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NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety: Guide To The

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100% found this document useful (1 vote)

324 views121 pages

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety: Guide To The

Guide

Uploaded by

Megame Baki

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Available Formats

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February 2010

Guide to the
NEBOSH National
Diploma in
Occupational Health
and Safety

Qualification title: National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

Version: 6
Specification date: February 2010
Guide publication date: March 2013
The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH),
Dominus Way, Meridian Business Park, Leicester LE19 1QW.
Registered Charity Number: 1010444
Telephone:
Fax:
Email:
Website:

+44 (0) 116 263 4700

+44 (0) 116 282 4000
info@nebosh.org.uk
www.nebosh.org.uk

NEBOSH 2013
NDip 280313 v6

Guide to the NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational

Health and Safety (February 2010 specification)
Contents
1.

Introduction
1.1 Benefits for employers
1.2 Professional membership
1.3 Qualification level and UK accreditation
1.4 Key topics covered
1.5 Course tuition and private study time requirements
1.6 Unit examinations
1.7 Entry requirements
1.8 Minimum standard of English required for candidates
1.9 Legislation
1.10 Legislative updates
1.11 National Occupational Standards (NOS) and best practice
1.12 Qualification type
1.13 Qualification progression
1.14 Programmes offered by NEBOSH-accredited course providers
1.15 Examination dates
1.16 Specification date
1.17 Syllabus development and review
1.18 Further information for candidates
1.19 Further information for accredited course providers

1
1
2
2
2
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
5
6
6

Qualification structure
2.1 Unit assessment
2.2 Unit structure
2.3 Achieving the overall qualification
2.4 Unit pass standard
2.5 Unit certificates
2.6 Overall qualification grades
2.7 Overall qualification certificates
2.8 Re-sitting examinations

7
8
8
9
9
9
9
9

Policies
3.1 Requests for reasonable adjustments
3.2 Requests for special consideration
3.3 Enquiries about results and appeals
3.4 Malpractice

NEBOSH 2013

11
11
11
12

4. Syllabus - NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety (February

2010 specification)
13
4.1

4.2

Unit A: Managing health and safety

Element A1: Principles of health and safety management
Element A2: Loss causation and incident investigation
Element A3: Measuring and reviewing health and safety performance
Element A4: Identifying hazards, assessing and evaluating risks
Element A5: Risk Control
Element A6: Organisational factors
Element A7:
Human factors
Element A8: Principles of health and safety law
Element A9: Criminal law
Element A10: Civil law
Unit B: Hazardous agents in the workplace
Element B1:
Principles of toxicology and epidemiology
Element B2:
Hazardous substances and other chemicals assessment of risk
Element B3:
Hazardous substances and other chemicals engineering
controls and personal protective equipment
Element B4:
Monitoring and measuring
Element B5:
Biological agents
Element B6:
Physical agents 1 noise and vibration
Element B7:
Physical agents 2 radiation
Element B8: Psychosocial agents
Element B9:
Musculoskeletal risks and controls
Element B10: Work environment risks and controls
Element B11: Managing occupational health

4.3 Unit IC: Workplace and work equipment safety

Element C1: General workplace issues
Element C2: Principles of fire and explosion
Element C3: Workplace fire risk assessment
Element C4: Storage, handling and processing of dangerous substances
Element C5: Work equipment (general)
Element C6: Work equipment (workplace machinery)
Element C7: Work equipment (mobile, lifting and access)
Element C8: Electrical safety and Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
Element C9: Construction hazards and controls
Element C10: Workplace transport and driving for work
Element C11: Pressure system hazards and controls
4.2

Unit D: Application of health and safety theory

4.2.1 Purpose and aim
4.2.2 Marking
4.2.3 Assessment location
4.2.4 Submission of completed work
4.2.5 Further information

NEBOSH 2013

17
20
22
24
26
28
31
34
37
39

42
45
48
50
52
54
58
61
64
66
69

72
75
78
81
84
86
89
91
94
97
99

and practice
101
102
102
102
102

Sample examination question papers

5.1 Unit A: Managing health and safety
5.2 Unit B: Hazardous agents in the workplace
5.3 Unit C: Workplace and work equipment safety

NEBOSH 2013

103
108
112

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

Introduction

The NEBOSH National Diploma is the flagship NEBOSH qualification and is the first UK
vocational qualification to be developed specifically for health and safety professionals. Since its
introduction in 1988, the National Diploma has become established as the most popular
professional qualification for safety and health practitioners in the UK, with over 10,000
candidates having achieved the qualification.
The NEBOSH National Diploma is the qualification for aspiring health and safety professionals,
building directly upon the foundation of knowledge provided by the NEBOSH National General
Certificate. It is designed to provide students with the expertise required to undertake a career
as a safety and health practitioner and also provides a sound basis for progression to
postgraduate study.

1.1

Benefits for employers

Accidents and work-related ill-health affect all types of workplaces and occupations. In the year
2004/05, there were 220 people killed at work and a further 120 members of the public fatally
injured by work-related activities. Over 1 million injuries and 2.3 million cases of illness are
experienced by workers each year with around 25,000 individuals being forced to give up work
because of occupational injury or ill-health. An estimated 35 million working days are lost each
year as a result of workplace accidents and ill-health.
In addition to the direct costs of sick pay and absence, employers can find themselves dealing
with criminal prosecution, claims for compensation, adverse publicity and harm to both business
reputation and profitability. In 2009, the CBI estimated the annual cost of occupational injury
and illness to the UK economy at 17 billion.
The vast majority of occupational injuries, incidents and ill-health are avoidable by good health
and safety management. By saving money, improving productivity and raising workforce
morale, effective health and safety management should be recognised as an essential element
of a successful management strategy.
Management of health and safety in the workplace is not only a legal obligation and a moral
imperative; it also makes good business sense. Qualified health and safety professionals are an
asset to their organisations, reducing costs by preventing accidents and ill health of employees,
without incurring unnecessary expense by over-reacting to trivial risks.
Courses leading to the NEBOSH National Diploma may be taken in a variety of formats and at a
pace to fit around the needs of the business. Its unitised structure recognises success as the
student progresses. Its practical approach promotes the application of the knowledge acquired
on the course to problem solving in the students own workplace.

1.2

Professional membership

The qualification meets the academic requirements to apply for Graduate Membership (Grad
IOSH) of Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). This is the first step to becoming
a Chartered Health and Safety Practitioner as a Chartered Member of IOSH (CMIOSH). It is also
accepted by the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM) as meeting the
academic requirements for Full membership (MIIRSM).

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

1.3

Qualification level and UK accreditation

The NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety is accredited and credit rated
by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA - www.sqa.org.uk) for delivery across the UK. It is
rated within the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF - www.scqf.org.uk) at
SCQF Level 10 with 48 SCQF credit points.
For users in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, this is comparable to a Vocationally-Related
Qualification (VRQ) at Level 6 within the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and
Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF), or Honours Degree standard.
For further information please refer to the Qualifications can cross boundaries comparison
chart issued by the UK regulators, available from the SQA website (www.sqa.org.uk).

1.4

Key topics covered

Managing health and safety

Hazardous agents in the workplace
Workplace and work equipment safety
Practical application of health and safety theory

1.5

Course tuition and private study time requirements

Preparatory content:
Unit A: 91 hours tuition and 75 hours private study
Unit B: 71 hours tuition and 50 hours private study
Unit C: 75 hours tuition and 50 hours private study
Unit D: 6 hours tuition and 50 hours private study

Total: 166 hours

Total: 121 hours
Total: 125 hours
Total: 56 hours

A programme of study therefore needs to be based around a minimum of 243 taught hours
and approximately 225 hours of private study for an overall total of 468 Hours.
A full-time block release course would be expected to last for a minimum of six weeks (thirtyfive working days) and a part-time day release course would be spread over at least thirty
weeks. For candidates studying by open or distance learning, the tuition hours should be added
to the recommended private study hours to give the minimum number of hours that this mode
of study will require.
Tuition time should normally be allocated proportionate to the tuition time for each element
but may require adjustment to reflect the needs of a particular student group.
Quoted hours do not include assessment time, ie, sitting written examinations (see 1.6).

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

1.6

Unit examinations

Unit A: Managing health and safety

Assessed by a three hour written examination marked by external examiners appointed by
NEBOSH
Unit B: Hazardous agents in the workplace
Assessed by a three hour written examination marked by external examiners appointed by
NEBOSH
Unit C: Workplace and work equipment safety
Assessed by a three hour written examination marked by external examiners appointed by
NEBOSH
Unit D: Application of health and safety theory and practice
Assessed by one written assignment marked by external examiners appointed by NEBOSH.

1.7

Entry requirements

The NEBOSH National Diploma syllabus assumes that candidates will have the broad basic
knowledge of health and safety that is provided by a level 3 qualification in occupational health
and safety, in particular the NEBOSH National General Certificate (NGC).
The achievement of the NGC or direct equivalent prior to undertaking the Diploma
course is highly recommended, given the demands of level 6 study, the time
commitment required and the complementary nature of the NEBOSH NGC and
National Diploma. Further information on the NEBOSH National General Certificate can be
found via our website www.nebosh.org.uk
However, it should be noted that currently the assessments are offered, and must be answered,
in English only. The qualification includes a requirement to write an extended assignment
based on the candidates own workplace, which must also be in English. Candidates should
discuss this with the accredited course provider before undertaking the qualification.
Students must satisfy any entry requirements specified by the course provider. Acceptance on
to the programme may be based on the admission tutors judgement on the students ability to
benefit from the programme.

1.8

Minimum standard of English required for candidates

The standard of English required by candidates studying for the NEBOSH National Diploma must
be such that they can both understand and articulate the concepts contained in the syllabus. It
is important to stress that the onus is on accredited course providers to determine their
candidates standards of proficiency in English.

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

NEBOSH recommends to accredited course providers that candidates undertaking this

qualification should reach a minimum standard of English equivalent to an International English
Language Testing System score of 7.0 or higher in IELTS tests in order to be accepted onto a
National Diploma programme.
For further information please see the latest version of the IELTS Handbook or consult the IELTS
website:
http://www.ielts.org/institutions/test_format_and_results.aspx
Candidates wishing to assess their own language expertise may consult the IELTS website for
information on taking the test: http://www.ielts.org/institutions/faqs.aspx

1.9

Legislation

The syllabus refers to UK legislation. Where the syllabus refers to the legislative system of
England and Wales, candidates may refer to the legislative systems and requirements that apply
in Scotland or Northern Ireland, provided that these references are clearly indicated as such.
If this qualification is delivered overseas, accredited course providers may refer to examples of
local legislation as part of the course programme but examination questions will refer to UK
legislation only.

1.10 Legislative updates

Relevant new legislation will become examinable in detail six months after its date of
introduction. However, candidates will be expected to be essentially up-to-date at the time of
the examination and, whilst a detailed knowledge will not be expected, reference to new or
impending legislation, where relevant to an examination question, will be given credit.
Please note, NEBOSH will not ask questions related to legislation that has been repealed,
revoked or otherwise superseded.
NB: Accredited course providers are expected to ensure their course notes remain current with
regard to new legislation.

1.11 National Occupational Standards (NOS) and best practice

The syllabus is mapped to the relevant National Occupational Standard (NOS):
NOS for Health and Safety (Practitioner units) published by Proskills Sector Skills Council
(www.proskills.co.uk).
The mapping of the syllabus units to each NOS can be found on pages 12-15.

1.12 Qualification type

NEBOSH offers Vocationally-Related Qualifications (VRQs) in England, Wales and Northern
Ireland.
NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)
VRQs provide the knowledge and practical skills required for particular job roles through a
structured study-based training programme that combines the testing of knowledge and
understanding in written examinations with practical application of learning in the workplace.
VRQs are a popular type of qualification because they are nationally recognised, flexible and
offer routes for progression to employment or further study.
In Scotland, VRQs are known as Other accredited qualifications.

1.13 Qualification progression

National Diploma holders with Environmental responsibilities may wish to take the NEBOSH
National Diploma in Environmental Management.
In addition, students who have achieved the NEBOSH National Diploma may be considering
further health and safety study. A number of universities offer MSc programs which accept the
NEBOSH Diploma as a full or partial entry requirement. Some MSc courses may require
additional qualifications/expertise such as a degree, further significant work experience or
expect students to complete specific modules e.g. in environmental management.
Further information can be found on our website: www.nebosh.org.uk/qualifications

1.14 Programmes offered by NEBOSH-accredited course providers

Accredited course providers can be located using the Where to study tab on our website:
www.nebosh.org.uk
NB: Candidates are advised to check up-to-date information on course dates with accredited
course providers directly.

1.15 Examination dates

Standard examination dates for this qualification are available in January and July annually. Unit
D assignment dates are available in March and September annually.
Local or on-demand examinations are not available to course providers for this qualification.

1.16 Specification date

The February 2010 specification for this qualification replaces the previous September 2006
specification for all examinations from (and including) 1 July 2011.

1.17 Syllabus development and review

The syllabus has been developed by NEBOSH following extensive consultation with key
stakeholders, notably accredited course providers, professional bodies, employers, standards
setting organisations, enforcement bodies and subject experts.

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)
NEBOSH would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who participated in the
development, piloting and implementation of this qualification.

1.18 Further information for candidates

Further information for candidates including a syllabus summary, qualification overview leaflet
and a sample examiners report can be found via the NEBOSH website (www.nebosh.org.uk).
Examiners reports and past examination papers may be purchased from the NEBOSH online
shop.

1.19 Further information for accredited course providers

Further information for accredited course providers including policies and procedures and
guidance regarding the Unit D assignment can be found in the accredited course providers
section of the NEBOSH website.

