a. Give reasons why a mobile tower scaffold may become unstable

b. Identify SIX additional points that should be considered to ensure the safe use of a mobile tower scaffold

c. Identify measures that should be adopted to protect the risk

Answer – a:

� Wheels not locked

� Used on a slopy or a steep surface

� Platform overloaded

� Tower not tied to a rigid structure

� No diagnol bracing and stabilizers used

Answer – b:

� Persons working on the platform should not overreach

� The tower should be regularly inspected

� Safe distance must be maintained between tower and overhead power lines

� The platform should not be overloaded

Answer – c:

� Ensuring the tower is used only by competent persons

� The area need to be barricaded

� A banksman to be appointed to control the traffic movement around

� Ensure it is not used closer to excavation pits

15. A major construction project will involve the demolition of several tall buildings

a. Outline SEVEN controls that should be introduced to prevent children gaining access to the demolition site

b. Identify the main hazards that may be present during the demolition of the buildings

c. Outline the contents of a suitable method statement to be used during the demolition process

Answer – a:

� Informing local authorities, schools and residents on proposed construction activities

� Fencing and guarding around the site

� Cctv installation and security arrangements to monitor any visitors

� Installing intruder alarms

� Regular monitoring of gaps between the fencing

� Good lighting

� Ensuring site is left in a safe condition in case of entry

Answer – b:

� Fall of people and material

� Noise

� Vibration

� Dust and fumes

� Manual handling

� Presence of asbestos and other hazardous substances

� Electrical shocks

� Fires and explosions from the use of flammable and explosive substances

� Premature collapse during the demolition

� Presence of utilities

� Collision with heavy plant and machinery

� Sharp objects

Answer – c:

� Details of method of demolition

� Means of preventing premature collapse

� Safe removal of debris

� Details of equipment being used

� Mention of hazardous substances

� Arrangements for protective measures for trespassers

� Isolation information

� PPE to be used during the demolition

� First aid and emergency arrangements

� Risk assessments that need to be used

� Permits to work and safe systems of working procedures

16. Ceiling repairs are to be undertaken in a busy warehouse by construction workers using a Mobile Elevating

Working Platform (MEWP)

a. Identify the hazards associated with this work

b. Outline the controls required to ensure the safety of the maintenance workers and others who may be affected

by the work

Answer – a:

� Might collide with other moving vehicles

� Block escape route in the warehouse

� Falling material and equipment onto the pedestrians moving around the warehouse

� Might obstruct the visibility to the warehouse workers

� May overturn if overloaded

Answer – b:

� The MEWP to be operated by the competent persons only

� To be operated on stable ground

� The tyres must be properly inflated and the wheels immobilised

� Outriggers are fully extended

� Warning signs to be put around along with the barriers to prevent collisions

17. A deep trench needs to be excavated and supported next to a four storey building

a. Identify the hazards that may be present in these circumstances

b. Outline the control measures required so that the excavation workers, members of the public and the adjacent

building are adequately protected

c. Identify when inspections of the supported excavation must be carried out by the competent person

Answer – a:

� Collapse of the sides

� Materials falling over

� Fall of people

� Vehicles falling into the excavation

� Influx of ground or surface water

� Proximity of stored materials

� Presence of toxic atmosphere

� Manual handling

� Slips and trips

Answer – b:

� Excavation work to be carried out as per risk assessment

� Work to be safely conducted as per permit to work system

� Work to be supervised by a competent person

� Shoring to be done using timber support to prevent collapse of walls

� Excavation to be well barricaded

� All operators to be competent

� Ensuring nearby structures and buildings also are shored up

� Influx of water to be controlled by the use of pumps

� Ensuring adequate care taken to prevent contact with underground services

� Vehicles to be redirected to keep away from the excavation

Answer – c:

� After any event likely to affect the strength or stability of the excavation

� Before work at the start of every shift

� After an accidental fall of any material

� Changes in environmental conditions