November 2014

Guide to the
NEBOSH National
Certificate in
Construction Health
and Safety
Qualification title: NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Health and Safety
Version: 9
Specification date: November 2014
Guide publication date: November 2018

The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH),

Dominus Way, Meridian Business Park, Leicester LE19 1QW.

Registered Charity Number: 1010444

Telephone: +44 (0) 116 263 4700

Fax: +44 (0) 116 282 4000
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.nebosh.org.uk

© NEBOSH
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, electrostatic, mechanical, photocopied or
otherwise, without the express permission in writing from NEBOSH.

© NEBOSH 2019
Guide to the NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction
Health and Safety (November 2014 specification)

Contents

1. Introduction

1.1 Benefits for employers 1

1.2 Professional membership 2
1.3 Qualification level and UK accreditation 2
1.4 Key topics covered 2
1.5 Course tuition and private study time requirements 3
1.6 Entry requirements 3
1.7 Minimum standard of English required for candidates 3
1.8 Languages 3
1.9 Legislation 4
1.10 Legislative updates 4
1.11 National Occupational Standards (NOS) and best practice 4
1.12 Qualification type 4
1.13 Qualification progression 5
1.14 Programmes offered by NEBOSH-accredited course providers 5
1.15 Examination dates 5
1.16 Specification date 5
1.17 Syllabus development and review 6
1.18 Further information for candidates 6
1.19 Further information for accredited course providers 6

2. Qualification structure

2.1 Unit assessment 7

2.2 Unit exemptions 8
2.3 Achieving the qualification 8
2.4 Unit pass standards 8
2.5 Unit certificates 8
2.6 Qualification grade 8
2.7 Qualification parchment 8
2.8 Re-sitting unit/s 9

3. Policies

3.1 Requests for access arrangements/reasonable adjustments 10

3.2 Requests for special consideration 10
3.3 Enquiries about results and appeals 10
3.4 Malpractice 11

© NEBOSH 2019
4. Notes for tutors

4.1 Tutor references 12

4.2 Teaching of units 12
4.3 Conflict of interest 12
4.4 Minimum standard of English required for tutors 12

5. Syllabus - NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Health and Safety

(November 2014 specification) 13

5.1 Unit NGC1: Management of health and safety

Element 1: Foundations in health and safety 16

Element 2: Health and safety management systems – Plan 20
Element 3: Health and safety management systems - Do 22
Element 4: Health and safety management systems – Check 27
Element 5: Health and safety management systems – Act 29
Unit NGC1: Tutor References 31

5.2 Unit NCC1: Managing and controlling hazards in construction activities

Element 1: Construction law and management 34

Element 2: Construction site - hazards and risk control 36
Element 3: Vehicle and plant movement - hazards and risk control 39
Element 4: Musculoskeletal hazards and risk control 41
Element 5: Work equipment - hazards and risk control 43
Element 6: Electrical safety 45
Element 7: Fire safety 47
Element 8: Chemical and biological health - hazards and risk control 49
Element 9: Physical and psychological health - hazards and risk control 52
Element 10: Working at height - hazards and risk control 54
Element 11: Excavation work and confined spaces - hazards and risk control 56
Element 12: Demolition and deconstruction - hazards and risk control 58
Unit NCC1: Tutor References 60

5.3 Unit NCC2: Construction health and safety practical application

5.3.1 Purpose and aim 66

5.3.3 Assessment location 67
5.3.4 Assessment requirements 67
5.3.5 Submission of completed work 68
5.3.6 Further information 68

6. Sample examination question papers

6.1 Unit NGC1: Management of health and safety 69

6.2 Unit NCC1: Managing and controlling hazards in construction activities 72

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 The Guide to the NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction
Health and Safety (November 2014 specification)

1. Introduction
The NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Health and Safety has been offered since
1989 and is established as a leading health and safety qualification for the construction
industry, with over 15000 successful candidates.

The National Construction Certificate is designed for supervisors and managers within the
construction industry and is designed to provide a sound breadth of underpinning knowledge
that enables them to discharge more effectively their duties with respect to health and safety
in construction activities.

1.1 Benefits for employers

Accidents and work-related ill-health affect all types of workplaces and occupations.
However, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported that the construction industry
suffered the largest amounts of fatal injuries of all sectors in 2013/14. Of the 133 workers
killed during 2013/14 nearly a third (42) worked in the construction industry. During 2013/14
there were a total of 77593 RIDDOR reportable injuries reported to the HSE. Relative to other
industries, a higher proportion of reported injuries were caused by falls from height, falling
objects, contact with moving machinery, collapses/overturns and electricity. These statistics
are in addition to the thousands of construction workers and ex-construction workers who die
annually from mesothelioma (a total of 2535 deaths for 2013/14) and other occupational
cancers and work-related lung diseases. An estimated 2.3 million working days (1.7 million
for ill-health and 592000 due to workplace injury) were lost in 2013/14 in the construction
industry (http://www.hse.gov.uk/Statistics/industry/construction/index.htm).

In addition to the direct costs of sick pay and absence, employers can find themselves dealing
with criminal prosecution (there were a total of 674 prosecutions in the UK during 2013/14),
claims for compensation, adverse publicity and harm to both business reputation and
profitability. The country’s annual sick pay bill (for ill health and injury) is estimated at £14.2
billion in 2012/13 (http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/overall/hssh1314.pdf).

The vast majority of occupational injuries, incidents and ill-health are avoidable by good health
and safety management. By saving money, improving productivity and raising workforce
morale, effective health and safety management should be recognised as an essential
element of a successful management strategy.

Many larger construction organisations choose the NEBOSH National Construction Certificate
as a key part of their supervisors’ or management development programme. By ensuring that
line managers have a sound understanding of the principles of risk management they build an
effective safety culture in the company. Smaller construction organisations often choose the
NEBOSH National Construction Certificate as the appropriate qualification for the manager
taking the lead on health and safety issues.

This course can be delivered within an organisation, or employees can attend accredited
training courses run throughout the UK by our network of accredited course providers.
NEBOSH accredited course providers offer a variety of flexible course formats, so training can
be arranged according to employer needs.

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1.2 Professional membership

Holders of NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Health and Safety are entitled to
Associate Membership (AIOSH) of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).
The qualification also meets the academic requirements for Technical membership (Tech
IOSH) of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH – www.iosh.co.uk) and
Associate membership (AIIRSM) of the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management
(IIRSM – www.iirsm.org).

The NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Health and Safety meets the headline
entrance criteria requirements for Construction Safety Associate membership (AaPS) of the
Association for Project Safety (APS - www.aps.org.uk).

Holders of both the NEBOSH International or National Diploma in Occupational Health and
Safety and the NEBOSH National or International Certificate in Construction Health and Safety
meet the headline entrance criteria requirements for Registered Construction Safety
Practitioner (RMaPS) membership of the Association for Project Safety (APS -
www.aps.org.uk).

Holders of this qualification are also entitled to Associate membership (AIIRSM) of the
International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM – www.iirsm.org).

1.3 Qualification level and UK accreditation

The NEBOSH National Construction Certificate is accredited and credit rated by the Scottish
Qualifications Authority (SQA - www.sqa.org.uk) for delivery across the UK. It is rated within
the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF - www.scqf.org.uk) at SCQF Level 6
with 17 SCQF credit points.

For users in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, this is comparable to a Vocationally-
Related Qualification (VRQ) at Level 3 within the National Qualifications Framework (NQF)
and Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF), or A-Level standard.

For further information please refer to the “Qualifications can cross boundaries” comparison
chart issued by the UK regulators, available from the SQA website (www.sqa.org.uk).

1.4 Key topics covered

 Legal requirements for health and safety at work

 Implementation of health and safety management systems
 Identification of construction workplace hazards
 Methods of construction hazard control
 Practical application of knowledge and understanding

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1.5 Course tuition and private study time requirements

Unit NGC1: 36 hours tuition and 23 hours private study Total: 59 hours
Unit NCC1: 68 hours tuition and 29 hours private study Total: 97 hours
Unit NCC2: 2 hours tuition and 6 hours private study Total: 8 hours

A programme of study therefore needs to be based around a minimum of 106 taught hours
and approximately 58 hours of private study for an overall total of 164 Hours.

A full-time block release course would be expected to last for a minimum of three weeks
(fifteen working days) and a part-time day release course would be spread over at least fifteen
weeks. For candidates studying by open or distance learning, the tuition hours should be
added to the recommended private study hours to give the minimum number of hours that this
mode of study will require.

Quoted hours do not include assessment time, ie, sitting written examinations or the practical
application unit (see 1.6).

1.6 Entry requirements

There are no specific barriers, in terms of academic qualifications, skills or experience to entry
to the NEBOSH National Construction Certificate programme. However, it should be noted
that currently the assessments are offered, and must be answered, in English only. The
qualification includes a requirement to write a short report based on the candidate’s own
workplace, which must also be in English. Candidates should discuss this with the accredited
course provider before undertaking the qualification.

1.7 Minimum standard of English required for candidates

The standard of English required by candidates studying for the NEBOSH National
Construction Certificate must be such that they can both understand and articulate the
concepts contained in the syllabus. It is important to stress that the onus is on accredited
course providers to determine their candidates’ standards of proficiency in English.
NEBOSH recommends to accredited course providers that candidates undertaking this
qualification should reach a minimum standard of English equivalent to an International
English Language Testing System score of 6.0 or higher in IELTS tests in order to be accepted
onto a National Construction Certificate programme.
For further information please see the latest version of the IELTS Handbook or consult the
IELTS website: http://www.ielts.org/institutions/test_format_and_results.aspx.

Candidates wishing to assess their own language expertise may consult the IELTS website
for information on taking the test: http://www.ielts.org/faqs.aspx.

1.8 Languages
All unit examinations and the practical assessment must be taken in English.

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1.9 Legislation
The syllabus refers to UK legislation. Where the syllabus refers to the legislative system of
England and Wales, candidates may refer to the legislative systems and requirements that
apply in Scotland or Northern Ireland, provided that these references are clearly indicated as
such.

If this qualification is delivered overseas, accredited course providers may refer to examples
of local legislation as part of the course programme but examination questions will refer to UK
legislation only.

1.10 Legislative updates

Relevant new legislation will become examinable in detail six months after its date of
introduction. However, candidates will be expected to be essentially up-to-date at the time of
the examination and, whilst a detailed knowledge will not be expected, reference to new or
impending legislation, where relevant to an examination question, will be given credit.

Please note, NEBOSH will not ask questions related to legislation that has been repealed,
revoked or otherwise superseded.

NB: Accredited course providers are expected to ensure their course notes remain current
with regard to new legislation.

1.11 National Occupational Standards (NOS) and best practice

The syllabus is mapped to the relevant National Occupational Standards (NOS):

 NOS for Health and Safety (Standalone units) published by Proskills Sector Skills Council
 NOS to Manage health, safety, welfare and environmental factors published by
Constructionskills SSC.

The mapping of the syllabus units to each NOS can be found on pages 12-13.

1.12 Qualification type

NEBOSH qualifications are categorised as 'Other’ qualifications by SQA Accreditation in
Scotland. These are categorised as Vocationally-Related Qualifications (VRQs) in England,
Wales and Northern Ireland.

VRQs provide the knowledge and practical skills required for particular job roles through a
structured study-based training programme, that combine the testing of knowledge and
understanding in written examinations with practical application of learning in the workplace.

VRQs are a popular type of qualification because they are nationally recognised, flexible and
offer routes for progression to employment or further study.

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1.13 Qualification progression

Unit NGC1 is common to:

 NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Health and Safety

 NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
 NEBOSH National Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management

This enables students seeking to develop specialist knowledge to combine units across these
NEBOSH qualifications. NGC1 unit holders do not need to re-sit this examination providing it
was successfully achieved within the five year completion period for each qualification.

Candidates wishing to further develop their health and safety expertise may consider studying:

 NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

This is designed to provide students with the expertise required to undertake a career as a
health and safety practitioner and also provides a sound basis for progression to postgraduate
study.

Candidates looking to use their expertise overseas may consider:

 NEBOSH International Certificate in Construction Health and Safety

 NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety.

These qualifications focus on international standards and management systems rather than
UK legislation.

Further information regarding our qualification portfolio can be found on our website:
www.nebosh.org.uk/qualifications

1.14 Programmes offered by NEBOSH-accredited course providers

Accredited course providers can be located using the ‘Where to study’ tab on our website:
www.nebosh.org.uk

NB: Candidates are advised to check up-to-date information on course dates with accredited
course providers directly.

1.15 Examination dates

‘Standard’ examination dates for this qualification are available in March, June, September and
December annually. Accredited course providers may request ‘on-demand’ examinations on a
date of their choosing for this qualification.

1.16 Specification date

The November 2014 specification for this qualification replaces the previous May 2010
specification for all examinations from (and including) 7 October 2015.