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

Qualification structure

2.1

Unit assessment

The National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety is divided into four units:
Unit A: Managing health and safety
Unit A is a taught unit, assessed by one three-hour written examination
Each written examination consists of eleven questions split into Section A and B
Section A includes six short-answer questions (10 marks each) all questions are
compulsory
Section B includes five long-answer questions (20 marks each) candidates choose and
answer three questions only
Each examination question paper covers the whole unit syllabus with at least one question
per unit element
Candidate scripts are marked by external examiners appointed by NEBOSH
A sample examination question paper can be found in Section 5.
Unit B: Hazardous agents in the workplace
Unit B is a taught unit, assessed by one three-hour written examination
Each written examination consists of eleven questions split into Section A and B
Section A includes six short-answer questions (10 marks each) all questions are
compulsory
Section B includes five long-answer questions (20 marks each) candidates choose and
answer three questions only
Each examination question paper covers the whole unit syllabus with at least one question
per unit element
Candidate scripts are marked by external examiners appointed by NEBOSH
A sample examination question paper can be found in Section 5.
Unit C: Workplace and work equipment safety
Unit C is a taught unit, assessed by one three-hour written examination
Each written examination consists of eleven questions split into Section A and B
Section A includes six short-answer questions (10 marks each) all questions are
compulsory
Section B includes five long-answer questions (20 marks each) candidates choose and
answer three questions only
Each examination question paper covers the whole unit syllabus with at least one question
per unit element
NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

Candidate scripts are marked by external examiners appointed by NEBOSH

A sample examination question paper can be found in Section 5.
Unit D: Application of health and safety theory and practice
Unit D consists of a written assignment set by NEBOSH
Approximately 8,000 words in length
Submission dates for Diploma assignments are in March and September each year
Candidate scripts are marked by external examiners appointed by NEBOSH.
NEBOSH follows the GCSE, GCE, VCE, GNVQ and AEA Code of Practice published by the
regulatory authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in relation to examination setting
and marking. Once an externally-assessed examination (written examinations and assignments
marked by NEBOSH) has been completed, scripts are sent to NEBOSH and undergo rigorous
marking, checking and results determination processes to ensure accuracy and consistency.

2.2

Unit structure

Candidates may choose to take one, two, three or all four units at the same time or at different
times.

2.3

Achieving the overall qualification

The enrolment period for the National Diploma is five years

Students must pass all four units within their enrolment period (normally five years), to
achieve the qualification
Candidates who have reached the end of the enrolment period but still wish to complete
outstanding units, may apply for a single one year enrolment extension. These are
considered by NEBOSH on a case-by-case basis. Successful applications for the enrolment
extension will incur a fee.
To qualify for the NEBOSH National Diploma a candidate must:
Enrol as a course member with an accredited course provider and, through the course
provider, with NEBOSH. Enrolment with NEBOSH (with payment of the appropriate fee)
should normally be made at the beginning of the programme of study
Register with NEBOSH through a course provider as a candidate for the relevant
examination paper (with payment of the appropriate fee)
Register with NEBOSH through a course provider as a candidate for the assignment unit
(with payment of the appropriate fee)
Fulfil all other requirements as may be made from time to time by the accredited course
provider and/or NEBOSH

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

2.4

Unit pass standard

The pass standard for each unit may vary according to pre-determined criteria but is normalised to
45% for the written papers (Units A, B and C) and 50% for the assignment unit (Unit D).

2.5

Unit certificates

Candidates who are successful in an individual unit will be issued with a unit certificate,
normally within 8 weeks of the issue of the result notification. Units are not graded and the
unit certificates will show a Pass only.

2.6

Overall qualification grades

When candidates have been awarded a unit certificate for all four units (ie, have achieved a Pass
in units A, B, C and D), the marks are added together and a final grade is awarded as follows:
Pass
Credit
Distinction

2.7

185 239 marks

240 279 marks
280 marks or more

Overall qualification certificates

Once a candidate has achieved a Pass in all four units and the overall qualification grade
awarded they are normally considered to have completed the qualification and an overall
qualification parchment will be issued, within three months of the result declaration date for
the fourth successfully completed unit.
However, once the result of the fourth successfully completed unit has been issued the
candidate has one month from the date of issue of that result to either:
Inform NEBOSH in writing of their intention to re-sit a successful unit for the purposes of
improving a grade
Submit an Enquiry About Result (EAR) request (see Section 3.3).

2.8

Re-sitting examinations

If a candidates performance in any unit component is lower than a pass, candidates may reregister and re-sit just the component/s in which they have been unsuccessful providing that
they re-sit within the 5 year enrolment period. However, each re-sit will incur an additional fee.
Candidates may re-take units at any time within their enrolment period, including where they
have passed and wish to re-take to improve their grade. Once all four units have been
successfully completed, candidates will need to inform NEBOSH of their intention to re-take
within one month of the date of issue for the fourth unit result. There is no limit to the
number of re-sits within the enrolment period.
If a re-sit results in a lower mark than a previous result for that unit, the highest mark will be
retained.

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)
For the Unit D assignment, there is no limit to the number of submissions within the enrolment
period. If a candidate gains lower than the pass mark in the assignment, they may revise and
submit the assignment again. However, they must re-register for the assignment in order to do
so. Please note that no feedback will be given on the referred assignment and each additional
submission will incur a fee. Marks awarded for subsequent submissions will not be capped.
Candidates who register for any unit of the National Diploma whilst awaiting a result from a
previous sitting of an examination may not seek a refund of the registration fee if they
retrospectively claim exemption for that any successful unit under these circumstances, except
in the case of an Enquiry About Result.

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

Policies

3.1

Requests for reasonable adjustments

Reasonable adjustments are arrangements which are approved in advance of an examination to

allow attainment to be demonstrated by candidates with either a permanent or long-term
disability or learning difficulty, or temporary disability, illness or indisposition.
Requests for reasonable adjustments must be made to NEBOSH by examination accredited
course providers at least one month before the examination.
For further details see the NEBOSH Policy and procedures on reasonable adjustments and
special consideration available from the NEBOSH website (www.nebosh.org.uk).

3.2

Requests for special consideration

Special consideration is a procedure that may result in an adjustment to the marks of candidates
who have not been able to demonstrate attainment because of temporary illness, injury,
indisposition or an unforeseen incident at the time of the assessment.
Candidates who feel disadvantaged due to illness, distraction or any other reason during the
assessment must report this to the invigilator (or the accredited course provider in the case of
the assignment) before leaving the examination room and request that their written statement,
together with the invigilators comments on the statement, be sent by the accredited course
provider to NEBOSH.
Requests for special consideration must be made to NEBOSH by the accredited course provider
as soon as possible and no more than seven working days after the assessment.
For further details see the NEBOSH Policy and procedures on reasonable adjustments and
special consideration available from the NEBOSH website (www.nebosh.org.uk).

3.3

Enquiries about results and appeals

NEBOSH applies detailed and thorough procedures to review and check assessment results
before they are issued. This includes a particular review of borderline results. It thereby ensures
that the declared results are a fair and equitable reflection of the standard of performance by
candidates.
There are, however, procedures for candidates or accredited course providers to enquire about
results that do not meet their reasonable expectations. An enquiry about result (EAR) must be
made in writing within one month of the date of issue of the result to which it relates.
For details see the NEBOSH Enquiries and appeals policy and procedures document available
from the NEBOSH website (www.nebosh.org.uk).

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

3.4

Malpractice

Malpractice is defined as any deliberate activity, neglect, default or other practice by candidates
and/or accredited course providers that compromises the integrity of the assessment process,
and/or the validity of certificates. Malpractice may include a range of issues from collusion or
use of unauthorised material by candidates, to the failure to maintain appropriate records or
systems by accredited course providers, to the deliberate falsification of records in order to claim
certificates. Failure by an accredited course provider to deal with identified issues may in itself
constitute malpractice.
For further details see the NEBOSH Malpractice policy and procedures document available
from the NEBOSH website (www.nebosh.org.uk).

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

Syllabus - NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational

Health and Safety (February 2010 specification)

Structure
The qualification is divided into four units. Unit A is further divided into ten elements and Units
B and C into eleven elements each.
The matrix below indicates how the syllabus elements map to the relevant National
Occupational Standards (See also section 1.11):
National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Health and Safety (Practitioner units) published
by Proskills Sector Skills Council (www.proskills.co.uk).

Unit A: Managing health and safety

Element
Number

Element Title

Recommended
hours

Relevant
Proskills units
and elements

Page

Principles of health and safety

management

HSP 1, 3, 5, 11

Loss causation and incident

investigation

HSP 4, 10

Measuring and reviewing health and

safety performance

HSP 4, 9-11

Identifying hazards, assessing and

evaluating risk

HSP 5-6

Risk control

HSP 5, 8, 13

Organisational factors

HSP 2, 4

Human factors

HSP 2, 4, 5

Principles of health and safety law

HSP 5, 12

Criminal law

HSP 4-5, 12

Civil law

HSP 4-5, 12

Minimum unit tuition time

Recommended private study time

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

Unit B: Hazardous agents in the workplace

Element
Number

Element Title

Recommended
hours

Relevant
Proskills units
and elements

Page

Principles of toxicology and

epidemiology

HSP 6, 13

Hazardous substances and other

chemicals assessment of risk

HSP 4, 6

Hazardous substances and other

chemicals engineering controls and
personal protective equipment

HSP 5-7, 13

Monitoring and measuring

HSP 5, 7, 8

Biological agents

HSP 5, 7, 8

Physical agents 1 noise and vibration

HSP 5-8

Physical agents 2 - radiation

HSP 5-8

Psychosocial agents

HSP 2, 5-8, 13

Musculoskeletal risks and controls

HSP 5-8

Work environment risks and controls

HSP 5-8, 13

Managing occupational health

HSP 2-3, 5-8, 11, 13

Minimum unit tuition time

Recommended private study time

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

Unit C: Workplace and work equipment safety

Element
Number

Element Title

Recommended
hours

Relevant
Proskills units
and elements

Page

General workplace issues

HSP 6

Principles of fire and explosion

HSP 5-6, 13

Workplace fire risk assessment

HSP 4-6

Storage, handling and processing of

dangerous substances

HSP 4-5, 10

Work equipment (general)

HSP 4-8, 13

Work equipment (workplace

machinery)

HSP 4-8, 13

Work equipment (mobile, lifting and

access)

HSP 4-8, 13

Electrical safety and Electricity at Work

Regulations 1989

HSP 4-8, 13

Construction hazards and controls

HSP 4-5, 10

Workplace transport and driving for

work

HSP 4-6, 8

Pressure system hazards and controls

HSP 5, 7-8

Minimum unit tuition time

Recommended private study time

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

Unit D: Application of health and safety theory and practice

Element
Number

Element Title

Recommended
hours

Relevant
Proskills units
and elements

Page

Application of health and safety

theory and practice

HSP 1-13

101

Minimum unit tuition time

Recommended private study time

Minimum total tuition time

243

Recommended total private study

time

225

Total overall hours

468

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

4.1

Unit A:

Managing health and safety

Overall learning outcome

On completion of this unit, candidates will be able to demonstrate their understanding of the
domain knowledge covered through:
1.

The application of knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar situations; and

The critical analysis and evaluation of information presented in both quantitative and
qualitative forms.

In addition each element has specific learning outcomes.

Element A1:

Principles of health and safety management

Explain the moral, legal and economic reasons for the effective management of health
and safety

A1.2

Outline the societal factors which influence health and safety standards and priorities

A1.3

Explain the principles and content of effective health and safety, quality, environmental,
and integrated management systems with reference to recognised models and
standards

A1.4

Outline the role and responsibilities of the health and safety practitioner.

Content
A1.1

Reasons for the effective management of health and safety

Moral reasons:
-

duty of reasonable care

unacceptability of putting health and safety of people at risk
societys attitude to moral obligations
national accident/incident and ill-health statistics
higher-risk industries
effect of size of organisation on accident/incident rates (eg, fatalities higher in small
businesses).

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)
Legal reasons:
-

preventive (by enforcement notices)

punitive (through criminal sanctions)
compensatory effects of law
principle of self-regulation.

Economic reasons:
A1.2

costs associated with accident/incidents and ill-health and their impact on society and
on organisations
insured and un-insured costs
the financial benefits of effective health and safety management.
Societal factors which influence health and safety standards and priorities

Factors:
-

economic climate, government policy and initiatives (eg, Working for a Healthier
Tomorrow)
industry/business risk profile
globalisation of business
migrant workers
national level of sickness absence
incapacity.

Principle of corporate social responsibility.

A1.3

Effective health and safety management systems

The meaning of: hazard, risk, danger

Legal requirements relating to health and safety policies and arrangements
Key elements of an effective health and safety management system
Structure and content of management system models: HSG65 and BS OHSAS 18001
Principles of quality management systems (BS EN ISO 9001) and environmental
management systems (BS EN ISO 14001)
Benefits and limitations of integration of quality, environmental, and health and safety
management systems
Influence of the Financial Reporting Council Guidance on Internal Control (formerly the
Turnbull guidance) on health and safety management
Principles of the HSE/IOD guidelines Leading health and safety at work.
A1.4

Role and responsibilities of the health and safety practitioner

The role of health and safety practitioners in the design, implementation, evaluation and
maintenance of health and safety management systems

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)
Role of the health and safety practitioner in influencing ownership and conduct at all levels
of an organisation
Meaning of the term competence and the requirements for continuing professional
development for health and safety practitioners to maintain competence
The need for health and safety practitioners to evaluate and develop their own practice
including the need to consult with others if appropriate, eg, when outside of competence
Meaning of the term ethics
Practical application of ethical principles (eg, honesty, respect, integrity) that underpin
professional (health and safety practitioner) codes of conduct
Dealing with conflicts of interest.

Relevant statutory provisions

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 Regulations 3, 4, 5 and 7
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 section 2.

Tutor references
Making an impact on SME compliance behaviour: An evaluation of the effect of interventions
upon compliance with health and safety legislation in small and medium sized enterprises
RR366 : http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr366.pdf
Internal Control. Revised Guidance for Directors on the Combined Code October 2005 (the
Financial Reporting Council guidance on internal control):
www.frc.org.uk/corporate/internalcontrol.cfm
IOSH Code of Conduct
IIRSM Code of Ethics Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007
Leading health and safety at work (INDG 417) HSE Books, ISBN 978 0 7176 6267 8
Managing Health and Safety in Construction (ACOP) (HSG224), HSE Books,
ISBN: 0-7176-2139-1
Health and Safety in Construction (Guidance) (HSG150rev), HSE Books, ISBN: 0-7176-0716-X
OHSAS 18001 Occupational health and safety management systems Requirements

Recommended tuition time not less than 5 hours

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

Element A2:

Loss causation and incident investigation

Explain theories of loss causation

A2.2

Explain the quantitative analysis of accident/incident and ill-health data, limitations of

their application, and their presentation in numerical and graphical form

A2.3

Explain the statutory and the internal reporting and recording systems for injuries, illhealth, dangerous occurrences and near misses

A2.4

Explain loss investigations; the requirements, benefits, the procedures, the

documentation, and the involvement of and communication with relevant staff and
representatives.

