The Guide to the NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health

and Safety (November 2014 specification)

4.2

Unit GC2:

Element 1:

Controlling workplace hazards

Workplace hazards and risk control

Learning outcomes
On completion of this element, candidates should be able to demonstrate understanding of
the content through the application of knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar situations. In
particular they should be able to:
1.1

Outline common health, welfare and work environment requirements in the

workplace

1.2

Explain the risk factors and appropriate controls for violence at work

1.3

Explain the effects of substance misuse on health and safety at work and control
measures to reduce such risks

1.4

Explain the hazards and control measures for the safe movement of people in the
workplace

1.5

Explain the hazards and control measures for safe working at height

1.6

Outline the hazards and control measures associated with works of a temporary
nature.

Content
1.1

Health, welfare and work environment requirements

Health and welfare provisions:

-

1.2

1.3

supply of drinking water, washing facilities, sanitary conveniences,

accommodation for clothing, rest and eating facilities, seating, ventilation,
heating and lighting

The effects of exposure to extremes of temperature; preventive measures

Prevention of falling materials through safe stacking and storage.

Violence at work

Risk factors relating to violence at work (both between employees/workers and

third parties)

Appropriate control measures to reduce risks from violence at work.

Substance misuse at work

Types of substances misused at work, eg,

-

alcohol
legal/illegal drugs
solvents

Risks to health and safety from substance misuse at work

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1.4

Control measures to reduce risks from substance misuse at work.

Safe movement of people in the workplace

Hazards in the workplace:

-

Control measures for the safe movement of people in the workplace:

-

1.5

typical hazards leading to: slips, trips and falls on the same level; falls from a
height; collisions with moving vehicles; being struck by moving, flying or
falling objects; striking against fixed or stationary objects
conditions and environments in which each hazard may arise, including
maintenance activities

slip resistant surfaces; spillage control and drainage; designated walkways;

fencing and guarding; use of signs and personal protective equipment;
information, instruction, training and supervision
maintenance of a safe workplace: cleaning and housekeeping requirements,
access and egress, environmental considerations (lighting), including during
maintenance activities.

Working at height

Examples of work activities involving a risk of injury from falling from height, and
the significance of such injuries

Basic hazards and factors affecting risk from working at height (including vertical
distance, fragile roofs, deterioration of materials, unprotected edges,
unstable/poorly maintained access equipment, weather and falling materials)

Methods of avoiding working at height

Main precautions necessary to prevent falls and falling materials, including proper
planning and supervision of work, avoiding working in adverse weather
conditions

Emergency rescue

Provision of equipment, training, instruction and other measures to minimise

distance and consequences of a fall

Head protection

Safe working practices for common forms of access equipment, including

ladders, stepladders, scaffolds (independent tied and mobile tower), mobile
elevating work platforms, trestles, staging platforms and leading edge protection
systems

Inspection of access equipment.

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1.6

Hazards and control measures for works of a temporary nature

The impact on workplaces from hazards associated with works of a temporary

nature (including building maintenance, renovation, demotion and excavations)

Main control measures relating to the management of works of a temporary

nature:
-

communication and co-operation

risk assessment
appointment of competent people
segregation of work areas
amendment of emergency procedures
welfare provision.

Tutor references
UK references
Statutory provisions
Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (as amended)
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (as amended)
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
Other references
Health and Safety Toolbox, online resource, HSE, www.hse.gov.uk/toolbox/index.htm
Drug misuse at work a guide for employers, INDG91, HSE Books
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg91.pdf
Health and Safety in Construction, HSG150, 3rd edition, HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-71766182-2 www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg150.pdf
Lighting at Work, HSG38, second edition 1997, HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-1232-1
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg38.pdf
Managing Health and Safety in Construction, Construction (Design and Management)
Regulations 2015, Guidance on regulations, L153 HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6626-3
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/L153.pdf
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, Industry guidance for
Clients, produced by CONIAC, published by CITB, ISBN: 978-1-85751-389-9
http://www.citb.co.uk/documents/cdm%20regs/2015/cdm-2015-clients-interactive.pdf
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, Industry guidance for
Principal Designers, produced by CONIAC, published by CITB, ISBN 978-1-85751-390-5
http://www.citb.co.uk/documents/cdm%20regs/2015/cdm-2015-principal-designersinteractive.pdf

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Element 2:

Transport hazards and risk control

Learning outcomes
On completion of this element, candidates should be able to demonstrate understanding of
the content through the application of knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar situations. In
particular they should be able to:
2.1

Explain the hazards and control measures for the safe movement of vehicles in the
workplace

2.2

Outline the factors associated with driving at work that increases the risk of an
incident and the control measures to reduce work related driving risks.