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1.17 Syllabus development and review

The syllabus has been developed by NEBOSH following extensive consultation with key
stakeholders, notably accredited course providers, professional bodies, employers, standards
setting organisations, enforcement bodies and subject experts. NEBOSH would like to take
this opportunity to thank all those who participated in the development, piloting and
implementation of this qualification.

1.18 Further information for candidates

Further information for candidates including a qualification overview leaflet, examiner’s report
and guidance regarding the practical unit can be found via the NEBOSH website
(www.nebosh.org.uk).

1.19 Further information for accredited course providers

Further information for accredited course providers including policies and procedures and
guidance on the practical unit can be found in the accredited course providers’ section of the
NEBOSH website.

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2. Qualification structure
2.1 Unit assessment
The National Construction Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is divided into three
units. All units are mandatory unless an exemption can be applied (see 2.2). There are no
optional units. Candidates may choose to take one, two or all three units at the same time or
at different times.

NB: For candidates planning to do two or all three units, Unit NCC2 (Construction health and
safety practical application) is not normally offered independently of the taught units
(NGC1/NCC1). Candidates will be required to complete the NCC2 assessment within 10
working days of sitting the examination for unit NGC1 and/or NCC1, on a date to be agreed
with their accredited course provider.

Unit NGC1: Management of health and safety

 Unit NGC1 is a taught unit, assessed by one two-hour written examination

 Each written examination consists of ten ‘short-answer’ questions (8 marks each) and one
‘long-answer’ question (20 marks)
 Each examination paper covers the whole unit syllabus with at least one question per unit
element and all questions are compulsory
 Candidate scripts are marked by external examiners appointed by NEBOSH
 A sample examination paper can be found in Section 5.

Unit NCC1: Managing and controlling hazards in construction activities

 Unit NCC1 is a taught unit, assessed by one two-hour written examination

 Each written examination consists of ten ‘short-answer’ questions (8 marks each) and one
‘long-answer’ question (20 marks)
 Each examination paper covers the whole unit syllabus with at least one question per unit
element. All questions are compulsory
 Candidate scripts are marked by external examiners appointed by NEBOSH
 A sample examination paper can be found in Section 5.

Unit NCC2: Construction health and safety practical application

 Unit NCC2 is assessed by a practical assessment carried out in the candidate’s own
workplace
 This is held on a date set by the accredited course provider and must be taken within 10
working days of a written examination
 The practical application is internally assessed by the accredited course provider and
externally moderated by NEBOSH
 Guidance for candidates and accredited course providers is available in a separate
document available on the NEBOSH website (www.nebosh.org.uk).

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NEBOSH applies best practise in relation to assessment setting and marking. NEBOSH uses
external assessment for written examinations and assignments: scripts are sent to NEBOSH
and undergo rigorous marking, checking and results determination processes to ensure
accuracy and consistency.

2.2 Unit exemptions

Exemptions for the following units are available:

 Unit NGC1: Management of health and safety

Exemptions are allowable for a set time period, usually 5-years. Candidates/accredited course
providers must, therefore, refer to the NEBOSH website (www.nebosh.org.uk) for an up-to-
date list of applicable exemptions and the rules for use of the exemptions.

2.3 Achieving the qualification

Candidates will need to pass all three units within a five year period to achieve the overall
qualification. The five years commences from the result declaration date of the first successful
unit.

2.4 Unit pass standards

The pass standard for each unit may vary according to pre-determined criteria but is normalised
to 45% for the written papers (NGC1 and NCC1) and 60% for the practical application unit
(NCC2).

2.5 Unit certificates

Candidates who are successful in an individual unit will be issued with a unit certificate,
normally within 40 working days of the issue of the result notification. Units are not graded
and the unit certificates will show a ‘Pass’ only.

2.6 Qualification grade

When candidates have been awarded a unit certificate for all three units (ie, have achieved a
Pass in units NGC1, NCC1 and NCC2), the marks are added together and a final grade is
awarded as follows:

Pass 150 - 179 marks

Credit 180 - 209 marks
Distinction 210 marks or more

2.7 Qualification parchment

Once a candidate has achieved a Pass in all three units and the qualification grade awarded
they are normally considered to have completed the qualification and a qualification parchment
will be issued, within 40 working days of the result declaration date for the third successfully
completed unit.

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However, once the result of the third successfully completed unit has been issued the
candidate has 20 working days from the date of issue of that result to either:

 Inform NEBOSH in writing of their intention to re-sit a successful unit for the purposes of
improving a grade*
 Submit an Enquiry About Result (EAR) request (see Section 3.3).

* In the event that the candidate does not re-sit the unit(s) as intended, on expiry of the units
(five years from the declaration date of the first successful unit), a qualification parchment will
automatically be issued showing the original declaration date.

2.8 Re-sitting unit/s

If a candidate’s performance in a unit is lower than a pass, candidates may re-sit just the unit
in which they have been unsuccessful providing that they re-sit within 5-years of the result
declaration date for their first successful unit (also see Section 2.3). Where a candidate
has yet to achieve a successful unit of a qualification, the 5-year rule does not apply until a
unit has been successfully achieved.

Candidates who wish to improve the mark from a unit they have successfully passed in order
to improve their qualification grading to a credit or distinction, may do so providing that they
re-sit the unit/s within the qualifying period (see section 2.3). The candidate must notify
NEBOSH in writing if they wish to do this (see section 2.7). Any candidate who re-sits a
successful unit, and does not surpass their original mark, eg, is referred in the paper, will keep
the original mark awarded. Re-sit marks are not capped. There is no limit to the number of
re-sits within this five year period.

Candidates who register for any unit whilst awaiting a result from a previous sitting of an
examination for the same qualification may not seek a refund of the registration fee if they
retrospectively claim exemption from any part of the qualification, subsequent to the issue of
the awaited result.

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3. Policies

3.1 Requests for access arrangements/reasonable adjustments

Access arrangements and reasonable adjustments are modifications which are approved in
advance of an examination to allow attainment to be demonstrated by candidates with either
a permanent or long-term disability or learning difficulty, or temporary disability, illness or
indisposition.

Requests for access arrangements or reasonable adjustments must be made to NEBOSH by

accredited course providers at least one month before the assessment.

For further details see the NEBOSH “Policy and procedures for access arrangements,
reasonable adjustments and special consideration” available from the NEBOSH website
(www.nebosh.org.uk).

3.2 Requests for special consideration

Special consideration is a procedure that may result in an adjustment to the marks of
candidates who have not been able to demonstrate attainment because of temporary illness,
injury, indisposition or an unforeseen incident at the time of the assessment.

Candidates who feel disadvantaged due to illness, distraction or any other reason during the
assessment must report this to the invigilator (or the accredited course provider in the case of
a practical examination) before leaving the examination room and request that their written
statement, together with the invigilator’s comments on the statement, be sent by the accredited
course provider to NEBOSH.

Requests for special consideration must be made to NEBOSH by the accredited course
provider as soon as possible and no more than seven working days after the assessment.

For further details see the NEBOSH “Policy and procedures for access arrangements,
reasonable adjustments and special consideration” available from the NEBOSH website
(www.nebosh.org.uk).

3.3 Enquiries about results and appeals

NEBOSH applies detailed and thorough procedures to moderate and check assessment
results before they are issued. It thereby ensures that the declared results are a fair and
equitable reflection of the standard of performance by candidates.

There are, however, procedures for candidates or accredited course providers to enquire
about results that do not meet their reasonable expectations. An ‘enquiry about result’ (EAR)
must be made in writing within one month of the date of issue of the result to which it relates.

For details see the NEBOSH “Enquiries About Result (EARs) and appeals policy and
procedures” document available from the NEBOSH website (www.nebosh.org.uk).

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3.4 Malpractice
Malpractice is defined as any deliberate activity, neglect, default or other practice by
candidates and/or accredited course providers that compromise the integrity of the
assessment process, and/or the validity of certificates. Malpractice may include a range of
issues from collusion or use of unauthorised material by candidates, to the failure to maintain
appropriate records or systems by accredited course providers, to the deliberate falsification
of records in order to claim certificates. Failure by an accredited course provider to deal with
identified issues may in itself constitute malpractice.

For further details see the NEBOSH “Malpractice policy and procedures” document available
from the NEBOSH website (www.nebosh.org.uk).

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4. Notes for tutors

4.1 Tutor references

Tutor references are given at the end of each unit and are split between statutory provisions
and guidance documents. These references are given to aid tutors with the teaching of the
syllabus content; they are not an exhaustive list and tutors can use other references to those
quoted in the syllabus.

4.2 Teaching of units

Although the syllabus sets out the Units and Elements in a specific order, tutors can teach the
Units and Elements in any order they feel is appropriate. Course providers will need to reflect
this in the timetables which are submitted for approval as part of the accreditation/re-
accreditation process.

4.3 Conflict of interest

Accredited Course Provider staff including Head of Accredited Course Providers, Tutors,
Administrators, Examinations Officers and Invigilators must declare in writing to NEBOSH any
employment and/or familial, spousal or other close personal relationship with any examination
or assessment candidate. Further information can be found in the ‘Instructions for Conducting
Examinations’ document.

4.4 Minimum standard of English required for tutors

Tutors who are based overseas and wish to deliver the NEBOSH National Certificate in
Construction Health and Safety must have a good standard of English. They must be able to
articulate the concepts contained in the syllabus. The accredited course provider must provide
evidence of the tutor’s standard of English when submitting the tutor’s CV for approval.

NEBOSH’s requirement is for tutors delivering this qualification to have reached a minimum
standard of English equivalent to an International English Language Testing System score of
7.0 or higher in IELTS tests.

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5. Syllabus - NEBOSH National Certificate in

Construction Health and Safety (November 2014
specification)

Structure

The qualification is divided into three units. Unit NGC1 is further divided into five elements
and Unit NCC1 into eight elements.

The matrix below indicates how the syllabus elements map to the relevant National
Occupational Standards (See also section 1.11):

 National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Health and Safety (Standalone units)
published by Proskills Sector Skills Council.
 NOS to Manage health, safety, welfare and environmental factors published by
Constructionskills SSC.

The NOS can be downloaded from https://www.ukstandards.org.uk/Pages/index.aspx.

Unit NGC1: Management of health and safety

Relevant
Relevant
Construction
Recom- Proskills
Element skills
Element Title mended units Page
Number units
hours and
and
elements
element

PROHSS1-3,
1 Foundations in health and safety 7 5-6
CO1.2-1.4 16

Health and safety management PROHSS2-

2 3 CO1.2, 1.3 21
systems - Plan 3, 5

Health and safety management PROHSS1-

3 17 CO1.2-1.4 23
systems - Do 3, 6

Health and safety management PROHSS1-

4 5 CO1.2-1.4 26
systems – Check 3, 5, 6, 8

Health and safety management

5 4 PROHSS1-3, 8 CO1.2, 1.3 30
systems - Act

Minimum unit tuition time 36

Recommended private study

time 23

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Unit NCC1: Managing and controlling hazards in construction

activities

Relevant Relevant
Recom- Proskills Construction
Element
Element Title mended units skills units Page
Number
hours and and
elements element

Construction law and

1 5 HSS1-9 CO1.2-1.4 33
management

Construction site hazards and HSS1-6, 8-

2 7 CO1.3, 1.4 36
controls 9

Vehicle and plant movement – HSS1-4, 6,

3 5 CO1.3, 1.4 39
hazards and control 8-9

Musculoskeletal hazards and HSS 1-4, 6,

4 7 CO 1.4 41
control 8-9

Work equipment – hazards and HSS1-4, 6,

5 6 CO 1.4 43
risk control 8-9

HSS1-4, 6,
6 Electrical safety 4 CO 1.4 45
8-9

HSS1-4, 6,
7 Fire safety 6 CO1.3- 1.4 48
8-9

Chemical and biological health – HSS1-4, 6,

8 8 CO1.3, 1.4 51
hazards and risk control 8-9

Physical and psychological health HSS1-4, 6,

9 5 CO1.3, 1.4 55
– hazards and risk control 8-9

Working at height – hazards and HSS1-4, 6,

10 7 CO1.3, 1.4 58
risk control 8-9

Excavation work and confined HSS1-4, 6,

11 5 CO1.3, 1.4 61
spaces – hazards and risk control 8-9

Demolition and deconstruction – HSS1-4, 6,

12 3 CO1.3, 1.4 63
hazards and risk control 8-9

Minimum unit tuition time 68

Recommended private study 29

time

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Unit NCC2: Construction health and safety practical application

Relevant
Relevant
Construction
Recom- Proskills
Element skills
Element Title mended units Page
Number units
hours and
and
elements
element

Construction health and safety

1 2 HSS1-6, 8-9 CO1.2-1.4 66
practical application

Minimum unit tuition time 2

Recommended private study

6
time

Minimum total tuition time 106

Recommended total private

58
study time

Total overall hours 164

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5.1 Unit NGC1: Management of health and safety

Element 1: Foundations in health and safety

Learning outcomes
On completion of this element, candidates should be able to demonstrate understanding of
the content through the application of knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar situations. In
particular they should be able to:

1.1 Outline the scope and nature of occupational health and safety
1.2 Explain the moral and financial reasons for promoting good standards of health and
safety in the workplace
1.3 Explain the legal framework for the regulation of health and safety including sources
and types of law
1.4 Explain the scope, duties and offences of employers, managers, employees and others
under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
1.5 Explain the scope, duties and offences of employers, managers, employees and others
under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations
1.6 Outline the legal and organisational health and safety roles and responsibilities of
clients and their contractors
1.7 Outline the principles of assessing and managing contractors.