Content
A2.1

Theories of loss causation

Accident/incident ratio studies, their use and their limitations

Domino and multi-causality theories, immediate and underlying causes
Latent and active failures Reasons model of accident causation.
A2.2

Quantitative analysis of accident and ill-health data

Methods of calculating loss rates from raw data: accident/incident frequency rate, accident
incidence rate, accident severity rate, ill-health prevalence rate
The application and limitations of simple statistical and epidemiological analyses in the
identification of patterns and trends
Presenting and interpreting loss event data in graphical and numerical format, using
examples of histograms, pie charts and line graphs
Principles of statistical variability, validity and the use of distributions. (eg, sampling a
population, errors in data).
A2.3 Reporting and recording of injuries, ill-health, dangerous occurrences and near
misses
Statutory reporting requirements and procedures
Internal reporting and recording systems.

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)
A2.4

Loss investigations

Implied legal requirements

Purposes of investigation including:
-

discovery of underlying causes

prevention of recurrence
legal liability
data gathering
identification of trends.

Investigation procedures and methodologies to include:

accident/incident report forms

gathering of relevant information
interviewing witnesses
analysis of information
involvement of managers, supervisors, employees representatives and others in the
investigation process.

Communications with a particular focus on remedial actions and lessons learnt

Root cause analysis methods such as fault tree analysis as investigative tools (reference
Element A4).

Relevant statutory provisions

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995
Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1979 (Regulations 24 and 25)

Tutor references
Investigating accidents and incidents - a workbook for employers, unions, safety
representatives and safety professionals (HSG245), ISBN 0 7176 2827 2, HSE Books
Reason J (1997) Managing the Risks of Organisational Accidents
Successful Health and Safety Management (HSG65), HSE Books, ISBN 0-7176-1276-7
An Introduction to Health and Safety (INDG259 Rev 1) HSE Books, ISBN 0-7176-2685-7

Recommended tuition time not less than 5 hours

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

Element A3:

Measuring and reviewing health and safety

performance

Explain the purpose of performance measurement in relation to health and safety

objectives and arrangements

A3.2

Explain the need for, and the objectives and limitations of, health and safety monitoring
systems

A3.3

Describe the variety of monitoring and measurement techniques

A3.4

Explain the requirements for reviewing health and safety performance.

Content
A3.1

Purpose of performance measurement

The assessment of the effectiveness and appropriateness of health and safety objectives and
arrangements, including control measures
The making of recommendations for review of current health and safety management
systems.
A3.2

Monitoring systems

Need for a range of both active and reactive measures to determine whether health and
safety objectives have been met.
Objectives of active monitoring to check that health and safety plans have been
implemented and to monitor the extent of compliance with the organisations
systems/procedures and legislative/technical standards.
Objectives of reactive monitoring to analyse data relating to accidents, ill-health and other
loss causing events.
Limitations of placing reliance on accident/incident and ill-health data.
The distinction between, and applicability of, active/reactive, objective/subjective and
qualitative/quantitative performance measures.

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)
A3.3

Monitoring and measurement techniques

The range of measures available in order to evaluate the health and safety performance of
an organisation and how these can be utilised to review the effectiveness of the health and
safety management system
Role and purpose of health and safety audits, workplace inspections, safety tours, safety
sampling, and safety surveys
The key elements and features of health and safety audits, workplace inspections, safety
tours, safety sampling, and safety surveys
In-house and proprietary audit systems and processes; the use of computer technology to
assist in data storage and analysis and the production of reports
Comparison of previous performance data with that of similar organisations/industry sectors
and with national performance data. Use of benchmarking, eg, Corporate Health & Safety
Performance Index (CHaSPI).
A3.4

Reviewing health and safety performance

Need for formal and informal reviews of performance

Process of review
Inputs to a review process internal performance data, health and safety objectives,
organisational arrangements and change, external standards and expectations
Outputs from a review process actions and improvement plans, stakeholder reports,
performance targets.

Tutor references
http://www.chaspi.info-exchange.com

Recommended tuition time not less than 6 hours

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

Element A4:

Identifying hazards, assessing and evaluating

risks

Describe how to use internal and external sources of information in the identification of
hazards and the assessment of risk

A4.2

Outline a range of hazard identification techniques

A4.3

Explain how to assess and evaluate risk and to implement a risk assessment programme

A4.4

Explain the principles and techniques of failure tracing methodologies with the use of
calculations.

Content
A4.1

Sources of information in the identification of hazards and the assessment of

risk

Accident/incident and ill-health data and rates incidence, frequency, severity, prevalence
External information sources (eg, HSE and other relevant governmental agencies, European
Safety Agency, International Labour Organisation - ILO, World Health Organisation - WHO,
professional and trade bodies)
Internal information sources collection, provision, analysis and use of damage, injury, and
ill-health data, near-miss information and maintenance records
Uses and limitations of external and internal information sources.

A4.2

Hazard identification techniques

Use of observation, task analysis, checklists and failure tracing techniques such as hazard
and operability studies (see 4.4)
Importance of employee input.

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)
A4.3

Assessment and evaluation of risk

Key steps in a risk assessment process including ensuring comprehensive coverage of risks,
identifying hazards, persons at risk, factors affecting probability and severity, risk evaluation
and required risk control standards, formulation of actions, prioritisation of actions and
recording requirements
Meaning of suitable and sufficient
Differences between, and principles of, qualitative, semi-quantitative and quantitative
assessments
Organisational arrangements for implementing and maintaining an effective risk assessment
programme including procedures, recording protocols, training, competence,
responsibilities, authorisation and follow-up of actions, monitoring and review
Acceptability/tolerability of risk principles in HSEs Reducing risks, protecting people
(R2P2).
A4.4

Failure tracing methodologies

Principles and techniques of failure tracing methods in the assessment of risk:

hazard and operability studies

fault tree analysis
event tree analysis.

Relevant statutory provisions

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 Regulation 3

Tutor references
Reducing risks, protecting people (R2P2). HSE Books ISBN 0 7176 2151 0

Recommended tuition time not less than 12 hours

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

Element A5:

Risk Control

Outline common risk management strategies

A5.2

Outline factors to be taken into account when selecting risk controls

A5.3

Explain the development, main features and operation of safe systems of work and
permit-to-work systems.

Content
A5.1

Common risk management strategies

The concepts of avoidance, reduction, transfer and retention with/without knowledge

within a health and safety management programme, with relevant examples (eg, redesign
of tasks, automation of process, insurance policies, use of specialist contractors).
Factors to be considered in the selection of an optimum solution based on relevant risk
data.
A5.2

Factors to be taken into account when selecting risk controls

The general principles of prevention in the Management of Health and Safety at Work
Regulations
Categories of control measure
- technical, eg design, fencing, ventilation
- procedural, eg systems of work, maintenance
- behavioural, eg information and training.
General hierarchy of control measures form and justification
Factors affecting choice of control measures long term/short term, applicability,
practicability, cost, effectiveness of control, legal requirements and associated standards,
competence of personnel and training needs relevant to preferred controls
Cost-benefit analysis in relation to risk control decisions (organisational, design, planning,
operational).

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)
A5.3

Safe systems of work and permit-to-work system

Safe systems of work: meaning; legal and practical requirements; components (people,
equipment, materials, environment); development and implementation
The use of risk assessment in the development of safe systems of work and safe operating
procedures
Permit-to-work systems essential features, general application, operation and monitoring.

Relevant statutory provisions

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 Regulations 4 (and Schedule
1), 5 and 7

Recommended tuition time not less than 8 hours

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

Element A6:

Organisational factors

Explain the internal and external influences on health and safety in an organisation

A6.2

Outline the organisation as a system, the different types of organisation, their

characteristics and relationship to individuals within them

A6.3

Identify the various categories of third parties in a workplace the relevant legislative
requirements, responsibilities and controls

A6.4

Explain the role, influences on and procedures for formal and informal consultation with
employees in the workplace

A6.5

Outline the development of a health and safety management information system, the
relevant legal requirements, and the data it should contain

A6.6

Explain health and safety culture and climate

A6.7

Outline the factors which can both positively and negatively affect health and safety
culture.

Content
A6.1

Internal and external influences

Internal influences on health and safety within an organisation eg, finance, production
targets, trade unions, organisational goals and culture
External influences on health and safety within an organisation eg, legislation,
Parliament/HSE, enforcement agencies, courts/tribunals, contracts, clients/contractors, trade
unions, insurance companies, public opinion.
A6.2

Types of organisations

The concept of the organisation as a system

Organisational structures and functions including formal and informal; large or small;
organisation charts, role of management
Potential conflict between organisational goals and those of the individual
The integration of the goals of the organisation with the needs of the individual authority,
responsibility, accountability.

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)
A6.3

Third party control

Third parties: contractors, visitors, trespassers and members of the public

Criminal law duties owed to third parties under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations.
Internal rules and procedures concerned with the selection, appointment and control of
contractors.
Responsibilities for control of risk associated with contractors and visitors.
Requirements to provide information relating to hazards/risks to third parties.
A6.4

Consultation with employees

The role and benefits of consultation within the workplace

Formal consultation:
-

functions and rights of representatives on health and safety (trade union-appointed,

elected)
functions of a safety committee
formal consultation directly with employees.

Informal consultation:
discussion groups, safety circles, departmental meetings, employee discussion
behavioural aspects associated with consultation peer group pressures, danger of
tokenism, potential areas of conflict.

A6.5

Development of a health and safety management information system the

relevant legal requirements and the data it should contain

The development of a health and safety management information system within the
workplace
Types of data within a health and safety management information system: eg, loss event
data, cost data, suppliers data, results of audits/inspections
Legal requirements and practical arrangements for providing health and safety information:
A6.6

internally to employees, temporary workers, contractors, etc.

externally to customers, suppliers, enforcement authorities, employment agencies,
members of the public and others.
Health and safety culture and climate

Meaning of health and safety culture and climate

Impact of organisational cultural factors and associated values on individual behaviour
Indicators of culture
Correlation between health and safety culture/climate and health and safety performance
Measurement of the culture and climate, eg, safety climate assessment tools, perception
surveys, findings of accident/incident investigations, effectiveness of communication,
evidence of commitment by personnel at all levels in the organisation.
NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)
A6.7

Factors affecting health and safety culture

Factors that may promote a positive health and safety culture (eg, management
commitment and leadership, high business profile to health and safety, provision of
information, involvement and consultation, training, promotion of ownership, setting and
meeting targets).
Factors that may promote a negative health and safety culture (eg, organisational change,
lack of confidence in organisations objectives and methods, uncertainty, management
decisions that prejudice mutual trust or lead to mixed signals regarding commitment.
Effecting cultural change: planning and communication, strong leadership, the need for a
gradualist (step-by-step) approach, direct and indirect action to promote change (including
cultural dividends from risk assessment), strong employee engagement, ownership at all
levels, training and performance measurements, importance of feedback.
Problems and pitfalls (eg, attempts to change culture too rapidly, adopting too broad an
approach, absence of trust in communications, resistance to change).

Relevant statutory provisions

Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 sections 2, 3 and 4
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 Regulations , 10, 11 and 12
Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977
Health and Safety Information for Employees Regulations 1989
Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996

Recommended tuition time not less than 10 hours

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

Element A7:

Human factors

Outline psychological and sociological factors which may give rise to specific patterns of
safe and unsafe behaviour in the working environment

A7.2

Explain the nature of the perception of risk and its relationship to performance in the
workplace

A7.3

Explain the classification of human failure

A7.4

Explain appropriate methods of improving individual human reliability in the workplace

A7.5

Explain how organisational factors could contribute to improving human reliability

A7.6

Explain how job factors could contribute to improving human reliability

A7.7

Outline the principles, conditions and typical content of behavioural change

programmes designed to improve safe behaviour in the workplace.

Content
A7.1

Human psychology, sociology and behaviour

Meaning of the terms : psychology and sociology

The influence on human behaviour of personality, attitude, aptitude and motivation
Key theories of human motivation: FW Taylor, Mayo (Hawthorne experiments), Maslow
(hierarchy of needs), McClelland, Herzberg, McGregor and their relevance to health and
safety
Effects on behaviour at work of experience, social and cultural background, education and
training
On-line and off-line processing; knowledge, rule and skill-based behaviour (Rasmussen)
Individual decision-making/problem-solving processes (Rasmussen and Reason).
A7.2

Perception of risk

Human sensory receptors and their reaction to stimuli, sensory defects and basic screening
techniques.
Process of perception of danger, perceptual set and perceptual distortion.
Errors in perception caused by physical stressors.

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

Perception and the assessment of risk, perception and the limitations of human
performance, filtering and selectivity as factors for perception.
Perception and sensory inputs, principles of the Hale & Hale model
Individual behaviour in the face of danger, principles of the Hale & Glendon model.
A7.3

Human failure classification

HSG48 classification of human failure.

Contribution of human failure to serious incidents, eg Kegworth, Herald of Free Enterprise,
Piper Alpha, Ladbroke Grove, Glenridding Beck, Milford Haven, Chernobyl.
A7.4

Improving individual human reliability in the workplace

Motivation and reinforcement; workplace incentive schemes; job satisfaction and appraisal
schemes; selection of individuals matching skills and aptitudes; training and competence
assessment; fitness for work and health surveillance; support for ill-health and stress.
A7.5

Organisational factors

The effect of weaknesses in the safety management system on the probability of human
failure, eg, inadequacies in the setting of standards, policy, planning, information
responsibilities or monitoring
The influence of safety culture on behaviour and the effect of peer group pressure and
norms
The influence of formal and informal groups within an organisation
Organisational communication mechanisms and their impact on human failure probability,
eg, shift handover communication, organisational communication routes and their
complexity, reliability and degree of formality
Procedures for resolving conflict and introducing change.
A7.6

Job factors

Effect of job factors on the probability of human error (eg, task complexity, patterns of
employment, payment systems, shift work)
Application of task analysis
The role of ergonomics in job design:
-

influence of process and equipment design on human reliability

the employee and the workstation as a system
elementary physiology and anthropometry
the degradation of human performance resulting from poorly designed workstations.

Ergonomically designed control systems in relation to human reliability eg, examples of

applications: production process control panels, crane cab controls, aircraft cockpit, CNC
lathe, etc.
The relationship between physical stressors and human reliability.
NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)
The effects of fatigue and stress on human reliability.
A7.7

Behavioural change programmes

Principles of behavioural change programmes

Organisational conditions needed for success in behavioural change programmes
Examples of typical behavioural change programme contents.

Tutor references
Behavioural safety; Kicking bad habits (06.1) : IOSH
Reducing error and influencing behaviour (HSG48). HSE Books ISBN 9780717624522

Recommended tuition time not less than 12 hours

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

Element A8:

Principles of health and safety law

Explain the sources and types of law in force in the UK relevant to health and safety

A8.2

Explain the concept of absolute and qualified duties in relation to health and safety
legislation

A8.3

Outline the influence and role of the European Union on UK health and safety
legislation

A8.4

Describe the status and procedure for the creation of UK Acts, Regulations and Orders

A8.5

Describe the structure and functions of courts and related institutions in the UK

A8.6

Outline the principles of the law of contract and its application to health and safety
issues

A8.7

Explain the principles of employment and discrimination law as it affects health and
safety issues.

