IDIP PP Jul 2013- Unit IB

NEBOSH NEBOSH INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMA IN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

Unit IB: International control of hazardous agents in the workplace WEDNESDAY 3 JULY 2013 3 hours, 0930 to 1230 10 minutes reading time is allowed before the start of this examination. You may not write anything during this period.

Answer both Section A and Section B

SECTION A This section contains six questions. Answer ALL SIX questions. All questions carry equal marks. The maximum marks for each question, or part of a question, are shown in brackets. You are advised to spend about 15 minutes on each question. Start each answer on a new page.

1

Workers in a chemical plant are provided with gloves to protect against the possible effects from the chemicals. In recent months, there has been an increase in the number of hand and lower arm skin complaints amongst the workers. Outline possible reasons for this increase in skin complaints.

2

(a)

Identify the way in which lasers are classified according to their hazard.

(b)

Low power lasers are widely used to read bar code labelled products at checkouts in retail premises.

(10)

(2)

Outline: (i)

the design features;

(4)

(ii)

the procedural controls

(4)

that should be in place for the safe operation and maintenance of the equipment.

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3

4

5

6

Outline control measures to protect against occupational exposure to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

(10)

Animal testing is sometimes needed for classification purposes. (a)

Outline possible arguments against vertebrate animal testing.

(6)

(b)

Outline the alternatives that could be used instead of vertebrate animal testing.

(4)

A worker on a production line is required to stand in front of his workbench, which is 750mm deep and set at waist height. The worker must frequently lift a 20kg item of equipment from his workbench on to an unpowered roller conveyor which is behind it. The conveyor is set slightly higher than the workbench (see diagram).

(a)

Explain why the current method of working is unacceptable.

(4)

(b)

Outline practical measures that might be considered to reduce the ergonomics related risk to the worker.

(6)

Outline the possible functions of an occupational health service within a large manufacturing organisation.

(10)

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SECTION B This section contains five questions. Answer THREE questions only. All questions carry equal marks. The maximum marks for each question, or part of a question, are shown in brackets. You are advised to spend about 30 minutes on each question. Start each answer on a new page.

7

In a chemical process, workers use a mixture composed of several liquid substances. One of the components, designated DTJH, is classified as a sensitiser under the GHS system. Table 1 below shows the average personal exposure levels to DTJH for one worker measured over an 8-hour day and Table 2 shows the exposure limits for DTJH. Table 1

Measuring out and adding mixture to process vessel

15 minutes

Exposure to DTJH (ppm) 140

Adding other components to the mix

1 hour

50

Supervision of mixing

2 hours

70

Transfer of product to containers

2 hours

80

Task undertaken by worker

Duration of task

Assume that exposure is zero at all other times. Table 2 Exposure limits for DTJH Long-term exposure limit (8-hour TWA limit reference period)ort 50

Short-term exposure limit (15-minute reference period) 100

(a)

Outline the process of hazard classification under the GHS system.

(2)

(b)

Outline what is meant by ‘sensitiser’ under the GHS system.

(4)

(c)

Using the information in Table 1, calculate the 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) exposure of the worker to DTJH. Your answer should include detailed working to show that you understand how the exposure is determined.

(d)

Using relevant information from Tables 1 and 2, explain what actions might be required by the employer to control exposure.

(6)

(8)

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8

(a)

(b)

9

(a)

Identify the ill-health effects from exposure to trichloroethylene.

(b)

Outline the principles and methodology of the following air monitoring techniques that might be used to assess a worker’s exposure to trichloroethylene:

(15)

(4)

(i)

stain tube detector;

(4)

(ii)

active personal sampling.

(4)

Outline a strategy to be used in the prevention or control of exposure to trichloroethylene. Assume that trichloroethylene is essential to the process and cannot be substituted.

(8)

Hospital nurses are at risk from work-related violence when they are required to visit patients in their own homes. (a)

(b)

11

Outline the factors that should be considered to help ensure that lighting in a workplace is adequate and appropriate.

(5)

Trichloroethylene (commonly known as ‘trike’) is used as a solvent in part of an industrial process.

(c)

10

Outline the possible impact of inadequate and inappropriate lighting levels on safety issues in the workplace.

Outline a strategy that the hospital management should have in place in order to manage work-related violence.

(10)

Describe a range of practical measures that the nurses can take to minimise the risk of violence when making visits to patients.

(10)

Dental practitioners often work alone or with small teams. (a)

Identify the health hazards to which dental practitioners may be exposed.

(10)

(b)

Outline how the risks to a dental practitioner may be reduced.

(10)

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