IGC questions and answers

8/10/2019 IGC questions and answers

1/10

A serious accident has occurred. During investigation it is found that an inspection of theworkplace had taken place before the accident. Outline possible reasons why the inspection failedto identify a problem.

Management has not acted on time to put suggested control measures in place/lack of managementcommitment (no procedure to fix serious issues immediately).

Not all hazards are obvious or visible during inspection

Unsafe practices may not happen during the inspection Eliminating the hazard may be dealing with the symptoms rather than the cause

Person conducting inspection has limited knowledge of workplace

Person conducting inspection could have limited knowledge of the controls provided/to be provided.

Person conducting inspection could have less experience of the process

Training in inspection techniques was not effective which could have resulted in poor interpretation of hazards.

Communication and writing skills of the person conducted inspection could have not been effective(interpretation of inspection report was difficult).

Outline what the organization needs to consider when deciding who should carry out risk

assessment

Thorough understanding of processes and procedures involved

Good communication skills

Knowledge of risk assessment process

Cooperative and flexible

Good listener

Keep an open mind

Knowledge of local legislation

Outline why it is important to involve workers in the development of Safe System of Work. (4)

People feel valued and involved in decision making a more.

Creates a more positive HSE climate.

Better control of workplace risks.

Helps in accurately identifying hazards, assess risks and develop ways to control and remove risks.

Since employees have extensive knowledge about work activities they take better decision in developing SSOW.

A stronger commitment to implement decision and actions as employees are actively involved in the process.

It helps in applying joint problem solving techniques.

Outline why it is important to for SSOW to be in writing. (4)

Changes monitored

Basis of reference

Legal requirements

To indicate approval or authorization

Version control and document change management.

Roles and responsibilities clearly defined.

Helps in standardization of processes.

Outline factors that could reduce the effectiveness of Respiratory Protective Equipment (8)

Incorrect selection of RPE Incorrect usage

Lack of training and knowledge in correct use of RPE

Incorrect storage of RPE

Level of personal comfortfelt too hot

Enforcement of use within the company

Nature of hazard

Type of RPE

Lack of availability and Interfered with work


2/10

Identify hazards related to office cleaning activity (8)

Slips trips and fallso Spillageso Wet floors

Musculoskeletal disorders and injurieso Heavy loadso Cleaning machineso Full mopping bucket

Working at heights

Contact with bleach and other cleaning chemicals e.g. solvents, detergents and chemical vapors may causebreathing problems.

Machine cleaning of floors

Lone workingElectricalcheck plugs, sockets, cables etc

Outline the factors to be considered when assessing the risks to a long distance transport vehicledriver. (8)

Drivero Experienceo Valid driving license for the type of vehicle

o Skills and expertiseo Fitness and health

Medical examination Eye sight Do not drive while taking a course of medicine that might impair their judgment

Vehicleo Suitability for load etc.o Fit for purposedesert driveo Condition

Maintenance Safety equipmentfirst aid kit, fire extinguisher etc. Safety critical informationtyre pressure, engine temperature etc.

Ergonomicso Seatwhether adjustable or not?o Seating postureo Driving posture

Journeyo Route

Identify hazards related to warehouse activities (8)

Fall from heightracking

Manual handlingconveyor, pallet truck, lift truck

Slip, trip and fallsspillages, debris, packing material

Falling objects from rackingload limit signs on racking, defective pallets withdrawn

Operation of lift truck

Traffic movementdelivery vans

Machineryo Stretch-wrap machine

o Conveyor belt for unloading from lorry Portable electric appliances

o Industrial cleanero Kettleo Heater

Fire


3/10

Hazardous substanceso Vehicle exhaust fumesengine stopped, ventilationo Eye irritationo Respiratory problems

Bleach and cleaning

Battery chargingo Release of hydrogen

o Spillage of acid Lighting

Hygiene

Temperaturehot and cold

The use of a road drill (pneumatic breaker) can expose workers to hand-arm vibration and whole

body vibration.