Content
A8.1

Sources and types of law

Sources of law:
-

common law: nature and development, judicial precedent

statute law: European Directives and Regulations, UK Acts of Parliament and
Regulations. Prescriptive and goal-setting legislation.

Types of law:
-

criminal law: purpose, sanctions

civil law: purpose, types of remedy.

Burden of proof civil and criminal law.

A8.2

Absolute and qualified duties

The concept of absolute and qualified duties.

Absolute, practicable and reasonably practicable with reference to relevant decided
cases.
A8.3

Role of the European Union

Influence and role of the European Union and its main institutions as they affect UK health
and safety legislation

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

The status and procedure for the creation of instruments in EU law Treaties, Regulations,
Directives and Decisions
Directives role of Parliament, Council and Commission in the Co-Decision Procedure and
the significance of Qualified Majority Voting. Distinction between directives made under
Article 95 and Article 137 of the Treaty of Rome. Sources of information on pending EU
law. UK law in response to EU Directives
The role of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) and procedure for referring cases; how
decisions of the ECJ are enforced through courts of Member States; effect of decisions of
the ECJ on UK law.
A8.4

UK Acts, Regulations and Orders

The status and procedure for making UK Acts of Parliament, Regulations and Orders:
-

Acts of Parliament the functions of green and white papers, progression of a Bill
through Parliament
Regulations procedure under section 15 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act
1974 and permissible subject matter of Regulations, role of the Secretary of State and
the HSE in making Regulations; the various stages of consultation.

The use of socio-technical cost-benefit analysis in the economic assessment of proposed

legislative/regulatory change.
A8.5

Structure and function of the courts and related institutions

The functions, jurisdiction and powers of:

Employment Tribunals
Magistrates Courts
County Courts
High Court
Crown Court
Court of Appeal, (Court of Session, High Court of Justiciary, Sheriff Courts, District and
Justice of the Peace Courts in Scotland)
Supreme Court
European Court of Justice.

The basic procedures for bringing prosecutions for breaches of health and safety legislation
and for pursuing civil actions (cross-refer to Element A10).
The role of Employment Tribunals in matters of health and safety.
The appeals system: routes and grounds of appeal.
A8.6

Principles of the law of contract

Law of contract:
- meaning of contract including: written, verbal, express and implied
principles of the law of contract and their application to health and safety issues; the
relationship between producer and vendor, vendor and consumer, client and contractor;
exclusion clauses and effect of the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977.

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)
A8.7

Principles of employment and discrimination law

Purpose of contract of employment.

Employment law as it relates to health and safety issues in connection with:
-

disciplinary procedures
fair and unfair dismissal
age, sex, race and disability discrimination
undertaking safety roles at work
disclosure of wrong-doing at work.

Situations where it is lawful to discriminate and protection for those undertaking safety
roles at work or disclosing wrong-doing at work with reference to:
-

Employment Rights Act 1996

Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992
Sex Discrimination Acts 1975 and 1986
Race Relations Act 1976
Disability Discrimination Act 1995
The Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006
Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.

Decided cases
Adsett v K&L Steelfounders & Engineers Ltd [1953] 2 All ER 320
Edwards v National Coal Board [1949] 1 All ER 743
Marshall v Gotham & Co Ltd [1954] AC 360
Summers (John) & Sons v Frost [1955] AC 740
NB: Marks will be awarded for other relevant case law quoted in examinations.

Recommended tuition time not less than 12 hours

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

Element A9:

Criminal law

Explain the key requirements of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and the
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

A9.2

Explain the status of Approved Codes of Practice and guidance and the statutory
procedures for making Approved Codes of Practice

A9.3

Explain the responsibilities and powers of enforcing agencies and officers and the range
of options related to enforcement action, their implications and appeal procedures.

Content
A9.1

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health
and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

The requirements and application of sections 2-4 and 6-9 of the Health and Safety at Work
etc. Act 1974, relationship between general and specific duties.
The requirements and application of the Management of Health and Safety at Work
Regulations 1999.
Implications of sections 36 and 37 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act and regulation
21 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations with reference to relevant
decided cases.
A9.2

Approved Codes of Practice and guidance

Purpose, role, structure, application and status of approved codes of practice and HSE
guidance notes.
Statutory procedures for making approved codes of practice.
A9.3

Enforcement of health and safety law

Identification of authorities empowered to enforce health and safety legislation.

Division of responsibilities between enforcing authorities
Powers of enforcing authorities and their inspectors (Health and Safety at Work etc. Act
section 20 and 25)
Obligations of enforcing officers: duty to give information to employees or their
representatives; duty not to disclose information (Health and Safety at Work etc. Act section
28)
Offences and maximum penalties under the law (Health and Safety at Work etc. Act section
33); offences for which imprisonment is, and is not, a form of sanction

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)
Options for enforcement action with reference to HSE Enforcement Guide
(www.hse.gov.uk/enforce/enforcementguide/): prosecution summary, indictable and
triable either way offences; formal cautions; enforcement notices types, purpose, status,
conditions for being served, grounds for appeal, appeal procedures, effects of appeal
(Health and Safety at Work Act sections 21-24 and 39).
Principles of enforcement by safety case, eg, Control Of Major Accidents Hazards; by
registration of individuals, eg, gas safety, and by licensing, eg, asbestos or adventure
activities
The effect on criminal proceedings of section 40 of the Health and Safety at Work Act
The application of common law manslaughter (culpable homicide in Scotland) and the
Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 to work related
accident/incidents.
Legal criteria for prosecution, enforcement and prosecution
responsibilities
Relevant example prosecutions.
Decided cases
Armour v Skeen [1977] IRLR 310
R v Associated Octel Co Ltd [1996] 4 All ER 846
R v British Steel plc [1995] IRLR 310
R v HTM [2006] EWCA Crim 1156
R v Nelson Group Services (Maintenance) Ltd [1998] 4 All ER 420
RvP[2007] EWCA Crim 1937
R v Swan Hunter Shipbuilders Ltd and Another [1982] 1 All ER 264.
NB: Marks will be awarded for other relevant case law quoted in examinations.

Recommended tuition time not less than 9 hours

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

Element A10: Civil law

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 and the
critical analysis and evaluation of information presented in both quantitative and qualitative
forms. In particular they should be able to:
A10.1 Explain the duties owed at common law
A10.2 Explain the criteria required to establish a successful civil action for breach of statutory
duty, the main defences available and the procedure for assessment of damages under
civil law
A10.3 Outline the main civil law statutory duties owed by the occupiers of premises to lawful
and unlawful visitors.

Content
A10.1 Common law duties
Principles of tort (delict in Scottish law) of negligence:
-

duty of care owed

breach of the duty of care
causal link between the breach and the loss suffered
foreseeability of the type of damage.

Main defences to claims of negligence:

denial
no duty owed
no breach of duty (with reference to foreseeability, reasonableness)
breach did not lead to damage
type of damage not foreseeable
volenti non fit injuria
contributory negligence.

Concept of duty of care:

to whom a duty is owed (the neighbour test)

the duty of care owed by:
o designers, manufacturers and suppliers to customers/users
o occupiers of premises to those using or visiting the premises
o contractors to clients and vice versa
o extent of duty (reasonableness, foreseeability).

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

Common law duties owed by employers to employees to provide:

a safe place of work and safe access and egress

safe systems of work
safe plant, equipment and materials
instruction, training and supervision
competent fellow employees.

Damage for which the tortfeasor is liable and relevance of damage of foreseeable type, date
of knowledge of risk.
Greater duty of care to more vulnerable individuals
Concept of vicarious liability.
A10.2 Breach of statutory duty, defences and damage
Principle that a breach of a statutory duty may give rise to civil liability. Criteria for a
successful action
The main defences to the tort (delict) of breach of statutory duty:
-

statute-barred (relevance of section 47 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and
reference to the exclusions in the Management of Health and Safety at Work
Regulations 1999 and the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007
duty not on the defendant
no breach of duty
injured party not within the class of persons protected by the statute
harm not of the type that the statute was designed to prevent
no causal connection between the breach and the loss suffered.

Factors to be considered in the assessment of damages; general and special

Contributory negligence and its effects
The concept of joint tortfeasors:
-

meaning of joint and several liabilities

recovery of damages from joint tortfeasor

Personal Injury Action Protocol under the Civil Procedures Rules.

A10.3 Occupiers liability
The main provisions of the Occupiers Liability Acts 1957 and 1984 or the Occupiers Liability
(Scotland) Act 1960.
Decided cases:
Bradford v Robinson Rentals Ltd [1967] 1 All ER 267
Caparo Industries Plc v Dickman [1990] 2 AC 605
Corn v Weirs Glass (Hanley) Ltd [1960] 2 All ER 300
Davie v New Merton Board Mills Limited [1958] 1 All ER 67
Donaldson v Hays Distribution Services Ltd 2005 SLT 733
NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)
Donoghue v Stevenson [1932] AC 562
Herrington v British Railways Board [1972] AC 877
Latimer v AEC Ltd [1953] 2 All ER 449, HL
Mersey Docks and Harbour Board v Coggins and Griffith (Liverpool) Ltd [1946] 2 All ER 345
Paris v Stepney Borough Council [1951] 1 All ER 42, HL
Rose v Plenty [1976] 1 AER 97
Sutherland v Hatton and others [2002] EWCA Civ 76
Thompson and others v Smiths Ship Repairers (North Shields) [1984] 1 All ER 881
Wilsons and Clyde Coal Co v English [1938] 3 All ER 628.
NB: Marks will be awarded for other relevant case law quoted in examinations.

Recommended tuition time not less than 12 hours

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

4.2

Unit B:

Hazardous agents in the workplace

Overall learning outcome

On completion of this unit, candidates should be able to demonstrate understanding of the
domain knowledge covered through:
1.

The application of knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar situations; and

The critical analysis and evaluation of information presented in both quantitative and
qualitative forms.

In addition each element has specific learning outcomes.

Element B1:

Principles of toxicology and epidemiology

Outline the legal framework as it applies to chemicals

B1.2

Outline human anatomical systems and sensory organs

B1.3

Describe the main effects and routes of attack of chemicals on the human body

B1.4

Explain the health effects of chemicals used in the workplace

B1.5

Explain the principles of epidemiology and the principles of toxicological data to the
identification of work related ill-health.

Content
B1.1

The legal framework

Overview of legislation controlling the use of chemicals in the workplace as contained

within: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002; Control of Lead at
Work Regulations 2002; Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006
Transition period of legislation Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging) Regulations
2009 (CHIP 4) will eventually be replaced by the European Regulation on the Classification,
Labeling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures (CLP) Regulation, to be used for the
classification of chemicals, data gathering and communication of hazards (eg, the use of
Safety Data Sheets in COSHH assessments)

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

The risk assessment framework, as it applies to chemicals:

identify the hazards

decide who might be harmed and how
evaluate the risks and decide on precautions
record the findings and implement them
review and update as necessary.

B1.2

Human anatomical systems and sensory organs

The human anatomical systems: respiratory, digestive, circulatory, nervous systems, the skin
and eyes.
In relation to attack by substances, the concepts of target organs and target systems; local
and systemic effects.
B1.3

Main effects and routes of attack of chemicals

The main routes, methods of entry into, and effects of chemicals on, the human body: eyes,
nose, mouth, ears, inhalation, ingestion, skin pervasion and injection.
The influence of physical form (dust, fibre, mist, liquid, gas etc) and properties (eg solubility)
on entry routes available to substances.
Distinction between inhalable and respirable dust.
The bodys defensive responses (innate and adaptive), with particular reference to the
respiratory system.
B1.4

Health effects of chemicals used in the workplace

Duty of suppliers to classify dangerous substances and preparations with reference to The
Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging) for Supply Regulations 2009) CHIP.
Categories of danger for health effects (meaning of terms, with typical workplace examples)
very toxic, toxic, harmful, corrosive, irritant, sensitising, carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic for
reproduction.
Specific workplace examples to include: trichloroethylene, asbestos,
isocyanates, siliceous dusts, lead (and compounds), sulphuric acid, sodium hydroxide,
chromium compounds, hard wood dust.
Dermatitis and workplace examples of typical causative agents.
The role of the approved classification and labelling guide and the assignment of Risk
Phrases.
The role of harmonised classifications (ref table 3.2 of part 3 of annex VI of The CLP
Regulation (EC 1272/2008)) (replacing CHIP).
B1.5

Principles of epidemiology and the principles of toxicological data

Purpose of toxicology and epidemiology and how data is used in labelling and classification.
How basic data about chemical hazards is generated (Ref Article 13 of REACH (EC
1907/2006)).
Test

methods

NEBOSH 2013

and

legal

requirements
43

test

new

substances.

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

Human epidemiological investigations: The use and limitations of case control studies and
cohort studies (retrospective and prospective).
Vertebrate animal testing: distinction between acute and chronic testing and their value and
limitations (ref the Test Methods Regulation EC 440/2008).
The meaning and significance of the concepts of dose-response relationship, NOAEL,
LD50, LC50.
Alternatives to vertebrate animal testing, with reference to the Ames test, Quantitative
Structure Activity Relationship models (QSAR), read-across.
Communication of chemical hazards to users (Ref CHIP, the CLP Regulation (EC 1272/2008))
and Articles 14 and 31 of REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006) in respect of the typical
content (format and types of data) of labels, Safety Data Sheets and Chemical Safety
Assessments/Reports for dangerous substances and preparations.
Application of epidemiological techniques to health surveillance of a workplace.

Relevant statutory provisions

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended)
Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2009
Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002
Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006
Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH Regulation,
EC 1907/2006)
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (as amended)

Recommended tuition time not less than 8 hours

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

Element B2:

Hazardous substances and other chemicals

assessment of risk

Outline the factors to consider when assessing risks from hazardous substances

B2.2

Explain the control measures for hazardous substances

B2.3

Explain the additional requirements for asbestos and lead.

