NEBOSH Revision Guide

IGC 2
Review of health and safety performance (5.2)
GC2 -Health, Welfare and Work Environment requirements (1.1)
GC2 -Violence at work (1.2)
Workers to be exposed to:

Identify the hazards that

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10

December 2012; 1a

workers could be
exposed to during the
work.

Slip, Trip, Fall from the same level

Fall from height

Collision with moving Vehicle

Strike by moving, flying or falling object

Strike against fixed or stationary object

Exposure to adverse temperature (hot/cold)

Violence

Ergonomic Hazards

Each stack should be for one material only and not mixed
Outline control
measures for the safe
stacking and storage of:
(i)
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10

materials used
on site;

December 2012; 1b

A maximum stack height must be set

Stacks should be vertical
Pallets should be used to keep material off the ground
Sufficient space must be allowed between stacks for safe movement.
Sufficient space for storage of materials should be allocated.

FLAMABLE SUBATANCES
(ii) Flammable
substances used onsite.

Store minimal volumes only

Store in a purpose built flammables cabinets which should be clearly signed and fire proof and located away from
ignition sources
Storage area must be well ventilated at high and low levels
Storage area must have clear and safe access for fire service

Identify possible
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September 2012; 5a

adverse health effects of

working in a cold
environment

Hypothermia, Slip hazards, frostbite, freeze burns, fatigue and stress

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September 2012; 5b

Outline control

Protect workers from draught or prevent exposure of workers to cold conditions

measures that could

Lag or isolate cold surfaces

reduce the risk of

Provide warm refuges and access to warm/hot food and drinks to help workers warm up

adverse health effects

Provision of frequent breaks and rotation on the job

when working in cold

Provide appropriate PPE for cold conditions.

conditions.

Scrape floors and prevent ice buildup on floors.

Factors which may call for the need of health surveillance include:

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September 2009; 3

If it is a requirements of legislation, codes of practice and guidance;

Identify factors that may

If the work activity involve contact with hazardous substances and materials such as lead or asbestos;

indicate a need for

May be recommended as a result of a risk assessment;

health surveillance of

Review of ill-health records including those of first aid treatments and absence records suggests it is

workers in a workplace.

needed;

The results of monitoring or workplace inspections; job fitness standards and evidence of pre-existing
conditions; Complaints from workers and as a result of consultation with the workforce.

A large office is open to

the public for enquiries
and the risk assessment

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September 2009; 4
September 2012; 6

has shown a significant

risk of violence to
workers from visitors.
Outline measures that
the employer could take
to reduce the risk.

1.

Design of the workplace and public areas to restrict and control access;

2.

Employ the use of security equipment such as CCTV, alarm systems and personal alarms and panic
buttons;

3.

Controls on the use of drugs and alcohol

4.

Provide procedures for lone working

5.

Secure areas with coded locks and install physical barriers

6.

Employ the use of badges, check-in and check-out procedures for visitors;

7.

Proper training of staff to reduce waiting time for the public

Keeping the area free of anything that could be used as a potential weapon;

8.

Posting signs warning of the action that would be taken in cases of violence

9.

Providing workers with training in confrontation management and stress reduction techniques

10. Create conducive and comforting environment to discourage violence

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September 2009; 11a

Identify FOUR hazards

December 2012; 11a

that can cause trips or

March 2008; 2a

slips.

1.

Poorly maintained floor with damage to carpets and tiles;

2.

Changes in level caused by ramps, slopes or kerbs;

3.

Uneven surfaces caused by potholes.

4.

Slippery surfaces caused by oil or water with the spillages being left in place and not cleaned up;

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5.

Slippery surfaces caused by ice and snow;

6.

Carelessly and inappropriately placed objects on the floor

7.

Highly polished surfaces such as marble or slate; dusty surfaces;

8.

Wearing of inappropriate footwear;

9.

General obstructions in walkways such as trailing cables, pipes and uncollected rubbish

Maintaining the surface condition of the walkways;

Replacing damaged carpet, linoleum and tiles

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September 2009; 11b

Identify control

Use of slip resistant materials for floors;

December 2012; 11b

measures that can be

highlighting changes in level with hazard warning strips;

March 2008; 2b

used to reduce the risk

providing good lighting;

December 2010; 8

of slips and trips.

Introducing procedures for cleaning up liquid spillages and dust, debris and waste;
Encourage good house keeping
Introducing a regime of regular inspection and encouraging the wearing of appropriate footwear

Identify FOUR health

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March 2010; 7a

effects of working

burns, damage to the eyes and skin cancer, dehydration and heat exhaustion, heat stroke, sweat rash, prickly heat,

outside in extreme heat

headaches and fainting, and fatigue and stress

created by the sun.

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March 2010; 7b

Outline control

limiting the duration of exposure by job rotation ensuring periods of work are alternated with periods of rest; avoiding

measures that could be

work when temperatures are at their highest; ensuring an adequate supply of drinking water; the use of appropriate

used to reduce the

clothing for working in high temperatures and persuading workers to adopt a policy of keeping their bodies covered;

effects of the sun on

encouraging workers to maintain their salt levels; working under canopies where this is possible; wearing hats and

construction workers.

eye protection and applying sun protection cream.

The provision of an adequate number of sanitary conveniences and washing facilities including showers for both

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December 2010; 10

Identify welfare and

sexes; storage areas for clothing including lockers and changing areas; facilities for the cleaning, and replacement of

work environment

working clothes; a rest room away from the working area with the facility for taking food and drink; the provision of

requirements that

effective and sufficient ventilation for the work area and an adequate heating system to maintain a reasonable

should be provided in a

temperature throughout the building; an adequate standard of lighting for the tasks being undertaken; the provision

workplace.

of adequate space and suitable seating at the workstations; and the introduction of control measures to combat
excessive noise.

Substance misuse at work (1.3)

Safe movement of people in the workplace (1.4)

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Work at Height (1.5)
Identify FOUR site rules
to be followed by
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December 2012; 5a

pedestrians when
working around moving
vehicles.
the contractors previous experience with the type of work to be carried out; reputation amongst previous or current
clients and membership of a trade organisation; the content and quality of the health and safety policy and the
Outline the factors that
should be considered in

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June 2010; 1a

the selection process for

hiring the roofing
contractor.

systems in place for its implementation including the preparation of risk assessments, monitoring and consultation
with the workforce; the competence of and level of health and safety training given to employees; resources and the
condition of equipment to be used on site and procedures in place for its regular maintenance; procedures for
the selection and control of sub-contractors; accident record and any action taken by the enforcing authorities;
access to competent advice on health and safety; and the detailed proposals, such as method statements and safe
systems of work , for the work to be carried out. There were not too many good outlines provided for this part of the
question with many limiting their answers to details of previous similar work and the quality of the contractors health
and safety policy.

Identify the main risks to

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June 2010; 1b

the contractors from

working at height

The main risks to the contractors when working at height would be falling when either gaining access to the roof or
from their working positions; falling through the fragile material of the roof and being struck by falling objects. There
would be additional risks from the manual handling of tools, equipment and materials, from contact with live services
such as electrical cables and from inclement weather conditions such as sun, wind, rain and ice
The initial control measure would be to ensure that the design of the scaffold was appropriate for its intended use

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June 2010; 1c

Identify possible control

and the weight that it would be expected to carry. It would then need to be erected on stable ground, using

measures for the

components of good quality, by competent persons wearing appropriate personal protective equipment such as fall

erection of an

arrest equipment. The scaffold should be tied in securely to the structure on which work is to be carried out and

independent tied

access to it should be restricted until the erection has been completed. Measures should be taken to protect the

scaffold

scaffold from damage by passing plant or vehicles and it should be subject to a thorough inspection before being put
into use.

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Hazards and control measures for works of a temporary nature (1.6)
Safe movement of vehicles in the workplace (2.1)
Driving at work (2.2)

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Identify factors to be
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December 2012; 5b

considered when
selecting a driver for a
workplace vehicle.