a) Identify two health effects from exposure to HAV (2)

b) Identify two health effects from exposure to WBV (2)

c) Outline factors that should be considered when carrying out RA for workers exposed to

vibration when using the road drill (8)

d) Outline control measures to be considered to reduce risk for above (8)

(a) Hand arm vibration syndromea. Tinglingb. Numbness in fingersc. Loss of strengthd. Fingers going white (VWF)

Carpel Tunnel Syndrome

a. Pain and swollen joints(b) Back pain, increased heart rate, blood pressure, chronicpermanent spinal damage, damage of

central nervous system, hearing loss, circulatory and digestive problems.(c)

a. Processes exposure to vibrationb. Which jobs and tools produce a risk?c. Refer to machine manual to verify whether any warning of vibration risks mentionedd. Who is likely to be effectede. Estimate of employees exposuref. Identify what you need to do to comply with legislation

(d)a. Alternative work methoduse of breaker attachment on an excavating machineb. Equipment selectionlowest vibration

i. Large hole in brickwork use a diamond tipped hole cutting drill bit with a rotatory actionrather than tungsten tipped hole bit which requires rotatory and hammer action

c. Work station designi. To minimize loads on employees hands use jigs and suspension systems to reduce the

need to grip heavy tools tightlyii. Heavy grinder suspended from a counterbalance system to reduce the load on operators

arms and tightness on gripd. Maintenance program

i. Sharpen chainsaw teeth regularlye. Work schedulesi. Limit timeii. Shorter periodiii. Employee rotaiv. Team workv. Warm and dry

f. clothing


4/10

Identify precautions that would need to be considered before welding work can commence. (8)

Prevent fire

o Remove nearby combustible material

o Protect nearby combustible material that cannot be removed e.g. metal sheets, fire retardant

blanket

o

Keep fire extinguishers nearby.o Check all connections and equipment for faults and leaks

Flash back arrestor

Prevent cylinders from falling or knocked down by securing them and use of trolleys

Use of PTW

Adequate ventilation to be made available

Lighting

Adequate PPE e.g. welders gloved, welding goggles/face shield, apron, boots, hand shield etc.

Competence, training and qualified welder

Contractors are carrying out a major building project for an organization.

Outline how this organization could reduce the risks to contractors

carrying out the project.

The organization could reduce the risks to contractors by;

1 Selecting competent contractors

carrying out checks to ensure they have experience of the type of job and industry,

suitable references,

suitable safety management documentation - policy, risk assessments,

safe systems of work, accident data, means of demonstrating employee competence,

selection of subcontractors ,

supervision etc

2 Planning the job

information to be provided to the contractor by the organization regarding the nature of the job,

The task, site specific hazards, site rules etc. so the contractor can incorporate these into riskassessments and safety method statements which are then checked by the organization.

Each partys responsibilities for H&S must be clearly defined.

3 Controlling contractors on site

H&S rules communicated to the contractors before attending site and reinforced on site withinduction training.

Organization to nominate a site contact to provide general communication,

pre- commencement checks to ensure contractor can carry out work as agreed,

Ensuring site controls in place e.g. permits to work.

Emergency arrangements and monitoring performance.

4 Checking contractors work

Monitoring at agreed intervals and also carrying out unannounced checks.

Frequency of monitoring depends on the degree of risk.


5/10

QuestionGive reasons why visitors to a work place might be at a greater risk of injury than workers?

AnswerVisitors are unaware of the sites layout, rules and procedures including emergency procedures. As a result they aremore likely to behave in a dangerous way that puts them at risk of an accident. Visitors are not competent to worksafely on site and endanger themselves by using incorrect and unsafe working practices. Sometimes visitors may not

be correctly supervised and lead them to work in a dangerous way. At times visitors do not have the necessary safetypersonal protective equipment and can put them at risk of personal injury. Visitors are not even aware of thehazardous activities going on at site and they are not aware of risk assessments.

Visitors do not receive appropriate supervision leading to unsafe conditions especially when there is constructionmachinery operational at site.

