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NEBOSH International
Certificate
Day 6
Programme for Today
Review of Week 1.
Electrical Safety.
Noise.
Welfare and the Work Environment.
Week 1 Review Quiz
What are the three main drivers (reasons for H&S)?
What does a civil action aim to achieve?
Do the guideli nes from the International Labour
Organisation carry the same authority as law?
What are the elements of HSG65?
What are the three parts of an H&S policy
document?
What issues should an employer consult on?
What are three human factors?
What are the three types of human err or?
What is the accident triangle?
What is domino theory?
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Week 1 Review Quiz
What is the difference between inspection and
audit?
What are the five steps of risk assessment?
What is a safe system of work?
When is an SSW required?
What is a permit-to-work?
What types of work might be controlled by a
permit?
Name five types of PPE.
What are the specified risks of a confined space?
Who can practise first-aid in the workplace?
NEBOSH International
Certificate
An Introduction to
Electricity
Basic Principles of Electricity
Potential difference (v olts).
Current (amperes).
Resistance (ohms).
Ohms law.
Current ty pes - alternating
and direct.

An Analogy
Hyd raulic
Pump
Hydrau lic
Motor
Contr ol
Val ve
High Pr essur e
L ow Pr essur e
High Volta ge ( Pr essure )
Swit ch
Elec trical
Moto r
Gen er ator
Electr ical Circuit
Electricity will only flow if there is an unbroken ring or
circuit of conductors from the source of pressure and
back again.
Ohms Law
V = I x R
or
I = V/R
or
R = V/I
AC/DC
Alternating current (AC):
Mains supply is AC.
Current flows backwards and forwards.
50 cycles per second in the UK (50 hertz).
Direct current (DC):
Battery supply is DC.
Current flows in one direction only.
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The Hazards of Electricity
Bur ns.
Shock.
Arcing.
Fire.
Explosion.
Also -
Secondary effects.
Remember B SAFE
Electrical Shock
0.5-2
Current Effects
2-10
Painful sensation.
10-25
Inabil ity to let go, danger of asphyxiat ion.
25-80
Loss of consciousness from heart
or respiratory failure.
Over 80 Burns at point of contact,
death from ventricular
fibril lation.
Threshold of perception.
( milliamps)
Effects of Shock
Muscle spasm, respiratory failure, heart
fibrillation and cardiac arrest.
Influenced by :
Current (det ermined by voltage and
resistance).
Duration of contact.
Path through body.
Nature of contact.
Environment.
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Electric Shock
Direct Contact
Contact of a person (or an implement
being held by a person) with a liv e
conductor.
Indirect Contact
Contact with a conductor t hat is not liv e
under normal conditions, but is l iv e as a
result of a fault.
Emergency Action
Switch off power or, push inj ured
person away with an insulator .
Resuscitate.
Treat burns.
Minimise effects of physiological
shock.
Hospital.
Note: Place Treatment Notices at key locations.
Burns
Direct:
Caused by the current flowing thr ough the body.
Skin and inter nal.
Indirect:
Caused by arcing, fire or explosion of other
equi pment during electrical accidents.

Fire
Overloadi ng.
Incorrect fuses.
Poor ins ulation.
Poor connections.
Close storage of flammable materials.
Flammable atmospheres.
Explosion
Direct heating massive current overload.
Flammable atmospheres:
Zoning and selection of suitable equi pment .
Static electricity:
Bondi ng.
Arcing
Ability of electricity to jump
across an air gap.
Usually inv olv es high v oltage.
Large amount of energy
released:
IR, light and UV radiation.
X-rays at very high voltage.
Metal spray; explosion.
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Electrical Control Measures
Insulation/enclosure of live parts.
Low voltages.
Earthi ng.
Fuse.
Circuit breaker.
RCD.
Equipotential bondi ng.
Isolation.
Insulation/Enclosure
Live parts cannot be touched.
If equipment has a metal enclosure,
precautions must be taken to prevent
metalwork becoming live. This is achieved by
double insul ation. Live parts are covered by
two layers of insulator.
Each layer is capable of adequate insulation.
Earthing
By connecting exposed metal
parts to earth, any fault
current is provided with a low
resistance path to earth.
This causes a large fault
current to flow which blows
the fuse.
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Fuses
Form a weak link in a circuit.
Designed to over heat and melt if the
current exceeds the fuse rating.
Rating should be above operating
current required by equi pment, but
less than the current rating of the
cable in the circuit.
Designed to protect the equipment,
not people.
Circuit Breaker
Electro-mechanical device which
does the same thing as a fuse.
Rating should be above
oper ating current requir ed by
the equipment, but less than
the current rating of the cable
in the circuit.
Tamperpr oof.
Residual Current Devices (RCDs)
Interrupt supply in ev ent of a small leak
of current to earth.
V ery sensitiv e: 30 mA.
V ery fast: 30 ms.
Compare current in liv e and neutral.
Should be regularly tested.
Designed to protect people.