Content

1.1 The scope and nature of occupational health and safety

 The multi-disciplinary nature of health and safety; the barriers to good standards of
health and safety (complexity, competing and conflicting demands, behavioural
issues)
 Meanings and distinctions between:
- health, safety and welfare.

1.2 The moral and financial reasons for promoting good standards of health and
safety

 The size of the health and safety ‘problem’ in terms of the numbers of work-related
fatalities and injuries and incidence of ill-health
 Societal expectations of good standards of health and safety
 The business case for health and safety: insured and uninsured costs of accidents
and ill-health; employers’ liability insurance.

1.3 The legal framework for the regulation of health and safety including sources
and types of law

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 The influence and role of the European Union in harmonising health and safety
standards
 Meaning of Criminal law
- offence against the state
- prosecution to establish guilt
- burden of proof with reference to S40 Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
(onus of proving limits of what is practicable, etc)
 Meaning of Statute law
- Acts of Parliament, Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, health and safety
regulations, approved codes of practice, official guidance: their relationship and
status
- absolute and qualified duties (practicable and reasonably practicable)
- relevance to criminal and civil law
 The structure and role of criminal courts and the penalties they can impose
 Criminal law liabilities
- role, functions and powers of enforcement authorities, the courts and other
associated bodies: Health and Safety Executive (HSE)/HSE Northern Ireland
(HSENI); local authority; fire and rescue service; Procurators Fiscal in Scotland
(including homicide/corporate homicide); Office of Rail Regulation (ORR);
Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) (for manslaughter / corporate
manslaughter); insurance companies; Environment Agency/Scottish
Environment Protection Agency/Northern Ireland Environment Agency
- Fees for Intervention (FFI) – with reference to the Health and Safety (Fees)
Regulations 2012
- powers of inspectors under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974:
- enforcement notices (improvement, prohibition): conditions for serving;
effects; procedures; rights and effects of appeal; penalties for failure to
comply
- simple cautions
- prosecution: summary and indictable (solemn in Scotland) offences
- the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007: the offence
and available penalties
- defences
 Meaning of Common law
- precedents and case law
- the importance of common law
- relevance to criminal and civil law
 Meaning of Civil law
- from the private individual seeking compensation
- burden of proof
- statute-barred
 The structure and role of civil courts and the types of remedy they can impose
 The role of employment tribunals
 Civil law liabilities
- civil wrong (tort/delict)
- tort/delict of negligence
- duty of care (neighbour principle)

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- tests and defences for tort/delict of negligence: duty owed / duty breached /
injury or damage sustained
- contributory negligence
- vicarious liability
- the employer’s civil common law duty to provide a safe place of work, safe plant
and equipment, safe systems of work, training and supervision, and competent
employees
- breach of statutory duty in relation to new and expectant mothers

1.4 The scope, duties and offences of employers, managers, employees and others
under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

 Scope: covers all workplaces, work activities, employed and self-employed with
reference to:
- general duties of employers to their employees
- the health, safety and welfare of employees and the health and safety of those
affected by work activities (eg client, visitors, contractors, the public)
- the provision and maintenance of safe plant and systems of work
- safe use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances
- the provision of information, instruction, training and supervision
- safe place of work
- safe access and egress
- adequate welfare facilities
- legal duty to prepare a safety policy
- appointment of safety representatives
- duty to consult
 General duties of employers and self-employed to persons other than their
employees
 General duties of persons concerned with premises to persons other than their
employees
 General duties of manufacturers etc as regards articles and substances for use at
work
 General duties of employees at work:
- to take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and of
other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work
- to co-operate with employer
 General duties of all persons
- duty not to interfere with or misuse things provided for health and safety at work
 Duty not to charge employees for things done or provided for health and safety at
work
 Offences due to fault of other person
 Offences by bodies corporate
- consent or connivance or neglect on the part of, any director, manager,
secretary or other similar officer of the body corporate.

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1.5 The scope, duties and offences of employers, managers, employees and others
under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations

 Scope
 Risk assessment
 Principles of prevention to be applied
 Health and safety arrangements
 Health and safety assistance
 Procedures for serious and imminent danger and for danger areas
 Information for employees
 Co-operation and co-ordination where two or more employers share a workplace
 Ensuring employees are provided with adequate health and safety training
 Employees' duties
 Employee to work in accordance with any training
 Employee to inform employer of any work situation which represents a serious and
immediate danger to health and safety; and any shortcoming in the employer's
protection arrangements for health and safety
 Temporary workers
 Risk assessment in respect of new or expectant mothers
 Protection of young persons.

1.6 The legal and organisational health and safety roles and responsibilities of
clients and their contractors

 Relationship between client and contractor

 Duties each has to the other and to the other’s employees
 Effective planning and co-ordination of contracted work, including interaction with
existing staff
 Management controls that must be applied for significant construction projects:
- duties and responsibilities of the Client, Principal Designer, Principal
Contractor, Contractors, Workers and Domestic Clients
 HSE notification, health and safety plan, health and safety file

1.7 The principles of assessing and managing contractors (links to 1.4)

 Scale of contractor use

 Pre-selection and management of contractors
 Contractor responsibilities

Recommended tuition time not less than 7 hours

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Health and Safety (November 2014 specification)

Element 2: Health and safety management systems –

Plan

Learning outcomes
On completion of this element, candidates should be able to demonstrate understanding of
the content through the application of knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar situations. In
particular they should be able to:

2.1 Outline the key elements of a health and safety management system
2.2 Explain the purpose and importance of setting policy for health and safety
2.3 Describe the key features and appropriate content of an effective health and safety
policy.

Content

2.1 Key elements of a health and safety management system

 The HSE’s Managing for health and safety (HSG65)

- Plan
- Do
- Check
- Act
 ISO45001:2018: Occupational health and safety management systems (H&SMS)
- context of the organisation (H&SMS framework)
- leadership and worker participation (H&SMS framework)
- planning (Plan)
- support (Do)
- operation (Do)
- performance evaluation (Check)
- improvement (Act).

2.2 Purpose and importance of setting policy for health and safety

 The role of the health and safety policy in decision-making and the differing needs
of individual organisations
 Legal duties
- duty to prepare a safety policy (linked to 1.4)
- when to record in writing.

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2.3 Key features and appropriate content of an effective health and safety policy

 Stating the overall aims of the organisation in terms of health and safety
performance :
- general statement of intent
- setting overall objectives and quantifiable targets (specific, measurable,
achievable, reasonable, timebound SMART principles)
- basic concept of benchmarking
- views of interested parties
- technological options
- financial, operational and business requirements
- signatory to statement

 Defining the health and safety roles and responsibilities of individuals within the
organisation
- organising for health and safety: allocation of responsibilities; lines of
communication and feedback loops; the role of line managers in implementing
and influencing the health and safety policy and monitoring its effectiveness
 Specifying the arrangements for achieving general and specific aims:
- health and safety arrangements: the importance of specifying the
organisation’s arrangements for planning and organising, controlling hazards,
consultation, communication and monitoring compliance with, and assessing
the effectiveness of, the arrangements to implement the health and safety
policy
 Circumstances that may lead to a need to review the health and safety policy in
order to maintain currency and effectiveness (eg, technological, organisational or
legal changes).

Recommended tuition time not less than 3 hours

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Element 3: Health and safety management systems - Do

Learning outcomes
On completion of this element, candidates should be able to demonstrate understanding of
the content through the application of knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar situations. In
particular they should be able to:

3.1 Outline the organisational health and safety roles and responsibilities of employers,
directors, managers and supervisors
3.2 Explain the concept of health and safety culture and its significance in the management
of health and safety in an organisation
3.3 Outline the human factors which influence behaviour at work in a way that can affect
health and safety
3.4 Explain how health and safety behaviour at work can be improved
3.5 Explain the principles and practice of risk assessment
3.6 Explain the general principles of prevention
3.7 Identify the key sources of health and safety information
3.8 Explain what factors should be considered when developing and implementing a safe
system of work for general activities
3.9 Explain the role and function of a permit-to-work system.
3.10 Outline the need for emergency procedures and the arrangements for contacting
emergency services
3.11 Outline the requirements for, and effective provision of, first aid in the workplace.

Content

3.1 Organisational health and safety roles and responsibilities of employers,

directors, managers and supervisors

 Organisational roles of directors / managers / supervisors

 Senior management demonstrating commitment by:
- ensuring availability of resources so the occupational health and safety
management system is established, implemented and maintained
- defining roles and responsibilities
- appointing member of senior management with specific responsibility for health
and safety
- appointing one or more competent persons and adequate resources to provide
assistance in meeting the organisation’s health and safety obligations including
specialist help where applicable (link 1.5)
- engagement and management of contractors (link 1.6)
- role in reviewing health and safety performance.

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3.2 Concept of health and safety culture and its significance in the management of
health and safety in an organisation

 Meaning and extent of the term ‘health and safety culture’

 Relationship between health and safety culture and health and safety
performance
 Indicators which could be used to assess the effectiveness of an organisation’s
health and safety culture:
- tangible outputs or indicators of an organisation’s health and safety culture (eg
accidents, absenteeism, sickness rates, staff turnover, level of compliance with
health and safety rules and procedures, complaints about working conditions)
 Influence of peers.

3.3 Human factors which influence behaviour at work

 Organisational factors:
- eg culture, leadership, resources, work patterns, communications
 Job factors:
- eg task, workload, environment, display and controls, procedures
 Individual factors:
- eg competence, skills, personality, attitude and risk perception
 Link between individual, job and organisational factors.

3.4 How health and safety behaviour at work can be improved

 Securing commitment of management

 Promoting health and safety standards by leadership and example and appropriate
use of disciplinary procedures
 Competent personnel with relevant knowledge, skills and work experience
 Identifying and keeping up to date with legal requirements
 Effective communication within the organisation:
- merits and limitations of different methods of communication (verbal, written
and graphic)
- use and effectiveness of notice boards and health and safety media such as
films, digital media, company intranet, posters, toolbox talks, memos,
employee handbooks
- co-operation and consultation with the workforce and contractors where
applicable (roles and benefits of employee participation, safety committees and
employee feedback)
 Duties to consult; appointment, functions and entitlements of employee
representatives (trade union-appointed and elected); safety committees (legal
requirement, typical constitution, requirements for / ways to promote effectiveness)
 Training:
- the effect of training on human reliability

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- opportunities and need for training provision (induction and key health and
safety topics to be covered, job change, process change, introduction of new
legislation, introduction of new technology).

3.5 Principles and practice of risk assessment

 With reference to legal requirements (Element 1)

 Meaning of hazard and risk and risk assessment:
- hazard: ‘something with the potential to cause harm (this can include articles,
substances, plant or machines, methods of work, the working environment and
other aspects of work organisation)’
- risk: ‘the likelihood of potential harm from that hazard being realised’
- risk assessment: ‘identifying preventive and protective measures by evaluating
the risk(s) arising from a hazard(s), taking into account the adequacy of any
existing controls, and deciding whether or not the risk(s) is acceptable’
 Objectives of risk assessment; prevention of workplace accidents
 Risk assessors:
- composition of risk assessment team
- competence
 Criteria for a ‘suitable and sufficient’ risk assessment
 Identification of hazards
- sources and form of harm; task analysis, legislation, manufacturers’
information, incident data
 Identifying population at risk:
- employees, operators, maintenance staff, cleaners, contractors, visitors,
public, etc
 Evaluating risk and adequacy of current controls:
- likelihood of harm and probable severity
- risk rating
- apply the general hierarchy of control with reference to ISO45001:2018,
requirement 8.1.2 (links with 3.6)
- application based on prioritisation of risk
- use of guidance; sources and examples of legislation
- applying controls to specified hazards
- residual risk; acceptable / tolerable risk levels
- distinction between priorities and timescales
 Recording significant findings:
- format; information to be recorded
 Reviewing: reasons for review (eg incidents, process/equipment/staff/legislative
changes; passage of time)
 Special case applications to young persons, expectant and nursing mothers also
consideration of disabled workers and lone workers.

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3.6 General principles of prevention in relation to risk reduction measures

 General principles of prevention with reference to Regulation 4 and Schedule 1 of

the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999:
- avoiding risks
- evaluating the risks which cannot be avoided
- combating the risk at source
- adapting the work to the individual especially with regards to design of
workplace, the choice of work equipment, and the choice of working and
production methods, with a view, in particular, to alleviating monotonous
work and work at a predetermined work-rate and to reducing their effect on
health;
- adapting to technical progress
- replacing the dangerous by the non-dangerous or the less dangerous
- developing an overall coherent prevention policy which covers technology,
organisation of work, working conditions, social relationships and the influence
of factors relating to the working environment;
- giving collective protective measures priority over individual protective
measures; and
- giving appropriate instructions to employees.