September 2012; 8a

September 2012; 8b

2.

The characteristics of the ground in which it had been made or objects near to the edge

3.

Poor, inappropriate or no supports on the excavation

4.

Poor maintenance and inspection

5.

Deterioration from exposure to environmental conditions

Identify when an

1.

Before the commencement of every work shift

excavation will need to

2.

After any accidental fall of material

be inspected.

3.

After any event likely to affect the strength or stability

contribute to the risk of

an excavation

Identify control
measures to reduce the
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June 2010; 10

Competence and training

The depth of the excavation,

collapsing.

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Qualification and experience

1.

Identify factors that may

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Medical fitness

risk of accidents from

reversing vehicles in the
workplace.

Outline the factors to be

Avoidance of the need for vehicles to reverse by the introduction of one way systems or a drive in/drive out layout;
the separation of vehicles and pedestrians by the erection of barriers and signs; vehicle design including the
provision of good visibility, audible alarms, mirrors and sensors; positioning mirrors at blind corners in the workplace
and providing refuges and good standards of lighting; and procedural measures such as driver and pedestrian
training, the use of banksmen, site rules for reversing operations and the use of high visibility clothing by those
working in areas where there is vehicle access.
1.

Its suitability and fitness for the task,

2.

Its quality and conformance to required standard such as CE

3.

Its compatibility with other personal protective equipment such as ear defenders for example and its cost

considered in the
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September 2010; 5

relative to the risk involved.

selection and use of

4.

Its size, fit and adjustability for the user,

personal head

5.

Comfort factors such as its manufacture from non-irritant materials

protection at work.

6.

Its colour if this is necessary to designate different categories of worker. Procedure for cleaning, frequency
of maintenance, inspection and replacement

Identify the main

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September 2010; 10

hazards associated with

demolition work.

7.

Signs of deterioration

1.

Working at height; Falling debris and masonry and premature collapse;

2.

Use of explosives; contact with and noise and vibration from equipment such as pneumatic drills and heavy
plant; The presence of dust which might possibly include asbestos;

3.

The presence of flammable substances or hazardous materials from previous uses of the building;

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4.

The possible presence of services such as electricity, gas and water;

5.

Biological hazards arising from the presence of vermin and stagnant water;

6.

The presence of sharps such as nails, syringes and glass

7.

Hazards arising during manual handling operations.

Identify THREE control

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March 2010; 2a

measures to segregate

Provision of separate walkways which are clearly marked; the provision of barriers and fencing; site rules which are

pedestrians and

strictly enforced; the issue of instructions to drivers; and the provision of instruction and training to pedestrians on the

vehicles in the

precautions that must be observed.

workplace.
when segregation is not possible, measures to reduce the risk to pedestrians include: the provision of designated

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March 2010; 2b

Identify measures to

safe crossing points and refuges; fitting vehicles with audible or visual alarms for example to give warning of a

reduce the risk to

reversing operation; the use of a banksman to ensure safe vehicle movement in areas where pedestrians are likely

pedestrians when

to be present; ensuring a good standard of visibility by the provision of mirrors, transparent doors and CCTV; the

segregation is not

introduction of a speed restriction on vehicles; the use of trained and authorised drivers particularly for forklift

practicable.

trucks; the provision and use of high visibility personal protective equipment; and the provision of a good standard of
lighting which avoids the possibility of glare

Excavation work is
being carried out on a
construction site.
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March 2008; 8

Identify the control

measures needed to
reduce the risk to
workers.

The detection of underground services by using plans or cable/pipe detectors; supporting the sides of the excavation
by shoring or benching; storing materials and spoil away from edge of the excavation; providing means to prevent
vehicles falling into the excavation such as stop blocks; providing guard-rails and barriers to prevent people falling
into the excavation; providing means of support for adjacent structures to prevent collapse; providing safe means of
access/egress into the excavation; testing for noxious fumes and providing ventilation if necessary; using pumps to
protect against flooding; taking precautions to safeguard the workers from biological hazards or those caused by the
presence of contaminated ground and arranging for the excavation to be inspected at regular intervals by a
competent person.

WRULDS (3.1)
Manual handling hazards and control measures (3.2)
Manually operated load handling equipment (3.3)

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December 2012; 10a

Outline factors that

Repetition and frequency of work

could increase the

Posture

occurrence of work-

Force require to perform the work

related upper limb

Twisting

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disorders (WRULDs) in

Amount of lighting, environmental parameters such as humidity and temperature

a workplace.

Equipment design and adjustability

Outline control
measures that could be
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December 2012; 10b

introduced to reduce the

risk of WRULDs
developing.

Risk assessment
Changes to the task and how it is done
Changes to the tools, equipment and machinery
Changes to the work place environment
The factors that will increase risk of injury to workers from the task of pulling or pushing are hazards associated with
the TASK. These include:

Outline factors that

could increase the risk
of injury to workers
from:
(a) the task of pushing
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September 2012; 1

and pulling;

Need for repetition, i.e. repeating movements when carrying out the task

Force required to perform the task and the likely strain on the body

Posture that may need to be taken/adopted to carry out the task

Absence of rest/break during execution of the task; worker may be required to perform the task for long
periods

The factors that will increase risk of injury to workers from the trolley and its load are hazards associated with the
Equipment.

wrong trolley type to lift a load.

(b) the trolley and its

load;

Equipment may not be adjustable to suit the posture and personal requirement of the worker e.g. height of a
seat

(c) the working

environment of the

Poor design, selection and use of equipment making it difficult to efficiently perform the task e.g using the

Overloading the trolley, poor maintenance of the trolley, driving the trolley with elevated loads, reversing the
trolley without the banksman, driving across a slope, collision with fixed objects e.g. kerbs.

warehouse

The factors that will increase risk of injury to workers from the environment of the warehouse are hazards associated
with the work environment.

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September 2009; 2

Poor lighting, high humidity and temperature, poor ventilation.

Poor layout of the warehouse

Poor segregation between pedestrian walkways and equipment areas

Outline factors to be

Task

considered when

Individual

carrying out a manual

Load

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handling assessment of

Environment

the work undertaken by

baggage handlers at a
large, busy airport.

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September 2010; 7a

Outline a good lifting

First assess the weight, size of the load and the distance it is to be carried before adopting the technique of placing

technique that could be

the feet close to the load and slightly apart to ensure a good balance; bending at the knees, keeping the back in

adopted by a worker

natural alignment, the head up and the chin in; securing a firm grip on the load and keeping it close to the body while

when lifting a load.

lifting it smoothly using the leg muscles and refraining from twisting the trunk when turning to the side.

Give TWO examples of

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September 2010; 7b

how a manual handling

activity might be
avoided.

1.

Avoiding manual handling such as using lifting equipment such as hoists, cranes or pulley blocks;

2.

Transportation equipment such as conveyors, air pallets or chutes

3.

Mechanical means such as fork lift trucks, trolleys or barrows

List FOUR specific

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March 2010; 6a

March 2008; 10a

types of injury that could

be caused by the
incorrect manual

Spinal disc compression or prolapsed disc, strains to tendons or muscles, hernia, dislocation or fracture of bones,
cuts and abrasions and crushing or impact injuries

handling of loads.
Identify factors in
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March 2010; 6b

relation to the load that

March 2008; 10b

will affect the risk of

injury.

The size, weight and shape of the load, the possibility that the contents might move or the load become unbalanced,
the position of the centre of gravity, difficulty in securing a firm grasp of the load, the presence of sharp edges and
the possibility that the contents of the load might be hazardous.