Content
B2.1

Factors to consider when assessing risks

The factors to be considered in the assessment of risks to health from hazardous

substances:
-

the hazardous properties of the substance, including health effects

level of exposure (amounts and concentrations used - specifically what is likely to get
into the air and be inhaled (volatility (liquids) or dustiness (solids) or come into contact
with skin/eyes or be swallowed)
nature of the task, methods used etc
numbers of people exposed
type and duration of exposure
frequency of exposure
the effect of mixtures (antagonism eg
poison vs antidote, additivity and
potentiation/synergy)
particular activities where exposure is likely to be unusually high eg maintenance and
accidental release
thresholds of exposure (the amount needed to cause harm)
effectiveness of existing control measures
results from relevant health surveillance and exposure monitoring
individual susceptibilities (eg, atopic persons, women of child bearing capacity, age,
sensitisation).

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

B2.2

Control measures

Adequate control of carcinogens, mutagens and asthmagens (as low as is reasonably

practicable) (COSHH, Regulation 7)
Principles of good practice (COSHH, Schedule 2A), in order of priority (COSHH Regulations
2002, Regulation 7):
-

elimination of the harmful substance for a non-hazardous one (or at least substitution
for a less hazardous one)
change the form of the substance, eg, paste, solution rather than dusty powder
modify the process so that it emits less of the hazardous substance (eg, painting vs
spraying)
engineering controls (detail of extraction systems covered in element B4)
minimise the numbers of workers exposed
provide PPE.

Additional control measures for carcinogens and mutagens:

B2.3

total enclosure
prohibition of eating and drinking in contaminated areas
designation and cleaning of contaminated areas and use of suitable warning signs
closed and labelled containers.
Asbestos and lead

Distinctions between licensed and non-licensed asbestos work

Additional control measures for asbestos (with reference to Asbestos Essentials and Control
of Asbestos Regulations 2006)
Additional control measures for working with lead (with reference to the Control of Lead at
Work Regulations 2002).

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

Relevant statutory provisions

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended)
Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006
Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002

Tutor references
COSHH Essentials www.coshh-essentials.org.uk
Asbestos Essentials, HSG210, ISBN 978-0-7176-6263-0
Work with Materials Containing Asbestos. Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 Approved
Code of Practice and Guidance
Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002. Approved code of practice and guidance, L132,
ISBN 9780717625659

Recommended tuition time not less than 5 hours

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

Element B3:

Hazardous substances and other chemicals

engineering controls and personal protective
equipment

Explain local exhaust ventilation and procedures to ensure effective ventilation

B3.2

Explain the various types of personal protective equipment (PPE) available for use with
hazardous substances and other chemicals, their effectiveness, and the relevant
specifications and standards to be met.

Content
B3.1

Ventilation

Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) components and factors that determine effectiveness
Dilution ventilation
Visual, qualitative inspection of performance of engineering controls eg condition of suction
inlet, dust deposits, use of smoke tubes and dust lamps (Tyndall beam)
Measurements for assessing performance of local exhaust ventilation: methods and
equipment for measuring capture velocities, face velocities, transport velocities and static
pressures
The statutory requirements for thorough examination and test
Emissions to atmosphere after installing LEV systems
The purpose of air cleaning devices.

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)
B3.2

Personal protective equipment

The requirements of the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 in

relation to hazardous substances and other chemicals
The general factors affecting the choice and effectiveness of personal protective equipment
(respiratory, eye, skin): type of protection required; level of protection required;
compatibility; individual issues (e.g. spectacles, beards); wearer acceptability/comfort; fit;
training)
Respiratory protective equipment (RPE):
-

types of respirators and breathing apparatus and their applications and limitations
selection/suitability of RPE:
significance of assigned protection factors; overview of the use of HSEs RPE selector
tool (Ref HSG53) to aid selection; face fit testing
storage and maintenance of RPE.

Skin and eye protection: selection/suitability (eg, chemical compatibility), use, limitations,
relevant specifications and performance standards.

Relevant statutory provisions

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended)
Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006
Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002
Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 1992

Tutor references
Controlling airborne contaminants at work, a guide to local exhaust ventilation (LEV),
maintenance, examination and testing. HSG258 ISBN 978 0 7176 6298 2
Clearing the air, A simple guide to buying and using local exhaust ventilation (LEV) HSE
Books, ISBN 978 0 7176 6301 9

Recommended tuition time not less than 5 hours

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

Element B4:

Monitoring and measuring

Explain workplace exposure limits (WELs), the means by which they are established, and
their application to the workplace

B4.2

Outline the strategies, methods, and equipment for the sampling and measurement of
airborne contaminants

B4.3

Outline the principles of biological monitoring.

Content
B4.1

Workplace exposure limits (WELs)

Concept of exposure standards

The meaning of workplace exposure limits (WELs)
How WELs are established: the work of the Advisory Committee on Toxic Substances (ACTS)
and other sub-committees; criteria used
The status and use of EH40
The significance in occupational health and hygiene practice of short-term and long-term
exposure limits (STEL, LTEL) and time-weighted average (TWA) values.
Occupational exposure limits (OELs) for lead
Blood-lead concentration and urinary-lead concentration action levels and suspension levels
Control limits for working with asbestos.
B4.2

Strategies, methods and equipment for the sampling and measurement of

airborne contaminants

The role of the occupational hygienist; competence of hygienist

Interpreting a hygienists report, ensuring the strategy and methods are suitable and that
results are valid, reliable, representative and correctly evaluated relative to any exposure
standards
Monitoring strategy (ref HSG173):
-

initial appraisal
basic survey
detailed survey
reappraisal

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)
-

routine monitoring and factors that determine the necessity and frequency (including
where this is mandatory COSHH Regulation 10)
the importance of use of standard methods (MDHS series).

General methods for sampling and gravimetric analysis of respirable and inhalable dust
Sampling equipment for solid particulates (dusts, fibres): sampling head (protected, cyclone,
cowl) and pump; method of use
Measurement principles; dusts (gravimetric, physical and chemical analysis), fibres
(microscopy)
Sampling equipment for vapours; active devices (eg, liquid or solid sorbents and pumps);
passive devices
Measurement principles (chemical and physical analysis examples spectroscopy and
chromatography)
Calculation of 8 hour equivalent TWA exposures from gathered data (eg, sample mass,
pump flow rate and flow time); comparison with LTEL and evaluation of significance in
terms of further action needed
Direct reading instruments (give immediate or near immediate reading); advantages and
disadvantages; stain tube (colour metric) detectors.
B4.3

Biological monitoring

Biological monitoring (a form of health surveillance) personal sampling/monitoring, as

opposed to approximate airborne monitoring:
-

the basic principles (with workplace examples)

circumstances where it is especially applicable and the relative advantages and
disadvantages
the role of biological monitoring guidance values (in EH40)
statutory biological limits (eg Control of Lead at Work Regulations, Regulation 10)
medical surveillance in relation to lead.

Relevant statutory provisions

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended)
Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006
Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002

Tutor references
Exposure measurement: Air sampling, G409 of COSHH-ESSENTIALS
MDHS 14/3. General methods for sampling and gravimetric analysis of respirable and
inhalable dust. ISBN 07176 1749 1

Recommended tuition time not less than 6 hours

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

Element B5:

Biological agents

Explain the types and properties of biological agents found at work

B5.2

Explain the assessment and control of risk from exposure to biological agents at work.

Content
B5.1

Types and properties of biological agents

Meaning of biological agent.

Types of biological agent (fungi, bacteria, viruses) and sources (human, animal and
environmental); with examples in each case.
Special properties of biological agents (rapid mutation, incubation period, infectious, rapid
multiplication).
B5.2

Assessment and control of risk

Purpose of the Approved List of Biological Agents.

Reportable diseases caused by biological agents (eg needle-stick injuries).
Factors to take into account in risk assessment:
-

hazard category, (Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 of COSHH Schedule 3) form

activities and people at risk
likelihood and nature of resultant disease
modes of transmission with examples.

Intentional work vs. opportunistic infection.

Selected diseases caused by biological agents, together with occupational contexts,
occurrence, symptoms, treatment and control:
-

cryptosporidosis
farmers lung (and other diseases of this type psittacosis)
hepatitis
HIV
legionnellosis
leptospirosis
E. coli
zoonoses
MRSA
Cdiff
Emerging health issues, eg, norovirus, pandemic flu.

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)
General hierarchy of control:
-

eradication
reduced virulence
change of work method to minimise or suppress generation of aerosols
isolation and segregation
containment approach (Schedule 3 COSHH)
control for specific examples
sharps control
immunisation
decontamination and disinfection
effluent and waste collection
storage and disposal (controlled)
personal hygiene measures
personal protective equipment
biohazard signs
baseline testing and health surveillance.

Relevant statutory provisions

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended) Schedule 3,
Additional provisions relating to work with biological agents
The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995

Tutor references
Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens, The Approved List of biological agents
(available as an online publication only on the HSE website at
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/misc208.pdf.)

Recommended tuition time not less than 7 hours

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

Element B6:

Physical agents 1 noise and vibration

Explain the basic physical concepts relevant to noise

B6.2

Explain the effects of noise on the individual and the use of audiometry

B6.3

Explain the measurement and assessment of noise exposure

B6.4

Explain the principles of controlling noise and noise exposure

B6.5

Explain the basic physical concepts relevant to vibration

B6.6

Explain the effects of vibration on the individual

B6.7

Explain the measurement and assessment of vibration exposure

B6.8

Explain the principles of controlling vibration and vibration exposure.

Content
B6.1

Basic physical concepts relevant to noise

The meaning of noise under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, with
workplace examples
The basic concepts of sound:
-

wavelength,
amplitude
frequency
intensity
pitch
the decibel (dB)
A-weighting dB(A) and C weighting dB(C), in relation to occupational noise exposure.

The significance of logarithmic scales in relation to dB and concepts of addition of combined

sounds (equal and unequal); concept of noise dose.
B6.2

Effects of noise on the individual

The physiology of the ear in relation to the mechanism of hearing

The physical and psychological effects on the individual; types of hearing loss with reference
to their significance in the workplace, the acute and chronic physiological effects of
exposure to high noise levels
Use of audiometry to measure hearing and hearing loss; method, interpretation and use of
results (interpretation of audiograms), advantages and disadvantages of audiometry
programmes
NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)
The legal requirements for audiometry as required by the Control of Noise at Work
Regulations 2005 and Controlling Noise at Work, Guidance on Regulations, L108
Civil law implications of audiometry.
B6.3

Measurement and assessment of noise exposure

Instrumentation used for the measurement of noise:

types
methodology
calibration.

The practical use of instrumentation to determine:

LAeq and LEP,d

frequency analysis
background noise.

The methodology of undertaking workplace noise surveys and personal noise exposure
assessments:
B6.4

planning (who, how, where, how often)

choice of instrumentation
measurements to be taken
interpretation and evaluation of results
use of noise calculators to determine mixed exposures
comparison with legal limits.
Controlling noise and noise exposure

Legal requirements and duties to manage exposure to noise as required by Control of Noise
at Work Regulations 2005
Lower and upper exposure action values, exposure limit values
The hierarchy of noise control:
-

eliminate at source or control so far as is reasonably practicable at source (relocation, redesign, maintenance)
control along transmission path (eg isolation, barriers, enclosures)
control exposure at the receiver (enclosures, acoustic havens, hearing protection zones,
and PPE, limiting exposure time, surveillance (audiometry).

Techniques to control noise generation, transmission and exposure:

transmission
reflection
absorption
damping
diffusion
sound reduction indices
sound absorption coefficients.

The selection, maintenance and use of appropriate hearing protection

use of octave band analysis

SNR (single number rating) and HML (high, medium, low) methods
problems of over-protection.

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)
B6.5

Basic physical concepts relevant to vibration

Vibration as defined in the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005

The basic concepts of displacement, velocity, amplitude, frequency and acceleration for
oscillating particles in relation to:
B6.6

occupational vibration exposure

comfort levels
the concept of vibration dose.
Effects of vibration on the individual

The physiological and ill-health effects of exposure to vibration, the difference between
exposure to whole body vibration and hand-arm vibration, use of the Stockholm scale,
aggravating factors (eg low temperatures, smoking)
Groups of workers at risk from exposure to whole body vibration (WBV) and hand arm
vibration (HAV).
B6.7

Measurement and assessment of vibration exposure

The measurement of vibration:

instrumentation (the accelerometer)

units
use of manufacturers data to estimate employees exposure to vibration
making workplace measurements for both WBV and HAV exposure.

Exposure standards for vibration with reference to legal limit and action values
HSE Vibration calculator and its use to determine simple and mixed exposure.
B6.8

Controlling vibration and vibration exposure

Practical control measures to prevent or minimise exposure to both WBV and HAV:
-

automation
change of work method
improved/alternative equipment
purchasing policy
maintenance
job rotation
instruction/training
health surveillance
PPE.

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

Relevant statutory provisions

Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005
Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005
Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992

Tutor references
Controlling Noise at Work, ACOP, L108
Control the risks from hand-arm vibration, Advice for employers on the Control of Vibration
at Work, Regulations 2005, ISBN 978 0 7176 6117 6
Whole-body vibration, The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 Guidance on
Regulations L141, ISBN: 0 7176 6126 1
Vibration Solutions: Practical ways to reduce the risk of hand-arm vibration injury, HSG170,
ISBN 0 7176 0954 5
HSE http://www.hse.gov.uk/noise/calculator.htm

Recommended tuition time not less than 10 hours

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

Element B7:

Physical agents 2 radiation

Outline the nature of the different types of ionising and non-ionising radiation

B7.2

Explain the effects of exposure to non-ionising radiation, its measurement and control

B7.3

Explain the effects of exposure to ionising radiation, its measurement and control

B7.4

Explain the different sources of lasers found in the workplace, the classification of
lasers and the control measures.

Content
B7.1

The nature and different types of ionising and non-ionising radiation

The electromagnetic spectrum (wavelength, energy, frequency):

- the differences between ionising and non-ionising radiation
- the types of ionising radiation (alpha, beta, gamma, x radiation, neutrons) , origins and
sources and non-ionising radiation (UV, IR, microwave and radio)
- particulate and non-particulate types of ionising radiation.
Role of the International Commission for Radiological Protection, the Health Protection
Agency/Health Protection Scotland and the Environment Agency/Scottish Environment
Protection Agency.
B7.2

Non-ionising radiation

Sources of non-ionising radiation both generated in workplaces (eg leisure, manufacturing,

healthcare, research, telecommunications etc) and naturally occurring (eg outdoor work)
Exposure routes for non-ionising radiation. The effects of exposure to each type of nonionising radiation (UV, IR, microwave and radio), both acute and chronic
Units and methods of measurement, power density, proposed exposure limit values
Practical control measures to prevent or minimise exposure to non-ionising radiation both
generated in workplaces and naturally occurring including:
-

design
siting
direction control
reduction of stray fields
screening
enclosures

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)
-

distance
safe systems of work
instructions
training
personal protective equipment.