Equipotential Bonding
All extraneous metalwork is connected
by a common bonding conductor which
ensures that all t he metalwork is at the
same potential.
Current will not flow between two
points at the same potential.
A common connection to earth is
usually made.
Central heating sy stem in a new-build
house.
Isolation and Lock-Off
Deprivi ng a circuit of power.
Ensuri ng that it cannot be re-
ener gised by applying some
form of lock.
Shoul d be clearly labelled.
Often referred to as lock-out
or tag-out .
Low Voltages
For hand tools, the 110 volt centre-tapped
(CTE) system is recommended.
System relies on the mid-point of the reduced
voltage transformer bei ng earthed.
Maximum shock voltage is 55 volts, but full
110 volt supply powers the equi pment .
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Double Insulation
Portable Electrical Equipment
What condi tions and
practices are likely to
lead to accidents?
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HSG107
Maintaining Portable and Transportable
Electrical Equipment
Recommendations offered:
User checks (v isual).
Formal v isual inspection.
Combined inspection and tests.
Recommended User Checks
Damage to cable sheath.
Damage to plug.
Inadequate joints.
Unsecured sheath.
Wet or contami nated.
Damage to casing of equipment.
Burns/scorch marks.
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Formal Visual Inspection
All of the user checks plus:
Remov e plug cov er and check fuse.
Check cord grip.
Check terminals are secure and no
signs of internal damage.
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Combined Inspection and Test
V isual inspection may fail to detect:
Loss of earth integrity.
Deterioration of insulation.
Inspection and test i s justified:
When suspect equi pment is defective.
After repair/modification.
At appropri ate intervals.
Combined Inspection and Test
First lev el:
Pass/fail with a PAT(-ester).
No interpr etation necessary.
Second lev el:
Competent person.
Interpretation of results required.
PAT-ester
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Frequency
Type of equi pment (hand-hel d?).
Manufacturers recommendations.
Initial integrity and soundness.
Age.
Working envir onment.
Frequency of use.
Foreseeable abuse.
Modifications/repair.
History.
T ype o f bu siness User checks Fo rm al visual
ins pectio n
Comb ined inspe ction
and test
E qui pme nt hi re N/A B efore i ssue/after return Be fore i ssue
Con str ucti on (Fo r
i nd icati on o nly. S ee
E l ectri cal safety on
co nstructi on si tes
3
for
m ore de tail )
110 V Weekl y 110 V Mon thl y 110 V Be fore fi rst use
on si te then 3 monthl y
230 V mai ns Dai l y/every
shi ft
230 V mai ns weekl y 230 V mai ns B efore
fi rst use on si te then
month ly
L ig ht in dustri al Ye s B efore i ni ti al use then 6
mon thly
6 12 mo nths
Hea vy i ndustr ia l/hi gh
r i sk of equi pment
d amage
Dai ly Weekl y 6 12 mo nths
Of fice i nfo rmati on
te chnol ogy, eg desktop
co mputers,
p hotocopi ers, fax
m achi nes
No 1 2 year s None i f doubl e- in su late d,
otherwi se up to 5 yea rs
Dou ble -i nsul ated
e qui pment no t hand-
h el d, eg fans, tabl e
l am ps
No 2 3 year s No
Han d-hel d, doub le -
i nsul ated (Cla ssII)
e qui pment, eg some
f loo r cl eaners, ki tchen
e qui pment an d i rons
Ye s 6 mo nths 1 year No
E arth ed (Cl ass I)
e qui pment, eg ele ctri c
ke ttles, som e fl oor
cl ean ers
Ye s