In a factory a conveyor

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March 2010; 8

system is used to

the provision of guarding for transmission machinery and the intakes of belts and drums; the erection of barriers to

transfer manufactured

keep workers away from the conveyor; the provision of emergency stop buttons for the system conveniently situated

articles to the

and easily accessible; ensuring operators are trained in the use of the conveyor system and the hazards associated

warehouse area.

with its use such as the danger that could arise from overloading the conveyor, wearing loose items of clothing or

Identify the control

allowing long hair to hang loose; using a signal to warn workers that the conveyer is about to be put into operation;

measures to be taken to

ensuring maintenance and servicing work is carried out only by authorised personnel and that the power supply to

reduce the risk of injury

the conveyer is disconnected or locked off before the start of the work and encouraging workers to report unsafe

to workers from the

practices to the supervisor.

conveyor.

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A worker is manually
loading boxes of
components onto metal
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December 2010; 11a

shelves. Identify FOUR

Spinal disc compression or a prolapsed disc; strains to tendons, muscles or ligaments; hernia; dislocation or fracture

types of injury that the

of bones; cuts and abrasions; crushing or impact injuries and work related upper limb disorders (WRULDs)

worker could suffer

while carrying out this
activity.
Identify factors in
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December 2010; 11b

relation to the task that

will increase the risk of
injury.

The manipulation of the load at a distance from the trunk; the work rate and periods allowed for rest and recovery;
excessive carrying and lifting or lowering distances; pushing or pulling the load; and the need to adopt unsatisfactory
body positions because of space restrictions.

Powered load handling equipment (3.4)

General requirements for work equipment (4.1)
Hazards and controls for hand-held tools (4.2)

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September 2012; 9

1.

Forklift drivers should avoid driving around corners quickly,

2.

Avoid overloading of the forklift

Identify EIGHT rules to

3.

Avoid traveling with the load raised or elevated

be followed to minimize

4.

Avoid driving across slopes

the risk of forklift trucks

5.

Avoid uneven loading of forklift

overturning.

6.

Avoid collisions especially with kerbs

7.

Avoid excessive breaking, uneven tyre pressures

8.

Avoid driving over potholes

Ensuring the crane and its attached lifting gear were suitable for the task and that their test certificates and
Outline the precautions
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June 2010; 9

that should be taken

when using mobile
cranes.

examination reports were up to date; that the ground on which the crane was to be sited was flat and firm and that
the outriggers of the crane were always correctly positioned; that the driver and slinger to be used in the operation
were competent and that good means of communication were provided between the driver and the other workers
involved in the operation; that there were no obstructions such as overhead power lines or buildings in the vicinity of
the lift; that warning signs and barriers were erected to ensure that the area where the lifting operations were to take
place was kept clear of personnel not directly involved in the operation; that due consideration was given to the

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prevailing weather conditions; that the load was carried near to ground level and that the operations were ideally
carried out to an arranged lifting plan.

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September 2009; 7

1.

Failure to set the crane on a level footing, siting it on poor and unconsolidated ground

Identify possible causes

2.

Operation by an incompetent personnel

of a mobile crane

3.

Failing to distribute the weight of the crane by providing adequate timber beneath outriggers.

overturning on a

4.

Mechanical or hydraulic failure from overloading,

construction site.

5.

Incorrect slinging resulting in an unstable load,

6.

Operating in adverse environment such as when there is strong winds

1.

Battery charging leading to the generation of hydrogen gas which can cause explosion or fire;

2.

The possibility of electric shock and burns through the shorting of battery leads;

3.

The possibility of workers being burned by battery acid when carrying out maintenance work on the truck;

4.

The weight of the batteries which could give rise to problems if handled manually;

5.

The potential for collision with pedestrians since the trucks are virtually silent when running

1.

Delineation of traffic routes, segregation of pedestrians from transport;

2.

The introduction of one way systems; i.e. vehicle free zones and pedestrians free zone

3.

The provision of barriers and refuges;

4.

The erection of warning signs and the use of the trucks warning device by drivers when personnel are

Identify FOUR hazards

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September 2010; 1a

associated specifically
with battery powered
forklift trucks.

Explain the precautions

that may be needed to
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September 2010; 1b

being approached;

reduce the risk to

5.

The enforcement of site rules on speed restrictions and access;

pedestrians in the areas

6.

Visibility issues requiring the provision of adequate lighting, mirrors and transparent doors;

where the forklift trucks

7.

The introduction of safe systems of work for activities such as loading, unloading and stacking;

are operating.

8.

Ensuring that floor surfaces are well maintained;

9.

Providing high visibility clothing for pedestrians and ensuring that all workers are fully briefed on the
hazards

10. associated with the use of forklift trucks and the precautions that they should observe
Outline EIGHT rules to
follow when a forklift
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September 2010; 1c

truck is left unattended

during a drivers work
break.

1.

Parking the truck away from other vehicles and in a position that does not obstruct emergency exits,
walkways and fire points;

2.

Leaving it on a firm level surface in a designated area with the mast tilted slightly forward and the forks
resting on the floor;

3.

Switching the power off, applying the brake, removing the key and returning it to a responsible person to
prevent unauthorised use.

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Outline the hazards and
risks to which a worker
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March 2010; 10

could be exposed when

cutting down a tree
using a petrol driven
chainsaw.

Contact with the moving parts or the hot exhaust system of the chainsaw; exposure to fumes and dust; hazards
arising from manual handling operations; exposure to noise and vibration; falls from a height; handling lubricating oils
which might lead to dermatitis; flying particles such as tree bark and sawdust; uneven ground or wet grass which
could lead to slips and falls; falling objects such as branches or the tree itself; contact with overhead services;
hazards arising from adverse weather conditions and stings or bites from insects or reptiles.
Ensuring the crane and its attached lifting gear are suitable for the task; that the ground on which the crane is to be

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March 2008; 3

Outline the precautions

sited is flat and firm and that the outriggers of the crane are always correctly positioned; that the driver and slinger to

that should be taken

be used in the operation are competent; that there are no obstructions such as overhead power lines or buildings in

when using mobile

the vicinity of the lift and that warning signs and barriers are erected to ensure that the area where the lift is to take

cranes.

place is kept clear of personnel not directly involved in the lift. The actual lift should involve carrying the load
smoothly at an appropriate height and ideally to an arranged lifting plan

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March 2008; 6

Coming into contact with moving parts of the chainsaw

Exposure to fumes and dust from the chainsaw operation

Outline the hazards that

Continuous exposure to noise and vibrations

a worker could be

Falls from height when cutting branches of tree

exposed to when using

Manual handling of lubricating oils might lead to dermatitis

a petrol driven chainsaw

Exposure to flying particles such as tree barks and saw dust

to cut down a tree.

Uneven ground and wet grass could lead to slips and falls

Falling objects such as branches and/or the tree itself

Contact with overhead services

Forklift trucks are

operating in a busy
workplace. Identify
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March 2008; 11

suitable control
measures to reduce the
risk of collision with
workers.

The management of traffic movement such as the introduction of one way systems and the designation of specific
traffic routes; segregation of pedestrians from transport with the demarcation of walkways; the enforcement of site
rules covering speed restrictions and limited areas of access for trucks; the fitting of visual and audible alarm devices
to the trucks; the provision of adequate lighting, mirrors and transparent doors; ensuring that workers wore high
visibility clothing; ensuring that floors were regularly cleaned and kept free from spillages and introducing procedures
for the regular maintenance of the trucks with particular reference to the condition of steering, brakes and tyres.

Mechanical and non-mechanical hazards of machinery (4.3)

Control measures for reducing risks from machinery hazards (4.4)
Principles, hazards and risks associated with the use of electricity at work (5.1)

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Outline basic design
and use requirements
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December 2012; 4

for guards and safety

devices fitted to
machinery.
Describe the following
types of machinery

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September 2012; 2a

the fixed guard. The guard prevents the person from contact with various moving parts in the machine.

guarding:
(i) fixed guard; (2)

A fixed guard is not connected to the controls of a machine. The machine can be operated with or without

An interlocked guard is connected to the operation of the machine and therefore causes a machine to stop
if it is opened.