Content
2.1

Safe movement of vehicles in the workplace

Hazards and factors affecting level of risk from workplace transport operations
including conditions and environments in which each hazard may arise:
-

vehicle movement, eg, driving too fast, especially around bends; reversing;
silent operation of machinery; poor visibility (around loads etc), overturning of
vehicles; collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians and fixed objects
non-movement, eg, loading (including overloading); unloading; securing
loads; sheeting; coupling; vehicle maintenance work

Control measures for safe workplace transport operations:

Safe site
-

suitability of traffic routes (including site access and egress)

management of vehicle movements
environmental considerations (visibility, gradients, changes of level, surface
conditions)
segregating of pedestrians and vehicles and measures to be taken when
segregation is not practicable
protective measures for people and structures (barriers, marking signs,
warnings of vehicle approach and reversing)
site rules (including speed limits)

Safe vehicles
-

suitable vehicles
maintenance/repair of vehicles
visibility from vehicles/reversing aids
driver protection and restraint systems

Safe drivers
-

selection and training of drivers

banksman (reversing assistant)
management systems for assuring driver competence including local codes of
practice.

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2.2

Driving at work

Managing work-related road safety

-

policy covers work-related road safety

systems to manage work-related road safety
monitoring performance to ensure policy is effective eg collection of
information, reporting of work-related road incidents by employees
organisation and structure (to allow cooperation across departments with
different responsibilities for work-related road safety)
legal responsibilities of individuals on public roads

Risk assessment - factors associated with driving at work that increases the risk
of being involved in a road traffic incident (distance, driving hours, work
schedules, stress due to traffic and weather conditions etc)

Evaluating the risks

-

the driver (competency, fitness and health, training)

the vehicle (suitability, condition, safety equipment, safety critical information,
ergonomic considerations)
the journey (routes, scheduling, sufficient time, weather conditions)

Control measures to reduce work-related driving risks.

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Element 3:

Musculoskeletal hazards and risk control

Learning outcomes
On completion of this element, candidates should be able to demonstrate understanding of
the content through the application of knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar situations. In
particular they should be able to:
3.1

Explain work processes and practices that may give rise to work-related upper limb
disorders and appropriate control measures

3.2

Explain the hazards and control measures which should be considered when
assessing risks from manual handling activities

3.3

Explain the hazards and controls to reduce the risk in the use of lifting and moving
equipment with specific reference to manually-operated load moving equipment

3.4

Explain the hazards and the precautions and procedures to reduce the risk in the use
of lifting and moving equipment with specific reference to powered load handling
equipment.

Content
3.1

3.2

Work-related upper limb disorders

Meaning of musculoskeletal disease and work related upper limb disorders

(WRULDs)

Examples of repetitive operations such as keyboard operation, assembly of small

components, bricklaying and checkout operators; assessment of a display screen
equipment workstation

Matching the workplace to individual needs of workers

The ill-health effects of poorly designed tasks and workstations

The factors giving rise to ill-health conditions: task (including repetitive,

strenuous); environment (including lighting, glare); equipment (including user
requirements, adjustability)

Appropriate control measures.

Manual handling hazards and control measures

Common types of manual handling injury

Assessment of manual handling risks by considering the task, the load, the
individual and the working environment

Means of avoiding or minimising the risks from manual handling with reference to
the task, load, individual and working environment, eg design, automation,
mechanisation

Efficient movement principles for manually lifting loads to reduce risk of

musculoskeletal disorders due to lifting, poor posture and repetitive or awkward
movements.

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3.3

Manually operated load handling equipment

3.4

Hazards and controls for common types of manually operated load handling aids
and equipment: trucks and trolleys; pallet trucks; people handling hoists; people
handling aids.

Powered load handling equipment

Hazards, precautions and procedures for powered load handling equipment eg,
fork-lift trucks, lifts, hoists, conveyors and cranes

Requirements for lifting operations:

-

strong, stable and suitable equipment

positioned and installed correctly
visibly marked ie safe working load
ensure lifting operations are planned, supervised and carried out in safe
manner by competent persons
special requirements for lifting equipment used for lifting people

Periodic inspection and examination/testing of lifting equipment.