6 mo nths 1 year

1 2 years

E qui pme nt used by the
p ubl ic, eg in hotel s
B ym ember of staff 3 mo nths 1 year
Cab les a nd pl ugs,
e xte nsio n le ads
Ye s 1 year 2 years
Workplace Electricity
Safe design and construction.
Isolation (and secure lock-off).
Live working safe system of
work.
Environment.
Competence.
Guidance and possible legislation is likely
to cover the following areas of concern:
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Principles of Working Dead
Isolation and lock-off.
Warni ng signs.
Prove test equi pment.
Prove dead.
Prove test equi pment again.
Once its dead, prove it, then keep
it that way.
Principles of Working Live
No person shall be engaged in
any work on or near any live
electrical conductor unless:
it is unreasonabl e in all the
circumstances for it to be dead,
and
it is reasonable in all the
circumstances for them to be at
work while it is live, and
suitable precautions are taken to
prevent injury.
Competent Person
Adequate knowledge of
electricity.
Experi ence of electrical work.
Understandi ng of class of
system.
Understandi ng of hazar ds and
precautions.
Ability to continuously assess
safety to continue to work.
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Exam Question
Identify FOUR different ty pes of hazard
that may necessitate the use of special
footwear, explain in each case, how the
footwear affords protection.
(8 marks)
(Source: NEBOSH)
The Control of
Noise at Work
Physics of Noise
wavelength
amplitude
The number of cycles per second is measured
in hertz (Hz) and sensed as pitch.
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Noise - Basic Principles
Noise can be defined as unwanted sound.
Frequency - this determines the pitch or tone.
Audible range - the range of frequencies that
humans can hear .
Amplitude - volume or loudness.
Frequency
Frequency is the number of vibrations
or pressure waves per second.
We perceive frequency as the pitch of
a sound.
The human ear (when perfect) is
capabl e of detecting sound frequencies
between about 20 to 20,000 Hz .
Amplitude
This is the pressure difference
between the peaks and troughs
of the sound waves, and is
measured in pascals.
The lowest detectable pressur e
change we can note is known as
the threshold of hearing.
The highest level we can tolerate
is the threshold of pain.
We perceive this pressure
difference as loudness.
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Decibel Scale
The difference between the thres hol d of
heari ng and the threshold of pai n is some
1,000,000,000,000,000 times.
Since this does not lend itself to a linear
scale, a logarithmic scale is used instead -
the decibel (dB) scale.
Threshold of hearing = 10 dB.
Threshold of pain = 140 dB.
The Add 3 dB Rule
As a consequence of the
logarithmic scale, if you want
to double the sound intensity,
you must not double the dB
value.
You simply add 3 dB.
So 88 dB is twice as intense
as 85 dB.
Typical Noise Levels - dB(A)
Brushwood cutter 120
Chainsaw 115
Pneumatic drill 105
Heavy lorry (5- 7m) 95
Raised voice at 2 metres 90
Traffic 80
Loud radio 70
Busy office 60
Normal speec h 50
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Noise - dB(A) and dB(C)
A-weighting (dB(A)) reflects the
way the human ear responds to
different frequencies.
C-weighting (dB(C)) gives a
more accurate measurement for
impulse noise, e.g. loud bangs!
Effects of Noise Induced Deafness
Effects
Causes annoyance and irritation.
Affects concentration and
efficiency.
Causes fatigue and makes one
prone to accidents.
Prevents ear from registering other
sounds, instructions and warnings.
Short exposur es to very excessive
noise causes damage to the inner
ear, and permanent loss of hearing.
Regul ar expos ure to excess noise
causes damage to the inner ear ,
and permanent loss of hearing.
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The Human Ear
Threshold Shift
Temporary threshold shift.
Permanent threshold shift.
Tinnitus.
Noise Induced Hearing Loss
Undamaged Sensory Hairs Noise Induced Damage
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Audiometry
A hearing test carried out in a
soundproof booth.
Tests hearing sharpness at sev eral
different frequencies.
Compares y our hearing to the standard
audiogram for a person of similar age.
Dip in the 4 KHz range shows noise-
induced hearing loss.
The Dose Effect
The two factors which determine the degree of
harm are:
Noise level.
Time of exposure.
The daily personal noise exposure is
measured across 8 hours and is called L
EP,d.
Time and Dose Equivalence
dB(A) Duration
87 8 hour
90 4 hour
93 2 hour
96 1 hour
99 30 mins
102 15 mins
105 7.5 mins
108 3.75 mins
111 112 sec
114 56 sec
117 28 sec
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Noise Assessment
Initial survey sound level meter.