3.7 Sources of health and safety information

 Internal to the organisation (eg, accident/ill health/absence records, inspection,

audit and investigation reports, maintenance records)
 External to the organisation (eg, manufacturers’ data, legislation, EU (European
Union) HSE (Health and Safety Executive) and its publications, trade associations;
International, European and British Standards, ILO (International Labour
Organisation) and other authoritative texts, IT sources.

3.8 Factors that should be considered when developing and implementing a safe
system of work for general work activities

 Employer’s duty to provide safe systems of work

 Role of competent persons in the development of safe systems
 Importance of employee involvement in the development of safe systems
 Importance and relevance of written procedures
 The distinction between technical, procedural and behavioural controls
 Development of a safe system of work
 Analysing tasks, identifying hazards and assessing risks
 Introducing controls and formulating procedures
 Instruction and training in the operation of the system
 Monitoring the system

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 Definition of and specific examples of safe systems of work for:

- confined spaces
- lone working (including travelling away from the employee’s usual place of
work)

3.9 Role and function of a permit-to-work system

 Meaning of a permit-to-work system

 Role and function
 Operation and application of a permit-to-work system
 Circumstances in which a permit to work system may be appropriate, with
reference to: hot work, work on non-live electrical systems, machinery
maintenance, confined spaces, work at height.

3.10 Emergency procedures and the arrangements for contacting emergency

services

 Importance of developing emergency procedures

 What needs to be included in an emergency procedure
- why an emergency procedure is required
- size and nature of potential emergencies and the consequences if they occur
- procedures for raising the alarm
- action of the employees on site
- dealing with the media
- arrangements for contacting emergency and rescue services
 Importance of training and testing emergency procedures.

3.11 Requirements for, and effective provision of, first-aid in the workplace

 First-aid requirements
 Role, training and number of first-aiders and appointed persons
 Requirements for first-aid boxes
 Coverage in relation to shift work and geographical location.

Recommended tuition time not less than 17 hours

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Element 4: Health and safety management systems –

Check
Learning outcomes
On completion of this element, candidates should be able to demonstrate understanding of
the content through the application of knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar situations. In
particular they should be able to:

4.1 Outline the principles, purpose and role of active and reactive monitoring
4.2 Explain the purpose of, and procedures for, investigating incidents (accidents, cases
of work-related ill-health and other occurrences)
4.3 Describe the legal and organisational requirements for recording and reporting
incidents

Content

4.1 Active and reactive monitoring

 Active monitoring procedures including the monitoring of performance standards

and the systematic inspection of plant and premises
 Role of safety inspections, sampling, surveys and tours and their roles within a
monitoring regime
 Factors governing frequency and type of inspection; competence and objectivity of
inspector; use of checklists; allocation of responsibilities and priorities for action
 Effective report writing: style, structure, content, emphasis, persuasiveness etc
 Reactive monitoring measures including data on accidents, dangerous
occurrences, near misses, ill-health, complaints by workforce and enforcement
action.

4.2 Investigating incidents

 Function of incident investigation as a reactive monitoring measure

 Distinction between different types of incident: ill-health, injury accident, dangerous
occurrence, near-miss, damage-only; typical ratios of incident outcomes and their
relevance in terms of the proportion of non-injury events; utility and limitations of accident
ratios in accident prevention (Bird’s triangle)
 Basic incident investigation procedures
 Interviews, plans, photographs, relevant records, checklists
 Immediate causes (unsafe acts and conditions) and root causes (management
systems failures)
 Remedial actions.

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4.3 Recording and reporting incidents

 Typical examples of major injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences

 Statutory requirements for recording and reporting incidents
 Additional organisational requirements for recording and reporting incidents
 Accident Book
 The requirement for recording and procedure for reporting fatalities, specified
injuries, ‘over 3 or 7-day injuries’, disease and dangerous occurrences
 Internal systems for collecting, analysing and communicating data
 Collection of relevant information and its availability in a civil claim
 Lessons learnt.

Recommended tuition time not less than 5 hours

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Element 5: Health and safety management systems – Act

Learning outcomes
On completion of this element, candidates should be able to demonstrate understanding of
the content through the application of knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar situations. In
particular they should be able to:

5.1 Explain the purpose of, and procedures, for health and safety auditing
5.2 Explain the purpose of, and procedures for, regular reviews of health and safety
performance.

Content

5.1 Health and safety auditing

 Meaning of the term ‘health and safety audit’

 Scope and purpose of auditing health and safety management systems; distinction
between audits and inspections
 Pre-audit preparations, information gathering, notifications and interviews,
selection of staff, competence of auditors, time, resources
 Responsibility for audits
 Advantages and disadvantages of external and internal audits
 Actions taken following audit (eg, correcting nonconformities).

5.2 Review of health and safety performance

 Purpose of reviewing health and safety performance

 Who should take part in review
 Review at planned intervals
 Assessing opportunities for improvement and the need for change
 Review to consider:
- evaluations of compliance with applicable legal and organisational
requirements
- accident and incident data, corrective and preventive actions
- inspections, surveys, tours and sampling
- absences and sickness
- quality assurance reports
- audits
- monitoring data/records/reports
- external communications and complaints
- results of participation and consultation
- objectives met
- actions from previous management reviews
- legal / good practice developments
 Maintenance of records of management review

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 Reporting on health and safety performance

 Feeding into action and development plans as part of continuous improvement
 Role of Boards, Chief Executive/Managing Director and Senior Managers.

Recommended tuition time not less than 4 hours

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Unit NGC1: Tutor References

Statutory instruments

Legislation Country Element/s

Confined Space Regulations 1997 UK / Great Britain 3
Construction (Design and Management)
UK / Great Britain 1
Regulations 2015
Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide
UK / Great Britain 1, 3
Act 2007
Deregulation Act 2015 (Section 1) UK / Great Britain 1
Employers’ Health and Safety Policy Statements
UK / Great Britain 2
(Exceptions) Regulations 1975
Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance)
UK / Great Britain 1
Regulations 1998 (as amended)
Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013
UK / Great Britain 1
(Section 69)
Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 UK / Great Britain 1, 2, 3
Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (Civil
UK / Great Britain 1
Liability) (Exceptions) Regulations 2013
Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (General
Duties of Self-Employed Persons) (Prescribed UK / Great Britain 1
Undertakings) Regulations 2015
Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees)
UK / Great Britain 3
Regulations 1996
Health and Safety (Fees) Regulations 2012 UK / Great Britain 1
Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 (as
UK / Great Britain 3
amended)
Health and Safety Information for Employees
UK / Great Britain 3
Regulations 1989 (as amended)
Interpretation Act 1978 UK / Great Britain 1
Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of
UK / Great Britain 1
Offenders Act 2012
Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of
Offenders Act 2012 (Fines on Summary Conviction) UK / Great Britain 1
Regulations 2015
Management of Health and Safety at Work
UK / Great Britain 1-5
Regulations 1999 (as amended)
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous
UK / Great Britain 4
Occurrences Regulations 2013
Safety Representatives and Safety Committee
UK / Great Britain 3
Regulations 1977
Social Action, Responsibility and Heroism Act 2015 UK / Great Britain 1

Confined Space Regulations (Northern Ireland)

Northern Ireland 3
1999
Construction (Design and Management)
Northern Ireland 1
Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016
Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance)
Northern Ireland 1
Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999

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Legislation Country Element/s

Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees)
Northern Ireland 3
Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996
Health and Safety (Fees) Regulations (Northern
Northern Ireland 1
Ireland) 2012
Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954 Northern Ireland 1
Management of Health and Safety at Work
Northern Ireland 1–5
Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 (as amended)
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous
Occurrences Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1997 Northern Ireland 4
(as amended)

Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths etc. (Scotland)

Scotland 1
Act 2016

Other relevant references

Reference detail eg ISBN

Reference title Element/s
number
About sentencing, information and videos
Sentencing Council 1
explaining how sentences are worked out
Bird F E, 1974. Management guide to
Loss Control, Institute Press, Atlanta, 3
Georgia, USA
Consulting workers on health and safety,
Safety Representatives and Safety
Committee Regulations 1977 (as HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6461-0
3
amended) and Health and Safety Link to L146
(Consultation with Employees)
Regulations 1996 (as amended), L146
Emergency procedures, HSE website http://www.hse.gov.uk/toolbox/managi
3
guidance ng/emergency.htm
First aid at work (third edition), L74, third HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6560-0
3
edition (amended 2018) Link to L74
Guidance on permit-to-work systems. A
HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-2943-5
guide for the petroleum, chemical and 3
Link to HSG250
allied industries, HSG250
Guidance on the application of Fees for HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6456-6
1
Intervention (FFI), HSE47 Link to HSE47
Health and safety made simple, INDG449 HSE Books, Link to INDG449 2
HSE’s Managing for health and safety Managing for health and safety 1-5
HSE’s The Health and Safety Toolbox:
The health and safety toolbox 1-5
how to control risks at work
Human factors and ergonomics http://www.hse.gov.uk/humanfactors/ 3
Human factors: Permit to work systems Link to human factors/PTW 3
Investigating Incident and Accidents at
HSE Books, Link to HSG245 4
Work, HSG245
Leading health and safety at work,
HSE Books, Link to INDG417 1, 3
INDG417
Managing for health and safety, HSG65 HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6456-6
1-5
(third edition) Link to HSG65
Managing Health and Safety in HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6623-3
1
Construction, Construction (Design and Link to L153

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Reference detail eg ISBN

Reference title Element/s
number
Management) Regulations 2015,
Guidance on regulations, L153
Manslaughter, Definitive Guideline Published by the Sentencing Council 1
New and expectant mothers, HSE website
http://www.hse.gov.uk/mothers/ 3
guidance
Occupational health and safety
ISO 45001:2018
management systems – requirements 2, 3
ISBN: 978-0-580-86393-6
with guidance for use
Plan, Do, Check, Act, An introduction to
HSE Books, Link to INDG275 2
managing for health and safety, INDG275
Reducing error and influencing behaviour, HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-2452-2
3
HSG48 Link to HSG48
Reporting accidents and incidents at
HSE Books, Link to INDG453 4
work, INDG453
Risk assessment, A brief guide to
controlling risks in the workplace, HSE Books, Link to INDG163 3
INDG163
HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-71766233-3
Safe work in confined spaces, L101 3
Link to L101
Sentencing Council, Health and Safety
Offences, Corporate Manslaughter and Sentencing Council Link to Definitive
1
Food Safety and Hygiene Offences, Guideline
Definitive Guideline
The health and safety toolbox, How to HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6587-7
1-5
control risks at work, HSG268 Link to HSG268
The Construction (Design and Produced by CONIAC, published by
Management) Regulations 2015, Industry CITB, ISBN: 978-1-85751-389-9 Link 1
guidance for Clients to Client Guidance
The Construction (Design and Produced by CONIAC, published by
Management) Regulations 2015, Industry CITB, ISBN 978-1-85751-390-5 Link to 1
guidance for Principal Designers Principal Designers Guidance
The Construction (Design and Produced by CONIAC, published by
Management) Regulations 2015, Industry CITB, ISBN 978-1-85751-393-6 Link to 1
guidance for Designers Designer Guidance
The Construction (Design and Produced by CONIAC, published by
Management) Regulations 2015, Industry CITB, ISBN 978-1-85751-393-6 Link to 1
guidance for Principal Contractors Principal Contractor Guidance
The Construction (Design and Produced by CONIAC, published by
Management) Regulations 2015, Industry CITB, ISBN: 978-1-85751-391-2 Link 1
guidance for Contractors to Contractor Guidance
The Construction (Design and Produced by CONIAC, published by
Management) Regulations 2015, Industry CITB, ISBN 978-1-85751-394-3 Link to 1
guidance for Workers Worker Guidance
When a health and safety inspector calls,
what to expect when we visit your HSE Books, Link to HSC14 1
premises, HSC14
Young people and work experience,
HSE Books, Link to INDG364 3
INDG364

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5.2 Unit NCC1: Managing and controlling hazards in

construction activities

Element 1: Construction law and management

Learning outcomes
On completion of this element, candidates should be able to demonstrate understanding of
the content through the application of knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar situations. In
particular they should be able to:

1.1 Identify the scope, definition and particular issues relating to construction activities
1.2 Outline the legal, moral and financial consequences of failing to manage health and
safety within the construction industry
1.3 Outline the scope and application of the Construction (Design and Management)
Regulations 2015
1.4 Identify the nature and main sources of external construction health and safety
information.