Tutor references
UK references
Statutory provisions
The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 (as amended)
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended)
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
Other references
Manual Handling, Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended), Guidance
on Regulations, L23, third edition 2004, HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-2823-0
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l23.pdf
Safety in Working with Lift Trucks, HSG6, third edition 2000, HSE Books,
ISBN: 978-0-7176-1781-4 www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg6.pdf
Safe use of lifting equipment, Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998,
ACoP and Guidance, L113, HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-1628-2
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l113.pdf
Safe use of work equipment, Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, ACOP and
Guidance, L22, third edition 2008, HSE Books ISBN: 978-0-7176-6295-1
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l22.pdf
The law on VDUs An Easy Guide, HSG90, second edition 2003, HSE Books,
ISBN: 978-0-7176-2602-1 www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg90.pdf
Understanding ergonomics at work, INDG90(rev2), HSE Books
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg90.pdf

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Element 4:

Work equipment hazards and risk control

Learning outcomes
On completion of this element, candidates should be able to demonstrate understanding of
the content through the application of knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar situations. In
particular they should be able to:
4.1

Outline general requirements for work equipment

4.2

Explain the hazards and controls for hand-held tools

4.3

Describe the main mechanical and non-mechanical hazards of machinery

4.4

Explain the main control measures for reducing risk from machinery hazards.

Content
4.1

4.2

4.3

General requirements for work equipment

Types of work equipment including: hand tools, power tools and machinery

Suitability as it relates to provision of equipment; including the requirement for CE

(Conformit Europenne) marking within the UK and Europe

Prevention of access to dangerous parts of machinery

The need to restrict the use and maintenance of equipment with specific risks

Extent of information, instruction and training to be provided in relation to specific

risks and persons at risk (eg users, maintenance staff and managers)

The need for equipment to be maintained and for maintenance to be conducted

safely

Importance of operation and emergency controls, stability, lighting, markings and

warnings, clear unobstructed workspace

Responsibilities of users.

Hazards and controls for hand-held tools

Hazards and misuse of hand-held tools whether powered or not; requirements for
safe use, condition and fitness for use, suitability for purpose and location to be
used in (eg flammable atmosphere)

Hazards of portable power tools (eg, drill, sander) and the means of control.

Mechanical and non-mechanical hazards of machinery

Main mechanical and other hazards as identified in BS EN ISO 12100 -1 and how
harm may arise

Hazards presented by a range of equipment including office machinery

(eg, photocopier, document shredder); manufacturing/maintenance machinery
(eg,
bench-top grinder, pedestal drill); agricultural/horticultural machinery
(eg, cylinder mower, strimmer / brush cutter, chain-saw); retail machinery (eg,

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compactor, checkout conveyor system); construction machinery (eg,
mixer, bench mounted circular saw).
4.4

cement

Control measures for reducing risks from machinery hazards

The basic principles of operation, merits and limitations of the following:

-

guards: fixed ; interlocking; self-closing and adjustable/self-adjusting

protective devices: two-hand; hold-to-run; sensitive protective equipment (trip
devices), emergency stop controls
jigs, holders, push-sticks
information, instruction, training and supervision
personal protective equipment

Application of these methods of protection to the range of equipment listed in 4.3

Basic requirements for guards and safety devices:

-

compatibility with process, adequate strength, maintained, allow for

maintenance without removal, not increase risk or restrict view, not easily bypassed.

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and Safety (November 2014 specification)

Element 5:

Electrical safety

Learning outcomes
On completion of this element, candidates should be able to demonstrate understanding of
the content through the application of knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar situations. In
particular they should be able to:
5.1

Outline the principles, hazards and risks associated with the use of electricity in the
workplace

5.2

Outline the control measures that should be taken when working with electrical
systems or using electrical equipment in all workplace conditions.

Content
5.1

Principles, hazards and risks associated with the use of electricity at work

Principles of electricity:
-

Hazards, risks and danger of electricity:

-

5.2

basic circuitry for current to flow: relationship between voltage, current and
resistance

electric shock and its effect on the body; factors influencing severity: voltage,
frequency, duration, resistance, current path; electrical burns (from direct and
indirect contact with an electrical source)
electrical fires: common causes
workplace electrical equipment including portable: conditions and practices
likely to lead to accidents (unsuitable equipment; inadequate maintenance;
use of defective apparatus)
secondary effects (eg, falls from height)
use of poorly maintained electrical equipment
work near overhead power lines; contact with underground power cables
during excavation work
work on mains electricity supplies
use of electrical equipment in wet environments.

