IG2 Element 8

NEBOSH International General Certificate
in Occupational Safety and Health

Unit IG2
Element 8: General Workplace Issues

Learning Objectives
• Describe common health, welfare and work environment
requirements in the workplace.
• Describe the hazards and control measures for safe working at
height.
• Describe the safe work practices for working within confined
spaces.
• Describe the hazards and controls associated with lone working.
• Describe the main causes of and controls for slips and trips in
the workplace.
• Describe the hazards and control measures for the safe
movement of people and vehicles in the workplace.
• Describe the control measures for work-related driving and the
hazards associated with electric and hybrid vehicles.
© RRC International
8.1 Health, Welfare and Work Environment
Requirements
Welfare Provision
ILO C120 - Hygiene (Commerce and Offices), Convention, 1964
(No. 120)
ILO C167 - Safety and Health in Construction Convention, 1988
(No. 167)
• Drinking water.
• Sanitary conveniences.
• Washing facilities.
• Changing rooms.
• Accommodation for clothing.
• Rest and eating facilities.
Group Exercise
What basic welfare facilities would you expect an
employer to provide for the following groups of
people?
• Accident and emergency nurse.
• Construction worker.
• Office-based accountant.
Welfare Provision
Minimum standards:
Drinking water • Wholesome, labelled if not.
Sanitary conveniences • Sufficient numbers.

• Separate for men and women.
• Protected from weather.
• Clean, lit and ventilated.
• Provision for the disabled.
Washing facilities • Close to toilets and changing rooms.
• Showers if required.
• Hot and cold water, soap, towels.
• Means of drying.
Welfare Provision
Minimum standards:
Changing rooms • For special workwear.
• Lit, cleaned and ventilated.
• Separate facilities for men and women.
Accommodation for clothing • Lockers, etc.

• Personal clothing clean and secure.
• Separate storage for dirty workwear.
Rest and eating facilities • Sufficient seats and tables.

• Away from work location.
• Hygienic environment.
• Means of preparing hot food and drink.
• Separate facilities for new and expectant
mothers.
Work Environment Requirements
Minimum standards:
Space • Adequate space to allow workers to perform
task safely.
Seating • Appropriate seating.
• Stable, backrest and footrest where
appropriate.
Ventilation • Sufficient supply of fresh or purified air.
Heating • Reasonable temperature indoors:

○ Sedentary work 16oC (inactive or
seated).
○ Manual work 13oC.
Lighting • Adequate lighting.
Work Environment Requirements
• Minimum levels achieved (measured in ‘lux’).
• Natural light is best.
• Lighting adjusted to the level of detail required.
• Local lighting may be necessary.
• Local lighting on critical areas.
• No reflections or glare.
• No creation of shadows.
• No flickering.
• Suitable for the environment.
• Emergency lighting should be provided if mains power fails.
Group Exercise
What are the health issues associated with working in:
• Hot environments?
• Cold environments?
How can these health risks be controlled?
Effects of Exposure
Hot environments: Cold environments:
• Dehydration. • Hypothermia.
• Muscle cramps. • Frostbite.
• Heat stress. • Slip injuries (on icy floors).
• Heat exhaustion. • Freeze burn injuries.
• Heatstroke.
• Burns/skin damage.
Preventive Measures
Hot environments: Cold environments:
• Ventilation. • Prevent or protect from
• Insulate/shield heat draughts.
sources. • Shield/lag cold surfaces.
• PPE – insulating.
• Provide cool refuges.
• Provide warm refuges.
• Drinking water.
• Frequent breaks.
• Frequent breaks.
• Job rotation.
• Job rotation. • Access to warm food and
• Appropriate clothing. drinks.
• Treat icy floors.
8.2: Working at Height
Introduction to Working at Height
Work at any height where there is a risk of a fall liable to
cause personal injury unless precautions are taken.
Workers at risk: Main risks: Accidents:
• Steel workers. • Worker falling. • Death.
• Scaffolders. • Object falling. • Neck or spinal
• Roofers. injury.
• Engineers. • Broken bones.
• Welders. • Brain damage.
• Maintenance staff.
• Painters.
• Window-cleaners.
Vertical Distance
• Falls from any height can cause injury.

