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    January 2011

    Examiners Report

    NEBOSH International

    Diploma in

    Occupational Health

    and Safety (Unit IC)

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    2011 NEBOSH, Dominus Way, Meridian Business Park, Leicester LE19 1QW

    tel: 0116 263 4700 fax: 0116 282 4000 email: [email protected] website: www.nebosh.org.uk

    The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health is a registered charity, number 1010444

    T(s):exrpts/J/J-C 1101 EXTERNAL DW/DA/REW

    Examiners Report

    NEBOSH INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMA

    IN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

    Unit IC International workplaceand work equipment safety

    JANUARY 2011

    CONTENTS

    Introduction 2

    General comments 3

    Comments on individual questions 4

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    2 EXTERNAL

    Introduction

    NEBOSH (The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) was formed in 1979 asan independent examining board and awarding body with charitable status. We offer a comprehensiverange of globally-recognised, vocationally-related qualifications designed to meet the health, safety,environmental and risk management needs of all places of work in both the private and public sectors.Courses leading to NEBOSH qualifications attract over 25,000 candidates annually and are offered byover 400 course providers in 65 countries around the world. Our qualifications are recognised by therelevant professional membership bodies including the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health(IOSH) and the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM).

    NEBOSH is an awarding body to be recognised and regulated by the UK regulatory authorities:

    The Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) in England

    The Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (DCELLS) in Wales

    The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) in Northern Ireland The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) in Scotland

    NEBOSH follows the GCSE, GCE, VCE, GNVQ and AEA Code of Practice 2007/8published by theregulatory authorities in relation to examination setting and marking (available at the Ofqual websitewww.ofqual.gov.uk). While not obliged to adhere to this code, NEBOSH regards it as best practice todo so.

    Candidates scripts are marked by a team of Examiners appointed by NEBOSH on the basis of theirqualifications and experience. The standard of the qualification is determined by NEBOSH, which isoverseen by the NEBOSH Council comprising nominees from, amongst others, the Health and SafetyExecutive (HSE), the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the Trades Union Congress (TUC) andthe Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). Representatives of course providers, from

    both the public and private sectors, are elected to the NEBOSH Council.

    This report on the Examination provides information on the performance of candidates which it ishoped will be useful to candidates and tutors in preparation for future examinations. It is intended tobe constructive and informative and to promote better understanding of the syllabus content and theapplication of assessment criteria.

    NEBOSH 2011

    Any enquiries about this report publication should be addressed to:

    NEBOSH

    Dominus WayMeridian Business ParkLeicesterLE10 1QW

    Tel: 0116 263 4700Fax: 0116 282 4000Email: [email protected]

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    3 EXTERNAL

    General comments

    Many candidates are well prepared for this unit assessment and provide comprehensive and relevantanswers in response to the demands of the question paper. This includes the ability to demonstrateunderstanding of knowledge by applying it to workplace situations.

    There are always some candidates, however, who appear to be unprepared for the unit assessmentand who show both a lack of knowledge of the syllabus content and a lack of understanding of howkey concepts should be applied to workplace situations.

    In order to meet the pass standard for this assessment, acquisition of knowledge and understandingacross the syllabus are prerequisites. However, candidates need to demonstrate their knowledge andunderstanding in answering the questions set. Referral of candidates in this unit is invariably becausethey are unable to write a full, well-informed answer to the question asked.

    Some candidates find it difficult to relate their learning to the questions and as a result offer responsesreliant on recalled knowledge and conjecture and fail to demonstrate any degree of understanding.

    Candidates should prepare themselves for this vocational examination by ensuring theirunderstanding, not rote-learning pre-prepared answers.

    Common pitfalls

    It is recognised that many candidates are well prepared for their assessments. However, recurrentissues, as outlined below, continue to prevent some candidates reaching their full potential in theassessment.

    Many candidates fail to apply the basic principles of examination technique and for somecandidates this means the difference between a pass and a referral.

    In some instances, candidates are failing because they do not attempt all the required questionsor are failing to provide complete answers. Candidates are advised to always attempt an answerto a compulsory question, even when the mind goes blank. Applying basic health and safetymanagement principles can generate credit worthy points.