Content

1.1 Scope, definition and particular issues relating to construction activities

 Types of work:
- building works
- renovation
- alteration
- maintenance of existing premises (occupied or unoccupied)
- civil engineering
- decommissioning
- demolition
- dismantling
 Range of activities:
- site clearance
- excavation
- loading, unloading and storage of materials
- site movements
- fabrication
- decoration
- cleaning
- installation, removal and maintenance of services (electricity, water, gas)
- landscaping
 Meaning of ‘excavation’ (eg, earthwork, trench work, shaft, tunnel or underground
working)
 Meaning of ‘structure’ (eg, any building, timber, masonry, metal or reinforced
concrete structure, caisson, mast, tower)
 Particular construction issues relating to the:
- transitory nature of workers

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- temporary nature of construction activities and the constantly changing

workplace
- time pressures from clients and principal contractors
- weather conditions
- levels of numeracy and literacy of workers
- non-English speaking workers.

1.2 The legal, moral and financial consequences of failing to manage health and
safety within the construction industry

 The size of the construction health and safety ‘problem’ in terms of numbers of
work-related fatalities, injuries and incidence of ill-health.

1.3 Scope and application of the Construction (Design and Management)

Regulations 2015

 The particular duties under the Construction (Design and Management)

Regulations 2015 of clients, designers, principal designer, principal contractors and
contractors in relation to:
- appointment and competence required of relevant parties
- notification of projects (including the requirements for both CDM and non-CDM
projects and for displaying the particulars on site)
- preparation of pre-construction information (including the purpose and
requirements)
- the construction phase plan (including the purpose and typical content of the
plan)
- provision of appropriate and relevant information to all parties
- preparation of the health and safety file (including the purpose and typical
content of the file)
- duties of domestic clients.

1.4 Sources of external construction health and safety information

 External to the organisation including:

- manufacturers’ data
- legislation
- HSE publications
- trade organisations (including Construction Skills, CIRIA)
- International/ European/ British Standards
- IT sources
- professional bodies (including Institute of Civil Engineers, Chartered Institute
of Building, Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), Major
Contractors Group (MCG), Association of Project Supervisors, Institution of
Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and International Institute for Risk and
Safety Management (IIRSM).

Recommended tuition time not less than 5 hours

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Element 2: Construction site - hazards and risk control

Learning outcomes
On completion of this element, candidates should be able to demonstrate understanding of
the content through the application of knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar situations. In
particular they should be able to:
2.1 Explain the factors which should be considered when carrying out an initial assessment
of a site to identify significant hazards and their risks
2.2 Explain the appropriate general site control measures needed in setting up and
organising a site
2.3 Identify the health, welfare and work environment requirements on construction sites
2.4 Explain the hazards and appropriate control measures for violence at work
2.5 Explain the hazards and appropriate control measures for substance misuse at work

2.6 Explain the hazards associated with the movement of people on construction sites and
the control measures for pedestrians.

Content

2.1 Initial site assessment

 Previous/current use (including green/brown field site and existing

occupied/unoccupied premises)
 History of site (including likelihood of asbestos, other contaminants and
underground voids)
 Area of site, restrictions
 Topography and ground conditions
 Other (non-construction) activities on site
 Nature of surroundings, proximity and features of roads, footpaths, railways,
waterways, residential/commercial/industrial properties, schools, etc
 Means of access
 Presence of overhead and buried services.

2.2 Appropriate general site control measures

 Site planning (including arrangements for site access, roadways, storage, loading
and unloading, offices, lighting and signs, remediation works and provision of utility
services)
 Site preparation for specialist activities (including lifting, piling and steelworks)
 Site security and means of protecting the public, including trespass by children
(perimeter fencing, signs, safe viewing points, means of securing plant, chemicals,
means of controlling dangers such as mud on public highways)
 Arrangements with client / occupier of premises (including site rules, co-operation,
shared facilities, eg, first aid and protection of the client’s employees)

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 Arrangements for site inductions

 Working in occupied premises.

2.3 Health, welfare and work environment requirements

 Health and welfare provisions, both temporary and fixed: supply of drinking water,
washing facilities, sanitary conveniences, accommodation for clothing, rest and
eating facilities, seating, ventilation, heating and lighting; facilities for first aid
 The effects of exposure to sunlight and inclement weather and preventive
measures
 The effects of extreme temperature and preventative measures (hot and cold).

2.4 Violence at work

 Hazards relating to violence at work (both between workers and third parties)
 Control measures to reduce risks from violence at work.

2.5 Substance misuse at work

 Hazards of alcohol and drugs (prescribed and controlled) at work

 Control measures to reduce risks from misuse of alcohol and drugs at work.

2.6 Safe movement of people on construction sites

 Hazards to pedestrians:
- slips, trips and falls on the same level
- falls from a height
- collisions with moving vehicles; striking by moving, flying or falling objects
- striking against fixed or stationary objects, including treading on sharp items
- hazards to the general public caused by construction activities, including
construction activities on public highways
- conditions and environments in which each hazard may arise.
 Control measures for pedestrian hazards:
- risk assessment
- slip resistant surfaces
- spillage control and drainage
- designated walkways
- fencing and guarding
- use of signs and personal protective equipment (in particular, head and foot
protection)
- information
- instruction
- training and supervision
 Maintenance of a safe workplace:
- cleaning and housekeeping requirements
- access and egress
- environmental considerations (heating, lighting, noise and dust), including
maintenance activities

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 The particular measures needed to protect site personnel and members of the
public while working on public highways, including signing, lighting and guarding.

Recommended tuition time not less than 7 hours

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Element 3: Vehicle and plant movement - hazards

and risk control
Learning outcomes
On completion of this element, candidates should be able to demonstrate understanding of
the content through the application of knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar situations. In
particular they should be able to:
3.1 Explain the hazards and control measures for the safe movement of vehicles/plant
within a construction environment, including when using public highways as a
workplace
3.2 Outline the factors associated with driving at work that increase the risk of an incident
and the control measures to reduce work-related driving risks.

Content

3.1 Safe movement of vehicles and plant within a construction environment

 Hazards from workplace vehicles and plant:
- typical hazards leading to loss of control; overturning of vehicles
- collisions with other vehicles/plant, pedestrians and fixed objects
- non-movement related hazards eg loading, unloading and securing loads,
sheeting, coupling, vehicle maintenance work.
 Control measures to reduce the risk from the movement of vehicles and plant:
- suitability and sufficiency of traffic routes
- management of vehicle movements
- environmental considerations (visibility, gradients, changes of level, surface
conditions)
- maintenance of vehicles
- driver protection and restraint systems
- segregating of pedestrians and vehicles and measures to be taken when
segregation is not practicable
- protective measures for people and structures (barriers, marking signs,
warnings of vehicle approach and reversing)
- site rules
- selection and training of drivers
- management systems for assuring driver competence including local codes
of practice.

3.2 Driving at work

 Extent of work-related road injuries

 Factors associated with driving at work that increase the risk of being involved in a
road traffic incident (distance, driving hours, work schedules, stress due to traffic
and weather conditions, etc).

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 Managing work-related road safety:

- policy covers work-related road safety
- systems to manage work-related road safety
- monitoring performance to ensure policy is effective, eg , collection of
information, reporting of work-related road incidents by workers
- organisation and structure (to allow co-operation across departments with
different responsibilities for work-related road safety)
- legal responsibilities of individuals on public roads.
 Risk assessment:
- the driver (competency, fitness and health, training)
- the vehicle (suitability, condition, safety equipment, safety critical information,
ergonomic considerations)
- the journey (routes, scheduling, sufficient time, weather conditions)
 Control measures to reduce work-related driving risks (including the avoidance of
excessive working hours).

Recommended tuition time not less than 5 hours

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Element 4: Musculoskeletal hazards and risk control

Learning outcomes
On completion of this element, candidates should be able to demonstrate understanding of
the content through the application of knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar situations. In
particular they should be able to:

4.1 Explain work processes and practices that may contribute to musculoskeletal
disorders, work-related upper limb disorders and the appropriate control measures
4.2 Explain the hazards and control measures which should be considered when
assessing risks from manual handling activities
4.3 Explain the hazards and control measures to reduce the risk in the use of lifting and
moving equipment with specific reference to manual and mechanically operated load
moving equipment.

Content

4.1 Musculoskeletal disorders and work-related upper limb disorders

 Meaning of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and work-related upper limb

disorders (WRULDs)
 Examples of repetitive construction activities that can cause MSDs and WRULDs
such as digging, kerb laying, movement and fixing of plasterboard, placement and
finishing of concrete slabs bricklaying, erecting/dismantling scaffolds, use of
display screen equipment (eg architects operating CAD/admin staff)
 The ill-health effects of poorly designed tasks and workstations
 The factors contributing to ill-health conditions: task (including repetitive, strenuous
tasks); environment (including lighting, glare); equipment (including user
requirements, adjustability)
 Appropriate control measures including matching the workplace to individual needs
of workers.

4.2 Manual handling hazards and control measures

 Common types of manual handling injury

 Assessment of manual handling risks by considering the task, the load, the
individual and the working environment
 Means of avoiding or minimising the risks from manual handling construction
activities with reference to the task, load, individual and working environment, eg,
design, automation/mechanisation
 Efficient movement principles for manually lifting loads to reduce risk of MSDs and
WRULDs disorders due to lifting, poor posture and repetitive or awkward
movements.

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4.3 Lifting and moving equipment

 Hazards and control measures for mechanically operated load handling equipment
(fork-lift trucks (including rough terrain), telehandlers, dumper trucks, excavators,
lifts and mobile and tower cranes (including lifting accessories)
 Hazards and control measures for common types of manually operated load
handling aids and equipment: (wheelbarrows, sack trucks, pallet trucks), hoists
(including lifting accessories)
 Requirements for lifting operations:
- strong, stable and suitable equipment
- positioned and installed correctly
- visibly marked i.e. safe working load
- ensure lifting operations are planned, supervised and carried out in a safe
manner by competent persons
- special requirements for lifting equipment used for lifting people
 Requirements for regular visual inspection and statutory requirements for the
thorough examination and inspection of lifting equipment.

Recommended tuition time not less than 7 hours

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Element 5: Work equipment - hazards and risk control

Learning outcomes
On completion of this element, candidates should be able to demonstrate understanding of
the content through the application of knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar situations. In
particular they should be able to:

5.1 Outline general requirements for work equipment

5.2 Outline the hazards and control measures for hand-held tools, both powered and non-
powered
5.3 Describe the main mechanical and non-mechanical hazards of machinery
5.4 Explain the main control measures for reducing risk from common construction
machinery hazards.

Content

5.1 General requirements for work equipment

 Scope of work equipment including hand tools, power tools and machinery
 Suitability as it relates to provision of equipment; including the requirement for CE
(Conformité Européenne) marking
 Requirement to restrict the use and maintenance of equipment with specific risks
 Extent of information, instruction and training to be provided in relation to specific
risks and persons at risk (including users, maintenance staff and managers)
 Requirement for equipment to be maintained and maintenance to be conducted
safely
 Requirements for regular visual inspection and statutory requirements for the
thorough examination and inspection of work equipment
 Importance of operation and emergency controls, stability, lighting, markings and
warnings, clear unobstructed workspace
 Responsibilities of users.

5.2 Hand-held tools

 Hazards and misuse of hand-held tools (non-powered); appropriate control

measures for safe use, in particular their condition and suitability for purpose
 Hazards of common portable power tools used in construction (including:
pneumatic drill/chisel, electric drill, disc cutter/cut off saw, sander, cartridge and
pneumatic nail guns, chainsaw); appropriate control measures for safe use, in
particular their condition and suitability for purpose
 Suitability for location in which they are used (including flammable atmospheres);
procedures for defective equipment.

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5.3 Machinery hazards

 Potential consequences as a result of contact with, or exposure to, mechanical or
other hazards as identified in ISO 12100:2010 (Table B.1)
 Hazards presented by a range of equipment, including:
- office machinery (photocopier, document shredder),
- workshop machinery (including bench top grinder, pedestal drill, bench
mounted circular saw, hand fed power planer, spindle moulding machine)
- site machinery (including compressor, cement mixer, plate compactor, ground
consolidation equipment, circular saw, road-marking equipment, electrical
generators).

5.4 Control measures for machinery hazards

 The principles of operation, merits and limitations of the following methods of

protection:
- fixed guards
- interlocked guards
- trip devices
- adjustable/self-adjusting guards
- two hand controls
- hold to run
- emergency stop controls
- personal protective equipment
- information
- instruction
- training and supervision.
 Application of the above methods to a range of equipment listed at 5.3.
 Basic requirements for guards and safety devices: compatible with process;
adequate strength; maintained; allow maintenance without removal; not increase
risk or restrict view; not easily by-passed.

Recommended tuition time not less than 6 hours

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Element 6: Electrical safety

Learning outcomes
On completion of this element, candidates should be able to demonstrate understanding of
the content through the application of knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar situations. In
particular they should be able to:

6.1 Outline the principles, hazards and risks associated with the use of electricity in the
workplace
6.2 Outline the control measures that should be taken when working with electrical
systems or using electrical equipment
6.3 Outline the control measures to be taken when working near or underneath overhead
power lines.