• Vertical distance is only one factor.
• Falls of less than two metres can cause
death or major injury!
Roofs
Roof work includes construction and maintenance.
Particular danger arise with two types of roof:
Fragile roofs:
• Roof structure not designed to carry loads.
• Cement, asbestos, glass, reinforced plastics, etc.
Sloping roofs:
• Pitch greater than 10o.
• Injury made worse by acceleration down roof.
Risk Factors for Work at Height
• Deterioration of materials.
• Unprotected edges.
• Unstable access equipment.
• Weather.
• Falling materials:
‒ Crumbling brickwork, loose tiles.
‒ Bad storage of materials on scaffolding.
‒ Bad housekeeping – accumulation of debris.
‒ Gaps in platform surfaces.
‒ Open, unprotected edges.
‒ Throwing things on and off the roof.
Group Exercise
What are the hazards of working at height for a

window cleaner?
Discuss the most effective way(s) to reduce the
risk.
Controlling the Risks of Work at Height
Hierarchy of Controls
Avoid work
at height
Prevent falls
Minimise the
distance and
consequences
of falls
Prioritise collective protection over personal protection when

applying the last two controls.
Avoiding Work at Height
• Modify the work process:
‒ E.g. work from ground level.
• Modifying a design:
‒ E.g. change design of structure so that steel is assembled at
ground level and craned into place.
• May not be possible to achieve.
Avoiding Work at Height
Factors to consider when selecting control measures:
• Nature and duration of task. • PPE requirements, e.g. helmets.
• Competence of workers. • Weather conditions.
• Training needs. • Health of workers.
• Planning and supervision • Need for a rescue plan.
needed. • Compliance with regulations.
• Means of access and egress.
• Suitability of equipment and its
maintenance and pre-use
checks.
Preventing Falls and Falling Materials
Proper planning and supervision of work is important to prevent falls
from height and falling materials.
Those responsible for such work should be experienced and should

use their knowledge to ensure:
• The selection and use of correct access equipment.
• Correct provision and handling of tools and materials.
• Adequate information, instruction and training.
• Regular inspection of the workplace, work equipment and work
methods.
• Avoiding work in bad weather.
Preventing Falls and Falling Materials
Falls hierarchy:
• Safe working platform.
• Properly installed suspended

access equipment.
• Equipment to arrest falls.
Falling materials:
• Fit toe boards and brick guards.
• If risk remains, debris netting and covered walkways.
Guardrails and Toe Boards
Guardrails:
• Fully enclose the unprotected edge.
• Robust.
• Securely fixed.
• High enough.
• No large gaps.
Toe boards:
• Toe board fitted at edge.
• Brick guards.
Work Platforms
• Large enough to allow safe use.
• Capable to bear required loads.
• Fully boarded.
Suspended Access Equipment
Suspended cradle:
• Fully guarded, toe boards.
Personal suspended access equipment:

• E.g. boatswain's chair:
‒ Light, short-term work.
‒ Similar control to abseiling.
Emergency Rescue
• Reasonably foreseeable events.
• Simple: putting up a ladder.
• Mechanical access: Mobile Elevating Work Platform
(MEWP).
• Trained operatives.
Fall Arrest
• Collective protection systems – nets,
airbags, soft bags:
‒ Best systems.
‒ Protect all workers.
• Personal protective systems – fall

arrest harness:
‒ Full-body harness.
‒ One or two lanyards.
‒ Anchor point.
‒ Training.
‒ Inspection of equipment.
Provision of Equipment, Training and Instruction
• Workers should be trained to work at height safely.
• Content of training depends on the nature of the work.
• Workers should have an awareness of the hazards.
• Additional training may be required by law for use of

some equipment.
Ladders
Intended for short-duration work.
Risks:
• Falls from height:
‒ Falling off the ladder.
‒ The ladder toppling sideways.
‒ The ladder base slipping out from the wall.
• Objects falling from height.