(ii) Interlocked guard.

ADVANTAGES

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September 2012; 2b

Identify TWO

Fixed guard cannot be removed without a special tool

advantages AND TWO

Fixed guard prevents easy access to the hazardous and moving parts of the machine

disadvantages of a fixed

DISADVANTAGES

machine guard.

The machine can still operate if the guard is removed

The fixed guard can be turned off by the operator

Outline FOUR main

types of guards and
safeguarding devices
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June 2010; 3

that may be used to

reduce the risk of
contact with dangerous
parts of machinery.

Identify EIGHT types of

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June 2010; 11

non-mechanical hazards

September 2012; 10

associated with the use

of machinery.

Fixed guard, outlining it as a physical barrier which was not linked to the machine operation and required a special
tool for its removal. They could then have referred to the interlocked guard, which is linked to the machine operation
and prevents access when the machine is in a dangerous condition while also preventing operation of the machine
until the guard is in position. A third category of guard, the trip device such as a probe or pressure mat, stops
movement of the machine when approach is detected whilst finally, an automatic or self acting guard such as a push
away guard, is linked to the machine mechanism and physically moves the operator away from the danger zone

Electricity

Noise

Vibration

Radiation

Extreme Temperatures

Fire

Contact with hot surfaces

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September 2009; 1a

Exposure to dust and fumes and toxic chemicals

1.

Contact with dangerous moving parts of the machinery;

Identify FOUR hazards

2.

Electricity;

associated with

3.

Stored energy such as heat or pressure;

maintenance operations

4.

Contact with gases, fumes and vapours and exposure to radiation and biological agents;

on machinery in the

5.

Manual handling of heavy machine parts or tools;

workplace.

6.

Noise and vibration

7.

Working at height or in confined spaces

1.

A worker might be injured whilst carrying out maintenance work on an item of machinery by contact with

Give FOUR examples of

how a worker could be
injured when carrying
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September 2009; 1b

out maintenance
operations on an item of
machinery in the
workplace.

moving parts of the machine causing cuts, bruises or amputation;

2.

Contact with live electrical components which can cause shock or even death;

3.

Contact with hot surfaces causing burns;

4.

Exposure to gas or vapours and/or deprivation leading to asphyxiation or suffocation.

5.

Contact with high pressure fluid and falling from a height or on the same level.

1.

Designing the machine where possible to reduce the need to remove guards for

2.

routine maintenance and lubrication;

3.

Operate a permit to work system which would help to ensure that electrical power to the machine was
isolated and locked off.

Outline measures to be
taken to minimize the
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September 2009; 1c

risk of injury during the

maintenance of
machinery.

4.

Release stored energy and to allow sufficient time for the machinery to cool down before maintenance
starts.

5.

Use of barriers and warning signs placed round the machinery to advise workers that maintenance work
was in progress.

6.

Use only skilled and competent personnel in possession of specialised tools where required, to carry

7.

out the work;

8.

Provide maintenance workers with personal protective equipment such as head protection, eye protection
and harnesses

9.

Ensure adequate standards of lighting and ventilation in the work area and to arrange for the work to be
properly supervised.

NEBOSH Revision Guide

A) hazards that may be present with the use of a portable electric sander include; being struck by ejected of material,
A portable electric

entanglement with the rotating parts of the machine; the possibility of electrocution; exposure to dust, noise and

sander is being used in

vibration; and ergonomic issues as regards either the design of the equipment or to the work process.

a factory.
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September 2010; 8

(a) Identify hazards that

B) control measures that can be considered when using a portable electric device like the sander to reduce risks

may be present.

include; proper training of personnel who operate the equipment, pre-use checks on the equipment to check for

(b) Outline control

damages and faults, the provision and use of personal protective equipment such as eye and hearing protection;

measures that could be

ensuring that operators do not wear items of loose clothing which might become entangled in the machine; use of

taken to reduce risk.

such equipment should be away from other workers to minimise the risk to other workers; introducing job rotation to
reduce fatigue and exposure to dust.

Identify the possible

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March 2010; 4a

effects of electricity on

The effect of electricity on the body are divided into two:

Direct electrical burns; which causes injury to the skin and the internal issues by current passing through
the body

the body.

Indirect electrical burns; this is when an electricity causes an accident maybe due to overheating

If a person suffers electric shock the following emergency actions should be taken;

168

March 2010; 4b

Identify the emergency

Do not touch them

action to take if a person

Switch them off

suffers a severe electric

check breathing and apply cardiopulmonary resuscitation when necessary

shock.

treat physiological shock

treat any obvious burns

Abrasion on contact with rotating abrasive wheel

Hot parts caused by friction (especially the workpiece being ground)

Ejection of parts of the wheel during normal use, or if it bursts

Health hazard from dust, noise and vibration

Other than a guard,

Ensuring the grinder was permanently fixed and bolted into position

outline FOUR control

Installation of local exhaust ventilation

measures that could be

The provision and maintenance of correctly positioned stop, start and emergency stop controls

introduced to reduce

The use of competent operators and the provision and use of personal protective equipment such as

Identify FOUR hazards

169

December 2010; 1a

associated with the use

of a bench top grinder.

170

December 2010; 1b

risk to a worker using a

bench top grinder

goggles, face masks, overalls with fitting cuffs and hearing protection.

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Interlocking Guard
Merits

It allows regular access and since it is connected to a power source, a machine cannot be operated when it
is in open position.

Demerits
Outline the merits
(advantages) AND
171

December 2010; 1c

limitations
(disadvantages) of

It can be overridden; the dangerous parts of the machine may not stop automatically and before access is
gained.

It also requires regular and frequent maintenance

BOTH: an interlocking

Trip Device

guard; & a trip device

Merits

It minimizes the severity of an injury and may be used as an additional control measure

Demerits

It can be overridden and may also cause production delays leading to increased stress for users when it
trips out regularly and frequently

Outline the basic

172

December 2010; 1d

requirements that you

The safety device should be suitable for its intended purpose. It should be fit for its purpose

would consider when

It should be robust or durable enough to withstand the forces of ejection

selecting a guard or

It should not increase operators by having sharp or rough edges

safety device for a piece

The guard or safety device should allow for periodic easy and safe maintenance

of work equipment.
In relation to the illhealth effects from the
use of vibrating hand173

December 2010; 2a

held tools:

Numbness and blanching of the fingers; swollen and painful joints; and a reduction in strength, grip and dexterity and

identify the typical

in sensory perception. Shocks and jolts. White fingers , nerve damage, muscle weakening and joint damage

symptoms that might be

shown by affected
individuals;

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Elimination by mechanisation or automation; substituting the tools with lower vibration equipment; reducing the time

174

December 2010; 2b

Outline the control

of exposure of the operatives by providing frequent breaks and/or job rotation; modifying the equipment to improve

measures that may be

the grip on the tools; introducing a planned maintenance programme for the tools together with pre-use inspection;

used to minimise the

providing appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves to keep the hands warm; introducing a

risk of such effects.

programme of health surveillance and providing the workers with information, instruction and training on the hazards
associated with the use of the tools and the control measures that should be taken
The effect on human body from a severe electric shock is dependent on the current;

Identify the effects on

4

December 2010; 6a

the human body from a

severe electric shock.

at low current (0.5-2mA) threshold of sensation

at 2-10 mA there is tingling sensations, muscle tremor, painful sensations

at10-60mA there is muscle contractions, inability to let go, inability to breathe

at 60mA and above there is ventricular fibrillation, cardiac arrest, extreme muscle contractions burns at
contact points and deep tissues

Identify FOUR factors

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December 2010; 6b

Some of the factors that affect the severity of an injury are:

that could affect the

Voltage which causes the current to be high

severity of injury

Frequency of the AC current

resulting from contact

Contact surface area the more the skin exposed to the surface area the severe the injury

with electricity.