Legal requirements to manage exposure to non-ionising radiation as required by existing

and proposed legislation.
B7.3

Ionising radiation

Sources of ionising radiation, both generated in workplaces (eg, manufacturing, healthcare,

research, power generation) and naturally occurring (eg, radon)
Routes of exposure for ionising radiation with reference to both external and internal
(inhalation, ingestion, injection absorption) radiation exposure
Effects of exposure to each type of radiation (alpha, beta, gamma, x radiation, neutrons)
both acute and chronic, somatic, genetic, non-stochastic and stochastic
Units of radioactivity, radiation dose and dose equivalent, dose response and dose effect,
irradiation
Methods of measuring ionising radiation, ionisation chambers (Geiger-Muller tube),
scintillation detectors, with reference to how these might be used in the workplace
Use of film badges, thermo-luminescent dosimeters, approved dosimetry services
Practical measures to prevent or minimise exposure to:
-

external radiation (shielding, distance, time)

internal radiation (prevention of inhalation, ingestion, injection, absorption)

Legal requirements to manage (non-medical) exposure to ionising radiation as required by

Ionising Radiation Regulations 1999
Duties include: provide safety devices, warning signals, handling tools etc, perform leakage
testing of radioactive sources, provide and test protective equipment and clothing, monitor
radiation and contamination levels, have radiation monitors regularly tested, store
radioactive substances safely, design, construct and maintain buildings, fittings and
equipment so as to minimise contamination, to notify HSE of certain occurrences, provide
appropriate training, supervision and written instruction, draw up contingency
arrangements for dealing with possible accidents
Radiological exposure limits (as specified in Ionising Radiation Regulations) classified person.
ALARP principle. Radon levels and ongoing measurement
The role, competency and training of Radiation Protection Advisers and Radiation Protection
Supervisors.
B7.4

Lasers

Typical laser sources in workplaces (eg, leisure, entertainment, retail, manufacturing,

healthcare, research, etc)
Exposure routes for lasers
Hazard classifications of lasers (IEC/EN 60825-1), exposure limits

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

The effects of exposure to each class of laser

Practical control measures to prevent or minimise exposure to lasers used in workplaces
including design, siting, direction control, reduction of stray beams, screening, enclosures,
distance, safe system of work/instructions, training, PPE
The legal requirements to manage exposure to lasers as required by existing and proposed
legislation
Role, competency and training for a Laser Protection Adviser (voluntary scheme).

Relevant statutory provisions

Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999
Ionising Radiations (Medical Exposure) Regulations) 2000
Building Regulations (England and Wales) 2000
Non-ionising radiation - The Electro Magnetic Fields (EMF) Directive (or equivalent
regulations)
Physical Agents (Artificial Optical Radiation) Directive (2006/25/EC) (or equivalent regulations)
Health and Safety at Work etc, Act 1974
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (as amended)
Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

Tutor references
Working with ionising Radiation Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) and guidance in support
of IRR99. ISBN 978 0 7176 1746 3 reference L121 HSE Books
HSE's Central Index of Dose Information (CIDI).
BRE Report, BR293; Radon in the workplace ISBN 1 86081 040 3 BRE Bookshops
Radon and Public Health RCE 11 The Independent Advisory Group on Ionising Radiation,
Publication date: June 2009, ISBN: 978-0-85951-644-0
Health Protection Agency web-site Laser Safety Management
http://www.hpa.nhs.uk/webw/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1197021719447?p=1
158934607766#5

Recommended tuition time not less than 9 hours

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

Element B8:

Psychosocial agents

Explain the scope, effects and causes of work-related stress

B8.2

Explain the identification and control of workplace stress with reference to legal duties
and other standards

B8.3

Explain the scope, effects and causes of work-related violence/aggression

B8.4

Explain the identification and control of work-related violence/aggression with

reference to legal duties.

Content
B8.1

Scope, effects and causes of work-related stress

The meaning of work-related stress and post-traumatic stress disorder

The prevalence of work-related stress with reference to reportable and self reported sources
Physical and psychological effects of work-related stress
Causes of work-related stress relating to organisation, job and individual:
B8.2

organisation of work:- working hours, long hours, shift work, unpredictable hours,
changes in working hours
workplace culture:- communication, organisational structure, resources, support
working environment;- space, noise, temperature, lighting, etc
job content:- work load, time pressures, boredom, etc
job role:- clarity, conflict of interests, lack of control, etc
relationships:- bullying and harassment, verbal/physical abuse
home-work interface:- commuting, childcare issues, relocation, etc.
Identification and control, legal duties and standards

Identification and assessment of work-related stress and post-traumatic stress disorders at

individual and organisational level (eg, discussions, absence data, interviews, surveys,
questionnaires, etc)
The HSE stress management standards and their role in assessing and managing work
related stress (demand, control, support, relationships, role, change)
Practical control measures to reduce and manage work-related stress, based on the HSE
management standards (including counselling and return to work policies)

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

Legal requirements for employers to manage work related stress as part of criminal and civil
law with reference to relevant statutory provisions and case law examples, Sutherland v
Hatton and others [2002]; Walker v Northumberland County Council [1995]; Barber v
Somerset County Council [2004]; Intel Corporation (UK) Limited v Daw [2007].
B8.3

Scope and effects of work-related violence/aggression

Meaning of work-related violence/aggression (physical/verbal, actual harm and threats)

Physical and psychological effects of violence and aggression
Prevalence/extent of work-related violence/aggression and consequences with reference to
reportable and self-reported sources (eg, British crime survey, RIDDOR)
Identification and assessment of risks of work-related violence/aggression (eg, use of staff
surveys, incident reporting and risk assessment)
Factors likely to increase the risk of work-related violence, eg, people working with public,
caring/teaching professions, working with psychiatric clients or alcohol/drug impaired
people, working alone, home visiting, handling money/valuables, inspection and
enforcement duties, retail and licensed trade.
B8.4

Identification and control of workplace violence/aggression

Identification of practical control measures to reduce and manage work-related

violence/aggression including using physical, organisational and behavioural controls:
-

cash free systems, layout of public areas and design of fixtures and fittings
use of cameras, protective screens, and security-coded doors
communication systems, passing on information on risks from individual clients (violent
marker flags), recording of staff whereabouts and recognition when staff are overdue,
use of mobile communications equipment phones, radios, GPS
staff training: recognition of situations where violence could result, interpersonal skills to
defuse aggression, use of language and body language; guidance to staff on dealing
with an incident; support for staff post-incident including training in counselling for
managers.

Legal requirements for employers to manage work-related violence/aggression as part of

criminal and civil law with reference to relevant statutory provisions and case law. Legal
constraints regarding reasonable force.
NB: Marks will be awarded for other relevant case law quoted in examinations.

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

Relevant statutory provisions

Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 Section 2, 3 & 4
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (as amended)
Working Time Regulations 1998
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrence Regulations 1995
Public Order Act 1986
Criminal Law Act 1967, Section 3, (reasonable force)
Data Protection Act 1998
Employment Rights Act 1996.

Case law
Sutherland v Hatton and others [2002] EWCA Civ76; Walker v Northumberland County
Council [1995] IRLR 35
Barber v Somerset County Council [2004] UKHL 13
Intel Corporation (UK) Limited v Daw [2007] EWCA Civ 70.

Recommended tuition time not less than 5 hours

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

Element B9:

Musculoskeletal risks and controls

Outline types, causes and relevant workplace examples of injuries and ill-health
conditions associated with repetitive physical activities, manual handling and poor
posture

B9.2

Explain the assessment and control of risks from repetitive activities, manual handling
and poor posture.

Content
B9.1

Types, causes and examples of musculoskeletal hazards

Basic understanding of the human musculoskeletal system including, bones, tendons,

ligaments, nerves and muscles
Ergonomic principles as applied to the control of musculoskeletal risks
Types of injury and ill-health conditions resulting from repetitive physical activities, manual
handling and poor posture, including; WRULDs, musculoskeletal injury and discomfort, back
pain, eye and eyesight effects, fatigue, stress, sprains/strains, fractures, lacerations
Examples of jobs and workplace situations that give rise to risks of these injuries and illhealth conditions, eg production/assembly lines, working in restricted work spaces, use of
DSE, manual handling of objects and people.
B9.2

Assessing risks from repetitive physical activities, manual handling and poor
posture

Legal requirements to manage risks associated with repetitive physical activities, manual
handling and poor posture, with specific reference to duties under Management of Health
and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992,
Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1993 (as amended) and
Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
Consideration of: task, load, force, working environment, equipment, individual capability
when assessing risks associated with repetitive physical activities, manual handling and poor
posture
Methods of assessing the risks associated with jobs/tasks involving repetitive physical
activities, manual handling and poor posture
Use of assessment tools: HSE Manual Handling Assessment Tool (MAC), HSE Art Tool
(assessment tool for repetitive tasks of the upper limbs), NIOSH Manual Material Handling
(MMH) Checklist , Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), Quick Exposure Check (QEC)

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

Practical control measures to avoid or minimise the risk associated with repetitive physical
activities, manual handling and poor posture including: elimination, automation, alternative
work methods/job design, ergonomic design of tools/equipment/workstations and
workplaces, job rotation, work routine, eye and eyesight testing, training and information,
efficient movement principles, personal considerations.

Relevant statutory provisions

Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992
Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
Workplace (Health, Safety, Welfare) Regulations 1992
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (as amended)
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

Recommended tuition time not less than 4 hours

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

Element B10: Work environment risks and controls

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 and the
critical analysis and evaluation of information presented in both quantitative and qualitative
forms. In particular they should be able to:
B10.1 Explain the need for, and factors involved in, the provision and maintenance of
thermal comfort in the work environment
B10.2 Explain the need for suitable and sufficient lighting in the workplace, units of
measurement of light and the assessment of lighting levels in the workplace
B10.3 Explain the need for welfare facilities and arrangements in fixed and temporary
workplaces
B10.4 Explain the requirements and provision for first aid in the workplace.

Content
B10.1 The need for, and factors involved in, the provision and maintenance of
thermal comfort in the work environment
Legal requirements for managing thermal comfort and providing a reasonable temperature
for inside workplaces
The meaning of thermal comfort
The effects of working in high and low temperatures and humidity
Typical work situations likely to lead to thermal discomfort
The environmental parameters affecting thermal comfort (air temperature, radiant
temperature, relative humidity, air velocity) and how to measure them (thermometers; dry
bulb, wet bulb, globe, kata, anemometers, psychrometers, integrated electronic instruments
including heat stress monitors)
Other parameters affecting thermal comfort: metabolic rate, clothing, sweat rate, duration
of exposure
Heat balance equation M= K+/-C+/-R+/-E
Measuring thermal comfort using predicted mean vote (PMV) and percentage people
dissatisfied (PPD) index and use of BS EN ISO 7730 and BS EN ISO 10551
The assessment of heat stress, role of heat indices, difference between empirical, direct and
rational indices: (eg effective temperature (ET), corrected effective temperature (CET), heat
stress index (HSI), predicted 4-hour sweat rate (P4SR), wind chill index (WCI))
Use of the heat stress index WBGT ( as per BS EN 27243), equation used to calculate units,
metabolic rate class, comparison to reference values, conclusions on heat stress risk,
acclimatisation

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)
Practical control measures to minimise the risks when working in extreme thermal
environment:
-

control heat source

control other environmental parameters
separation
workplace design
job design clothing/PPE
health surveillance
training.

B10.2 Suitable and sufficient lighting in the workplace, units of measurement of light
and the assessment of lighting levels in the workplace
The necessity for lighting in workplaces
Suitable and sufficient lighting, natural and artificial lighting
The impact of lighting levels on safety issues incorrect perception, failure to perceive,
stroboscopic effects, colour assessment, effect on attitudes
Effects of brightness contrast disabling and discomfort glare, tissue damage from light
exposure, visual fatigue
Instrumentation, units and measurement of light, assessment of lighting levels and
standards.
B10.3 Welfare facilities and arrangements in fixed and temporary workplaces
Legal requirements for welfare facilities and arrangements in workplaces
Provision of toilet, washing and changing facilities
Storage of clothing
Facilities for eating, rest rooms
Facilities for pregnant women and nursing mothers, together with the practical
arrangements
Provision of facilities for smokers, company vehicles, care homes and flats where residents
smoke
The need to take account of disabled persons.
B10.4 Requirements and provision for first aid in the workplace
Legal requirements for first aid in the workplace
The basis of provision (eg, numbers of employees, workplace risks, proximity of emergency
services).

NEBOSH 2013

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

(February 2010 specification)

Relevant statutory provisions

Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (as amended)
Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981
The Smoke-free (Premises and Enforcement) Regulations 2006
The Smoke-free Premises etc. (Wales) Regulations 2007
Prohibition of Smoking in Certain Premises (Scotland) Regulations 2006

Tutor references
BS EN ISO 7730, Moderate thermal environments, ISBN 0 580 47207 0

Recommended tuition time not less than 5 hours

NEBOSH 2013

Element B11: Managing occupational health

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 and the
critical analysis and evaluation of information presented in both quantitative and qualitative
forms. In particular they should be able to:
B11.1 Outline the nature of occupational health
B11.2 Outline the principles and benefits of vocational rehabilitation including the role of
outside support agencies
B11.3 Outline the management of occupational health (including the practical and legal
aspects).

Content
B11.1 Nature of occupational health
Categories of occupational health hazard chemical, physical, biological, psycho-social,
ergonomic
The prevalence of work-related sickness and ill-health with reference to reportable and selfreported sources
Internal and external sources of information on occupational ill-health
The links between occupational health and general/public health, with reference to current
government strategy for managing health in relation to work including arrangements to
deal with epidemics.
B11.2 Nature of occupational health
Meaning of vocational rehabilitation
Benefits of vocational rehabilitation within the context of the employee and the employer
The basic principles of the bio-psychosocial model and how it relates to the health of
individuals
The role that overcoming any barriers to ensure that rehabilitation of the individual is
effective
Role of agencies that can support the employers and employees, eg,
(condition management), JobCentre+, Access to Work, etc

primary care

B11.3 Managing occupational health

The concept of monitoring health
The meaning of occupational health (with reference to the definition used by the
International Labour Organisation)
The role, function and benefits of occupational health services

NEBOSH 2013

The make-up and functions of a typical occupational health service: occupational health
physician, occupational health nurse, occupational health technician
Typical services offered by an occupational health service:
-

health promotion, eg, advice on work related health, lifestyle (diet, exercise, smoking
etc)
health assessment, eg, fitness for work, pre-placement/employment, return to work,
job-related medical screening, pregnant workers
advice to management, eg, input to risk assessments, no-smoking policy, absence
management etc
treatment services, eg, first aid, counselling, physiotherapy, other rehabilitation services
medical and health surveillance.