Detailed survey to calculate actual exposur e
integrating sound level meter.
Used to measure Leq.
Leq is the continuous sound level
equivalent - a time-weighted average.
Used to calculate L
EP,d.
Control of Noise at Work
There are threeexposure values:
Lower Exposure Action Value (LEAV)= 80 dB(A) L
EP,d
/135 dB(C).
Upper Exposure Action Value (UEAV)= 85 dB(A) L
EP,d
/137 dB(C).
Exposure Limit Value (ELV) = 87 dB(A) L
EP,d
/140 dB(C).
These values are based on the recent EU Physical Agents
Directive.
Lower Exposure Action Value
If noise exposure exceeds 80 dB(A) L
EP,d
and/or
135 dB(C) impulse noise, but does not hit the
upper value, then an empl oyer must:
Arrange for a noise assessment by a
competent person.
Make hearing protection available.
Provide information, instruction and
training.
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Upper Exposure Action Value
If noise exposure exceeds 85 dB(A) L
EP,d
and/or 137 dB(C)
impulse noise, then an employer must:
Arrange for a noise assessment by a competent
person.
Reduce exposure by means other than PPE.
If still above this exposure value, the employer must:
Designate a hearing protection zone (sign).
Issue PPE and enforce its use.
Provide information, instruction and training.
Exposure Limit Value
An employer may not expose empl oyees to
noise above this value:
87 dB(A) L
EP,d.
140 dB(C) impulse noise.
If the employer does so, he must stop the
expos ure, find out why the limit value is
exceeded, and modify the controls.
Noise Control Measures
Hearing
protection
must be worn
The Hierarchy focuses on:
The Source.
The Path.
The Person.
(Remember ERIC PD.)
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Control of Noise at Source
Replace noisy with less noisy .
Balance machinery .
Fit silencers.
Mount on anti-v ibration mountings.
Fit sound-proof encl osure.
Regular inspect ion and maintenance.
Attenuate the Pathway
Acoustic shielding.
Sound-abs orbing materials.
Avoidance of hard, reflective
surfaces.
Increase distance:
Noise is subject to the inverse
square law.
The Person
Limit duration of exposure.
Enclose in a sound-proof boot h.
Issue hearing protection.
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Noise at Work
Factors influencing the effectiveness of ear defenders.
Personal Hearing Protection
Cost:
Cheaper ear defenders attenuate by 8 to 15
dB(A) at low frequencies, and 35 to 40 dB(A)
at high frequencies.
More expensive earmuffs attenuate by 20 to
25 dB(A) at low frequencies, and 45 to 50
dB(A) at high frequencies .
Personal Hearing Protection
Practical reduction of ear defender
effectiveness:
Long hair, thick spectacle frames,
and j ewellery.
Helmets or face shields preventing
good fitting.
Ear plugs not properly inserted into
the ear.
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NEBOSH International
Certificate
Welfare and Work
Environment
Welfare and Work Environment
Pur pose:
Working envir onment.
Design and layout of the workplace.
Welfare facilities.
Scope:
Very broad definition of a workplace.
Includes outdoor sites.
Exclusions, incl udi ng construction sites.
We will consider general issues rather than specific
work activities.
Maintenance
Examples:
V entilation sy stems (LEV
Hazardous substances).
Emergency lighting.
Fencing and guarding.
Support for window-cleaning
dev ices.
Safety harness anchor points.
Window-opening limi t dev ices.
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Ventilation
Ventilation by sufficient quantity of
fresh or purified air.
Visible or audible war ning of
failure on mechanical ventilation
equi pment .
Indoor Workplace Temperatures
Indoor temper atures duri ng
working hours must be
reasonable:
16
o
C for sitting down work.
13
o
C for physical exertion.
Other temperature
requirements may override.
Provision of thermomet ers.
Heating methods must not
endanger workers.
Lighting
Must be suitable and sufficient:
Task lighting (local lighting for a
particular job).
Accuracy and speed of work.
Worker concer ned (age and
visual acuity).
Contrast and glar e.
Natural light where possible.
Emergency lighting wher e necessary.
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Lighting Factors to Consider
Lux levels (measured at poi nt of work).
Shadows .
Contrast.
Reflections and glar e:
Disability and nuisance.
Stroboscopic effects.
Safety of light sources.
Cleanliness
Workpl ace and fittings must be
kept clean.
Surfaces shoul d be capable of
being kept clean.
Waste materials must not be
allowed to accumul ate.
Remember , there are different
priorities for health and safety, for
example, in a hospital and an office.
Space Requirements
Sufficient floor area, height and unoccupied
space.
Recommended space: 11 m
3
per person:
Notional room hei ght of 3 m.
Excess furniture may demand more floor
space.