    Some candidates fail to answer the question set and instead provide information that may berelevant to the topic but is irrelevant to the question and cannot therefore be awarded marks.

    Many candidates fail to apply the command words (also known as action verbs, eg describe,outline, etc). Command words are the instructions that guide the candidate on the depth of answerrequired. If, for instance, a question asks the candidate to describe something, then few markswill be awarded to an answer that is an outline.

    Some candidates fail to separate their answers into the different sub-sections of the questions.These candidates could gain marks for the different sections if they clearly indicated which part ofthe question they were answering (by using the numbering from the question in their answer, forexample). Structuring their answers to address the different parts of the question can also help inlogically drawing out the points to be made in response.

    Candidates need to plan their time effectively. Some candidates fail to make good use of theirtime and give excessive detail in some answers leaving insufficient time to address all of thequestions.

    Candidates should also be aware that Examiners cannot award marks if handwriting is illegible.

    The International Diploma in Health and Safety is taught and examined in English. Candidates aretherefore expected to have a good command of both written and spoken English includingtechnical and scientific vocabulary. The recommended standard expected of candidates isequivalent to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) level 7 (very good user).

    It is evident from a number of scripts that there are candidates attempting the examination withoutthe necessary English language skills.More information on the IELTS standards can be found at www.ielts.org

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    4 EXTERNAL

    UNIT IC International workplace and work equipment safety

    Question 1 A sewage drain has collapsed and it is necessary to inspect the damageprior to its repair. The inspection requires entry into a confined space 10metres deep.

    Outlinethe possible risks to those entering the sewer. (10)

    In answering this question, candidates were expected to outline possible risks such as

    those associated with the presence of gases and vapours either toxic and/orflammable and an atmosphere that was deficient in oxygen which could lead toasphyxiation and/or suffocation; working on slippery surfaces and the presence ofpipes, cables or tools which could result in falls; the possibility of the sudden ingressof water with the danger of drowning; the presence of chemical or biologicalcontaminants either on the surface water or in the sludge deposited in the sewer withthe risk of contracting illnesses such as Weils disease; working in a restricted spacewith low headroom which might lead to musculoskeletal injuries; thermal issues suchas heat exhaustion that might occur when working in high temperatures; coming intocontact with sharps with the resultant needle stick injuries; and the ever present risk ofentrapment which could be caused by the collapse of the sewer.

    Answers were generally to a reasonable standard. Some candidates did not read the

    question with sufficient care and referred to hazards rather than risks and thoughreference to control measures was not required a few mentioned these often withoutdetailing the risks they were supposed to control. Many candidates failed to providethe detailed required for an outline answer.

    Question 2 Outline what should be considered when preparing a scheme for thesystematic examination, testing and maintenance of portable electricalappliances. (10)

    In answering this question, candidates should have first considered the importance ofproducing an initial inventory of the equipment to be examined and tested including itssource such as in-house, contractors or workers and ensuring that each item wasprovided with a unique means of identification. That completed, it would then benecessary to determine the appropriate type and frequency of inspection for each itembased on factors affecting the level of risk, such as the type of appliance, anyprotective systems provided such as earthing, double insulation, or reduced voltage,the age and usage of the appliance, the environment in which it was used such as in acorrosive atmosphere where more frequent testing may be required, and theexperience and competence of the user. Additionally, historical data andmanufacturers recommendations would need to be taken into consideration. Finally,criteria for each type of examination and test would have to be laid down which wouldinclude issues such as the competence of the tester, the calibration and maintenanceof test equipment, the format of records to be kept on the results of the tests and

    examinations and systems to identify and take out of use equipment that was found tobe faulty. Better answers included reference to published guidance from theappropriate regulator or professional institute.

    Section A all questions compulsory

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    5 EXTERNAL

    Many candidates listed the parts of the equipment that should be checked and testedrather than what should be considered in the preparation of a scheme for examinationand testing. A few identified faults such as loose wires and defective plugs while therewere others who did not appear to possess the technical knowledge to deal with thistype of question.

    Question 3 Members of the public have been injured when collecting baggage from abaggage conveyor at an airport.