Nature of the clothing and footwear which may or may not cause severe injury

The first precaution that would have to be considered would be the need to issue a permit to work for the operation.
Identify precautions that
would need to be
176

December 2010; 9

considered before
welding work can
commence.

This would then point to the further precautions to be taken such as removing or covering up all combustible
materials in the area of operation; screening the working area and allowing entrance only to persons involved in the
work; providing firefighting equipment and appointing a fire watcher; restricting ventilation in the working area by
shutting windows and closing air ducts; setting in place procedures for evacuation in the event of an emergency;
providing personal protective equipment such as a visor, apron and means of respiratory protection; and ensuring
that workers concerned in the welding operation are made aware of the hazards involved and the precautions to be
taken including for example the importance of completing pre-use inspections of the equipment to be used.

A maintenance worker
177

March 2008; 4

regularly uses a hand

held grinder, and is
exposed to vibration.

A: tingling, numbness and blanching of the fingers and swollen and painful joints in addition to a reduction in
dexterity, strength and sensory perception.

B: substituting the tools in use with equipment with lower vibration characteristics; reducing the exposure time of the
workers by for example using equipment that will complete the work more quickly or introducing job rotation;

NEBOSH Revision Guide

(a) Identify the

introducing a planned maintenance programme for the tools to avoid increased vibration caused by faults or general

symptoms that the

wear; fitting anti vibration grips to the equipment; providing personal protective equipment such as gloves, hats and

worker may experience

waterproofs to keep the operators warm and dry and encouraging workers to maintain a good blood circulation by

due to this exposure.

giving up or cutting down on smoking and massaging and exercising fingers during work breaks

(b) Outline SIX control

measures that can be
used to reduce the risk
from vibration
Control measures when working with electrical systems or using electrical equipment in all workplace conditions (5.2)
Fire initiation, classification and spread (6.1)
Fire risk assessment (6.2)
Body and plug is intact and secure

178

December 2012; 2

Identify pre-use checks

If the outer sheath of cords cover the inner cores all the way

for electrical safety that

Body of the drill is intact from visual inspection

should be carried out on

Plug and appliance are not wet or excessively soiled

a portable drill.

Plug cable appears to be tight

No obvious scorch marks to plug and body of appliance
Use of fuses and circuit breakers

Outline control
measures that could be
179

September 2012; 4

used when working with

electrical equipment in a
workplace.

Earthing
Double insulation
Isolation of supply
Use of residual current devices
Reduced and Low voltage systems
Use of competent person and safe system of work
Inspection and maintenance
The different range of checks to be carried out in ensuring electrical safety in the workplace include;

Outline a range of
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June 2010; 2

Visual inspections for damage to cables, plugs and sockets, ensuring that all fuses are of the correct rating,

checks that should be

and checking that outlets are not overloaded and cables are not coiled or in vulnerable positions where they

made for electrical

might suffer damage.

safety in a workplace.

The equipment itself should be checked to ensure it is suitable and conforms with recognized standards
such as CE marking and European standards, that it is properly sited to avoid damage, that it has been

NEBOSH Revision Guide

subject to appropriate and regular fixed installation and portable appliance testing, that it is provided with
means of isolation after use and that records are kept of the maintenance that has been carried out.

Checks should also be made to ensure there is an effective procedure for reporting defects or damage.

The Factors to consider when carrying a fire risk assessment are;

Outline the factors to
consider when carrying
181

June 2010; 6

Identify the hazards that is sources of fuel, ignition and oxygen

Identify the people who might be at risk; these are the people working in the premises and vulnerable
people

out a fire risk

assessment of a

Evaluate, identify and implement the fire precautions; this includes fire detection and alarm, signing and
notices, fire prevention, firefighting equipment

workplace.

Record findings, plan and train; this includes training, information and instruction and emergency plans

Review and revise the assessment as necessary

1.

The extent and conditions under which the drill is used

2.

The age and robustness of the equipment;

3.

The intrinsic safety features of the equipment such as double insulation and low voltage;

4.

User checks and the number of problems reported;

5.

The number and competency of the users;

6.

Manufacturers recommendations and best practice guidance;

7.

Foreseeable misuse or abuse and the results of previous tests and inspections.

1.

The use of reduced low voltage through a transformer centre-tapped to earth with increased protection

A portable electric drill

for use on a
construction site needs
periodic inspection and
182

September 2009, 5

testing to ensure it is
safe to operate.
Identify the factors that
would determine the
frequency of the
inspection and testing.

Outline control

183

September 2010; 2

provided by means of a residual current device;

measures to reduce the

2.

The protection and safe positioning of undamaged supply cables;

risk of injury from

3.

Using double-insulated or cordless (battery operated) equipment;

electricity when using a

4.

Ensuring the correct rating of fuses;

portable electrical

5.

Training operators to use the equipment in accordance with manufacturers instructions

appliance on a

6.

Emphasizing the need to check the equipment before use;

construction site.

7.

Avoiding the use of the equipment in wet weather;

8.

Perform routine visual inspection and testing of cables and equipment

NEBOSH Revision Guide

184

185

September 2010; 3

September 2010; 9a

1.

Sparking from overloaded electrical equipment or from friction associated with machinery and plant;

2.

Hot work such as welding or soldering and cold working involving grinding which might give rise to sparks;

Identify EIGHT common

3.

Heating appliances which are faulty or where the ventilation provided has become blocked;

causes of fires in the

4.

Chemical reactions involving materials such as oxidisers;

workplace

5.

Static electricity generated for example by the incorrect transfer of flammable liquids;

6.

Smoking materials discarded in a careless manner;

7.

Arson where there is a deliberate attempt to start a fire.

In relation to the

Fires are classified into five major categories which is useful for identifying what kind of fire extinguisher to use for

classification of fires,

the fire. the classes of fire and example of fuel under them are;

give an example of a

Class A- solids usually of an organic nature such as wood, paper or plastic;

material (fuel) that falls

Class B- liquids or liquefiable solids such as petrol, oil, paint and solvents.

within EACH of the

Class C- gases such as methane, propane and acetylene.

classes A, B, C and

Class D- metals such as zinc and magnesium.

D.

Class F- high temperature fats and oil like cooking fat.

Heat transfer can be spread through four means, 2 of which are;

Identify TWO methods

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September 2010; 9b

Conduction which involves the transfer of heat through conducting solid materials like metal that conduct

of heat transfer AND

heat and pipes, wires or ducts running to other parts of the building and igniting combustible or flammable

explain how EACH

materials.

method contributes to
the spread of fire.

Direct burning which is the simplest method of fire spread, where heat comes into direct contact with
combustible material and causes ignition

Other ways by which fire can spread is by convection and radiation.

Identify the key
187

March 2010; 9a

components of the fire

triangle.

Identify sources of
ignition that may cause
188

March 2010; 9b

a fire to occur, AND give

a typical workplace
example EACH.

The fire triangle consists of elements which must combine to start a fire. they include heat which may be from hot
surfaces, naked flames, smoking, electrical equipment etc. another one is fuel, it may be flammable liquids,
flammable gases, flammable solids etc. the last component of the triangle is Oxygen from air, cylinder stores or
piped system etc
Sources of ignition are sources of heat that can cause a fire to start, they include:
1) Smokers material, e.g. cigarettes, matches and lighters;
2) Naked flames, e.g. gas- or liquid-fueled open-flame equipment;
3) Plant and equipment, e.g. fuel and vehicle exhausts;
4) Electrical faulty or misused electrical equipment;
5) Poor electrical installations, e.g. overloads, heating from bunched cables and/or damaged cable;

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6) Hot processes/hot work, e.g. welding by contractors;
7) Heat sources, such as gas, electric, cooking equipment, microwaves.
8) Electrical, gas- or oil-fired heaters (fixed or portable), room heaters in temporary office accommodation or welfare
cabins;
Common causes of fires in workplaces include;

Faulty or incorrectly used electrical equipment;

Machinery and plant which was either incorrectly used or badly maintained such as friction caused by
inadequate lubrication;

Identify EIGHT common

189

March 2008; 5

causes of fires in the

workplace.

