IGC 2 - QUESTION AND ANSWERS

ELEMENT 1: WORKPLACE HAZARDS AND RISK CONTROL

1. A manufacturing company has to relocate its workforce and workshops while a new factory is to be built.
There will be 24 hour working at the new premises.
a. Outline the sanitary and washing facilities, drinking water supply and other welfare facilities that will
be required at the new location.
b. Identify other aspects of the work environment that the company will also need to consider.
Answer a:

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

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

Accommodation for clothing and facilities for changing clothing should be provided. Arrangements
should be in place for disposing contaminated clothing.

Drinking water facilities located in close proximity of workshops and should be filtered and potable for
drinking purpose.

Facilities for rest and eating must be provided with a special consideration to the pregnant women and
nursing mothers to rest. The food should be kept in clean premises away from contamination.
Answer b:

Ventilation systems in the workplace should be effective and sufficient of any impurity. There should be
proper maintenance to the ventilation systems in the organization.

Heating and Temperature in the organization should be reasonably comfortable . Installation of
thermometers to monitored workplace temperature should be done. Suitable protective clothing should
also be made available for employees use.

2. Extremes of temperature in the workplace may have an adverse effect on the health of workers.
a. Identify the possible effects on health that may be caused by working in a hot and cold environment.
b. Outline the controls required when workers are exposed to:
i)
A hot environment
ii)
A cold environment
Answer a:
In a hot temperature, the body may suffer perspiration, heat stroke, heat stress and also may suffer dehydration
issues.
In a Cold environment, the body may lose heat and in extreme cases they may even suffer shivering, frost bite
particularly to those who work in cold storage units.

Answer b:
Controls for a hot environment a good supply of ventilation, minimising exposure time and increasing breaks
would help. Provision of drinking water, comfortable clothing, barrier creams etc would reduce the risk of heat
related health issues to the worker.
Controls for a cold environment Provision of suitable thermal clothing, hot drinks and external heating is
recommended. Whilst for the workers in cold storage units should have emergency alarms in case they get trapped
in the stores.
A regular health surveillance for those exposed to extreme temperatures is to be carried out and monitored for
adverse symptoms.

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

a) Identify the issues that should be considered by the company when the lighting requirements are
being specified for the building.
b) Outline FOUR other health and safety issues associated with the physical working environment that
should also be considered by the company.
Answer a:

The availability of the natural light

Requirement for the job / task - local lighting
Glare issues
Type and color of the light fittings
Local adjustability of the light fittings
Obstructions to the light or shadow issues
Heating issues from the light fittings
Maintenance of the light fittings
Need for emergency lighting

Answer b:

Noise from the equipments in use

Vibration issues from use of the equipments and machines
Floors and stairways their maintenance
Seating arrangements
Traffic routes for vehicles and pedestrians
Windows and doors for allowing natural ventilation

4. a. Identify FOUR types of work where employees may be at an increased risk of violence when dealing
with members of the public.
b. Outline an action plan that can be developed to protect employees from the risk of violence in the
workplace
c. Identify FOUR types of security equipment that could be employed to protect vulnerable workers from
the risk of violence when dealing with members of the public.
Answer a:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Health and Social Services

Police and fire fighters
Customer service
Debt collectors
Handling cash and valuables
Lone workers

Answer b:

A zero tolerance policy for dealing with violence at work

Consultation with the employees at risk
Informing emergency services
Improving the layout of the workplace
Improving lighting
Increasing security systems
Reducing queue systems
Improving the service quality

Answer c:

Access control barriers and swipe card access; coded locking system
CCTV installation to monitor crime and violence
Alarms installation of intruder, panic and personal alarms
Radios and pagers to provide specifically for lone workers
Communication devices such as mobile phones

5. a. Outline FIVE possible indications that an employee may be suffering from alcohol , solvent or drug
abuse
b.Identify the risks to health from the misuse of these substances
c.Outline the control measures that could reduce these risks to health
Answer a:

Sudden mood changes

## Dishonesty and theft
Unusual irritability or aggression
A tendency to become confused
Abnormal fluctuations in concentration and energy
Impaired job performance
Poor time-keeping
Increased short term sickness leave
A deterioration in relationships with colleagues, customers or managemen

Answer b:

Slurring of speech
Impaired concentration
Poor memory and judgement
Mood swings

## Effects may be acute or chronic.

Answer c:

A written policy on drug abuse

Drug screening and testing on consent of the worker
Display of posters
Personal Counselling

6. a.Outline EIGHT types of hazard that may cause slips or trips at work
7.
c. Outline the measures that may be needed to reduce the risk of slip and trip accidents in a workplace
that contains manufacturing machiner
Answer a:

Wet or dusty floors

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

Loose mats on slippery floors

Trailing cables on the floor

Obstructions on the floors

Poor housekeeping

Poor lighting levels

Unsuitable footwea
Answer b:

Ensuring good housekeeping

Good lighting levels
Suitable flooring
Anti-slip mats

8. Permanent staircases are a source of accidents involving a fall from height. Identify FIVE design features
and/or safe practices intended to reduce the risk of such accidents.
Answer a:
Design features:

Hand rails
Proportionate tread and risers
Anti-slippery nosing
Landing areas
Suitable flooring

Safe practices:
* Suitable lighting
* Appropriate footwear
* Good maintenance
* Not leaving obstructions on the stairs
* Not rushing whilst using the stairs

9. Both pedestrians and vehicles use the same traffic routes in a busy warehouse. Identify control measures
that should be in place to reduce the risks to pedestrians in the warehouse.
Answer :

A well marked, protected and laid out pedestrian walksways

Designated crossing areas

Blind spot mirrors to alert vehicle drivers to see moving pedestrians

Vehicles fitted with horns and flashing beacons

Speed limits within the warehouse

Speed governing devices for the vehicles

Appointment of banksman

Training and information to the pedestrians

High-visibility clothing to the pedestrians
10. During the maintenance of a machine that is in a fixed position, a fitter suffers a head injury when he
collides with on overhead beam on the machine. Describe possible control measures that could have
prevented this accident.
Answer:

Proper lighting with a spot light on the beam

Caution tape on the beam
A foam or beam support
A clear instruction from the area head
A bump cap given to the fitter
A risk assessment carried out
The maintenance work is closely monitored
Suitable signage highlighting the hazard on the machine

11. a. Identify FOUR hazards associated with work at height above ground level
c. Outline a hierarchy of control measures to be considered when a construction worker is at risk of
falling while working at height
d. Outline the risks facing construction workers required to undertake repair work on a fragile roof
e. Outline the precautions to be taken to ensure the safety of roof workers
Answer a:

Falling of people
Fragile roofs
Unprotected edges
Falling material
Poorly maintained access equipment
Environmental hazards

Answer b:

Avoid working at height

Use long handled devices

Work from an existing safe workplace provided such as a properly constructed working platform complete
with toe boards and guard rails

Safe systems of working risk assessments, permits to work


Use of airbags and safety nets

Training and supervision

Safety harnesses
Answer c:

General condition of fragile roof deterioration

Corrosion of cladding and fixing
Thermal and impact damage
Weather effects

Answer d:

Ensuring only competent personnel are involved in the work

No work should be carried out in poor weather conditions
Roof ladders should be used which are well maintained and in good condition
The anchorage of the roof ladder should not be attached to the fragile roof but to another strong structure
Safety nets to be installed
The area below to be barricaded and signposted

12. The three most common types fall arrest equipment are safety harnesses, safety nets and airbags. Outline
the application advantages and disadvantages of each of these devices to protect those working at height.
Answer :
Safety Harnesses:
Advantages 1. The length of the fall is reduced by use of the safety harness.
2. Works as additional measure to protect the worker.
Disadvantages 1. The worker will still be injured due to the shock load applied when the fall is arrested.
2. Only competent person can use the safety harness and needs an anchorage point to secure the harness.
Safety Nets:
Advantages 1. Can control fall of people and material
2. can be installed easily
Disadvantages 1. Not suitable for use in low level construction
2. Unless positioned correctly they may not be safe to use
Airbags:
Advantages 1. Can be used when safety nets cannot be installed
2. do not need anchorage points
Disadvantages 1. Not useful if there is suitable air pressure
2. takes large part of area to install

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

Selection of suitable ladder

Location of the ladder use to be suitable
Stable in use rungs etc
Proper maintenance
Tied and anchored to prevent from slipping
Not to use in poor weather conditions
Not to over reach when using ladders
Have a three point contact
Ladder positioned 1:4 angle
Ensure there is a handrail to use
Not carry out near overhead power lines
To be used by competent workers only