QuestionIdentify the information given to the workers in a training session on a safe system of work.

AnswerThe training session on a safe system of work will include:

Method of development of safe system of work.Systematic examination of task

Analysis of task considering materials, equipment, environment and people involved.The method of implementation of the safe system including PPE, training, supervision and legislation requirements.Monitoring the system using reactive and proactive monitoring techniques.The activities which need safe system of work e.g. cleaning, maintenance, emergency breakdowns and contractworks.

Q - Out l ine the contro l measure to reduce the r isk to workers wh en using non powered tools?

Answer:

Examples of non powered tools are picks, crowbars, shovels, axes, wrenches, saws, chisels, hammers, screwdriversetc.

Suitability

Every tool has its proper application. The correct size, type and weight of tool should be selected for the job. All toolsshould be suitable for the purpose and location in which they are used. This will include:

1. insulated tools for electricians2. non-sparking tools for flammable atmospheres3. tools made of suitable quality materials which will not chip or splay in normal use4. correct tools for the job, for example, using the right-sized spanner and the use of mallets on chisel heads5. safety knives with enclosed blades for regular cutting operations6. scissors with blunted ends

Inspection

1. regular inspection of hand tools to be carried out

2. discarding or prompt repair of defective tools3. proper storage to prevent damage and corrosion4. locking tools away when not in use to prevent them being used by unauthorized people5. Grease moisture and dirt should be regularly cleaned off6. cutting edges should be kept sharp to permit accurate working and to avoid unnecessary pressure

Training

1. Proper training to be provided in safe use of these tools2. This will be particularly important with specialist working conditions or work involving young people.


6/10


7/10

Display screen equipment

Welding

Working in cement industry

Painting and sand blasting

Working in dusty environment e.g. road works, sand blasting etc.

Outline role of health surveillance in the control of exposure to hazardous substances.(8)

Health surveillance results could indicate the effectiveness of the control system provided to controlexposure to hazardous substances.

It helps giving early warning that the protective measures are adequate or not.

It helps to identify work-related ill health at an early stage so that steps can be taken to treat the conditionand prevent further damage.

Protect workers who are at an increased risk.

Compliance status in regards to local/international laws/regulations gets verified.

Outline how national government can contribute towards good standards of health and safety within theirterritories.(8)

National government can contribute towards good standards of health and safety within their territories by;

o Issuing or approving regulations, code of practices ono health and safety,o By reviewing legislative enactments,o By providing information and advice regarding Health and Safety matters,o By providing specific measures to prevent major catastrophe,o By Liaising with international bodies to keep themselves updated,o By conducting inspections of workplace to evaluate compliance to HSE requlations,o By initiating health and safety campaign to spread awareness,o By liaising with organizations in regards to emergency planning,o Setting requirements such as RIDDOR 1995, to enforce organizations to report injuries to enforcing

authorities

Outline what an organization may need to consider when setting health and safety objectives.(8)

Health and safety objectives need to be specific, measurable, agreed with those who deliver them, realisticand set against a suitable timescale (SMART).

Size and nature of organization

Both short- and long-term objectives should be set and prioritized against business needs.

Objectives at different levels or within different parts of an organization should be aligned so they support

the overall policy objectives.

Personal targets can also be agreed with individuals to secure the attainment of objectives.

Training people so that an improved health and safety planning process can be established

Adequacy of workplace precautions and compliance with the law will also be necessary.

Competency of employees.

Identify principles to be followed when siting (positioning) fire extinguishers.(8)

Accessibility Visibility

Proximity to escape routes

Travel distance

Means of supporting the extinguishers off the ground

Weight of fire extinguisher

Need to protect fire extinguishers from the weather and other sources of damage.

The height at which fire extinguisher to be positioned.


8/10

Identify sources of radon that could affect workers in a building (4)

Underground spaces such as basements, caves, mines

High concentration in ground floor buildings because they are usually at slightly lower pressure than

surrounding atmosphere this allows radon from the sub-soil underneath buildings to enter through cracks

and gaps in floor.