Chemical reactions that may give off heat;

Hot work which involve the use of naked flames such as welding or cutting;

Smoking materials which are discarded in an unsafe manner;

Hot surfaces such as those on cooking or heating appliances;

Sparks from cold working such as grinding

Deliberate ignition by disgruntled employees or unhappy customers.

Fire prevention and prevention of fire spread (6.3)

Fire alarm and fire-fighting arrangements (6.4)
Evacuation of the workplace (6.5)
There should be a means of escape available to everyone (a general escape route)

190

December 2012; 3

Outline the

The escape route should be wide enough

requirements to help

The means of escape route must lead to a safe point

ensure the safe

There should be at least two escape routes

evacuation of persons

The travel distance from the location to the exit should be as short as possible.

from a building in the

The escape route should be clearly signed and appropriately lit

event of fire.

Emergency lighting should be provided where necessary

The rout the person has to take must be clear of all obstructions
A fire marshal assists to ensure that an evacuation procedure is carried out properly. His roles would include;

191

September 2012; 3

Outline the role of a

checking that the fire precaution rules are observed, and that the GFPs remain adequate, available and in
good order;

workplace fire marshal.

Liaising with the fire service if there is a fire and provide information on access, people trapped and any
special hazards etc.

NEBOSH Revision Guide

The manager of an
industrial unit containing
a number of offices and
workshops has just
192

September 2009:6

completed a risk
assessment and is to

The factors that should be considered when making a fire plan:

Details of who is likely to be in the building this includes; workers, visitors contractors, vulnerable people

Action to be taken by whoever finds the fire; things like how will the alarm be raised and how will the
emergency services be contacted?

of fire exit routes are to be considered.

develop a fire plan.

Identify the factors that
should be addressed in
the fire plan.
The manager of an
industrial unit containing
a number of offices and
workshops has just
193

December 2010; 3

completed a fire risk

assessment and is to
develop a fire plan.
Identify the factors that
should be addressed in
the fire plan.

Escape routes; which may include number and location, travel distance, emergency lighting and provision

Fire-fighting equipment this includes provision of portable equipment for extinguishing fire

Action to be taken after evacuation this includes roll calls and checking of buildings by fire marshals

Training; that is the use of fire equipment, co-operation with other employers on site.

The action workers should take if they discover a fire; the system for raising the alarm and notifying the fire
service; the escape routes and travel distances and the provision of fire exit route signs and emergency lighting; the
provision and siting of firefighting equipment; the number of people at risk and the identification of an assembly point
and the procedures for taking a roll call; the appointment of and delegation of specific responsibilities to marshals
and fire wardens; the arrangements for workers with disabilities and for non-workers; the location of service shut
down switches and valves and the arrangements for stopping and isolating machinery and plant in the event of a
fire; the training required for all workers and that for those with special responsibilities; coordination and cooperation
with other employers who might be affected if a fire occurred; and arrangements for carrying out regular practice
drills.

Forms of, classification of, and health risks from hazardous substances (7.1)
Assessment of health risks (7.2)
Occupational exposure limits (7.3)
Control measures (7.4)
Outline factors that
could reduce the
194

December 2012; 6

effectiveness of a local
exhaust ventilation
(LEV) system.

Blocked filters
Damaged ducts
Sharp bends in ducts
Poorly positioned intake hoods
Excessive amount of contamination
Ineffective fan due to lack of maintenance

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Unauthorised modifications or additions to the system
Build-up of contaminants and clogged ducts
195

196

197

December 2012; 6

December 2012; 6

September 2012; 7a

Outline the purpose of a

To put a limit in place so that employees will not be exposed to high concentration of air borne substances either for

WEL.

short duration of time or the long period of the working day where it is likely to cause a risk to health.

Give possible reasons

Poor personal hygiene

for the increase in work-

Poor housekeeping

related ill-health

Contact and exposure with hazardous substances

amongst the workers.

Stress

Identify FOUR forms of

hazardous substances.
Outline factors that
could reduce the

198

September 2012; 7b

effectiveness of
respiratory protective
equipment.

Dust, Vapour, Liquids, Fumes, Gas, Bacteria, Fungi, Viruses and Mist
The fit of the equipment and the possible of incompatibility with other personal protective equipment
Use of incorrect filters
The concentration of the contaminants and its hazardous nature
The duration of use of the RPE
Improper use of the PPE

Ammonia has been

released into the
atmosphere of a
199

June 2010; 4a

workplace. Outline
typical health effects

irritation and possibly burning of the respiratory system; pulmonary oedema; coughing and sneezing; eye irritation
together with running eyes and nose and irritation and burning of the skin.

resulting from exposure

to ammonia.
Give the meaning of the
200

June 2010; 4b

term acute health

effect.
Identify suitable air

201

June 2010; 4c

monitoring methods for

ammonia.

An acute health effect is an immediate or rapidly produced adverse effect following a single or
short term exposure to a causative agent.

A stain tube, a passive or active sampling device and an electrochemical detection device such as a pulsed amplified
detector

NEBOSH Revision Guide

Identify activities on a

1.

Opening dry cement bags or disposing of the old bags;

2.

Shoveling dry and mixing wet cement;

3.

Pouring wet cement into voids or foundations;

4.

Levelling wet cement; and laying bricks, blocks or paving.

1.

Irritation or inflammation of the eyes,

Identify the harmful

2.

Dermatitis whether contact or sensitising,

effects to workers which

3.

Irritation to the nose and throat,

could result from contact

4.

Respiratory irritation and chest complaints,

with cement.

5.

Cement burns or ulcers from contact with wet cement,

6.

Musculoskeletal injuries as a result of lifting and carrying bags of cement

construction site that

202

September 2009; 8a

may expose workers to

cement or material
containing cement.

203

204

September 2009; 8b

March 2010; 1a

Give the meaning of the

Health surveillance is concerned with collecting and using information about a workers health related to their work

term health

and systematically watching out for work related ill-health in workers exposed to certain health risks. It could range

surveillance.

from simple skin or hearing checks to medical examinations involving a doctor and/or nurse

Identify the types of

205

March 2010; 1b

checks that could be

A health assessment by questionnaire; a clinical examination; diagnostic tests such as by x-ray or scan; function

included in a health

measurements for example a lung function test; biological tests as of the blood; skin checks for signs of rashes; eye

surveillance

and hearing tests; and self-checks once the symptoms have been explained.

programme.
Give the meaning of a
short term exposure
206

March 2010; 1c

limit (STEL) AND a long

term exposure limit
(LTEL).

Short term and long term exposure limits are concerned with airborne concentrations of a substance over a specified
period of time and are expressed as a time weighted average. The short term exposure limit (STEL) is usually
averaged over a fifteen minute reference period, and is aimed at avoiding acute effects from exposure to substances
where there is evidence that such an effect may be present. The long term exposure limit (LTEL) is concerned with
the total intake averaged over a reference period of eight hours and is aimed at protecting against the known effects
of long term exposure.
The limitations of workplace exposure limits include the fact that they relate to inhalation only and not to other routes
of entry such as skin absorption and do not therefore account for circumstances where both routes may be possible.

