Sample Diploma examination paper.

Unit B - Hazardous agents in the workplace Unit B sample paper: Hazardous agents in the workplace Unit B: Hazardous agents in the workplace Time limit 3 hours, 0930 to 1230 10 minutes reading time is allowed before the start of the 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. (a) Compare and contrast the following epidemiological methods: (i) Retrospective Cohort Study and (3) (ii) Prospective Cohort Study. (3) (b) Outline factors that may affect the reliability of these epidemiological methods. (4) 2. (a) The term Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) is defined by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 (as amended). Explain what this term means in practice. (3) (b) Use the data below to calculate the 8 hour TWA exposure to flour dust of a bakery operative. Your answer should include detailed working to show your understanding of how the exposure is determined. (7) Working Period - Total shift time = 8hours Tasks undertaken by - bakery operative Exposure to Flour dust - (mg/m3)

8.00 10.30 10.30 10.45 10.45 12.45 12.45 - 13.45 13.45 15.45 15.45 - 16.00 Staff

Weighing ingredients 20 Break Charging the mixers 30 Lunch Cleaning equipment 25 Assisting maintenance 0 (assumed)

Assume that exposure is zero during break times. 3. Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) can be caused by frequent and prolonged use of hand-held power tools. (a) Identify the symptoms of Hand-Arm vibration syndrome. (2) (b) Outline a hierarchy of control measures that could be used to minimise the risks to employees of developing HAVS when using such power tools. (8) 4. The risk of contracting Weils Disease (Leptospirosis) is a concern to windsurfers at a local water sports centre. Provide advice to these windsurfers which outlines:(a) the ill-health effects associated with this disease (2) (b) why windsurfers might be at risk (2) (c) practical steps that instructors can take to minimise the risks to themselves. (6) 5. Low Power lasers are widely used to read bar-code labelled products at checkouts in retail premises. There is no specific regulatory legislation relating to the use of laser products. (i) Identify the statutory legislation that should be considered by retailers in relation to the use of these laser products. (2) (ii) Outline the design features and the procedural controls that should be in place to ensure the safe operation and the maintenance of this equipment. (8)

6. Here is an audiogram for an adult worker: (a) Explain what is meant by threshold shift. (2) (b) What does the shape of the audiogram show? (2)

(c) Identify the benefits and limitations of audiometry as part of a hearing conservation programme. (3 + 3) 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. A slightly corrosive solution is used as a treatment in part of a manufacturing process. The solution is applied by hand brushing. Alternative methods of application have been found to be impracticable. (i) Outline the factors that should be considered in the selection of personal protective equipment. The equipment should ensure that the skin and the eyes of those involved in the process are adequately protected. (10) (ii) Identify the content of a training programme that will assist employees to use the PPE correctly. (5) (ii) List a range of practical measures (other than training) that can be taken to encourage the use of the protective equipment and maintain its effectiveness. (5) 8. In a manufacturing process workers use a range of solvents. (a) Outline the issues that should be considered and the information which should be consulted when preparing a Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) risk assessment for this situation. (6) (b) Describe an overall monitoring strategy that could be used to assess the actual exposure of the process workers to solvent vapours. (6) (c) Explain how the range of data obtained might be interpreted in order to determine the acceptability of such exposures and the adequacy of current controls. (8) 9. A parcel sorting depot is experiencing a high number of manual handling related injuries. The employees handle a large number of different parcels and packages each day.

(a) Identify the different types of hazard that may be inherent in the loads being handled. (6) (b) In order to reduce the manual handling the employer has decided to invest in a range of non-powered handling devices, (e.g. trolleys, trucks, etc.). Explain what steps should be taken when selecting such devices and introducing their use. (10) (b) Outline a range of other control measures that could be introduced to further minimise the risks associated with manual handling. (4)

10. Drug and alcohol misuse can adversely influence performance at work, even when the misuse takes place outside of the workplace. (a) Outline specific signs that an employer can look for when attempting to identify if an employee has a drug or alcohol misuse problem. (7) (c) As a health and safety adviser you have been asked to prepare a company policy on drug and alcohol misuse. Outline the key points that such a policy should include. (10) (c) Identify the types of circumstances in which an employer may consider using drug screening and testing as part of their approach to managing drug and alcohol misuse. (3) 11. A soft drinks manufacturer employs 400 people undertaking a range of different jobs including production, warehousing, delivery and administration. It has been noted that here are significant risks to staff from noise, manual handling / ergonomic issues and pressure of work and also high levels of sickness absence. (a) Outline the benefits, composition, role and possible functions of an Occupational Health Service within this organisation. (12) (b) What contribution could an Occupational Health specialist make in addressing the risks to staff from stress, manual handling / ergonomic issues and noise? (8)