    (a) Identifytypical mechanical hazards when the conveyor is in use. (4)

    (b) Outline the control measures that should be in place to reducethe risk of injury from the mechanical hazards. (6)

    For part (a), candidates should have identified mechanical hazards such as trapping

    between the interlaced parts of the conveyor bed, between moving items of baggageor between the lip and trapped baggage; abrasion hazards from coming into contactwith the moving belt; impact hazards from coming into contact with moving baggagewhich might have been inadequately stacked or in attempting to replace items that hadfallen from the belt; and the possibility of entanglement when items of clothing orjewellery become caught in the moving conveyor. It might have been expected thatmost candidates would have had experience of collecting baggage from a conveyor atan airport and indeed most were able to identify the typical mechanical hazards fromthe moving conveyor though some were under the impression that dangerous partswere always exposed, others identified non-mechanical hazards such as electricityand noise while a few dealt with the hazards connected to the use of roller conveyors.

    For the second part of the question, control measures that should be in place include

    the control of the speed of the conveyor; a reduction in gaps in the belt at critical pointssuch as turns; the replacement of worn conveyor parts; the use of E-stops in the eventof blockage or other emergency; the use of photo-sensitive detectors; using a klaxonor strobe warning lights in the case of an inadvertent start-up; using workers to assessthe conveyors for blockages and to assist passengers when this is seen to benecessary and providing signage advising caution when removing baggage from theconveyor, on the action to be taken in the event of a blockage and warning againstplacing hands or feet on the conveyor. Whilst the hazards may have been identified forthe first part of the question, outlining the control measures proved to be more difficultwith some candidates suggesting the impracticable such as prohibiting passengersfrom wearing loose clothing or jewellery and others demonstrating a lack of realism bysuggesting that passengers should be kept away from the conveyors.

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    Question 4 Environmental pollution is a major concern in many industrial processes.A number of alternative strategies are available to organisations tomanage these risks.

    Givethe meaning of:

    (a) Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC); (4)

    (b) Best Practicable Environmental Option (BPEO); (3)

    (c) Best Available Techniques (BAT). (3)

    For part (a), candidates were expected to include that Integrated Pollution Preventionand Control applies to industrial installations and its main aim is to achieve a high levelof protection of the environment taken as a whole. It takes into account the wholeperformance of the plant and as it is integrated includes emissions to air, water and

    land, the generation of waste, the use of raw materials, energy efficiency, noise, theprevention of accidents and the restoration of the site upon closure.

    For part (b), a good answer would have included that Best Practicable EnvironmentalOption is the option which provides the most benefits or least damage to theenvironment taken as a whole at an acceptable cost and in the long as well as in theshort term. The option includes a range of methods such as kerb side recycling andgreen composting.

    Best Available Techniques applies to certain polluting installations and its aim is toavoid or reduce emissions and their impact on the environment as a whole. It takesinto account the balance between costs and benefits to the environment so that thegreater the environmental damage that can be prevented, the greater the cost of the

    techniques that must be provided. Available are those techniques that are readilyprocurable by any person, while techniques included plants, systems, processes,monitoring measures and staff.

    Many candidates struggled in answering this question and the responses providedwere limited with most showing little knowledge of the subject area.

    Question 5 A motor vehicle repair workshop has installed a new electrically powered,compressed air system.

    Outline the factors to be considered in developing a suitable planned

    preventative maintenance programme. (10)

    The first stage in the development of a maintenance programme would be to considerthe design life and expected reliability of the system, the manufacturers specifications,the pattern of usage whether constant, periodic or only as a standby and theanticipated fault pattern based on experience gained in using similar equipment.Consideration could then be given to further factors such as the need for routineoperations such as belt tightening, lubrication and filter changes, the need for regularreplacement of critical parts to prevent breakdown and the availability of thecomponent parts, the operations that would be required at specific times to countercorrosion, wear and fatigue and any statutory requirements or those required byinsurance companies.

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    7 EXTERNAL

    Additionally, thought should also be given to the available occasions when shut-downmaintenance might be performed; to the particular safety aspects of maintenancewhile equipment was running; to the need for safe systems of work such as permits orelectrical isolation; and to the availability of staff with the necessary skills andcompetencies to carry out the work. A written scheme of maintenance might then beprepared which would include the safety precautions that should be taken and the

    arrangements for recording details of the work carried out such as the results ofinspections, the defects found, and the remedial action taken such as the replacementof parts.