Occupational competence within occupational health

Distinction between general health assessment and health surveillance
The legal requirements for health surveillance, with reference to Control of Substances
Hazardous to Health Regulations, Control of Noise at Work Regulations, Control of
Vibration at Work Regulations, and Display Screen Equipment Regulations
The legal requirements for medical surveillance with reference to Control of Substances
Hazardous to Health Regulations, Control of Lead at Work Regulations, Control of Asbestos
Regulations and Ionising Radiation Regulations
Liaison with other disciplines in the assessment and management of fitness for work with
specific reference to; existing health problems, fitness to work standards, discrimination,
influence of drugs and alcohol (prescription and illegal drugs), including testing on the
grounds of health (or disability)
The legal requirements for keeping health records and medical records including issues of
confidentiality, sharing of information with the individual and others
The collection and use of sickness absence and ill-health data to develop occupational policy
and targets/strategy.

NEBOSH 2013

Relevant statutory provisions

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, Regulation 6
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (as amended), Regulation 11
and schedule 6
Smoke-free (Premises and Enforcement) Regulations 2006
Prohibition of Smoking in Certain Premises (Scotland) Regulations 2006
The Smoke Free Premises etc. (Wales) Regulations 2007
Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002, Regulation 10
Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, Regulation 9
Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, Regulation 7
Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006, Regulation 22
Ionising Radiation Regulations 1999, Regulation 24

Tutor references
Occupational Health Advisory Committee report and recommendations on improving access
to occupational health support, HSE Web-site source;
http://www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/meetings/iacs/ohac/access.htm
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development: Absence Guidance
http://www.cipd.co.uk/subjects/hrpract/absence/absncman.htm?IsSrchRes=1
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development: Absence management Tools 1-4
http://www.cipd.co.uk/subjects/hrpract/absence/absmantool.htm
Control of noise at work, Guidance for employers on the Control of Noise at Work
Regulations 2005 INDG 362, ISBN 978 0 7176 6165 7
DWP Disability Handbook and guidance.
Institution of Occupational Safety and Health: A Healthy Return - A Good Practice Guide to
Rehabilitating People at Work
The Guides Newsletter. Chicago, American Medical Association, 2008; May/June: 1-13

Recommended tuition time not less than 8 hours

NEBOSH 2013

4.3 Unit C:

Workplace and work equipment safety

Overall Learning Outcome

On completion of this unit, candidates should be able to demonstrate understanding of the
domain knowledge covered through:
1.

The application of knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar situations; and

The critical analysis and evaluation of information presented in both quantitative and
qualitative forms.

In addition each element has specific learning outcomes.

Element C1:

General workplace issues

Explain the need for, and factors involved in, the provision and maintenance of a safe
working environment, with specific reference to access and egress, pedestrians, and
slips, trips and falls

C1.2

Explain how safety signs are used in the workplace

C1.3

Explain the assessment of risk and safe working practices associated with work in
confined spaces

C1.4

Outline the main issues associated with maintaining structural safety of workplaces

C1.5

Explain the hazards, risks, and controls when working at heights

C1.6

Explain the hazards, risks and controls for lone working.

Content
C1.1

Safe working environment

Practical considerations in the provision and maintenance of safe places of work and safe
means of access and egress

NEBOSH 2013

The design of surfaces to reduce slipping

Wet Coefficient of Friction (CoF), slip resistant testing of footwear and surfaces:
-

different CoF between one surface and another

effects of contamination on surfaces in terms of CoF
methods for cleaning floors and the appropriate footwear to wear whilst cleaning
importance of good housekeeping.

Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.

C1.2

Safety signs

Common safety signs and their categorisation

Use, location and compliance issues
Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, Regulations 2, 3, 4 and 5.
C1.3

Confined spaces

Conditions that constitute a confined space with reference to the Confined Spaces
Regulations 2007
Examples of where confined space entry may occur in the workplace: eg pits in garages,
vehicle production tracks, trunking ducts, watercourses
Factors to be considered when assessing risk: need for safe access; provision and
maintenance of safe atmospheres; the task, materials and equipment; persons at risk;
reliability of safeguards
Factors to be considered in designing safe working practices: operating procedures and
emergency arrangements; and training for work in confined spaces
Flammable atmospheres; how they arise and where they are found. Control measures for
entering flammable atmospheres, including purging to keep flammable atmospheres below
Lower Explosion Limits (LEL).
C1.4

Structural safety of workplaces

Causes of damage to the structure of buildings: adverse weather conditions; overloading of

structures; hot and corrosive atmospheres; vibration; alteration to structural members;
subsidence; deterioration of building materials; excavations; and unauthorised modifications
to buildings
Failure modes: possible causes of structural alterations such as cutting roof beams;
puncturing holes through floors; removal of internal walls etc can lead to collapse.
C1.5

Working at height

The main hazards and risks, alternatives, precautions and safe working procedures for
working at height in general workplaces

NEBOSH 2013

Hierarchy of control measures with reference to the Work at Height Regulations 2005:
C1.6

avoid working at height

use an existing safe place of work
provide work equipment to prevent falls (including MEWPS)
mitigate distance and consequences of a fall
instruction and training and/or other means.
Lone working
The main hazards and risks, alternatives, precautions and safe working procedures for
lone working.
Particular problems facing lone workers: medical conditions, training, supervision,
emergency procedures, lifting objects that are too heavy for one person, more than one
person needed to operate essential controls or transport.

Relevant statutory provisions

Confined Spaces Regulations 1997
Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
Work at Height Regulations 2005

Recommended tuition time not less than 7 hours

NEBOSH 2013

Element C2:

Principles of fire and explosion

Outline the properties of flammable and explosive materials and the mechanisms by
which they ignite

C2.2

Outline the behaviour of structural materials, buildings and building contents in a fire

C2.3

Outline the main principles and practices of fire and explosion prevention and protection

C2.4

Outline the contribution of typical mechanical and systems failures to major accidents.

Content
C2.1

Properties of flammable and explosive materials and the mechanisms by which

they ignite

Properties of solids, liquids and gases

Meaning of: flash point, fire point, auto-ignition temperature, vapour density, relative
density, limits of flammability, critical temperature, maximum explosion pressure, and rate
of pressure rise; with examples of the importance of these properties in relation to the
initiation and propagation of fire and explosion
The fire triangle
Ignition sources (eg naked flame, hot surfaces, arcing, sparking, smoking, electrostatic
discharge)
Mechanisms of explosions, mechanisms of fire-spread including:
-

how an explosion/fire occurs

the stages of combustion: induction, ignition, growth, steady state and decay
mechanisms of uncontrolled vapour cloud explosions, confined vapour cloud explosions.

The effects of atomisation/particle size and oxygen content on the likelihood and severity of
fire/explosion
How failure of control measures coupled with the physico-chemical properties of flammable
materials can bring about an explosion
Oxidisation
Confined vapour cloud explosions, unconfined vapour cloud explosions, boiling liquid
expanding vapour explosions. Examples of actual incidents, causes and effects:
-

unconfined vapour cloud explosion (eg Buncefield, 2005; Flixborough, 1974)

boiling liquid expanding vapour explosion (BLEVE) (eg Mexico City, 1984)
confined vapour cloud explosion (eg Hickson and Welch, 1992).

NEBOSH 2013

Control of vapour phase explosions; structural protection, plant design and process control,
segregation and storage of materials, hazardous area zoning, inerting, explosion relief
Control of amount of material, prevention of release, control of ignition sources, sensing of
vapour between Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) and Upper Explosive Limit (UEL)
Dust explosions:
-

examples of industries/plant with potential dust explosion hazards (eg, food industry,
LEV)
mechanisms of dust explosions including the importance of combustible solid particle
size, dispersal, explosive concentrations, ignition, energy, temperature and humidity
primary and secondary explosion.

Examples of actual incidents, causes and effects (e.g. General Foods, Banbury,1981; Imperial
Sugar, Georgia USA, 2008) and the processes involved.
C2.2

Behaviour of structural materials, buildings and building contents in a fire

The behaviour of building structures and materials in fire: fire properties of common
building materials and structural elements (eg, steel, concrete, wood); level of fire resistance
The behaviour of common building contents in fire (eg, paper-based, fabrics, plastics)
Examples of actual incidents: charring of oak beams during the Windsor Castle fire,1992;
fuels involved in the Channel Tunnel fire, 2008; Buncefield, 2005; Windsor Tower fire
(Madrid), 2005; Summit Tunnel fire, 1984.
C2.3

Fire and explosion prevention and protection

Structural protection (eg, openings and voids, compartmentation)

Key features of plant design and process control
Segregation and storage of flammable, combustible and incompatible materials
Hazardous area zoning, exclusion of ignition sources
Inerting
Methods of explosion relief:
inerting).
C2.4

venting, explosion panels, bursting discs, suppression (eg,

Major accidents

The contribution of typical mechanical and systems failures to major accidents, eg,
Flixborough, 1974; Piper Alpha, 1988; Grangemouth, 1987; Allied Colloids, 1992; Hickson
and Welch, 1992; and Buncefield, 2005.

NEBOSH 2013

Relevant statutory provisions

Building Regulations Approved Document B
Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

Recommended tuition time not less than 6 hours

NEBOSH 2013

Element C3:

Workplace fire risk assessment

Outline the main legal requirements for fire safety in the workplace

C3.2

Explain the processes involved in the identification of hazards and the assessment of risk
from fire

C3.3

Describe common fire detection and alarm systems and procedures

C3.4

Outline the factors to be considered when selecting fixed and portable fire-fighting
equipment for the various types of fire

C3.5

Outline the factors to be considered in the provision and maintenance of means of

escape

C3.6

Explain the purpose of, and essential requirements for, emergency evacuation
procedures.

Content
C3.1

Legal requirements

The regulatory powers of a fire authority with respect to fire safety

Dual enforcement
Requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (or alternative related local
Statutory Instrument eg Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006)
Reference to the Buildings Regulations.
C3.2

Identification of hazards and the assessment of risk from fire

Fire hazards and assessment of risk

Five steps to fire risk assessment:
-

identify fire hazards; how could a fire start, what could burn (eg common flammable
solids, liquids and gases)
identify people at risk; including those especially at risk
evaluate, remove, reduce (eg control of ignition, fuel and oxygen sources), and protect
from risk
record, plan, inform, instruct and train
review.

NEBOSH 2013

C3.3

Fire detection and alarm systems and procedures

Common fire detection and alarm systems and procedures:

C3.4

factors in design and application of fire detection and alarm systems

principal components of alarm systems; detection and signalling
manual and automatic systems.
Fixed and portable fire-fighting equipment

Factors in design and application of fixed fire-fighting systems and equipment:

C3.5

classification of fires
portable fire fighting equipment
extinguishing media and mode of action
siting, maintenance and training requirements
environment, including fire water runoff.
Means of escape

Factors to be considered in the provision and maintenance of a means of escape.

General requirements for travel distances, stairs, passageways and doors, emergency
lighting, exit and directional signs.
C3.6

Emergency evacuation procedures

Purposes of and essential requirements for, evacuation procedures and drills, alarm
evacuation and roll call
Provision of Fire Wardens and their role
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs).

NEBOSH 2013

Relevant statutory provisions

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006
The Fire (Scotland) 2005 Act
The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
Building Regulations 2000, Approved Document B
Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
- A short guide to making your premises safe from fire, June 2006
Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Offices and Shops, June 2006
Fire Safety Risk Assessment Factories and Warehouses, June 2006
Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Residential Care Premises, June 2006
Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Sleeping Accommodation, June 2006
Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Small and Medium Places of Assembly, June 2006
Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Large Places of Assembly, 5 June 2006
Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Educational Premises, 5 June 2006
Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Theatres, Cinemas and Similar Premises, 8 June 2006
Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Open Air Events and Venues, March 2007
Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Transport Premises and Facilities, February 2007
Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Healthcare premises, September 2006
Fire Safety Risk Assessment - Animal Premises and Stables, October 2007
PAS 79:2007, Fire Risk Assessment. Guidance and a Recommended Methodology

Recommended tuition time not less than 6 hours

NEBOSH 2013

Element C4:

Storage, handling and processing of

dangerous substances

Outline the main physical and chemical characteristics of industrial chemical processes

C4.2

Outline the main principles of the safe storage, handling and transport of dangerous
substances

C4.3

Outline the main principles of the design and use of electrical systems and equipment in
adverse or hazardous environments

C4.4

Explain the need for emergency planning, the typical organisational arrangements
needed for emergencies and relevant regulatory requirements.

Content
C4.1

Industrial chemical processes

Effects of temperature, pressure and catalysts on rates of chemical reactions

Heat of reaction in terms of endothermic, exothermic and runaway reactions
Examples of endothermic reaction (eg, photosynthesis; reacting ethanoic acid with sodium
carbonate) example of exothermic reaction (eg, mixture of sodium and chlorine to produce
salt)
Methods of control of temperature and pressure.
C4.2

Storage, handling and transport of dangerous substances

Dangerous substances and hazardous substances with reference to the definitions

contained in appropriate legislation
Hazards presented and assessment of risk
Storage methods and quantities - bulk, intermediate, drum storage, specific locations.
Storage of incompatible materials and their segregation requirements and access
Leakage and spillage containment bunding, filling and transfer and problems encountered
during filling and transfer with examples (Albright and Wilson, Avonmouth, 1996)
Storage and handling of dangerous substances:
-

flow through pipelines

principles in filling and emptying containers
principles in dispensing, spraying and disposal of flammable liquids
dangers of electricity in hazardous areas.

NEBOSH 2013

Transport of dangerous substances:

C4.3

key safety principles in loading and unloading of tankers and tank containers
labelling of vehicles and packaging of substances
driver training and the role of the Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser under the Carriage
of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009.
Hazardous environments

Principles of: resistance to mechanical damage, protection against solid bodies, objects and
dusts, protection against liquids and gases
Wet environments including corrosion and degradation of installation and damage to
electrical systems
Principles of selection of electrical equipment for use in flammable atmospheres
Classification of hazardous areas, zoning
Use of permits-to-work
Principles of pressurisation and purging
Intrinsically safe equipment, flameproof equipment, type N equipment, type e equipment.
C4.4

Emergency planning

The need for emergency preparedness within an organisation; eg, personal injury, explosive
device, fire, loss of containment with reference to duties under the Management of Health
and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations
1999
Consequence minimisation via emergency procedures; eg, first-aid/medical, fire evacuation,
spill containment
The need for the development of emergency plans in order to reduce the impact on the
organisation, including post-incident recovery. The role of external emergency services and
local authorities in emergency planning and control
The need to develop and prepare an emergency plan, including the content of both on-site
and off-site plans for major emergency scenarios in order to meet regulatory requirements
The need for on-going monitoring and maintenance of emergency plans.