207

March 2010; 1d

Outline the limitations of

Additionally, they do not account for personal susceptibility since the majority of the work carried out in their

exposure limits (ELs).

development has been carried out in the developed countries such as Europe and the USA and is based mainly on
the average male physiology. It has also to be recognised that variations may exist in controlled conditions where
local exhaust ventilation may not always work consistently because of lack of maintenance and excessive levels of

NEBOSH Revision Guide

contamination. Similarly lack of maintenance and misuse can lead to inaccuracies in monitoring since measuring
microscopic amounts of contamination require very accurate and sensitive equipment. There are, also, synergistic
effects since the standards that are available relate to a single substance and often the effects of exposure to
multiple substances in the workplace need to be considered. Finally some exposure limits are guidelines only and
not requirements while others do not assess all health effects of a particular substance.
Identify TWO types of
asbestos to which
208

March 2010; 11a

workers in the

Crocidolite or blue asbestos, chrysotile or white asbestos and amosite or brown asbestos.

construction industry
may be exposed.
Give examples of where
workers might find
asbestos while
209

March 2010; 11b

undertaking
maintenance or
refurbishment work on a

Pipe lagging; asbestos cement products such as roofing sheets; loose asbestos packing used as fire breaks in
ceiling voids; sprayed asbestos coatings on steel members to provide an element of fire resistance; asbestos wool
used as loft or wall insulation; asbestos rope; certain textured coatings or decorative plasters; and gaskets on boilers
and cookers.

building
Identify:

210

December 2010; 5a

(i) TWO acute, and;

Acute effects include headaches, dizziness, lack of concentration, nausea and vomiting and unconsciousness while

TWO chronic effects of

chronic effects include a toxic effect on kidneys and the liver, damage to internal organs, respiratory conditions such

inhalation when working

as asthma and the possibility of cancer.

with solvents.
Precautionary measures that could be taken to reduce and minimise exposure to solvents include their use in a well
ventilated areas with the installation of local exhaust ventilation if this is thought to be necessary; the prohibition of

211

December 2010; 5b

Identify the precautions

hot work in solvent laden vapour areas; keeping minimal quantities in the workplace; keeping them stored in lidded

that could be taken to

and sealed containers; using a safe decanting method; limiting the exposure time of workers; ensuring a good

minimise and reduce

standard of housekeeping so that solvent laden rags and waste are not left in open bins; refraining from using

exposure to solvents.

solvent for the removal of paint and grease from the skin; the provision and use of suitable personal protective
equipment such as gloves, goggles, face shield and apron and respiratory protective equipment where this is found
to be necessary; prohibiting eating, drinking and smoking in areas where solvents are used; advising the workers on

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the hazards of solvent use and the precautions to be followed and encouraging them to adopt a good standard of
personal hygiene such as washing hands before consumption of food or drink.

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December 2010; 7

In relation to

A: The advantages of stain tube detectors are that they are quick and easy to use; they are normally inexpensive to

occupational health

buy; their use does not require extensive training; and they give an immediate reading without further analysis being

surveys which can be

required. The disadvantages of using the detectors, however, include the fact that their accuracy varies; they are

conducted to determine

suitable only for gases and vapours and not dusts; they may be prone to operator error for example in counting the

health risks to persons,

pump strokes or drawing up properly; they can be used only for grab sampling and the tubes are fragile and have a

outline TWO

limited shelf life.

advantages AND TWO

B: The advantages of continual samplers are that they allow longer term monitoring; are more accurate in

disadvantages of BOTH:

determining a time weighted average (TWA); and have an approved methodology for testing. Their disadvantages

(a) stain tube detectors;

are that they will not identify a specific type of contaminant or multiple contaminants; they normally do not read peaks

(b) Continual gas / dust

or troughs; if used as a static sampler they will not identify personal exposure; they are open to deliberate

samplers.

contamination or tampering; the users require considerable training and they are expensive to purchase or hire.

An organisation uses
small quantities of toxic
chemicals.
(a) Identify FOUR
possible routes of entry
of toxic substances into
the body.
(b) Explain the
213

20

March 2008;1

difference between
acute and chronic health
effects.
(c) Identify the sources
of information which
could be used in the
assessment of risk of
toxic substances.
(d) Outline the control
measures that might be

A: Inhalation, ingestion, injection and through the skin particularly if an open wound was present.
B: acute health effects, the adverse effects appear after a single or short term exposure to the agent, and the
response is invariably rapid or immediate. In most cases, acute effects recede on cessation of exposure. Chronic
health effects, on the other hand, usually result from prolonged or repeated exposure to the agent. The response is
normally gradual, often progressive and irreversible, and may go unrecognised for long periods of time.
C: product labels, published limit values such as work exposure limits, material safety data sheets, the results of
internal inspections and audits and monitoring and health surveillance data. Most answers referred only to data
sheets and labels
D: use of suitable containers for the chemicals carrying warning signs as to their danger; the methods used for
handling the chemicals; procedures for the clearing up and containment of spillages; the provision of adequate
ventilation for the working areas and the use of personal protective equipment such as chemical proof gloves, eye
protection and overalls; site rules setting out the hygiene procedures to be followed and prohibiting eating or smoking
in the working areas; setting up emergency procedures including first aid provision; providing employees with
instruction, information and training on the handling of toxic substances and ensuring the provision of adequate
supervision and monitoring to check that control measures were being followed.

NEBOSH Revision Guide

required in order to
minimise risks to
workers.
Part A

Identify the hazards

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March 2008; 9a

associated with the use

September 2010; 6a

of a cement mixer.

Ejection of materials

Entanglement in moving parts

Chemical hazards (irritant & corrosive)

Inhalation of dusts

Noise

Electrocution (if electrically powered)

Contact with diesel fuel/fumes (if diesel-powered)

Manual handling of cement bags

Guards could be installed to contain debris and prevent ejection of materials, while also preventing access
to moving parts of the mixer

Use of PPEs such as gloves, goggles, overalls to protect worker from corrosive cement whilst dust mask
could be used to prevent inhalation of cement dust.

Regular maintenance may reduce noise levels, however ear plugs or defenders could be used to further
reduce the risk

For the hazards

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March 2008; 9b

September 2010; 6b

control measures that

can be used to reduce

the risk

The risk of electric shock could be reduced by using reduced voltage (110V) power supplies, or, if possible
a Residual-current-circuit breaker (RCCB) could be used.

identified above, outline

Manual handling could be reduced by using mechanical lifting aids, reducing bag sizes, lifting in teams, and
providing training on safe lifting techniques

Positioning the materials to be used close to the mixer and in a position that would reduce the amount of
twisting on the part of the operator;

Providing and using personal protective equipment such as eye protection, gloves and overalls;

Providing respiratory protective equipment such as dust masks;

Setting the mixer up on level ground and ensuring guards are in place and the engine cover closed to
provide protection against moving parts;

Specific Agents (7.5)

Providing hearing protection to counter the noise;

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Safe handling and storage of wastes (7.6)
Noise (8.1)
Identify health effects
216

September 2012; 11

associated with hepatitis

B infection.
Give the meaning of:

217

June 2010; 7a

(i) Hazardous waste;

(ii) non-hazardous
waste.

218

219

June 2010; 7b

September 2010; 11a

Health effects of hepatitis B infection include flu-like symptoms, Jaundice and reduced liver function. Flu-like
symptoms would include general aches and pains, headaches and a temperature of 38C.

Hazardous waste are harmful and/or dangerous to health and the environment and non-hazardous waste are those
which are not harmful either to health or the environment and does not decompose and result in the formation of
harmful products.

Outline the key design

Necessity for it to be located on stable ground, at a distance from a water course and without connections either to a

features of a permanent

drain or sewer. It should be provided with a concrete slab base and walls with the surfaces of both being impervious.

spill protected /bunded

There should be adequate space between the containers and the bund walls and the bunded area should have a

area in order to protect

capacity of 110% of the total capacity of the containers. If externally sited, consideration may have to be given to

against accidental

weatherproofing and the provision of emptying and monitoring systems with measures taken to protect the walls of

releases and pollution.

the bund against damage from the possibility of them being struck by passing plant or vehicles.

