College of Health,Environment & Safety Studies

Mock Exam Review NGC Paper 1 Presented by: Ravi Seepersad

General Comments
Misinterpretation of Questions Limited Knowledge of Terminology Limited knowledge of the law Grammar & Spelling Penmanship

Terminology

Define Provide a generally accepted definition Describe - Give a word picture Explain- Give a clear account of or reason for. Give Provide without explanation Identify Select and Name List Provide list without explanation Outline Give the most important features of State A less demanding form of define. No generally recognized definition Sketch A simple line drawing using labels to identify specific features.

Question 1
(a). Define the terms error and violation Error An unintentional deviation from an accepted standard. Classified into slips/lapses and mistakes. Violation A deliberate deviation from an accepted standard. (b). Identify INDIVIDUAL factors contributing to human error Age Past Experience Language problems and poor communication skills Perception Physical capabilities Mental capabilities Sensory defects Attitude & Aptitude Lack of motivation Stress & Fatigue Illness Effects of drugs or alcohol.

Question 1
(c.) Outline ways of reducing the likelihood of human error in the workplace.

Use of skilled, competent and properly trained employees. Ensure staff is well motivated. Avoid monotonous work processes Designating clear roles and responsibilities Adequate supervision Establish good lines of communication Address workplace issues such as; lighting, noise, heat etc. Automation Policies on alcohol and drug use & abuse.

Question 2
Outline the CONTENTS of a typical permit to work.

The nature of work to be done The plant and equipment involved and how they are identified. The person authorized to do the work. The steps that have been already taken to make the plant safe. The potential hazards that remain. The precautions that must be taken against these hazards. For how long the permit is valid. Certification of release. Signature of acceptance. Signature confirming re-acceptance. VIDEO CLIP

Question 3
(a). Identify the five steps involved in the assessment of risks in the workplace. INDG 163. 1. Hazard Identification 2. Identify persons at risk 3. Evaluate the level of risk and existing control measures 4. Record the findings of the risk assessment 5. Monitor and review. (b). State the LEGAL REQUIREMENTS for recording the significant findings of the assessment of risk identified. Regulation 3 of the MHSAW regulations 1999 (as amended 2003) states that significant findings of risk assessment must be written (or recorded by other means) where there are five or more employees. The assessments should be reviewed regularly and modified when there have been significant changes.

Question 4
(a). Explain the meaning of the phrase so far as is reasonably practicable. So far as is reasonably practicable is the third level of statutory duty placed on employers. Here the employer is required to consider the risk vs. the cost of controlling that risk. Where the level of risk is low compared to the cost of control (measured in time,effort & money) the no action is needed. Where the risk is high compared to the cost of control then action must be taken. (b). State the general and specific duties of employers under section 2 of HSW act 1974. General Duty- To ensure so far as is reasonably practicable the health, safety and welfare of all employees Specific Duty Safe plant and systems of work Safe use , handling, transport and storage of substances and articles. Provision of information, instruction, training and supervision. Safe place of work, access and egress. Safe working environment with adequate welfare facilities A written health and safety policy Consultation with employees (ROES) and formation of safety committees.

Question 5
(a). Identify four types of emergency procedures that a company might need to have in place. 1. Fire procedures 2. First aid/medical procedures in the event of an accident. 3. Chemical spillage 4. Violence intruders, explosives etc. 5. Natural Disasters (b). Explain why visitors to a workplace should be informed of its emergency procedures. 1. Legal obligation under HSW Act 1974 & MHSW regulations 1999. 2. To prevent panic and encourage the appropriate response in the event of an emergency. 3. To prevent them obstructing employees and putting them at risk. 4. Duty of care owed.

Question 6
(a). State the legal requirements whereby employers must prepare a written statement of their H&S policy. Section 2(3) places an absolute duty where there is an employer and that employer employs five or more persons to prepare a written health and safety policy. (b).
1.
2. 3. 4. 5.

6.
7. 8.

Identify six categories of persons who may be shown in the organization section of a H&S policy and state their responsibilities: Directors: Setting policy, objective and targets Supervisors: Checking day to day compliance of the policy. Safety Advisers: Giving advice during investigations and on compliance issues. Specialists: Occupational nurse/engineers to provide specialist advice on particular health and safety issues. Safety Representatives: Represent the employees at meetings on issues of health and safety. Employees: To ensure the safety of themselves and others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Fire Marshals: Responsible for the safe evacuation of the building in an emergency. First Aiders: Administering first aid to injured persons.

Question 7
(a). State three occupational diseases reportable under RIDDOR 1995.
1. 2. 3. 4.

Occupational dermatitis Occupational asthma, farmers lung, pneumoconiosis, mesothelioma etc. Leptospirosis, hepatitis, anthrax, legionellosis. Hand-arm vibration, WRULDs

(b). Outline the legal requirements for reporting an occupational disease. Under RIDDOR 1995 an employer is required to report an occupational disease after he has received written notification from a medical practitioner that the employee is suffering from a work-related disease. The National Incident Center or enforcing authority shall be informed without delay via telephone, facsimile or e-mail and this should be followed by a report on form F2508A.

Question 8
(a) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Identify the possible defences to a civil law claim of negligence. No duty of care owed to the injured party He duty was not breached. The loss or injury was not directly caused by the breach. The employee contributed to the injury contributory negligence Volenti non fit injuria Risk was not foreseeable Injury was caused by an act of god. State the circumstances in which an employer may be held vicariously liable. The employee while acting within the course of his employment and while doing so negligently caused injury to a third party.

(b)

Question 9
(a). Explain using an example the meaning of the term risk. Risk is the likelihood of a substance activity or process to cause harm or loss. For example; the likelihood of someone being killed by coming into contact with electricity.

(b). Outline the factors that should be considered when selecting individuals to assist in conducting risk assessments. 1. Individual past experience and training in risk assessment. 2. Knowledge or past experience n the process or activity. 3. Communication skills 4. Attitude and commitment. 5. Knowledge of regulations and standards.

Question 10
(a). Explain the difference between consulting and informing. Consulting is a two way process where the employer listens to, and takes into account of the views of the employees before the decision is taken. Conversely informing refers to one way communication from the employer to the employee, eg. Providing information on hazards. (b). Outline the ways by which an employer can consult with the employee. 1. Directly trough meetings, safety tours 2. Indirectly through ROES or safety representatives (c) Outline the health and safety matters on which an employer must consult. 1. The introduction of any new measure that may affect health and safety. 2. Appointment of person(s) to assist in health and safety. 3. Health and safety training. 4. Introduction of new machinery and its health implications. 5. Emergency procedures 6. Results of risk assessments.

Question 11
Identify EIGHT measures that can be used to monitor an organisations health and safety performance. Proactive Measures 1. Results of inspections 2. Results of environmental monitoring 3. Quantity and extent of risk assessments 4. Safety Audits Reactive Measures. 1. Accident and near miss data. 2. Action taken by enforcement agencies 3. Insurance claims 4. Ill health data.