Content

6.1 Hazards and risks associated with the use of electricity in the workplace

 Principles of electricity:
- basic circuitry for current to flow: relationship between voltage, current and
resistance)
 Risks of electricity:
- electric shock and its effect on the body; factors influencing severity: voltage,
frequency (relevance on construction sites), duration, resistance, current path)
- electrical burns (external and internal)
- electrical fires (common causes – including static electricity)
- workplace electrical equipment including portable items: conditions and
practices likely to lead to accidents (unsuitable equipment; inadequate
maintenance; use of defective apparatus)
- secondary effects (including falls from heights)
 High risks associated with electricity:
- use of poorly maintained electrical equipment
- contact with underground power cables during excavation work
- work on mains electricity supplies (230 volt)
- work on live and dead electrical supplies
- use of electrical equipment in wet and flammable/explosive environments.

6.2 Control measures

 Selection and suitability of equipment for use in construction activities:

- protection of conductors
- strength and capability of equipment
 Proper planning and installation of a progressively extending electrical system on
site, permit-to-work procedures (including requirements of an electrical permit)
 Requirements for temporary electrical supplies

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 Advantages and limitations of protective systems (fuses, earthing, isolation of

supply, reduced low voltage systems, residual current devices, double insulation)
 Use of competent persons
 Use of safe systems of work (no live working unless no other option, isolation,
locating buried services, protection against overhead cables)
 Inspection and maintenance strategies; user checks on portable electrical tools;
formal inspection and tests; frequency of inspection and testing; records of
inspection and testing; advantages and limitations of portable appliance testing
(PAT)
 Emergency procedures following an electrical incident.

6.3 Control measures for working near overhead power lines

 Avoidance where possible

 Pre-planning and consultation with service provider to enable isolation / diversion
of power supply
 Ground level barriers (including goal posts, correct clearance distances)
 Restriction of equipment/vehicle reach.

Recommended tuition time not less than 4 hours

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Element 7: Fire safety

Learning outcomes
On completion of this element, candidates should be able to demonstrate understanding of
the content through the application of knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar situations. In
particular they should be able to:

7.1 Describe the principles of fire initiation, classification and spread and the additional fire
risks caused by construction activities in an existing workplace
7.2 Outline the principles of fire risk assessment
7.3 Outline the principles of fire prevention and the prevention of fire spread in construction
workplaces
7.4 Identify the appropriate fire detection, fire alarm systems and fire-fighting equipment
for construction activities
7.5 Outline the requirements for an adequate and properly maintained means of escape
in the construction workplace
7.6 Outline the factors which should be considered when implementing a successful -
evacuation of a construction workplace in the event of a fire.

Content

7.1 Principles of fire initiation, classification and spread and fire risks caused by
construction activities

 Basic principles of fire:

- fire triangle
- sources of ignition
- fuel and oxygen in a typical workplace
 Classification of fires (A, B, C, D and F)
 Basic principles of heat transmission and fire spread:
- convection
- conduction
- radiation
- direct burning
 Additional risks of fire within the construction industry and the consequences of
fires during construction activities.

7.2 Fire risk assessment

 The requirement for a fire risk assessment and the matters to be addressed in
carrying out the assessment (including construction work to existing premises and
temporary site accommodation)
 Factors to be considered in carrying out the assessment
 Consideration of temporary workplaces and changes to workplaces
 Consideration to shared workplaces

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 Site specific emergency plans.

7.3 Fire prevention and prevention of fire spread

 Control measures to minimise the risk of fire in a construction workplace:

- elimination of, or reduction in, the use and storage of flammable and
combustible materials
- control of ignition sources (including welding and other hot work)
- systems of work, permit-to-work procedures, requirements of a hot work permit
- requirements for the safe storage, transport and use of liquefied petroleum and
other gases in cylinders
- good housekeeping.
 Requirements for the storage of small quantities of highly flammable (up to 50
litres) or flammable (up to 250 litres) liquids
 Structural measures to prevent the spread of fire and smoke: properties of common
building material; protection of openings and voids
 Use of suitable electrical equipment in flammable atmospheres.

7.4 Fire detection, fire alarm and fire-fighting equipment

 Common fire detection and alarm systems

 Portable fire-fighting equipment: siting, maintenance, inspection and training
requirements
 The advantages and limitations of the main extinguishing media: water, foam, dry
powder, carbon dioxide.

7.5 Means of escape

 Means of escape:
- travel distances
- stairs
- passageways
- doors
- emergency lighting
- exit and directional signs
- assembly points
- need for continual review as construction activity progresses.

7.6 Evacuation of a construction workplace

 Emergency evacuation procedures:
- appointment of fire marshals
- fire instructions; training
- fire drills
- roll call
- provisions for the infirm and disabled.

Recommended tuition time not less than 6 hours

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Element 8: Chemical and biological health - hazards and

risk control
Learning outcomes
On completion of this element, candidates should be able to demonstrate understanding of
the content through the application of knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar situations. In
particular they should be able to:

8.1 Outline the forms of, and classification of, and the health risks from exposure to,
hazardous substances
8.2 Explain the factors to be considered when undertaking an assessment of the health
risks from substances encountered in construction workplaces
8.3 Explain the use and limitations of Workplace Exposure Limits including the purpose of
long term and short term exposure limits
8.4 Outline control measures that should be used to reduce the risk of ill-health from
exposure to hazardous substances
8.5 Outline the hazards, risks and controls associated with specific agents
8.6 Outline the basic requirements related to the safe handling and storage of waste on
construction sites.

Content

8.1 Forms and classification of, and the health risks from exposure to, hazardous
substances

 Forms of chemical agent (dusts, fibres, fumes, gases, mists, vapours, and liquids)
 Forms of biological agents (fungi, bacteria, viruses)
 Health hazards classifications: acute toxicity; skin corrosion/irritation; serious eye
damage/eye irritation; respiratory or skin sensitisation; germ cell mutagenicity;
carcinogenicity; reproductive toxicity; specific target organ toxicity (single and
repeated exposure); aspiration hazard
 Difference between acute and chronic health effects.

8.2 Assessment of health risks

 Routes of entry of hazardous substances into the body

 Factors to be taken into account when assessing health risks
 Sources of information, eg:
- product labels
- EH40 Workplace exposure limits
- safety data sheets and responsibility for their provision
- information to be included by supplier

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 Limitations of information in assessing risks to health

 Role and limitations of hazardous substance monitoring.

8.3 Workplace Exposure Limits

 Purpose of Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs)

 Long term and short term limits
 Significance of time weighted averages
 Limitations of exposure limits
 Application of Workplace Exposure Limits
 Principle of reducing exposure levels at or below the workplace exposure limit and
“as low as is reasonably practicable” for some substances.

8.4 Control measures

 Duty to prevent exposure or, where this is not reasonably practicable, adequately
control it
 Ensuring the Workplace Exposure Limit is not exceeded
 Principles of Good Practice as regards to control of exposure:
- minimisation of emission, release and spread of hazardous substances through
design and operation of processes
- take into account all relevant routes of exposure, inhalation, skin absorption
and ingestion, when developing control measures
- exposure control to be proportional to health risk
- choose the most effective and reliable control options which minimise the
escape and spread of substances hazardous to health
- where adequate control of exposure cannot be achieved by other means, use
of personal protective equipment in combination with other measures
- regular checks and review of implemented control measures to confirm
continued effectiveness
- provision of information and training to those working with hazardous
substances as to the risks and use of measures to minimise the risks
- control measures not to increase overall risk to health and safety.
 Common measures used to implement the Principles of Good Practice above:
- elimination or substitution of hazardous substances or form of substance
- process changes
- reduced time exposure
- enclosure of hazards; segregation of process and people
- local exhaust ventilation: general applications and principles of capture and
removal of hazardous substances; components of a basic system and factors
that may reduce its effectiveness; requirements for inspection
- use and limitations of dilution ventilation
- respiratory protective equipment: purpose, application and effectiveness; types
of equipment and their suitability for different substances; selection, use and
maintenance
- other protective equipment and clothing (gloves, overalls, eye protection)
- personal hygiene and protection regimes
- health surveillance and biological monitoring.

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 Further controls of substances that can cause cancer, asthma or damage to genes
that can be passed from one generation to another.

8.5 Specific agents

 Hazards, risks and controls associated with other specific agents:

- blood borne viruses
- organic solvents
- carbon dioxide
- nitrogen
- isocyanates
- lead
- carbon monoxide
- cement
- legionella
- leptospira
- silica
- fibres
- hepatitis
- tetanus
- hydrogen sulphide
 The workplace circumstances in which they might be present
 Generation and control of dust on a construction site (including cement dust and
wood dust)
 Health risks and controls associated with asbestos
 Duty to manage asbestos:
- asbestos identification (types of survey and who can undertake them, where it
can be located)
- procedure for the discovery of asbestos during construction activity
- requirements if persons are accidentally exposed to asbestos materials
- requirements for removal (un-licensed, licensed, notification and plan of work)
- respiratory equipment, protective clothing, training, air monitoring and
- medical surveillance
- requirements for disposal (licensed carrier, notification, licensed disposal
site).

8.6 Safe handling and storage of waste

 Basic environmental issues relating to safe handling and storage of waste (suitable
personal protective equipment, separate storage of incompatible waste streams).

Recommended tuition time not less than 8 hours

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Element 9: Physical and psychological health - hazards

and risk control
Learning outcomes
On completion of this element, candidates should be able to demonstrate understanding of
the content through the application of knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar situations. In
particular they should be able to:

9.1 Outline the health effects associated with exposure to noise and appropriate control
measures
9.2 Outline the health effects associated with exposure to vibration and appropriate control
measures
9.3 Outline the health effects associated with ionising and non-ionising radiation and the
appropriate control measures
9.4 Outline the causes and effects of stress at work and appropriate control measures.

Content

9.1 Noise

 The physical and psychological effects on hearing of exposure to noise

 The meaning of terms commonly used in the measurement of sound; the decibel
scale, dB(A) and dB(C)
 The need for assessment of exposure; lower and upper exposure action values;
exposure limit values
 Basic noise control measures (isolation, absorption, insulation, damping and
silencing); the purpose, application and limitations of personal hearing protection
(types, selection, use, maintenance and attenuation factors)
 Role of monitoring and health surveillance.

9.2 Vibration

 The effects on the body of exposure to vibration, with particular reference to hand-
arm vibration and whole body vibration
 The need for assessment of exposure, including limit and action values
 Basic vibration control measures including choice of equipment, maintenance,
limiting exposure (including duration and magnitude, work schedules/rest periods,
clothing to protect against cold)
 Role of monitoring and health surveillance.

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9.3 Radiation

 The types of, and differences between, ionising radiation (including radon) and
non-ionising radiation (including lasers and the effects of sunlight) and their health
effects
 Typical occupational sources of ionising radiation and non-ionising radiation
 The basic means of controlling exposures to ionising and non-ionising radiation
 The basic means of controlling exposures to radon
 Basic radiation protection strategies including the role of the Radiation Protection
Adviser
 The role of monitoring and health surveillance.

9.4 Stress

 Meaning of work-related stress

 Causes, effects and control measures (demand, control, support, relationships,
role, change).

Recommended tuition time not less than 5 hours

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Element 10: Working at height - hazards and risk control

Learning outcomes
On completion of this element, candidates should be able to demonstrate understanding of
the content through the application of knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar situations. In
particular they should be able to:

10.1 Explain the hazards of working at height and outline the precautions necessary to
control them
10.2 Explain safe working practices for access equipment and roof work
10.3 Outline control measures necessary to protect other persons not involved in the work
at height
10.4 Outline control measures to reduce risk when working over or near to water.

Content

10.1 Working at height hazards and controls

 Examples of work activities involving a risk of injury from falling from height, and
the significance of such injuries
 Basic hazards and factors affecting the risk from working at height (including good
design, vertical distance, fragile roofs, roof-lights, voids, deterioration of materials,
unprotected edges, unstable/poorly maintained access equipment, weather and
falling materials)
 Methods of avoiding working at height
 Main precautions necessary to prevent falls and falling materials, including good
design, proper planning and supervision of work, avoiding working in adverse
weather conditions
 Emergency rescue plans
 Provision of equipment, training, instruction and other measures to minimise
distance and consequences of a fall
 Requirements for head protection
 Inspection requirements for work equipment.

10.2 Safe working practices for access equipment and roof work

 Scaffolding
- design features of independent tied, putlog, fan, cantilevered and mobile
tower scaffolds
- safety features (including sole-boards, base-plates, toe-boards, guardrails,
boarding, brick guards, debris netting)
- requirements for scaffold erectors
- means of access
- design of loading platforms
- scaffold hoists (persons, materials)

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- ensuring stability: effects of materials, weather, sheeting, etc; protection from

impact of vehicles; inspection requirements
- mobile elevating work platforms
 Use of ladders, stepladders, trestles, staging platforms, and leading edge
protection systems
 Other techniques:
- boatswain’s chair
- cradles (including suspension from cranes)
- rope access
 Fall arrest equipment:
- harnesses
- safety nets
- soft landing systems
- crash decks
- emergency procedures (including rescue)
- suspension trauma in the use of rope and harnesses
 Roof work:
- means of access
- edge and leading edge protection
- crawling boards
- fall arrest equipment.