Control measures when working with electrical systems or using electrical

equipment in all workplace conditions

Control measures:
-

protection of conductors
strength and capability of equipment
advantages and limitations of protective systems: fuses, earthing, isolation of
supply, double insulation, residual current devices, reduced and low voltage
systems
use of competent persons
use of safe systems of work (no live working unless no other option, isolation,
locating buried services, protection against overhead cables)
emergency procedures following an electrical incident

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inspection and maintenance strategies: user checks; formal inspection and

tests of the electrical installation and equipment; frequency of inspection and
testing; records of inspection and testing; advantages and limitations of
portable appliance testing (PAT).

Tutor references
UK references
Statutory provisions
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
Other references
IET Wiring Regulations 17th Edition (first amendment), BS7671: 2008+A1:2011, ISBN: 9781-84919-269-9
Electricity at Work Safe Working Practices, HSG85, second edition 2007, HSE Books,
ISBN: 978-0-7176-2164-4 www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg85.pdf
Health and Safety Toolbox, online resource, HSE, www.hse.gov.uk/toolbox/index.htm
Guidance on Safe Isolation procedures:
http://www.select.org.uk/downloads/publications/Select%20%20Safe%20Isolation%20Procedures.pdf

Memorandum of guidance on the Electricity At Work Regulation 1989, Guidance on

Regulations, HSR25, second edition 2007, HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6228-9
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsr25.pdf
Maintaining Portable and Transportable Electrical Equipment, HSG107, second edition
2004, HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-2805-6 www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg107.pdf

EU/International references
Directive 2006/95/EC - electrical equipment
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/electrical/documents/lvd/legislation/
Directive 2009/104/EC - use of work equipment
https://osha.europa.eu/en/legislation/directives/workplaces-equipment-signs-personalprotective-equipment/osh-directives/3

Recommended tuition time not less than 3 hours

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and Safety (November 2014 specification)

Element 6:

Fire safety

Learning outcomes
On completion of this element, candidates should be able to demonstrate understanding of
the content through the application of knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar situations. In
particular they should be able to:
6.1

Describe the principles of fire initiation, classification and spread

6.2

Outline the principles of fire risk assessment

6.3

Describe the basic principles of fire prevention and the prevention of fire spread in
buildings

6.4

Outline the appropriate fire alarm system and fire-fighting arrangements for a simple
workplace

6.5

Outline the factors which should be considered when implementing a successful

evacuation of a workplace in the event of a fire.

Content
6.1

6.2

6.3

Fire initiation, classification and spread

Principles of fire: fire triangle; sources of ignition; fuel and oxygen in a typical
workplace; oxidising materials

Classification of fires (different local classification systems will be accepted)

Principles of heat transmission and fire spread: convection; conduction; radiation;

direct burning

Common causes and consequences of fires in workplaces.

Fire risk assessment

The reasons for carrying out a fire risk assessment

Factors to be considered in carrying out the assessment

Consideration of temporary workplaces and changes to workplaces.

Fire prevention and prevention of fire spread

Control measures to minimise the risk of fire in a workplace:

-

elimination of, or reduction in, the use and storage of flammable and
combustible materials
control of ignition sources
systems of work
good housekeeping

Storage of flammable liquids in work rooms and other locations

Awareness of structural measures to prevent the spread of fire and smoke:

properties of common building materials; protection of openings and voids

Use of suitable electrical equipment in flammable atmospheres.

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6.4

Fire alarm system and fire-fighting arrangements

Fire detection, fire warning and fire-fighting equipment:

-

6.5

common fire detection and alarm systems

portable fire-fighting equipment: siting, maintenance and training
requirements
extinguishing media: water, foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide; advantages
and limitations
access for fire and rescue services and vehicles.

Evacuation of a workplace

Means of escape: travel distances, stairs, passageways, doors, emergency

lighting, exit and directional signs, assembly points

Emergency evacuation procedures

Role and appointment of fire marshals

Fire drills; roll call; provisions for people with disabilities

Building plans to include record of emergency escape.

