87) In relation to cutting timber using a bench mounted circular
saw.
Outline the mechanical hazards to which an operator may be exposed.
Cutting hazards associated
with the rotating with the blade but candidate might…
Also have referred to
entanglement with the rotating parts (such as the spindle or parts of the
transmission machinery).
Hazard created by flying
particles.
Ejection of the wood being
processed.
B) Identify the guards and protective devices designed to prevent with the saw blade, and in each case, explain how he /operator is protected.
An adjustable or self
adjusting guards for the top of the saw, exposing as little of the blade as
possible.
Fixed guards over the parts
of the blade below the bench and around the motor and drive mechanism.
Protection at the rear of
the blade in the form of a riving knife.
Use of a push stick to keep
operator hand away from the blade at the end of the cut.
C) Outline four non-mechanized hazards presented by the operation, identifying the possible health & Safety effects in each case.
Wood dust: Lung disorder,
Nasal cancer.
Electricity: shock or burn.
Noise: noise induced hearing
loss.
Hot surfaces: burn.
88) Outline the practical measures that might be taken to reduce the risk of violence to reduce the risk of violence to employees who deal with members of the public as part of their work.
With many occupations exposed to the risk of violence from members of the public, particularly in the service industries, there was a wide range of practical measures that could have been outlined. Better answer looked at measures that encompassed the broad aspect of the environment, job factors, individual protection and general security. Only by addressing a wide range of issues, rather than concentrating on just physical security measures for instance, could high ,marks be obtained.
The design of the public areas, in terms of décor, seating, the means of providing information (i.e. on waiting times) and the absence of obvious barriers, can help to reduce the build-up of confrontation and violent episodes. A balance must be drawn, however, between presenting a calm and ‘open’ environment and protecting staff from any violent incidents that could arise. Hence, there will often be need for wide counters, coded locks on doors, CCTV systems, panic buttons and alarm systems, whether these are made discrete or obvious will depend on the particularly those involving money may mean that the risk is too great to avoid the use of some sort of physical means of separation, such as security screens, between employees and the public.
Many occupations, such as estate consultant/agents and social workers, involve interaction with the public outside work premises. In these cases, measures such as the avoidance of carrying large amount of cash, implementing appointment systems, Client risk assessment and accurate records, keeping may need to be considered. The risk of lone workers should give particular attention, with the need in certain circumstances to avoid lone working altogether and/or to implement regular checks-in procedures and to issue personal panic alarms.
In addition to designing the work place and the task to minimize the risk of violence assault, staff will need to be trained in the procedures and possibly in how they might recognize the early signs of aggressive behavior and avoid, defense or otherwise deal with a violent situations, in certain circumstances, the employment of security staff and the provision of PPE (e.g. bullet or stab proof vests, helmet etc).may be required.
In general, answers tended to be limited, sometimes because candidates seemed to have only one situation in mind, such that faced by health service workers. Others refereed in vague terms to measures such as the need for stringent security but without giving any details or examples of what this might mean.
89) Outline the precautions to be taken when employees are working at ground level in a workshop where loads are lifted and transported by means of an overhead gantry crane.
The use, training and competence of key personnel (operator, signaler, slinger) are of utmost importance to general crane safety, as are the requirements for maintenance and statutory examinations of the crane and lifting tackles.
Warning of a lift taking
place (audible and/or visual).
Exclusion zones.
Ensuring that the load is
secure, does not exceed that safe working load, is lifted to the correct height
and is moved at an appropriate speed.
Ensuring that all those
working in the area have been properly trained and are adequately supervised.
90) Outline control measures needed to ensure safety during excavation work on a construction site.
Hazards:
Collapse of sides.
Fall of a persons.
Material or vehicles into
the excavation.
Weakening of adjacent
structures.
Contact with buried services
or contaminated soil.
Build of fumes.
Ingress of water and contact
with mechanical plant.
Control measures:
Shoring, benching etc (support of sides).
Detection of services (e.g.
from plans, use of cable /pipe detectors etc).
Storage of materials,
equipments and spoil away from edge.
Means of preventing vehicles
falling into the excavation or causing collapse (i.e. stop, blocks).
Means of preventing peoples
falling in (guard rails, barriers, crossing points and covers).
Means of preventing collapse
of adjacent structures.
Sage means of access &
egress.
Testing for, and ventilation
of, noxious fumes.
Pumping out water facility.
Procedures for working with
mechanical plant.
General issues such as ‘IT
IS’ & use of PPE protection against contaminants).