10.3 Protection of others

 Demarcation, barriers, tunnels, signs

 Marking, lighting
 Sheeting, netting and fans
 Head protection.

10.4 Working over or near water

 Prevention of drowning, additional appropriate control measures (including

buoyancy aids and safety boat).

Recommended tuition time not less than 7 hours

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Element 11: Excavation work and confined spaces -

hazards and risk control
Learning outcomes
On completion of this element, candidates should be able to demonstrate understanding of
the content through the application of knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar situations. In
particular they should be able to:

11.1 Explain the hazards and risk assessment of excavation work

11.2 Explain the control measures for excavation work
11.3 Explain the hazards and risks associated with confined space working
11.4 Outline the control measures for confined space working.

Content

11.1 Excavation work hazards and assessment

 The hazards of work in and around excavations: buried services, falls of

persons/equipment/ material into excavation, collapse of sides, collapse of
adjacent structures, water ingress, use of cofferdams and caissons, contaminated
ground, toxic and asphyxiating atmospheres, mechanical hazards
 Overhead hazards, including power lines
 Risk assessment: factors to consider (depth, soil type, type of work, use of
mechanical equipment, proximity of roadways/structures/etc, presence of public,
weather, etc).

11.2 Control measures for excavation work

 Controls:
- identification / detection and marking of buried services; safe digging methods
- methods of supporting excavations (eg steel sheets, support boxes)
- means of access
- crossing points
- barriers, lighting and signs
- safe storage of spoil
- de-watering methods, including well points and sump points
- positioning and routeing of vehicles, plant and equipment
- personal protective equipment
 Particular requirements for contaminated ground (soil testing, welfare facilities,
health surveillance, etc)
 Inspection requirements for excavations and excavation support systems.

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11.3 Confined space working hazards and risks

 Meaning of the term ‘confined space’

 Typical confined spaces found during construction activities (eg, trenches, sewers,
chambers, tanks, pits, cellars etc)
 Hazards and risks associated with confined spaces: exposure to toxic, explosive
and oxygen deficient atmospheres; heat; water; free-flowing solids; restricted
space.

11.4 Control measures for confined space working

 Precautions for safe entry:

- avoidance where possible
- risk assessment and planning
- permit-to-work procedures; requirements of permit and lock off
- training; use of competent persons
- atmospheric testing
- means of access
- personal protective equipment
 Monitoring arrangements
 Emergency arrangements.

Recommended tuition time not less than 5 hours

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Element 12: Demolition and deconstruction - hazards

and risk control
Learning outcomes
On completion of this element, candidates should be able to demonstrate understanding of
the content through the application of knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar situations. In
particular they should be able to:

12.1 Identify the main hazards of demolition and deconstruction work

12.2 Outline the control measures for demolition and deconstruction work
12.3 Identify the purpose and scope of a pre-demolition/refurbishment survey
12.4 Outline the main control measures that a demolition/refurbishment method statement
should include.

Content

12.1 Demolition and deconstruction hazards and risk

 The meaning of:

- deconstruction
- piecemeal demolition
- deliberate controlled collapse
 The selection of the appropriate method
 Hazards relating to deconstruction and demolition:
- premature collapse
- falls and falling materials
- plant, vehicles and other equipment overturning
- manual handling
- dust and fume
- noise and vibration
- existence of services (including gas, electricity and water)
- hazardous substances
- dilapidation.

12.2 Control measures

 Control measures for demolition work:

- avoidance of premature collapse
- protection from falls and falling material
- siting and use of plant, vehicles and other equipment
- dust and fume
- noise and vibration
- protection of the environment
- competence of the workforce
- pre-demolition investigation /survey
- type of structure, method of construction, structural
- condition

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- presence of cellars, etc

- identification of services
- presence of hazardous substances (particularly asbestos)
- waste management – on-site segregation and offsite disposal
- access and egress from the site
- proximity and condition of other structures, roadways, etc.

12.3 Purpose and scope of pre-demolition, deconstruction or refurbishment survey

 Duties of the property owner for carrying out a pre-demolition survey for both CDM
notifiable and non-CDM notifiable projects
 Competent person to carry out investigations eg, structural engineers, asbestos
surveyors, etc
 Identification of key structural elements including pre and post tensioned
components
 Identification of location and type of services
 Identification, significance and extent of any dilapidation of the structure
 Review of drawings, structural calculations, health and safety file etc related to the
structure
 Review of all structural alterations carried out on the structure in the past.

12.4 Control measures that a method statement should include

 Services:
- isolations
- temporary services

 Soft strip requirements

 Working at height access including scaffolding
 Protection of public, third parties and surrounding structures
 Emergency arrangements
 Waste management – on-site segregation and offsite disposal
 Competence of workforce
 Communications
 Asbestos
 Control measures for identified hazards
 Plant and equipment
 Access and egress from site
 Training and welfare arrangements
 Named responsible person
 Co-ordination of work activities.

Recommended tuition time not less than 3 hours

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Unit NCC1: Tutor References

Statutory instruments

Legislation Country Element/s

EC Regulation No 1272/2008 Classification
Labelling and Packaging of Substances and European Regulation 8
Mixtures (CLP) Link to CLP information
Globally Harmonized System of Classification and
Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) Link to GHS N/A 8
guidance
Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on personal protective 2, 5, 8, 9, 10,
European Regulation
equipment at work 11, 12

Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 UK / Great Britain 11

Construction (Design and Management) 1, 2, 3, 10, 11,
UK / Great Britain
Regulations 2015 12
Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work
UK / Great Britain 9
Regulations 2010
Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work
UK / Great Britain 9
Regulations (Norther Ireland) 2016
Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 UK / Great Britain 8

Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 UK / Great Britain 9

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
UK / Great Britain 8
Regulations 2002 (as amended)
Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 UK / Great Britain 9
Dangerous Substances and Explosives
UK / Great Britain 7
Atmospheres Regulations 2002
Deregulation Act 2015 (Section 6) UK / Great Britain 10, 11, 12

Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 UK / Great Britain 5, 6

Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 UK / Great Britain 6

Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for
Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres UK / Great Britain 5, 7
Regulations 2016
Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 UK / Great Britain 1
Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment)
UK / Great Britain 4
Regulations 1992 (as amended)
Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 (as
UK / Great Britain 2
amended)
Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals)
UK / Great Britain 2, 3, 7, 10, 11
Regulations 1996
Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 UK / Great Britain 9
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment
UK / Great Britain 4
Regulations 1998
Management of Health and Safety at Work
UK / Great Britain 1, 7
Regulations 1999
Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 UK / Great Britain 4

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Legislation Country Element/s

New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 UK / Great Britain 3
Personal Protective Equipment at Work 2, 5, 8, 9, 10,
UK / Great Britain
Regulations 1992 11, 12
Personal Protective Equipment (Enforcement) 2, 5, 8, 9, 10,
UK / Great Britain
Regulations 2018 11, 12
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10,
UK / Great Britain
1998 12
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 UK / Great Britain 7

Road Traffic Act 1988 and 1991 UK / Great Britain 3

Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 UK / Great Britain 5

Work at Height Regulations 2005 UK / Great Britain 2, 3, 10, 11

Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare)
UK / Great Britain 2
Regulations 1992

Confined Space Regulations (Northern Ireland)

Northern Ireland 11
1999
Construction (Design and Management) 1, 2, 3, 10, 11,
Northern Ireland
Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016 12
Control of Asbestos Regulations (Northern Ireland)
Northern Ireland 8
2012
Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work
Northern Ireland 9
Regulations (Norther Ireland) 2016
Control of Noise at Work Regulations (Northern
Northern Ireland 9
Ireland) 2006
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
Northern Ireland 8
Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 (as amended)
Control of Vibration at Work Regulations (Northern
Northern Ireland 9
Ireland) 2005
Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere
Northern Ireland 7
Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003
Deregulation Act 2015 (Section 7) Northern Ireland 10, 11, 12

Fire and Rescue Services (Northern) Order 2006 Northern Ireland 7

Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 Northern Ireland 7

Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals)
Northern Ireland 2, 3, 7, 8
Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996
Ionising Radiations Regulations (Northern Ireland)
Northern Ireland 9
2017
Health and Safety (Signs and Signals) Regulations
Northern Ireland 2, 3, 7, 10, 11
(Northern Ireland) 1996
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment
Northern Ireland 4
Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999
Management of Health and Safety at Work
Northern Ireland 1, 7
Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 (as amended)
Personal Protective Equipment at Work 2, 5, 8, 9, 10,
Northern Ireland
Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1993 11, 12
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10,
Northern Ireland
(Northern Ireland) 1993 12
Work at Height Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005 Northern Ireland 2, 3, 10, 11

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Legislation Country Element/s

Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare)
Northern Ireland 2
Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1993

Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 Scotland 7

Other relevant references

Reference detail eg ISBN

Reference title Element/s
number
A guide to workplace transport safety,
HSE Books 3
HSG136
A Step by step guide to COSHH
HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-2785-1 8
assessment, HSG97
Asbestos essentials task sheets Asbestos Essentials 8
Asbestos: The Survey Guide, HSG264 HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6502-0 8
Avoiding danger from overhead power
HSE Books 6
lines, Guidance Note, GS6
Avoiding danger from underground
HSE Books, ISBN 978-0-7176-6584-6 6, 11
services, HSG47
Chainsaws at work, INDG317 HSE Books 5
British Standards Institution,
Code of practice for demolition 12
BS 6187:2011
Controlling Airborne Contaminants,
HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6415-3 8
HSG258
Controlling noise at work, L108 HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6164-4 9
Control of substances hazardous to
health, Approved Code of Practice and HSE Books, ISBN 978-0-7176-6582-2 8
guidance, L5
Dangerous Substances and Explosives
Atmospheres Regulations 2002,
HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6616-4 7
Approved Code of Practice and guidance,
L138
Driving at Work – Managing Work-Related HSE Books
2, 3
Road Safety, INDG382
EH40/2005 Workplace exposure limits,
HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6446-7 8
third edition, 2018
Electricity at Work – safe working
HSE Books, ISBN 978-0-7176-6581-5 5
practices, HSG85
Electrical safety and you; a brief guide,
HSE Books 6
INDG231
Electromagnetic fields at work, A guide to
the Control of Electromagnetic Fields at HSE Books 9
Work Regulations, HSG281
Fire safety in construction work, HSG168 HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6345-3 7
Hand-arm vibration, the Control of
Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6125-1 9
Guidance on regulations, L140
Health and safety in construction, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7,
HSE Books, ISBN: 0-7176-6182-2
Guidance, HSG150 10, 11, 12
Health and safety in roof work, HSG33 HSE Books, ISBN 978-0-7176-6257-3 10

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Reference detail eg ISBN

Reference title Element/s
number
Health and Safety (Safety Signs and
Signals) Regulations 1996, Guidance on HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6359-0 2, 3, 10
regulations, L64
How to tackle work-related stress. A
guide for employers on making the HSE Books 8
Management Standards work, INDG430
HSE’s The Health and Safety Toolbox:
The health and safety toolbox 1, 2,
how to control risks at work
HSE Stress management standards Stress management standards 9
Inspection and reports, HSE Construction
Series Code, CIS47 10
Information Sheet No 47 (rev1)
Lighting at Work, HSG38 HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-1232-1 3
Managing and work with Asbestos,
Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012,
HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6618-8 8
Approved Code of Practice and guidance,
L143
Managing asbestos in buildings, a brief
HSE Books 8
guide, INDG223
Managing for health and safety, HSG65 HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6456-6 1
Managing Health and Safety in
Construction, Construction (Design and
HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6623-3 1, 2
Management) Regulations 2015,
Guidance on regulations, L153
Managing skin exposure risks at work,
HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6649-2 8
HSG262
Maintaining portable and transportable
HSE Books ISBN 9780717628056 5
electrical equipment, HSG107
Manual Handling, Manual Handling
Operations Regulations 1992 (as HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6653-9 4
amended), Guidance on Regulations, L23
Resource Efficient Scotland
Maximising re-use of materials on site 8
Maximising re-use of materials
Memorandum of guidance on the
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, HSE Books, ISBN 978-0-7176-6228-9 6
HSR25
Occupational Health Risk Management in 1, 2, 3, 10,
IOSH/CONIAC/HSE OH RM in Const
Construction 11, 12
Personal Protective Equipment at Work
2, 5, 8, 9, 10,
Regulations 1992 Guidance on HSE Books ISBN 978-0-7176-6139-3
11, 12
Regulations, L25
2, 3, 5, 6, 7,
Protecting the public: Your next move,
HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6294-4 8, 9, 10, 11,
HSG151
12
Radon in the workplace Radon in the workplace 9
Respiratory protective equipment at work
HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6454-2 8
– A practical guide, HSG53
Rider-operated lift trucks. Operator
training, Approved Code of Practice and HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6441-2 4
Guidance, L117
Safety at Street Works and Roadworks, A
Department for Transport,
Code of Practice, 2nd impression (with 3
ISBN: 978-0-1155-3145-3
amendments June 2014,
Safety of machinery, British Standards
BS EN ISO 12100-1 5
Institution