Tutor References
UK references
Statutory provisions
The Dangerous Substances and Explosives Atmospheres Regulations 2002
The Fire (Scotland) Act 2005
The Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006
The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
Other references
Fire Safety Risk Assessment series, Communities and Local Government Publications,
https://www.gov.uk/workplace-fire-safety-yourresponsibilities/fire-safety-advice-documents:
Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Offices and shops, ISBN-13: 978-1-8511-2815-0
Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Factories and warehouses, ISBN-13: 978-1-8511-2816-7
Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Sleeping accommodation, ISBN-13: 978-1-8511-2817-4
Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Residential care premises, ISBN-13: 978-1-8511-2818-1
Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Educational premises, ISBN-13: 978-1-8511-2819-8
Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Small and medium places of assembly, ISBN-13: 978-1-85112820-4

Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Large places of assembly, ISBN-13: 978-1-8511-2821-1

Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Theatres, cinemas and similar premises, ISBN-13: 978-18511-2822-8

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Element 7:

Chemical and biological health hazards and

risk control

Learning outcomes
On completion of this element, candidates should be able to demonstrate understanding of
the content through the application of knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar situations. In
particular they should be able to:
7.1

Outline the forms of, the classification of, and the health risks from exposure to,
hazardous substances

7.2

Explain the factors to be considered when undertaking an assessment of the health

risks from substances commonly encountered in the workplace

7.3

Explain the use and limitations of occupational exposure limits including the purpose
of long term and short term exposure limits

7.4

Outline control measures that should be used to reduce the risk of ill-health from
exposure to hazardous substances

7.5

Outline the hazards, risks and controls associated with specific agents

7.6

Outline the basic requirements related to the safe handling and storage of waste

Content
7.1

7.2

Forms of, classification of, and health risks from hazardous substances

Forms of chemical agent: dusts, fibres, fumes, gases, mists, vapours and liquids

Forms of biological agents: fungi, bacteria and viruses

Main classification of substances hazardous to health: irritant, corrosive, harmful,

toxic/very toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic and reproductive toxin

Difference between acute and chronic health effects.

Assessment of health risks

Routes of entry of hazardous substances into the body and body reaction in the
form of superficial and cellular defence mechanisms with particular reference to
the hazardous substances listed in 7.5

Factors to be taken into account when assessing health risks

Sources of information:
-

product labels
guidance documents eg, UK HSE Guidance Note EH40, EU list of Indicative
Limit Values, ACGIH list of Threshold Limit Values (US)
manufacturers safety data sheets and responsibility for their provision;
information to be included by supplier
limitations of information in assessing risks to health

Role and limitations of hazardous substance monitoring.

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7.3

7.4

Occupational exposure limits

Purpose of occupational exposure limits

Long term and short term limits

Significance of time weighted averages

Limitations of exposure limits

Application of relevant limits eg, Threshold Limit Values, Workplace Exposure

Limits, Maximum Allowable Concentrations, etc

Comparison of measurements to exposure limits established by competent

national authorities or internationally recognised standards.

Control measures

The need to prevent exposure or, where this is not reasonably practicable,
adequately control it

Principles of Good Practice as regards control of:

-

Common measures used to implement Principles of Good Practice above:

-

minimisation of emission, release and spread of hazardous substances

through design and operation of processes and task activities
account for relevant routes of entry into the body when developing control
measures for hazardous substances
control measures to be proportional to health risk
effectiveness and reliability of control options that minimise the escape and
spread of hazardous substances
use of personal protective equipment in combination with other measures
where adequate controls cannot be achieved otherwise
regular checks and review of implemented control measures to confirm
continued effectiveness
provision of information and training to those working with hazardous
substances as to the risks and use of measures to minimise the risks
ensuring control measures do not increase overall risk to health and safety

elimination or substitution of hazardous substances or form of substance

process changes
reduced time exposure
enclosure of hazards; segregation of process and people
local exhaust ventilation: general applications and principles of capture and
removal of hazardous substances; components of a basic system and factors
that may reduce its effectiveness; requirements for inspection
use and limitations of dilution ventilation
respiratory protective equipment: purpose, application and effectiveness;
types of equipment and their suitability for different substances; selection, use
and maintenance
other protective equipment and clothing (gloves, overalls, eye protection)
personal hygiene and protection regimes
health/medical surveillance and biological monitoring

Further control of substances that can cause cancer, asthma or genetic damage
that can be passed from one generation to another.

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7.5

7.6

Specific agents

Health risks and controls associated with asbestos

Managing asbestos in buildings

Health risks and controls associated with other specific agents: blood borne
viruses, carbon monoxide, cement, legionella, leptospira, silica, wood dust;
workplace circumstances in which they might be present.