    Answers were limited with many candidates producing a list of items to be checkedand maintained rather than the factors to be considered in the development of aprogramme for planned preventive maintenance. Some considered the siting of theequipment and the training of workers while others did not recognise that acompressed air system is a pressure system and accordingly the condition of criticalparts and safety aspects in carrying out maintenance were of paramount importance.

    Question 6 A diesel engine is being used to power a machine in a potentiallyflammable atmosphere.

    (a) Identifythe sources of ignition from the diesel engine. (4)

    (b) Outline the protection that should be applied to the engine tominimise the risk of an explosion. (6)

    In the first part of the question, candidates were asked to identify possible sources ofignition from a diesel engine. They should have referred to flames or sparks from theexhaust and inlet systems, sparks arising from the engines electrical system, sparkscaused by the presence of static electricity, through over speeding or overloading of

    the engine and from friction or the surface temperature. Answers were to a reasonablestandard though there were some candidates with the misconception that spark plugswere likely sources of ignition and that the fuel was highly flammable.

    Part (b) required an outline of the protection that should be applied to the engine tominimise the risk of explosion. An initial protection measure would be the fitting offlame and spark arrestors to prevent flashback to atmosphere if flammable vapour wasdrawn into the inlet system and to prevent any flames from the exhaust systemescaping into the air of the workplace. The engine and exhaust system should bedesigned to ensure that their surface temperatures were below the ignitiontemperature of the flammable substance and the fitting of a water jacket on theexhaust system together with thermal sensors and air cooling for hot spots wouldprovide additional protection. Electrical equipment on the engine should be suitable

    for zones 1 and 2, mechanical alternatives, as for example the fuel gauge, should befitted where possible and electrical starters wired to a plug and socket in a safe area.The use of electrically conducting materials for parts such as tyres and drive beltswould reduce static build up, while fitting speed limiters would help prevent overspeeding or over loading of the engine. Finally it would be advisable to fit an air inletshut-off valve to stop the engine if at any time vapour ingestion does lead to over-speeding. Answers to this part of the question were not to the same standard as part(a).

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    Question 7 For a large supermarket with restaurant facilities:

    (a) outline the automatic fire protection systems that should be inplace; (6)

    (b) outline the factors to be considered when developing a safemeans of escape for the supermarket. (14)

    For part (a), candidates were expected to outline automatic fire protection systemssuch as those for fire detection for example fire and smoke detectors; fire suppressionsystems such as automatic sprinkler systems or foam flooding systems which wouldneed to be subjected to regular testing; a fire alarm system with adequate call pointslocated at strategic points in the store and regularly tested before the store is opened

    to the public; a smoke control system comprising roof vents and automatic self closingdoors; and an automatic fire service call out. Candidates should also have indicatedwhich of these systems were more suitable for the supermarket and which for therestaurant. This was a popular question and part (a) was well answered though a fewcandidates seemed to miss the reference to automatic and concentrated on manualmeans such fire extinguishers and hose reels.

    Factors which would need to be considered in developing a safe means of escape forthe supermarket include the possible types and numbers of persons to be evacuated,the distance to fire escape routes and the number of routes available; thearrangements for evacuating members of the public which would include the use of thepublic address system and the appointment of fire marshals who would need trainingin their responsibilities including ensuring that all areas have been cleared; ensuring

    that fire exit routes are kept free from obstruction and are clearly signed with the routesfrom the supermarket and restaurant being sufficiently separated to avoid crowdingand confusion; the location of clearly marked assembly points which should be in asafe position away from the building and positioned where they would not obstructaccess for the emergency services; the provision of emergency lighting in the event offailure of the main supply; arrangements for liaison with the emergency services; theallocation of clear responsibilities to workers for giving assistance to customers andparticularly those who might be disabled; arrangements for the disabling of lifts and forlocking the tills to prevent the opportunities for theft; and the completion of regular firedrills at least at six monthly periods. Answers to this part of the question werereasonable but perhaps not as good as those provided for part (a). Only the betteranswers differentiated between the store and the restaurant. Others described theneed for the building to be constructed of fire resisting material rather than the means

    to be provided to ensure people were able to leave it safely if a fire did occur.