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Reference detail eg ISBN

Reference title Element/s
number
Safe use and handling of flammable
HSE Books, 7
liquids, HSG140
Safe use of lifting equipment, Lifting
Operations and Lifting Equipment
HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-1628-2 4
Regulations 1998, ACoP and Guidance,
L113 (amendments made 2018)
Safe use of woodworking machinery,
HSE Books, ISBN: 0-7176-1630-4 5
L114
Safe Use of Work Equipment, Approved 2, 3, 4, 5, 9,
HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6295-1
Code of Practice and guidance, L22 10, 12
Safe work in confined spaces, Approved
HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6622-5 11
Code of Practice and guidance, L101
Storage of flammable liquids in
HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-1471-4 7
containers, HSG51
Storage of flammable liquids in tanks,
HSE Books 7
HSG176
Safe use of vehicles on construction sites,
HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6291-3 3
HSG144
The health and safety toolbox, How to
HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6587-7 2, 3
control risks at work, HSG268
The Construction (Design and
Produced by CONIAC, published by
Management) Regulations 2015, Industry 1
CITB, ISBN: 978-1-85751-389-9
guidance for Clients
The Construction (Design and
Produced by CONIAC, published by
Management) Regulations 2015, Industry 1
CITB, ISBN 978-1-85751-390-5
guidance for Principal Designers
The Construction (Design and
Produced by CONIAC, published by
Management) Regulations 2015, Industry 1
CITB, ISBN 978-1-85751-393-6
guidance for Designers
The Construction (Design and
Produced by CONIAC, published by
Management) Regulations 2015, Industry 1
CITB, ISBN 978-1-85751-393-6
guidance for Principal Contractors
The Construction (Design and
Produced by CONIAC, published by
Management) Regulations 2015, Industry 1
CITB, ISBN: 978-1-85751-391-2
guidance for Contractors
The Construction (Design and
Produced by CONIAC, published by
Management) Regulations 2015, Industry 1
CITB, ISBN 978-1-85751-394-3
guidance for Workers
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989,
HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6636-2 6
Guidance on Regulations, HSR25
The Traffic Signs Manual (Chapter 8: The
Department for Transport, ISBN: 978-
Traffic Safety Measures and Signs for 3
0-1155-0559-1
Road Works and Temporary Situations)
Whole-body vibration – Control of
HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6126-8 9
Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, L141
Working at Height, a Brief Guide,
HSE Books 2, 10
INDG401
Work with display screen equipment:
Health and Safety (Display Screen
Equipment) Regulations 1992 as
amended by the Health and Safety HSE Books ISBN: 978-0-7176-2582-6 4
(Miscellaneous Amendments)
Regulations 2002: Guidance on
Regulations, L26
Working with ionising radiation, Approved
HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6662-1 9
Code of Practice and guidance, L121

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Reference detail eg ISBN

Reference title Element/s
number
Workplace health, safety and welfare,
Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-0413-5 2
Regulations 1992, ACOP, L24

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5.3 Unit NCC2: Construction health and safety practical

application
Learning outcomes

 Demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge of the unit NGC1 and NCC1 syllabus, by
successful completion of a health and safety inspection of a construction workplace
 Complete a report to management regarding the inspection with recommendations.

Content
This unit contains no additional syllabus content. However, completion of study for unit NGC1
and NCC1 is recommended in order to undertake the practical application unit NCC2.

5.3.1 Purpose and aim

 To carry out, unaided, a safety inspection of a workplace, identifying the more common
hazards, deciding whether they are adequately controlled and, where necessary,
suggesting appropriate and cost effective control measures

 To prepare a report that persuasively urges management to take appropriate action,

explaining why such action is needed (including reference to possible breaches of
legislation) and identifying, with due consideration of reasonable practicability, the control
measures that should be implemented.

This will require candidates to apply the knowledge and understanding gained from their
studies of elements of Units NGC1 and NCC1 in a practical environment and to carry out an
evaluation of information gathered during the inspection. The practical application may be
submitted in the candidate’s own handwriting or be word processed.

The submission must include:

 Completed observation sheets covering a number and range of hazards and good
practice, identifying suitable control measures and timescales;

 An introduction and executive summary;

 Main findings of the completed inspection;

 Conclusions which summarise the main issues identified in the candidate’s workplace;

 Completed recommendations table.

The time allowed to complete the assessment is not restricted but candidates should aim to
complete the inspection and the report in two hours.

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5.3.2 Marking
Practical applications will be marked by an internal assessor – a person proposed to NEBOSH
by an accredited course provider and approved by NEBOSH. Internal assessors will be at
least Grad IOSH of the Institution of Occupational Health and Safety or equivalent and working
towards chartered membership, CMIOSH, (or similar).

A marking sheet will be completed by the internal assessor for each candidate and attached
to the candidate’s report. The total percentage mark for each candidate will be transferred to
a results sheet and returned to NEBOSH by no later than 15 working days after the
examination date of NCG1 and/or NCC1.

Candidates must achieve the pass standard (60%) in this unit in order to satisfy the criteria for
the qualification.

5.3.3 Assessment location

The practical application must be carried out in the candidate’s own workplace. Where the
candidate does not have access to a suitable workplace, the accredited course provider
should be consulted to help in making arrangements for the candidate to carry out the practical
application at suitable premises. Providers seeking to run the practical unit in this way should
contact NEBOSH for advice and approval.

Candidates do not require supervision when carrying out the practical application, but the
candidate must sign a declaration that the practical application is their own work.

The candidates, employers and internal assessors should be aware that the status of the
health and safety review and report undertaken to fulfil the requirements of unit NCC2, which
is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute an assessment for the purposes of
any legislation or regulations.

5.3.4 Assessment requirements

Assessment of the practical unit (NCC2) must normally take place within 10 working days of
(before or after) the date of the NGC1 and/or NCC1 written papers (the ‘date of the
examination’). The results sheet completed by the accredited course provider must reach
NEBOSH by no later than 15 working days after the date of the examination (Appendix 2).

Any practical application not submitted by this deadline will be declared at zero marks. The
candidate will then be required to re-register (and pay the registration fee) at the next standard
(or local) sitting date.

If a candidate is absent from the written papers because of illness corroborated by a doctor’s
note, but successfully completes the NCC2 unit within the 10 working day deadline, the result
will stand. If a candidate is unable to complete the NCC2 unit under similar circumstances,
NEBOSH may allow it to be taken at a later date beyond the normal 10 working day deadline.

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5.3.5 Submission of completed work

The accredited course provider should advise the candidate of the latest date by which the
completed practical application documents must be received by the accredited course provider
for marking. It is the responsibility of the accredited course provider to ensure that the results
of the practical application (unit NCC2) are available to NEBOSH by no later than 15 working
days after the date of the examination for NGC1 and/or NCC1 as appropriate.

Candidates planning to post their reports to the accredited course provider are reminded of
the need to guard against loss in the post by sending their work by trackable delivery.
Candidates are therefore advised to retain copies of both their completed proforma and final
management report.

5.3.6 Further information

Further detailed information regarding the practical application unit including forms and mark
scheme can be found in a separate guidance document for candidates and accredited course
providers available from the NEBOSH website (www.nebosh.org.uk): “Unit NCC2: Health and
safety practical application: Guidance and information for accredited course providers and
candidates”.

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Health and Safety (November 2014 specification)

6. Sample examination question papers

6.1 Unit NGC1: Management of health and safety

THE NATIONAL EXAMINATION BOARD IN

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

UNIT NGC1: MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH AND SAFETY

For: NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety

NEBOSH National Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management
NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Health and Safety

[DATE]
2 hours, 0930 to 1130

Answer both Section 1 and Section 2. Answer ALL questions.

The maximum marks for each question, or part of a question, are shown in brackets.
Start each answer on a new page.
Answers may be illustrated by sketches where appropriate.
This question paper must be returned to the invigilator after the examination.

SECTION 1
You are advised to spend about half an hour on this section, which contains ONE question.

1 An enforcement officer has visited an organisation and has found that a number of
work activities have not had risk assessments completed.

(a) Describe actions that the enforcement officer could take. (4)

(b) Outline key stages of a risk assessment AND identify issues that would
need to be considered at EACH stage. (10)

(c) Explain criteria that could be used to prioritise any action required as
a result of the completed risk assessment. (6)

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Health and Safety (November 2014 specification)

SECTION 2
You are advised to spend about one and a half hours on this section, which contains TEN
questions.

2 (a) Identify work-related illnesses that are reportable under the Reporting
of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations
(RIDDOR) 2013. (2)

(b) Outline reasons why employers should keep records of occupational

ill-health among employees. (6)

3 Outline job factors that could lead to poor health and safety behaviour in the
workplace. (8)

4 (a) Outline functions of a permit-to-work form. (2)

(b) Outline key elements of a permit-to-work system. (6)

5 Identify information that could be used to review an organisation’s health

and safety performance. (8)

6 (a) Outline legal requirements placed on employers to have a written health

and safety policy. (2)

(b) Outline circumstances that may require a health and safety policy to
be revised. (6)

7 (a) Identify work activities that may present a particular risk to pregnant
women at work AND give an example of EACH type of activity. (6)

(b) Outline actions that an employer may take when a risk to a new or
expectant mother cannot be avoided. (2)

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8 Outline the purpose and legal status of:

(a) health and safety regulations; (4)

(b) Health and Safety Executive (HSE) approved codes of practice

(ACOPs) (4)

AND give an example in EACH case.

9 When carrying out a health and safety inspection of a workplace:

(a) outline the benefits of using a checklist; (4)

(b) outline the limitations of using a checklist. (4)

10 Explain why it is important to use a variety of methods to communicate

health and safety information in the workplace. (8)

11 (a) Outline employee duties under the Management of Health and

Safety at Work Regulations 1999. (2)

(b) Outline employee responsibilities that should be included in the

‘organisation’ section of a health and safety policy. (6)

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Health and Safety (November 2014 specification)

6.2 Unit NCC1: Managing and controlling hazards in

construction activities
THE NATIONAL EXAMINATION BOARD IN
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

NEBOSH NATIONAL CERTIFICATE IN

CONSTRUCTION HEALTH AND SAFETY

UNIT NCC1: MANAGING AND CONTROLLING HAZARDS

IN CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES

[DATE]
2 hours, 0930 to 1130

Answer both Section 1 and Section 2. Answer ALL questions.

The maximum marks for each question, or part of a question, are shown in brackets.
Start each question on a new page.
Answers may be illustrated by sketches where appropriate.
This question paper must be returned to the invigilator after the examination.

SECTION 1
You are advised to spend about half an hour on this section, which contains ONE question.

1 The provision of mains drainage to a village involves excavating to a depth

of 2.5 metres along the main street.

Outline:

(a) risks that may arise from this work; (7)

(b) control measures that would be necessary to help reduce the

risks. (13)

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Health and Safety (November 2014 specification)

SECTION 2
You are advised to spend about one and a half hours on this section, which contains TEN
questions.

2 Identify topics that should be included in a site induction for visitors. (8)

3 (a) Identify types of asbestos commonly found in building materials. (3)

(b) Outline where asbestos is likely to be encountered in a building

during renovation work. (5)

4 A steel-framed building is to be demolished.

Identify the main areas to be included in a demolition method statement. (8)

5 Electricity is one of the causes of fire on construction sites.

Outline ways in which such fires may be prevented. (8)

6 A lifting operation is to be carried out with the use of a crane hired for the
purpose.

Outline the main items to be checked by the person appointed to have

overall control of this operation. (8)

7 (a) Identify forms of chemical agents to which construction workers can

be exposed. (4)

(b) Outline the differences between the acute and chronic health effects
from exposure to chemical agents. (4)

8 The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 give noise exposure action values.

(a) Identify the lower and the upper exposure action values. (2)

(b) Outline control measures that an employer is required to take when

employees are exposed to noise at or above an upper exposure
action value. (6)

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9 (a) Identify flammable gases contained in cylinders that might be found

on a construction site. (2)

(b) Outline precautions that should be taken in order to prevent fires and
explosions during the transport and use of flammable gases
contained in cylinders. (6)

10 A petrol-driven plate compactor is to be used to reinstate a small excavation on a

highway.

(a) Outline hazards to which workers could be exposed during the use of
the plate compactor. (4)

(b) Outline control measures to help reduce the risk to workers during
the use of the plate compactor. (4)

11 Outline features of a well-designed and maintained traffic management

system on a busy construction site. (8)

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The National Examination
Board in Occupational
Safety and Health

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Meridian Business Park
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telephone +44 (0)116 2634700

fax +44 (0)116 2824000
email [email protected]
www.nebosh.org.uk