• Contact with live overheads.
Group Discussion
Suggest the control measures for the safe use of

ladders.
Ladders
• Sited away from live overheads.
• Solid, flat base.
• Weight supported on stiles, never on
rungs.
• Correct angle (1:4 rule – 75o).
• Top of the ladder against solid
support.
• Ladder secured at the top; or:
‒ guy ropes attached or;
‒ ladder should be ‘footed’.
Ladders
• Top of the ladder should extend 1m (five rungs) above
stepping off point if used as a means of access.
• Only one person on ladder at any one time.
• Nothing should be carried in the hands while climbing.
• Maintain three points of contact.
• Wooden ladders should not be painted.
Stepladders
Intended for short-duration, light work.
Precautions:
• Daily inspections before use.
• Fully open.
• Locking devices in place.
• Firm, level ground.
• Don’t work off top two steps.
• Avoid overreaching.
• Avoid side-on working.
Trestles and Staging Boards
Ensure trestles are:
• Large enough to allow passage of equipment/materials.
• Free from trip hazards and gaps.
• Fitted with toe boards and handrails.
• Kept clean and tidy.
• Not overloaded.
• Erected on firm, level ground.
Independent Tied Scaffolds
Standards Uprights or vertical tubes
Ledgers Horizontal tubes
Transoms Short, horizontal tubes spanning across ledgers
Bracing Diagonal tubes
Base plates Underneath the standards
Sole boards Timber under base plates
Work platform Fully boarded
Guardrails Enclose work platform
Toe boards Provide lip to platform
Basic Components
Bracing
Working Platform
Group Discussion
A scaffold has collapsed in a busy town centre.
Give reasons why this might have happened.
• Overloaded work platform. • High winds.
• Soft ground. • Incorrect couplers.
• Scaffold not tied in. • Scaffold struck by mobile
plant.
• Insufficient bracing.
• Scaffold erected by
• Standards not upright.
incompetent workers.
• Standards bent or damaged.
• Scaffold not inspected prior to
use.
Mobile Tower Scaffolds
Risks:
• Falls from the work platform.
• Objects falling.
• Collapse of the structure.
• Overturn (toppling).
• Unintended movement of the wheels.
Mobile Tower Scaffolds
Precautions:
• Guardrails. • No climbing outside of tower.
• Not overloaded. • Training (e.g. PASMA).
• Wheels locked. • Tower not exceed relevant base-to-
height ratio.
• Firm, level ground.
• Tower inspected prior to use and
• People, materials off mobile tower
routinely during use.
when moved.
• Avoid overheads.
• Outriggers used.
Mobile Elevating Work Platforms
Risks:
• Falls.
• Objects falling.
• Collapse.
• Overturn (toppling).
• Entrapment of the cradle/platform against adjacent structures.
• Shearing against adjacent structures.
• Unauthorised use.
Mobile Elevating Work Platforms
Safety precautions:
• Firm, stable ground.
• Clearance of obstructions and overheads.
• Barriers to exclude vehicles and people, etc.
• Guardrails not removed or modified.
• Harness and lanyard used (subject to risk assessment).
• Not driven with the cradle raised unless designed to do so.
• Not be overloaded.
• Correct use of outriggers.
• Inspected and maintained as items of lifting equipment.
• Trained, authorised staff only (e.g. IPAF).
Leading Edge Protection
Unprotected edges that are created and move as work progresses.
For example, when fixing roof sheets to a steel-framed building.
Safety netting is the preferred protection system. Or other soft

landing systems.
Safety netting provides collective protection.
Safety nets must be:

• installed as close as possible beneath the roof surface;
• securely attached and will withstand a person falling onto them;
and
• installed and maintained by competent personnel.
Inspection of Access Equipment
Should be inspected:
• When first erected.
• After substantial alteration.
• After incident affecting stability.
Such as?
• Periodically - typically every seven days.
Inspection of Access Equipment
Points to consider:
• Condition of tubes (especially standards).
• Tying and bracing.
• Condition of the work platform.
• Edge protection.
• Ground conditions.
• Safe access.
• Safe working load.
Prevention of Falling Materials Through Safe Stacking
and Storage
If housekeeping is not properly managed, it can:
• Hinder safe movement around the workplace.
• Block light.
• Block access to essential services.
• Stacks and piles can present danger of collapse.
• Lead to stacked materials toppling over.
and Storage
Sufficient space needed for storage of materials:
• Storage areas clearly defined.
• Separate areas for different items.
• Segregation of certain materials and substances, e.g. gas
bottles.
• Clean and tidy areas routinely inspected.
• Appropriate warning signs.
• No work activities in storage areas.
and Storage
When stacking:
• Each stack for one material only.
• Set maximum stack height.
• Stacks should be vertical.
• Use pallets to keep materials off the ground.
• Allow space between stacks for safe movement.
• Protect stacks from being struck by vehicles.
End of Module 8.2 Exercise
1. What are the main hazards when carrying out roof
work?
2. What are the steps in the hierarchy of control when

working at height?
3. What are the main safety precautions when using
ladders?
4. What factors might cause the collapse of an
independent tied scaffold?
8.3: Working in Confined Spaces
Introduction to Confined Spaces
“any place, including any chamber, tank, vat, silo, pit,
trench, pipe, sewer, flue, well or other similar space in
which, by virtue of its enclosed nature, there arises a
reasonably foreseeable specified risk”….
Introduction to Confined Spaces
…the foreseeable specified risks are:

• Fire or explosion.
• Loss of consciousness from gas,
fumes, vapour, lack of oxygen.
• Drowning.
• Asphyxiation/ entrapment in free-
flowing solid.
• Loss of consciousness from
increased body temperature.
Factors to be Assessed
• General condition of the confined space
‒ Previous contents .
‒ Residues.
‒ Contamination.
‒ Oxygen deficiency and oxygen enrichment.
‒ Physical dimensions.
• Hazards arising from the work
‒ Cleaning chemicals.
‒ Sources of ignition.
‒ Increasing temperature.
• Hazards from outside the space
‒ Ingress of substances.
‒ Emergency rescue.
Safe System of Work for Entry
• Do not work inside a confined space if possible.
• Carry out a risk assessment.
• Develop safe system of work.
• Develop emergency arrangements.
• Use permit to work.
• Use only trained, competent personnel.
Safe System of Work for Entry
• Supervision. • Isolation, lock-off of
• Competency. electrical/mechanical
• Communication. hazards.
• PPE.
• Atmospheric
testing/monitoring. • Access/egress.
• Ventilation. • Fire prevention.
• Removal of residues. • Lighting.
• Isolation, lock-off of • Suitability of individuals.
in-feeds and out-feeds. • Emergency/rescue
procedures.
8.4: Lone Working
Risk Assessment Factors for Lone Working
Workers who are separated from their work colleagues.
Lack assistance if things go wrong.
Communication with colleagues more difficult, i.e.:

• Out of eyesight.
• Out of earshot.
Safe System of Work for Lone Working
• No lone working for high-risk activities, e.g. confined
spaces.
• Remote supervision.
• Logging workers’ locations.
• Mobile phones or radios.
• Lone worker alarm systems.
• Procedures for lone workers.
• Emergency procedures.
• Training for workers.
8.5: Slips and Trips
Group Exercise 4
What is the difference between:
• a slip hazard, and
• a trip hazard?
Give examples of each.
Common Slipping and Tripping Hazards
Slip hazards:
• Smooth floor surfaces:
‒ Inherently slippery.
‒ Wet.
• Contamination.
• Frost and ice.
Common Slipping and Tripping Hazards
Trip hazards:
• Uneven or loose floor surfaces.
• Trailing cables.
• Objects on the floor.
Control Measures for Slips and Trips
Management principles:
• Eliminate the hazard.
• Create a safe place.
• Create a safe person.
Risk assessment, considering:

• Normal patterns of movement.
• Predictable/abnormal movements.
• Accident history.
• Adverse weather conditions.
• Maintenance requirements.
Slip-Resistant Surfaces
These will depend on the:

• Number of people.
• Footwear.
• Wear and tear.
• Spills and contamination.
• Environmental conditions.
Spillage Control and Drainage
• Maintenance and inspection.
• Containment of foreseeable spills and leaks

‒ E.g. bunds for containers
• Behavioural controls.
• Drainage for:
‒ Outdoor walkways.
‒ Wet floors, e.g. showers.
Spillage Control and Drainage
Essential in many workplaces.
Ensures that:
• Pedestrians stay within designated areas.
• Pedestrian areas are free of hazards.
Designated by:
• Guardrails, kerbs, pavements, markings.
Use of Signs and Personal Protective Equipment
• Use of signs:
‒ Prohibition.
‒ Warning.
‒ Mandatory.
• PPE in the form of safety footwear with appropriate
tread pattern and gip characteristics.
Information, Instruction, Training and Supervision
• Hazards.
• What is required of them.
• How they can apply it.
• Supervision is essential – ensures correct behaviour.
Housekeeping and Maintenance of a Safe Workplace
• Floors and walkways cleaned.

• Spill procedure.
• Housekeeping standards.
• Floors, walkways, guardrails and fencing, access and
egress inspected and repaired.
• Emergency exits kept clear.
• Lighting checked and maintained.
8.6: Safe Movement of People and
Vehicles in the Workplace
Typical Risks Relating to Vehicle Movements
• Loss of control:
Due to driver error, environmental
or mechanical reasons.
• Overturning:
Laterally or longitudinally.
• Collisions:
With other vehicles, pedestrians or
fixed objects.
Group Exercise
What could cause a forklift truck to

overturn?
Loss of Control and Overturning
Factors that can cause a forklift truck to
overturn:
• Cornering while being driven • Uneven tyre pressures.
too fast. • Driving across a slope (rather
• Uneven loading of the forks. than straight up/down the fall
• Driving over potholes. line).
• Driving with the load • Excessive braking.
elevated, especially • Collisions, especially with
cornering. kerbs.
Risk Factors
Factors that can increase the risk of collisions:
• Driving too fast.
• Inadequate lighting.
• Reversing without the help of a banksman.
• Blind spots, such as corners and entrances.
• Bad weather conditions (e.g. rain).
• Obstructed visibility (e.g. overloaded forklift truck).
• Poor design of pedestrian walkways and crossing points.
• Lack of vehicle maintenance.
• Silent operation of machinery.
Non-Movement-Related Hazards
Typical non-movement-related hazards arise from:
• Loading: manual and mechanical.
• Overloading: exceeding the safe working load of the vehicle.
• Unloading: tipping operations, etc.
• Securing: to sheet a lorry.
• Coupling: attaching trailers.
• Maintenance work: working at height.
Workplace Transport Control Measures
• Eliminate the hazard.
• Create a safe place.
• Create a safe person.
• Risk assessment:
‒ Identify the hazards.
‒ Identify the groups at risk.
‒ Evaluate the risk.
‒ Record and implement.
‒ Review.
Risk Assessment
Measures necessary to control risks created by
vehicle operations can be grouped under:
• Workplace environment.
• Vehicle.
• Driver.
The Workplace Environment
• Vehicle-free zones. • Vehicle movements
• Pedestrian-free zones. managed.
• Traffic route layout. • Good visibility.
• Segregation. • Signage.
• Marked walkways and • Well lit, maintained
crossings roads/pathways.
• Separate access points. • Avoid gradients.
• Speed limits. • Barriers at changes in levels,
e.g. loading docks.
Group Exercise
What controls could reduce the risks in areas

where vehicles are reversing?
Site rules for safe vehicle parking of a forklift truck:
• Apply the handbrake.
• Lower the forks and tip the mast forwards.
• Remove the key.
• Do not obstruct a traffic route.
• Do not obstruct a pedestrian route.
• Do not obstruct emergency escape routes.
Control measures to reduce risk of accident from
reversing vehicles:
• Avoid reversing by using one- • High-visibility clothing.