    Section B three from five questions to be attempted

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    Question 8 An external lift on a construction site has an interlocked guard to preventthe lift operating when the gate is open. With reference to the diagram:

    (a) identifythe two types of switch shown (Switch A ANDSwitch B); (2)

    (b) identify the functional components associated with BOTHswitches; (4)

    (c) outline the normal sequence of operation for the electrically-operated, cam-activated switch assembly when the gate opensand closes; (6)

    (d) outline ways in which electrically-operated, cam-activatedswitches may fail to operate as intended. (8)

    For the first part of the question candidates were expected to identify that limit switch Ais wired normally closed and is a positively operated switch while switch B is wirednormally open and is negatively operated.

    In answer to part (b) they should have identified that the functional components of theswitches are the cam follower or plunger, an internal spring compressed from thebottom, internal electrical contacts attached to the cam follower with the gate acting asthe cam.

    In answer to part (c), a good answer would have outlined that when the gate is closedthe normal sequence of operations would be the depression of the plunger on switch Band the compression of the internal spring and the release of the cam follower onswitch A causing de-compression of the spring. This would allow electrical contact tobe made in both switches, so making the circuit and allowing the operation of the lift.When the gate is open, the cam follower on switch A is depressed and the internalspring compresses while the cam follower in switch B is released causing de-compression of the spring. The electrical contact is broken in both switches thus

    breaking the circuit and preventing the operation of the lift.

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    10 EXTERNAL

    For part (d), there are a number of ways in which the type of switch described in thescenario might fail to operate as intended. These include failure of or damage to theinternal spring which prevents the appropriate contact being made; damage to otherinternal parts of the switch; the presence of debris or dirt within the body of the switch;a contact weld through electrical arcing; a misalignment between cam and camfollower or a wiring fault; wear of or damage to parts such as a bent plunger; damage

    due to a corrosive atmosphere and sabotage such as deliberate disconnection ofwiring or the taping up of parts to simulate activation by the gate.

    This was not a popular question with very few making any attempt to answer it, and ofthose who did, many were confused between a normally closed and normally opencam operated switch or how the switches might fail to operate as intended.

    Question 9 A small company manufactures products using electro-chemicalprocesses. The company has poor general standards of health andsafety, made worse by the presence of conductive and corrosive fluidsand humid, corrosive atmospheres.

    (a) Describe the types of fault that may be found under suchconditions in a fixed electrical system. (10)

    (b) Outline the technical information a competent electrician wouldrequire before conducting an inspection of a fixed electricalsystem. (10)

    The first part of this question sought to assess candidates knowledge of typical faultswithin a fixed electrical system and how a corrosive atmosphere may exacerbate theproblems. Issues that should have been mentioned included poor earthing and a lackof earth continuity, damaged sockets and switchgear, covers missing from junction

    boxes, inadequate excess current protection such as the fitting of fuses with incorrectratings, means of isolation in poor condition and badly sited and incompetentworkmanship in the original installation. Additional problems caused by theatmosphere include exposed live conductors due to damaged or perished insulation,short circuits caused by the ingress of fluids, corrosion of system parts such as accessgrilles and transformer casings, and the unsuitability of the equipment for use in suchwet and corrosive conditions.

    For part (b), the type of information required by a competent electrician prior tocarrying out a survey would include: an inventory of the equipment with details of itstype and manufacturer; the operating parameters of the system such as its voltage,current, number of phases and its impedance and/or resistance; its IP classificationincluding the measure of protection against the ingress of water; any circuit diagrams

    and/or manuals for the equipment with details of any modifications made; means ofisolation and its location; earthing arrangements; the type and size of cables; detailson the operation of protective devices and copies of previous inspection reports.

    Answers to this question were to an acceptable standard with most candidates able toidentify a range of faults that might be found. For part (a), some tried to explain thechemical reactions involved which was not required, and suggested the presence of aflammable atmosphere which was irrelevant. In their answers to the second part of thequestion, some candidates outlined the precautions to be taken rather than theinformation that the competent electrician would require.