Safe handling and storage of waste

Basic environmental issues relating to safe handling and storage of waste

(suitable PPE, separate storage of incompatible waste streams).

Tutor references
UK references
Statutory provisions
The Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2009
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002
The Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended)
The Special Waste Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2004
The Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 as amended
Other references
Asbestos: The Survey Guide HSG 264, HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6502-0
http://books.hse.gov.uk/hse/public/saleproduct.jsf?catalogueCode=9780717665020
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (fifth edition), ACoP and guidance, L5, HSE
Books ISBN: 978-0-7176-2981-7 www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l5.pdf
Controlling Airborne Contaminants at Work: A Guide to Local Exhaust Ventilation, HSG258,
second edition 2011, HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6415-3
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg258.pdf
Managing Asbestos in Buildings: A brief guide, INDG223(rev5) 2012, HSE Books
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg223.pdf
Occupational Exposure Limits, EH40/2005, HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6446-7
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/eh40.pdf
Personal Protective Equipment at Work (second edition), Personal Protective Equipment at
Work Regulations 1992 (as amended), Guidance on Regulations, HSE Books,
ISBN: 978-0-7176-6139-3 www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l25.pdf
Respiratory Protective Equipment at Work A Practical Guide, HSG53, third edition 2005,
HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-2904-6 www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg53.pdf

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Element 8:

Physical and psychological health hazards

and risk control

Learning outcomes
On completion of this element, candidates should be able to demonstrate understanding of
the content through the application of knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar situations. In
particular they should be able to:
8.1

Outline the health effects associated with exposure to noise and appropriate control
measures

8.2

Outline the health effects associated with exposure to vibration and appropriate
control measures

8.3

Outline the health effects associated with ionising and non-ionising radiation and
appropriate control measures

8.4

Outline the meaning, causes and effects of work related stress and appropriate
control measures.

Content
8.1

8.2

Noise

The physical and psychological effects on hearing of exposure to noise

The meaning of terms commonly used in the measurement of sound; sound

pressure, intensity, frequency; the decibel scale, dB(A) and dB(C)

The need for assessment of exposure; comparison of measurements to exposure

limits established by competent national authorities or internationally recognised
standards

Basic noise control measures (isolation, absorption, insulation, damping and

silencing) the purpose, application and limitations of personal hearing protection
(types, selection, use, maintenance and attenuation factors)

Role of health surveillance

Occupations with potential noise exposure problems: eg, construction, uniformed

services, entertainment, manufacturing, call centres.

Vibration

The effects on the body of exposure to vibration, with particular reference to

hand-arm vibration and whole body vibration

The need for assessment of exposure; comparison of measurements to exposure

limits established by competent national authorities or internationally recognised
standards

Basic vibration control measures including choice of equipment, maintenance,

limiting exposure (including duration and magnitude, work schedules / rest
periods, clothing to protect against cold)

Role of health surveillance.

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The Guide to the NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health

and Safety (November 2014 specification)
8.3

8.4

Radiation

The types of, and differences between, non-ionising and ionising radiation
(including radon) and their health effects

Typical occupational sources of non-ionising and ionising radiation (including

radon)

The basic means of controlling exposures to non-ionising and ionising radiation

(including radon)

Basic radiation protection strategies including the role of the competent person in
the workplace

The role of monitoring and health surveillance.

Stress

Meaning of 'work related stress'

Causes, effects and control measures (demand, control, support, relationships,

role, change).

Tutor references
UK references
Statutory provisions
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005
The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005
The Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended)
Other references
Controlling Noise at Work, The Control of Noise at Work Regulations, Guidance on
Regulations, second edition 2005, L108, HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6164-4
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l108.pdf
Health and Safety Toolbox, online resource, HSE, www.hse.gov.uk/toolbox/index.htm
Hand-arm vibration, Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, Guidance on
Regulations, L140, HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-7176-6125-1
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l140.pdf
HSE Stress Management Standards www.hse.gov.uk/stress/standards
Managing the causes of work-related stress; A step by step approach to using the
management standards, HSG218, second edition 2007, HSE Books, ISBN: 978-0-71766273-9 www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg218.pdf
Personal Protective Equipment at Work (second edition), Personal Protective Equipment at
Work Regulations 1992 (as amended), Guidance on Regulations, HSE Books,
ISBN: 978-0-7176-6139-3 www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l25.pdf
Radon in the workplace: http://www.hse.gov.uk/radiation/ionising/radon.htm#testingradon

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