way systems.
• Good lighting.
• Segregate pedestrians and
vehicles. • Banksmen.
• Good visibility from vehicles. • Training for drivers and
pedestrians.
• Reversing alarms and beacons.
• Mirrors to reduce blind spots.
Safe Vehicles
• Suitable for their intended use.
• Suitable for the environment and conditions of use.
• Maintained in safe working order.
• Only driven by trained, qualified staff.
• Inspected routinely before use.
Safe Vehicles
• Seat for the driver (and any passengers).
• Seat belt(s).
• Roll bar or roll cage.
• Guard to protect the driver in the event of falling objects.
• Horn.
• Mirrors and/or cameras to aid vision.
• Audible reversing alarm.
• Beacon or flashing light.
Safe Drivers
The driver should be:
• Competent to drive the vehicle. • Provided with specific
• Medically fit to drive. information, instruction
and training.
• Supervised.
8.7: Work-Related Driving
Managing Work-Related Road Safety
• Many accidents occur on the public roads while driving
on business.
• No specific health and safety legislation.
• Manage like any other risk.
Managing Work-Related Road Safety
Such as ISO 39001: Road Traffic Safety Management
System.
Based on the
• Plan
• Do
• Check
• Act
cycle that was explained in Element 3.
Group Exercise
What factors would you need to consider when

carrying out a risk assessment for a specific
work-based driving task?
Risk Assessment Factors
1. Identify the hazards:
‐ Journey distance.
‐ Driving hours.
‐ Work schedule.
‐ Stress.
‐ Weather conditions.
2. Identify who may be harmed.
3. Evaluate the risks:
‐ Eliminate the need to travel.
‐ Travel by a safer means.
‐ If road travel take sensible precautions.
4. Record the findings.
5. Review.
Evaluating the Risks
If road travel is the preferred option then look at:
• The driver.
• The vehicle.
• The journey.
And base controls around these factors.
The Driver
Competency:
• Drivers’ licences checked.
• Experience and ability.
Training:
• Advanced or defensive driving courses.
• Vehicle safety, pre-use inspection.
Fitness and health:

• Medical examination.
• Eyesight checks.
• Drugs policy.
The Vehicle
Suitability:
• Minimum requirements,
standards.
• Insurance and valid
regulatory certificate if
private vehicles used.
Condition:
• Maintained.
• Pre-use inspections.
• Defect reporting.
The Vehicle
• Safety equipment:
‒ Seat belts, airbags, head restraints.
‒ Emergency triangles, first-aid kit, spare tyre.
‒ Fire extinguisher.
• Safety-critical information:
‒ Tyre pressures, headlight and restraint adjustments, etc.
• Ergonomic:
‒ Adjustability of seat position and posture.
• Mobile phone use
The Journey
Routes Scheduling
• Avoid hazards, • Avoid peak times.
e.g. town centres.
• Avoid fatigue times,
• Select low-risk roads, e.g. 2–6am, 2–4pm.
e.g. motorways.
• Flexible deadlines.
• Avoid roadworks.
The Journey
Time:
• Realistic, e.g. route, weather, breaks.
• Rest breaks.
• Statutory requirements, e.g. lorry drivers (HGV).
Distance:
• Use other transport.
• Not excessive.
Weather conditions:
• Reliable weather forecasts.
• No driving/additional safety advice in bad weather.
Hazards of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
• Silent operation.
• Unexpected engine start-up.
• High-voltage electricity.
• Charge retention.
• Batteries.
• Manual handling.
• Magnetic forces.
Complicated by remote key operating systems – the key does not