Identify the elements of

Reducing the amount of raw materials and energy involved in the processes; re-using materials or recovering

a hierarchy of control to

energy; recycling materials by using them for a different purpose if they cannot be used again in the original process;

minimise pollution from

converting the waste to energy by incineration and using the heat produced for example for the generation of

waste.

electricity and by responsible disposal for example in a landfill site

Outline techniques
which can be used to
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September 2010; 11b

reduce the risk of

use of double skinned containers; the erection of bunding round tank storage; the positioning of drip trays at

environmental damage

decanting points; the use of absorbent granules or pads; booms and providingcovers for drains.

from spillage and

leakage of liquid waste.
Identify FOUR
substances used in
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March 2010; 3a

construction that could

cause contact
dermatitis.

Substances in use in the construction industry that could cause contact dermatitis include degreasers, descalers and
detergents; epoxy resins and hardeners; sealants such as acrylic silicone; bitumen, asphalt and tar; solvents used in
connection with paints, glues and other surface coatings; petrol, diesel, oil and greases; cement and lime and
insulation materials such as mineral wool.

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Use of alternative substances where this is possible; using gloves to protect skin on the hands and minimising

222

March 2010; 3b

Outline control

contact with the use of hand tools; providing washing facilities so that contaminants can be removed from the skin as

measures that could be

soon as possible; using barrier and moisturising creams; providing information to workers on the hazards involved

used to reduce the risk

and the precautions to be taken; encouraging them to report skin problems and arranging for supervisors to

of contact dermatitis.

undertake skin inspections. Answers were generally concerned only with the use of gloves and barrier creams and
the provision of training.

Identify FOUR types of

engineering control that
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March 2010; 5

may be used to reduce

noise in the workplace
AND give a practical
example of EACH.

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December 2010; 4a

Identify THREE forms of

biological agents.

Engineering control that might be used to reduce noise in the workplace such as changing the process for example
using screws instead of rivets or substituting a machine with a diesel engine with one which was electrically driven;
providing sound proof enclosures such as a hood for a printer; controlling vibration by the use of resilient machinery
mounts and flexible pipes; damping by changing a material being used such as plastic instead of glass; noise
absorption by the use of acoustic absorbing ceiling baffles and screens; using silencers to reduce sound energy
emitted from exhaust pipes; and introducing a programme of planned maintenance which would include lubrication of
moving parts of machinery
Bacteria, viruses, fungi and prions

Identify THREE possible

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December 2010; 4b

routes of entry into the

body for a biological

Inhalation, Injection, Ingestion, and Absorption through the skin or mucosal membranes

agent

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December 2010; 4c

Give TWO control

Sterilisation and disinfection; the use of personal protective equipment such as gloves, respiratory and eye protection

measures to reduce the

and an overall; containment of the agent in a microbiological safety cabinet; the use of spill trays; the prohibition of

risk of exposure to a

smoking and eating/drinking in the work area; a good standard of personal hygiene; covering up wounds; and

biological agent.

immunisation

Outline the possible

effects on health from
exposure to high levels
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March 2008; 7

of noise.
Outline TWO noise
control techniques that
would benefit all
workers.

The permanent or chronic effects of exposure such as noise induced hearing loss (caused by damage to the hair
cells of the inner ear with reduced hearing capacity at particular frequencies) and tinnitus and temporary effects such
as temporary threshold shift, acute tinnitus, stress and fatigue. Possibility of acute trauma such as a burst eardrum
caused by exposure to sudden loud noise.

Absorption, using porous material such as foam or mineral wool; damping using metal or plastic to absorb energy;
isolation by the use of rubber mounts and insulation using brick walls or double skinned enclosures

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Vibration (8.2)
Radiation (8.3)
Stress (8.4)

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December 2012; 7

Outline prevention

Reduce the demand in terms of speed of work and deadlines

strategies that could be

Workers should be given as much control of the work as possible

implemented by an

Workers should be supported by providing information on the job

employer in order to

Clear policies should exist concerning acceptable standards of behaviour in the workplace

reduce work-related

Workers must be aware and clear about their roles and responsibilities

stress

In cases where changes are to be made, the change should be planned and workers consulted and informed.

Identify TWO types of:

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December 2012; 9a

(i) ionising radiation;

A: Gamma particle, Beta particle, X-ray, Alpha particle, Neutrons

(ii) non-ionising

B: Ultra-violet rays, infrared, visible light, microwaves, radio waves

radiation.
A noise survey has
been conducted in a
factory which has
resulted in the need for
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June 2010; 5a&b

provision of hearing
protection.
Outline the advantages
AND disadvantages of:
(a) earmuffs;
(b) Ear plugs.

231

June 2010; 8a

The advantages of ear muffs are that they provide a good reduction of all sound frequencies; they can be integrated
with other personal protective equipment such as a hard hat; they are visible and thus provide a good monitor of their
usage; they are reusable and have a low risk of infection. However, there is the possibility that they could be
incompatible with other forms of personal protective equipment and that their reliability might be affected by the
presence of long hair, glasses or ear rings; they might become uncomfortable when worn for long periods or during
hot weather and they need to be regularly maintained and provided with dedicated storage facilities.

As for ear plugs, they are easy to use, comfortable, are available in a range of designs and types and are disposable
and thus do not need to be stored after use. Their disadvantages, however, are that they do need to be correctly
sized to fit the individual, their effectiveness decreases with usage, they interfere with communication and may cause
hygiene problems if they are not kept clean or the user has an existing ear infection

Identify TWO types of

A: Ultraviolet light, - from sunlight and arc welding

non-ionising radiation

B: Visible Light, - from laser pointers

AND give an

C: Infra-red from red hot steel and glass manufacture

occupational source for

D: Industrial microwave oven and telecommunications antennae

EACH. (4)

E: Radio waves; From Radio, TV and Radar antennae

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Outline the health
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June 2010; 8b

effects associated with

exposure to non-ionising
radiation

233

234

September 2009; 9a

September 2009; 9b

Identify FOUR types of

ionising radiation.

September 2009; 10a

Causes redness and burns to skin (UV)

2.

Pain and inflammation to surface of the eye leading to temporary blindness (UV)

3.

Increased risk of skin cancer and premature aging of the skin (UV)

4.

Eye cataract over time (Caused by Infra red)

5.

Internal heating and internal organ damage (caused by Microwaves/radio waves)

Alpha particles, Beta particles, Gamma radiation, X-ray and Bremsstrahlung.

1.

Shielding, for example with lead or perspex;

2.

Segregation/isolation by increasing the distance between the source and the person;

Outline the main control

3.

Reducing the duration of exposure by worker rotation;

measures for ionising

4.

Reducing the strength of the source;

radiation

5.

Use of a glove box provided with local exhaust ventilation;

6.

The use of appropriate personal protective equipment such as an apron;

7.

Monitoring and health surveillance.

Identify possible routes

235

1.

of entry of biological
organisms into the body.

Outline control

Inhalation, Injection, Absorption through the skin for example through cuts and grazes, Exchange of body fluids and
Ingestion
1.

Regular cleaning and disinfecting;

2.

Use of personal protective equipment such as respiratory protection and aprons and gloves;

3.

Engineering controls such as containment for example in glove boxes provided with local exhaust

measures that could be

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September 2009; 10b

used to reduce the risk

4.

Proper procedures for disposal of waste;

of infection from

5.

Pest & vermin control;

biological organisms.

6.

Monitoring and health surveillance;

7.

Immunisation

8.

Adopting a good standard of personal hygiene.

Identify the health

237

ventilation and the use of microbiological safety cabinets;

September 2010; 4

effects that may be

December 2012; 9b

caused by ionising
radiation.

Blistering and ulceration of the skin; dermatitis; cataracts; loss of hair; infertility; radiation sickness typically nausea,
vomiting and diarrhoea; cell damage including genetic mutation; anaemia; and cancer affecting the skin, body
organs, and white blood cells (leukaemia)