Radon is emitted by radium in the ground, ground water and building material Radon enters a building through the lowest level in the home that is in contact with open ground.

Identify control measures that could be used in a workplace affected by significant levels of radon gas (4)

Improving ventilation of the house and avoiding the transport of radon from the basement into living rooms.

Installing a radon sump system in the basement

Installing a positive supply ventilation system

Sealing small gaps around service penetrations such as pipes and cables, and cracks in the floor itself.

A factory producing furniture uses wood in the manufacturing process and is concerned about the health

risks of wood dust.

(a) Identify operations that are likely to produce high levels of wood dust in this workplace.

Sawing

Hand sanding

Wood cutting

Dry sweeping dusty floors

Spindle moulding machine

Machine sanding

(b) Identify health risks that could be associated with the wood dust (4)

Contact dermatitis/skin disorders

Cause nasal dryness, irritation and obstructions of respiratory system

Asthma

A rare type of nasal cancer.

(c) Outline control measures that could reduce the risk from the wood dust. (12)

Eliminationoutsourcing to another workplace with adequate controls

Substitutionreplacing more hazardous timbers with less hazardous species of wood.

Isolationenclosed plant or keep workers away from dusty area.

Engineering control - dust extraction using Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV)

Administrative Controls

o Use suction cleaners to remove accumulated dust.

o

Rotate dusty tasks to reduce workers exposure times to wood dusto Shower before eating or drinking

o PPEface mask and respirators are a last line of defense. Long sleeve coveralls.


9/10

Outline ways in which poor housekeeping can lead to injury to pedestrians in a workplace. (4)

Water on the floor

Slippery tiles

Poor lighting

Ice buildup on the floors

Slipping on greasy, oily or dirty surfaces

Striking against projecting poorly stacked material

Projecting nails, wire or steel strapping

Taps or pipes leaking

Outline housekeeping measures to reduce the risk of injury to pedestrians (4)

Keep isles, floors clean, dry and in good condition

Stack and store items properly and safely

Keep entrances and exits clear Follow maintenance requirements for facilities and buildings

Keep lighting sources clean and clear

Construction of floorings to be using non slip tiles

Outline precautions to be taken when repair work is to be carried out on the sloping roof of a building (8)

Sloping roof requires scaffold to prevent people or material falling from edge. Edge protection must be fixed

to the eaves of any roof.

Use of working platforms, guard rails and toe boards to be made mandatory as required.

Use of crawling board for material and manpower movement on sloping roofs

Where task is of short duration (tasks measured in minutes) properly secured ladders to access the roof and

proper roof ladders may be used. Safety nets or soft landing systems such as bean bags or inflated air bags can minimize the consequences

of any potential injury.

Mobile elevating platforms can also be used for carrying out minor repairs at sloping roofs.

Work on sloping roofs to be stopped during extreme weather conditions e.g. rain, freezing conditions, high

winds etc.

Use of PPE such as harnesses and helmets to be used

Health condition of individual working at height to be checked e.g. vertigo or a heart condition.

Material to be secured near roofs to avoid flying off during high winds

Overhead live power lines to be taken care


10/10

A portable electric sander is being used in the production area of a factory

(a) Identify hazards that may be present (4)

Electrical shock

Noise

Dust

Vibration

Ergonomic hazards e.g. pulling effect

Moving parts e.g. belts in a belt sander

In-running nip points

Wood splinters and chips may be thrown from the sanding action

(b) Outline precautions that could be taken to reduce the risk. (4)

Use sander in a dry environment

Use of earth leakage detection and RCD

Check the sander and all electric cables and connections are in good condition

Pre-use checks to see whether any worn out belt, breaks in cable or other signs of physical damage are notexisting

Wear dust masks particularly such as lead paint, fibre cement

If belt needs changing, always make sure that the belt sander is unplugged first.

Use of guards on the running belt.

Enclose drum and disc sanders with guards to avoid flying objects.

Keep fingers away from moving belts

Loose jewelry, neckties, loose clothing etc. should not be used.

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