need to be in the ignition for the vehicle to be operational.
Summary
In this element, we have:
• Outlined the minimum welfare provisions.
• Identified basic workplace environment standards for seating, ventilation,
heating and lighting.
• Outlined the effects of working in extreme temperatures and relevant control
measures.
• Described the main risks associated with work at height.
• Noted how these hazards can be controlled by risk assessments.
• Outlined how work at height should be avoided, engineering measures used to
prevent falls, and measures taken to minimise the distance and consequences of
a fall.
• Discussed the hazards and precautions relevant to scaffolds, mobile tower
scaffolds, MEWPs and ladders.
• Outlined the meaning of the phrase ‘confined space’.
• Outlined the various issues that must be considered when developing a safe system of
work for confined space entry.
• Outlined the meaning of the phrase ‘lone working’.
• Outlined how lone working activities must be risk assessed, eliminated or
controlled using a safe system of work.
Summary
• Outlined key issues for the use of safe system of work as adequate levels of
training, supervision and monitoring.
• Outlined the hazards that can cause slips and trips for pedestrians and the
relevant control measures.
• Noted how hazards can be controlled by risk assessment process, careful design
and construction of workplace.
• Identified the hazards presented by vehicle operations.
• Explained how these hazards can be controlled through risk assessments.
• Outlined how the workplace environment should be designed, constructed and
maintained to allow safe vehicle movement.
• Identified the key requirements for vehicles and for drivers.
• Outlined the relatively high-risk nature of work-related driving on the roads.
• Explained how the risk assessment of work-related driving should focus on three
main areas of concern; the driver, the vehicle and the journey.
• Described some of the control measures to reduce driving risk.
• Identified the additional hazards associated with electric and hybrid vehicles.

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NEBOSH International General Certificate

in Occupational Safety and Health

Element 8: General Workplace Issues

Sanitary conveniences • Sufficient numbers.

Accommodation for clothing • Lockers, etc.

Rest and eating facilities • Sufficient seats and tables.

Heating • Reasonable temperature indoors:

How can these health risks be controlled?

• Falls from any height can cause injury.

What are the hazards of working at height for a

Prioritise collective protection over personal protection when

• May not be possible to achieve.

Those responsible for such work should be experienced and should

• Properly installed suspended

Personal suspended access equipment:

• Personal protective systems – fall

• Workers should be trained to work at height safely.

• Content of training depends on the nature of the work.

• Workers should have an awareness of the hazards.

• Additional training may be required by law for use of

• Objects falling from height.

Suggest the control measures for the safe use of

Ledgers Horizontal tubes

Transoms Short, horizontal tubes spanning across ledgers

Bracing Diagonal tubes

Base plates Underneath the standards

Sole boards Timber under base plates

Work platform Fully boarded

Guardrails Enclose work platform

Toe boards Provide lip to platform

Give reasons why this might have happened.

Safety netting is the preferred protection system. Or other soft

Safety netting provides collective protection.

Safety nets must be:

2. What are the steps in the hierarchy of control when

…the foreseeable specified risks are:

Lack assistance if things go wrong.

Communication with colleagues more difficult, i.e.:

Give examples of each.

Risk assessment, considering:

These will depend on the:

• Containment of foreseeable spills and leaks

• Floors and walkways cleaned.

What could cause a forklift truck to

• Overloading: exceeding the safe working load of the vehicle.

• Unloading: tipping operations, etc.

• Securing: to sheet a lorry.

• Coupling: attaching trailers.

• Maintenance work: working at height.

‒ Identify the groups at risk.

‒ Evaluate the risk.

‒ Record and implement.

What controls could reduce the risks in areas

• Avoid reversing by using one- • High-visibility clothing.

What factors would you need to consider when

And base controls around these factors.

Fitness and health:

‒ Tyre pressures, headlight and restraint adjustments, etc.

Complicated by remote key operating systems – the key does not