13 a) Outline THREE causes of a scaffold collapse

c)
Outline the precautions that should be taken to reduce the risk of injury to members of the public
during the erection and use of the scaffold
Answer a:

Incompetent erection of scaffold

Overloading of the work platforms
Environmental conditions
Struck by a moving vehicle

Answer b:

To be erected by the competent person only and suitably inspected

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

Must be erected on a stable surface

Work platforms should be appropriately tied

Not to overload

Ensure vehicle movements are controlled

Suitable accessories to be used in scaffold erection

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

a. Give reasons why a mobile tower scaffold may become unstable
b. Identify SIX additional points that should be considered to ensure the safe use of a mobile tower scaffold
c. Identify measures that should be adopted to protect the risk
Answer a:

Wheels not locked

Used on a slopy or a steep surface
Platform overloaded
Tower not tied to a rigid structure
No diagnol bracing and stabilizers used

Answer b:

Persons working on the platform should not overreach

The tower should be regularly inspected
Safe distance must be maintained between tower and overhead power lines
The platform should not be overloaded

Answer c:

Ensuring the tower is used only by competent persons

The area need to be barricaded
A banksman to be appointed to control the traffic movement around
Ensure it is not used closer to excavation pits

15. A major construction project will involve the demolition of several tall buildings
a. Outline SEVEN controls that should be introduced to prevent children gaining access to the demolition site
b. Identify the main hazards that may be present during the demolition of the buildings
c. Outline the contents of a suitable method statement to be used during the demolition process
Answer a:

Informing local authorities, schools and residents on proposed construction activities

Fencing and guarding around the site
Cctv installation and security arrangements to monitor any visitors
Installing intruder alarms
Regular monitoring of gaps between the fencing
Good lighting
Ensuring site is left in a safe condition in case of entry

Answer b:

Fall of people and material

Noise
Vibration
Dust and fumes



Manual handling
Presence of asbestos and other hazardous substances
Electrical shocks
Fires and explosions from the use of flammable and explosive substances
Premature collapse during the demolition
Presence of utilities
Collision with heavy plant and machinery
Sharp objects

Answer c:

Details of method of demolition

Means of preventing premature collapse
Safe removal of debris
Details of equipment being used
Mention of hazardous substances
Arrangements for protective measures for trespassers
Isolation information
PPE to be used during the demolition
First aid and emergency arrangements
Risk assessments that need to be used
Permits to work and safe systems of working procedures

16. Ceiling repairs are to be undertaken in a busy warehouse by construction workers using a Mobile Elevating
Working Platform (MEWP)
a. Identify the hazards associated with this work
b. Outline the controls required to ensure the safety of the maintenance workers and others who may be affected
by the work
Answer a:

Might collide with other moving vehicles

Block escape route in the warehouse
Falling material and equipment onto the pedestrians moving around the warehouse
Might obstruct the visibility to the warehouse workers
May overturn if overloaded

Answer b:

The MEWP to be operated by the competent persons only

To be operated on stable ground
The tyres must be properly inflated and the wheels immobilised
Outriggers are fully extended
Warning signs to be put around along with the barriers to prevent collisions

17. A deep trench needs to be excavated and supported next to a four storey building
a. Identify the hazards that may be present in these circumstances
b. Outline the control measures required so that the excavation workers, members of the public and the adjacent
building are adequately protected
c. Identify when inspections of the supported excavation must be carried out by the competent person
Answer a:

Collapse of the sides

Materials falling over
Fall of people
Vehicles falling into the excavation
Influx of ground or surface water
Proximity of stored materials
Presence of toxic atmosphere
Manual handling
Slips and trips

Answer b:

Excavation work to be carried out as per risk assessment

Work to be safely conducted as per permit to work system
Work to be supervised by a competent person
Shoring to be done using timber support to prevent collapse of walls
Excavation to be well barricaded
All operators to be competent
Ensuring nearby structures and buildings also are shored up
Influx of water to be controlled by the use of pumps
Ensuring adequate care taken to prevent contact with underground services
Vehicles to be redirected to keep away from the excavation

Answer c:

After any event likely to affect the strength or stability of the excavation
Before work at the start of every shift
After an accidental fall of any material
Changes in environmental conditions