Workstations and Seating

Workstations must be suitably arranged:
For the person.
For the task.
Suitable seating provided where possible:
For the person.
For the task.
Footrest if necessary.
Outdoor workstations:
Weather protection.
Safe swift egress.
Slip and fall prevention.
Floors and Traffic Routes
Floors and traffic routes must be of suitable
construction.
Traffic routes are for pedestrians, vehicles or
both, and include stairs, staircases, fixed
ladders, doorways, gateways, loading bays
and ramps.
No holes or slopes; not to be uneven or
slippery.
Effective means of drainage.
Free from obstructions and trip hazards.
Guarding and handrails, where appropriate.
Falls or Falling Objects
Measures to prevent:
People falling.
People bei ng hit by falling
obj ects.
Other than PPE and
instruction.
Measures to prevent falling
into a tank or pit containing
a dangerous substance.
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Windows and Transparency
Made of a safety material or
protected against breakage.
Marked so as to be apparent.
Consider:
In door and gate panels, at
or below shoulder height.
In window and wall panels,
below waist level.
Skylights and Ventilators
Safe openi ng and adjustment .
Restrict opening where peopl e
are at risk of falling out:
Guideline is 800 mm sill
height.
No risk when open.
Window Cleaning
Windows and skylights must be designed and
constructed to allow safe cleaning.
Account can be taken of additional equipment
provided:
Inside cleani ng.
Access cradles.
Ladder tying.
Harness anchor points.
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Traffic Routes
Safe circulation of pedestrians and
vehicles:
Without danger to near by
workers.
Separation of vehicle routes
from doors, gates and
pedestrian routes.
Separation of vehicles and
pedestrians on shared routes.
Signage, marking and warni ngs.
Traffic Routes
Traffic Routes

Doors and Gates

Suitable construction.
In particular:
Sliding door tracks.
Falling of vertical doors.
Crush/trap pr evention on
power ed doors.
Power failure on powered
doors.
View panels in two-way
doors.
Escalators
Function safely .
Hav e necessary safety
dev ices.
One or more emergency
stops.
Welfare Issues
Sanitary conv eniences.
Washing faci lities.
Drinking water.
Accommodation for clothing.
Changing facilities.
Rest and eating facilities.
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Sanitary Conveniences
Suitable and sufficient:
Ventilated and lit.
Clean and orderly.
Separate facilities for men and women.
Note: Gui delines on the number of conveniences
in the ACoP.
Washing Facilities
Includes showers, if required by work/health.
By means of sanitary conveniences.
By means of changing rooms.
Hot and cold (or warm) water and soap.
Use of towels or other means of drying.
Ventilated and lit room.
Clean and orderly room.
Separate facilities for men and women.
Suitable and sufficient, for example:
Drinking Water
Adequate supply of wholesome
drinking water:
Mains where possible,
bottled where not .
Readily accessible and suitably
marked.
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Accommodation for Clothing
Suitable and sufficient accommodation for:
Workers own clothing, if not worn at work.
Special clothing not taken home.
Important points:
Security.
Separation of work and personal clothi ng.
Drying facilities.
Changing Facilities
Suitable and sufficient:
Where special clothing is required by work.
When unable to change elsewher e.
With separate facilities for men and women.
Rest Facilities
Suitable and sufficient:
Rest rooms or rest places.
Facilities to eat meals.
Arrangements to protect non-smokers.
Facilities for pregnant women and nursing
mothers.
Canteens can count as rest facilities, provided
there is no obligation to buy food.