Practice Questions for NEBOSH Examinations – Hazards Style ANSWERS Paper 1

The answers given in these papers are in bullet form, you MUST pay attention to the key ACTION VERBS in order to give full answers.   I take no responsibility for answers given in exams in the style portrayed in the PRACTICE questions and answers written by myself.

Question 1

(i)                 Identify FOUR indications that could have highlighted the LEV systems’ inefficiency.

·        Deposits of dust on surfaces and people

·        Visible particles in the air

·        Discomfort and irritation by employees

·        Air monitoring reviews

·        Actual ill-health in employees due to exposure to dusts

(ii)               Outline the factors which could have reduced the LEV systems effectiveness.

·        Poor design

·        Lack of planned testing

·        Lack of maintenance

·        Extraction hood too far from dust source

·        Damaged or blocked ducting or filters

·        System alterations – unauthorized

·        Settings incorrect

·        Faulty fan

·        Process changes that could lead to greater dust emissions.

(iii)             Describe other methods of control to minimise levels of airborne dust except from LEV.

·        Hierarchy of control

·        Eliminating the process causing the dust

·        A change in process to reduce dust amounts

·        Substitution of materials i.e. capsule form, pellets or liquid

·        Segregation or enclosure of the dust creation process

·        Damping down the dust for easier removal such as vacuuming

·        Methods of cleaning so as not to disturb the dust i.e. vacuuming instead of sweeping

Question 2

Outline necessary precautions to be taken when pedestrians are required to work close to vehicle movement areas.

• Segregation systems for vehicles and pedestrians
• Clear and appropriate road markings
• Visibility – mirrors, transparent doors, adequate lighting etc.
• Vehicular audible warnings
• Site rules
• High-visibility clothing
• Good housekeeping
• Training and supervision of all involved on site

Question 3

Factory cleaning staff use a rotary floor polisher each night.

(i)                 Identify the associated hazards

·        Entanglement

·        Slips, trips and falls

·        Noise

·        Vibration

·        Electrical hazards

·        Ergonomic hazards

·        Possible chemical involvement of cleaning agents

(ii)               Outline what control measures could be used to reduce the risks

·        Guarding

·        Cable management

·        Isolation for the task of changing brushes

·        Appropriate non-slip footwear

·        Regular testing and maintenance

·        Residual current devices – RCD’s

·        Training to ensure pre-use checks

Question 4

Outline precautions needed when maintenance work is being carried out in an underground storage vessel.

• Permit-to-work
• Risk assessment
• Isolation
• Pre-cleaning
• Purging and testing the vessel’s atmosphere
• Safe means of access and egress
• Appropriate tools i.e. non-spark
• P.P.E
• Appropriate lighting
• Continual monitoring
• Competent and trained personnel
• Good communication systems between tank and above-ground workers
• Maintenance of detailed emergency procedures

Question 5

Outline the principal requirements to ensure excavation work is carried out safely.

• Examine the support structures weekly by competent person
• Record examination
• Inspect working part daily or per shift if deeper than 2m
• Inspect support material before use
• Support work done under supervision of competent person
• No person to work in excavation unless competently examined
• No projecting nails on support structure
• No materials left near edges of excavation

Question 6

With respect to work-related upper limb disorders (WRULD’s).

(i)                 Identify typical symptoms.

·        Back, neck and shoulder pain

·        Swollen joints

·        Reduced mobility and stiffness

·        Cramps and muscle fatigue/tiredness

Question 6 cntd

(ii)               Outline the factors that would increase the development of WRULD’s

·         Display screen equipment issues – DSE

·         Layout of workstation

·         Insufficient breaks from the task

·         Inadequate space leading to poor postures

·         Excessive force needed to carry out tasks

·         Frequency of the task

·         Vibrating tools/equipment

·         Pre-existing medical conditions

·         Pregnant women

Question 7

Outline what is required for a safe means of escape when evacuating a building in the event of fire.

• At least two escape routes in opposite directions, none to exceed the recognised travel distance
• Escape route fire integrity
• Self closing fire doors that open outwards easily
• Escape routes clearly marked
• Emergency lighting for routes
• Routes kept free from obstruction
• Safe, clearly signed assembly point

Question 8

(i)                 What are the principal hazards associated with the use of ladders at work?

·        Poor maintenance

·        Incorrect use

·        Incorrect locations

(ii)               Explain how these hazards may be eliminated or reduced.

·        Inspection and repair

·        Correct storage

·        75 degrees slope (1 in 4)

·        Secured top and base

·        Not to use aluminium ladders near overhead cables

Question 9

Outline the precautions to protect against electrocution when:

(i)                 Excavating near underground cables

·        Supply isolation

·        Cable routes identification via plans and cable detectors

·        Checking for service box covers

·        Marking of cable routes

·        Digging with hand-tools

(ii)               Working near overhead power lines

·         Isolation

·         Goal-post barriers defining clearance distances

·         Use of signs and bunting to clearly mark danger zones

·         Safe access routes under lines

·         Use of marshals and banksmen when cranes, excavators or tipper lorries may approach

·         Restriction on use of metal ladders and scaffold tubes

Question 10

List EIGHT routine inspection items included on a checklist at the beginning of a shift, before using a fork-lift truck.

• Tyre pressure and condition
• Lights functioning (where fitted)
• Secure and properly adjusted seats
• Undamaged mirrors with good vision
• Leakages from various fluids – diesel, battery acid, oil, brake fluid etc.
• Battery connections
• Chains in good order
• Horn operates
• Reversing audible signals where fitted
• Forks in good order
• Break checks, including hand break
• Forks do not drop when raised – hydraulic fluid levels ok
• No play in steering wheel

  

Question 11

Outline EIGHT precautions that should be considered to prevent injuries to children who may be tempted to access a construction site.

• Fencing
• Warning signs of any dangers
• Security patrols
• CCTV
• Isolating services
• Reducing heights of materials
• Covering excavations
• Removing ladders – lashing the ladders – to deny access to scaffolding
• Securing tools, chemicals, equipment and vehicles under lock and key
• Community liaisons