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    Question 10 The International Labour Organisations Standard R175 and itsassociated Code of Practice sets out general principles for Safety andHealth in Construction.

    Minor repairs need to be carried out to the sloping roof of a large two-

    storey property. A scaffold is to be erected in order to gain access to thework area.

    Using the guidance in R175, outline the precautions necessary forcarrying out the repairs. (20)

    The more successful candidates were those who organised their answers under thegeneral headings of scaffolds, ladder access, roof edge protection and generalworkplace precautions.

    For scaffolds, necessary precautions include ensuring that it is constructed of suitableand sound material, is of adequate size and strength and is erected and modified

    where necessary only by competent workers in accordance with any local regulations.The scaffold should be stable which may mean that it has to be tied in to the building.The working platforms must be provided with guard rails and toe boards to prevent thefall of persons and materials and means should be provided to restrict access when itis not in use. It is imperative that the scaffold is inspected prior to it being used for thefirst time, at regular intervals thereafter, after alterations or interruption in its use andafter exposure to extreme weather conditions.

    Where ladders are used for access, they should be secured and extend for a distanceof at least one metre above the landing platform. Workers using the ladder shouldalways ensure three points of contact whilst climbing and arrangements should bemade for lifting tools and materials to the working area by means of a hoist or ginwheel. Properly secured roof ladders should be used for work on a sloping roof with

    protection provided round those areas where fragile material may be present.

    Guard rails should be provided to protect workers from falling from eaves or roofedges. If it is not practicable to provide guard rails, and workers could fall a distance ofmore than 2 metres, then other means such as harnesses or nets must be used.

    General workplace precautions include those to be taken when work is carried outnear to overhead power lines; the provision of chutes for the removal of debris orrubbish; the issue and wearing of personal protective equipment such as hard hats,boots, eye protection, gloves and high visibility clothing; and the provision of adequatewelfare facilities.

    This was a popular question though Examiners suspected that there were many

    candidates who had limited knowledge of R175 given the content of their answers.Some related to UK standards and even the Work at Height Regulations whilst othersmisread the question and wrote of hazards rather than precautions.

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    Question 11 Outline the factors to consider with respect to the design, constructionand use of a storeroom that is to be used for the storage of bulk stocks ofpalletised containers of highly flammable paints and thinners. (20)

    As far as the design and construction of the storeroom were concerned, marks wereawarded for outlining factors such as the provision of adequate separation fromoccupied buildings and site boundaries and segregation from traffic routes with theuse of fire walls if separation was not possible; the construction of the store on animpermeable base with fire resistant materials with a light weight roof or blast panels;the provision of high/low ventilation; the provision of bunding to retain any spilledliquid; ensuring that electrical installations were suitable for a zoned area; theprovision of fire/smoke detection systems and of sprinklers and/or fire extinguishers;ensuring adequate spacing between racking to allow the movement of fork lift trucksand the provision of separate access for pedestrians and the trucks.

    Use of the storeroom would involve the control of ignition sources such as the fork lifttrucks and portable electric equipment; the storing of paints and thinners in fire

    resistant containers away from sources of heat and sunlight; procedures for decantingwhich should be carried out outdoors or in a separate area; procedures for spillageswhere immediate cleaning up would be required using spill kits; ensuring a highstandard of housekeeping for the fork lift truck routes and pedestrian walkways;introducing procedures for the regular inspection and maintenance of the racking andpallets; arranging for the safe disposal of waste; providing information and training tothe workers on the necessary precautionary measures to be taken and controllingaccess to the stores by limiting it to authorised personnel only.

    This was a popular question, but few candidates were able to provide comprehensiveanswers. When referring to design and construction, the use of fire resistant materialsand the provision of bunding and ventilation were most commonly mentioned butanswers concerning the use of the building were limited with some apparently either

    not noticing or ignoring the presence of the word use in the question and consideringwhat precautions to be taken when work was to be carried out in a potentially highlyflammable atmosphere. Some candidates inappropriately concentrated on thepossible health effects of using solvent based paints and thinners.

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    The National ExaminationBoard in OccupationalSafety and Health

    Dominus WayMeridian Business ParkLeicester LE19 1QW

    telephone +44 (0)116 2634700fax +44 (0)116 2824000email [email protected]


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