NEBOSH 2013

Relevant statutory provisions

Notification of Installations Handling Hazardous Substances Regulations 1982 (as amended)
Dangerous Substances (Notification and Marking of Sites) Regulations 1990
The Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2009
Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996
Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002
Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009
Regulation for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 Regulations 8 and 9
Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 1999
European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road 2009

Recommended tuition time not less than 7 hours

NEBOSH 2013

Element C5:

Work equipment (general)

Outline the criterion for the selection of suitable work equipment for particular tasks
and processes to eliminate or reduce risks

C5.2

Explain how risks to health and safety arising from the use of work equipment are
controlled

C5.3

Explain safe working procedures for the maintenance, inspection and testing of
work equipment according to the risks posed

C5.4

Explain the role of competence, training, information and supervision in the control of
risks arising from the installation, operation, maintenance and use of work equipment.

Content
C5.1

Selection of suitable equipment

Suitability of work equipment for the required task, process and environment
Suitability of the design, construction and adaptation of work equipment
Suitability of work equipment for its intended location of use
The means by which all forms of energy used or produced and all substances used or
produced can be supplied and/or removed in a safe manner
Ergonomic, anthropometric and human reliability considerations in use of work equipment
including: the layout and operation of controls and emergency controls; and reducing the
need for access (automation, remote systems)
The importance of size of openings; height of barriers; and distance from danger.
C5.2

Risk assessment and use

The need for conducting risk assessments in the use of work equipment
The risks associated with the use of work equipment arising from its initial integrity, the
location where it will be used, and the purpose for which it will be used
The risks associated with the use of work equipment arising from its: incorrect installation or
re-installation; deterioration; or, of exceptional circumstances which could affect the safe
operation of work equipment
The risk control hierarchy relating to work equipment: eliminating the risks; taking
'hardware' (physical) measures (such as the provision of guards); taking appropriate
'software ' measures (such as following safe systems of work and the provision of
information, instruction and training)

NEBOSH 2013

C5.3

Maintenance, inspection and testing

The hazards and precautions associated with the maintenance of work equipment
The three maintenance management strategies of: planned preventive; condition based;
and breakdown
Factors to be considered in developing a planned maintenance programme for safety-critical
components
The statutory duties for the maintenance of work equipment, including hired work
equipment
The factors to be considered in determining inspection regimes having regard to the type of
equipment; where it is used; and how it is used
The need for functional testing of safety-related parts, including interlocks, protection
devices, controls and emergency controls.
C5.4

Competence, training, information and supervision

The difference between training and competence

Circumstances when training is likely to be required including: induction; changes in work
activities; introduction of new technology or new equipment; changes in systems of work;
refresher training due to declining skills
Groups of people having specific training needs including supervisors, young and vulnerable
persons
The relationship between competence, external and self-supervision
The circumstances where there are specific training needs for certain hazardous types of
work equipment (including chainsaws, woodworking machines, power presses, abrasive
wheels, etc).

Relevant statutory provisions

Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998

Recommended tuition time not less than 9 hours

NEBOSH 2013

Element C6:

Work equipment (workplace machinery)

Describe the principles of safety integration and the considerations required in a general
workplace machinery risk assessment

C6.2

Describe, with examples, the principal generic mechanical and non-mechanical

hazards of general workplace machinery

C6.3

Describe protective devices found on general workplace machinery

C6.4

Explain the principles of control associated with the maintenance of general workplace
machinery

C6.5

Describe the requirements for information and warnings on general workplace

machinery

C6.6

Explain the key safety characteristics of general workplace machinery control systems

C6.7

Explain the analysis, assessment and improvement of system failures and system
reliability with the use of calculations.

Content
C6.1

Safety integration and machinery risk assessment

The principles of safety integration from The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008:
-

machinery must be designed and constructed to be fit for purpose and to eliminate or
reduce risks throughout the lifetime of the machinery including the phases of transport,
assembly, dismantling, disabling and scrapping
the principles must be applied in order to eliminate or reduce risks as far as possible;
take necessary protective measures where risk cannot eliminated; and inform users of
any residual risks
when designing and constructing machinery and when drafting the instructions: use
and foreseeable misuse must be considered
take account of operator constraints due to necessary or foreseeable use of personal
protective equipment
machinery must be supplied with all the essentials to enable it to be adjusted,
maintained and used safely

The factors to be considered when assessing risk: persons at risk, severity of possible injury,
probability of injury, need for access, duration of exposure, reliability of safeguards,
operating procedures and personnel

NEBOSH 2013

Purpose of CE marking and the relevance of the CE mark; selection and integration of work
equipment in the workplace
Conformity assessments, the use of harmonised standards, the technical file and the
declaration of conformity.
C6.2

Generic hazards

Common machinery hazards in a range of general workplaces: drills (radial arm, pedestal),
circular saws, guillotines, paper shredders, photocopiers, disc sanders, abrasive wheels,
lathes, automatic doors and gates, mechanical and hydraulic presses, portable power tools,
CNC machines, robotics
The types of generic machinery hazards:
-

mechanical hazards: crushing, shearing, cutting/severing, entanglement, drawingin/trapping, impact, stabbing/puncture/ejection, friction/abrasion, high pressure fluid
injection
non-mechanical hazards: noise, vibration, electricity, high/low temperature, radiation,
hazardous substances

The typical causes of failures, with examples excessive stress, abnormal external loading,
metal fatigue, ductile failure, brittle fracture, buckling and corrosive failure (Brent Cross,
1964; Markham Colliery, 1973; Littlebrook D, 1978; Ramsgate Walkway Collapse, 1994)
The principles of operation, advantages, disadvantages and application of non-destructive
testing techniques, specifically dye penetrant, acoustic, ultrasonic, radiography (gamma and
x-ray), eddy current, magnetic particle.
C6.3

Protective devices

The main types of safeguarding devices: characteristics, key features, limitations and typical
applications of fixed enclosed guards, fixed distance guards, interlocked guards, automatic
guards, trip devices, adjustable/self-adjusting guards, two-hand controls, mechanical
restraints, jigs and push-sticks.
C6.4

Maintenance

The means by which machinery is safely set, cleaned and maintained including:
systems of work; permits; isolation; procedures for working at unguarded machinery

safe

The means by which machines are isolated from all energy sources.
C6.5

Information and warnings

The scope of information required for the safe use and operation of machinery, specifically:
the conditions under which the machinery may be used; foreseeable abnormal situations
and the action to be taken; and any conclusions to be drawn from experience in usage
The means by which information and instructions regarding the operation and use of
machinery must be readily comprehensible to those concerned.

NEBOSH 2013

C6.6

Machinery control systems

The key safety characteristics of machinery control systems to include:

C6.7

making allowance for the failures, faults and constraints to be expected in the planned
circumstances of use; does not create any increased risk to health or safety; faults or
damage to the control system or the loss of energy supply must not result in additional
risk to health or safety; does not impede the operation of any stop/energy stop controls
controls for starting or making a significant change in operating conditions including
any change in speed, pressure or other operating condition
stop controls readily accessible and leads to a safe condition
emergency stop controls provided and to be readily accessible
position and marking of controls to be visible and identifiable
consideration of ergonomic principles.
Systems failures and system reliability

Meaning of the term system

Principles of system failure analysis holistic and reductionist approaches and application to
actual examples
Use of calculation in the assessment of system reliability: parallel, series and mixed systems,
common mode failures, principles of human reliability analysis
Methods for improving system reliability: use of reliable components, quality assurance,
parallel redundancy; standby systems, minimising failures to danger; planned preventive
maintenance; minimising human error.

Relevant statutory provisions

The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 Schedule 2
Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (Regulations 10-19)

Recommended tuition time not less than 11 hours

NEBOSH 2013

Element C7:

Work equipment (mobile, lifting and access)

Describe the main hazards and control measures associated with commonly
encountered mobile work equipment

C7.2

Describe the main hazards and control measures associated with commonly
encountered lifting equipment

C7.3

Describe the main hazards and control measures associated with commonly
encountered access equipment and equipment for working at height.

Content
C7.1

Mobile work equipment: hazards and control measures

Hazards
The applications of different types of mobile work equipment (self-propelled, towed,
attached, pedestrian-controlled and remotely-controlled) - to include lift trucks
(counterbalance, reach, rough terrain, telescopic materials handlers, side loading trucks,
pedestrian controlled trucks), agricultural tractors and works vehicles
The hazards associated with mobile work equipment (rollover, overturning, suitability for
carrying passengers, unauthorised start-up, safe operating station/platform, overrun of
speed, contact with wheels and tracks, falls of objects, moving parts/drive shafts/power
take-offs, over-heating)
The hazards associated with the energising (electrical, LPG, diesel) of mobile work
equipment.

Control measures
The control measures to be used in the use of mobile work equipment (self-propelled,
towed, attached, pedestrian-controlled and remotely-controlled), including safe layout of
areas where mobile equipment is used and the protection of pedestrians
The use of lift trucks to move people conditions and equipment necessary, other
attachments used on lift trucks
The importance of roll-over protection, falling objects protection, speed control systems
(stopping and emergency braking), guards, barriers and restraining systems, means of fire
fighting, vision aids (plane, angled and curved mirrors, Fresnel lenses, radar, CCTV)
The requirements for the training of lift truck operators (basic, specific job training and
familiarisation).

NEBOSH 2013

C7.2

Lifting equipment: hazards and control measures

Hazards
The applications and different types of lifting equipment including cranes (mobile cranes,
tower cranes, overhead cranes) and hoists
The hazards associated with cranes and lifting operations
The main hazards associated with the use of: hoists (gin wheel, construction site platform
hoist) and lifts (passenger and goods, scissor, vehicle inspection, MEWPs) and methods of
controlling the associated risks.

Control measures
The control measures for the use of: cranes (selection, siting, and stability of cranes); hoists
and lifts; integrity of lifting equipment; competence of personnel; maintenance, inspection;
and statutory examinations.
C7.3

Access and work at height equipment: hazards and control measures

Hazards
The applications and different types of access and work at height equipment including selfpropelled, trailer and truck-mounted hydraulic lifts (MEWPs), booms, scissor lifts, loaders
and mobile work platforms
The hazards arising from lack of mechanical strength of the carrier or lack of loading control
and control devices; hazards to persons on or in the carrier (movements of the carrier,
persons falling from the carrier, objects falling on the carrier); exceeding safe working
load/persons permitted.

Control measures
The appropriate control measures for use of access and work at height equipment: space
and strength corresponding to the maximum number of persons and maximum working
load; fitted with a suspension or supporting system; controlled by persons in the carrier;
emergency stop devices; hold-to-run controls; prevention of tilting if there is a risk of the
occupants falling; trapdoors open in a direction that eliminates any risk of falling; protective
roof if risk of falling objects endanger persons, marked with maximum number of persons
and maximum working load.

Relevant statutory provisions

Work at Height Regulations 2005
Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 Schedule 2

Recommended tuition time not less than 6 hours

NEBOSH 2013

Element C8:

Electrical safety and Electricity at Work

Regulations 1989

Outline the basic principles of electricity

C8.2

Outline the dangers of electricity

C8.3

Outline the issues relevant to the installation, use, inspection and maintenance of
electrical systems

C8.4

Outline the main principles for safe working in the vicinity of high voltage systems

C8.5

Outline the main hazards, risks and controls associated with the use of portable
electrical equipment.

Content
C8.1

Basic principles of electricity

Differences between Low and High Voltage

Potential difference, current, resistance, impedance, Ohms law
Basic electrical circuitry
Earthing principles
Significance of direct and alternating currents and electromagnetic radiation.
C8.2

Dangers of electricity

Effects of electric shock on the body: pain, muscular contraction, respiratory failure, heart
fibrillation, cardiac arrest, burns
Factors influencing the severity of the effects of electric shock on the body: voltage,
frequency, duration, impedance/ resistance, current path, direct and indirect shock
Common causes of fires: overloading of conductors: overheating, ignition of flammable
vapour, ignition of combustible material, breakdown of insulation
Electric arcs: molten metal splash and radiation
Circumstances giving rise to the generation of static electricity
Hazards and controls for static electricity.

NEBOSH 2013

C8.3

Installation, use and inspection of electrical systems

Meaning of duty holders and construction

Importance of:
-

strength and capability of electrical equipment

insulation, protection and placing of conductors
reducing the risk of shock
excess current protection
cutting off supply and isolation
working space, access and lighting.

Control measures:
-

selection and suitability of equipment

protective systems: fuses, reduced voltage systems, isolation, residual current devices,
double insulation, earth free zones
inspection and maintenance strategy: user checks, formal visual inspections, combined
inspection and tests, records of maintenance and tests, frequency of inspection and
testing, competent persons, HSG107

Relationship between BS 7671:2008 Requirements for Electrical Installations, IEE Wiring

Regulations 17th Edition: (BS 7671: 2008) and The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
Importance of schemes of maintenance, schedules, plans and records
Safe systems of work on installations made dead
Safe systems of work and criteria of acceptability for live working
Use of permits-to-work
Meaning of competent person.
C8.4

Safe working in the vicinity of high voltage systems

Common high voltage systems and prevention of danger

Competent and authorised persons role related to system modifications
Safe systems of work, permit-to-work procedures
Safe working near overhead power lines, underground cables hazards and precautions
High voltage glove working and live line overhead working.
C8.5

Portable electrical equipment

Conditions and practices likely to lead to accidents, including unsuitable equipment,

inadequate maintenance, use of defective apparatus
Electrical risks from important portable appliances, eg, portable generators, arc/mig/tig
welding
Control measures, including portable appliance inspection and testing
Aspects of supply, eg, height of cables.

NEBOSH 2013

Relevant statutory provisions

Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002
IEE Wiring Regulations 17th Edition: (BS 7671: 2008)

Recommended tuition time not less than 7 hours

NEBOSH 2013

Element C9:

Construction hazards and controls

Describe the scope and nature of construction activities

C9.2

Explain the scope and application of the Construction (Design and Management)
Regulations 2007

C9.3

Explain the hazards associated with working at heights from fixed work or temporary
platforms and the necessary precautions and safe working practices

C9.4

Explain the hazards, precautions and safe working practices associated with demolition
work

C9.5

Explain the hazards associated with excavation work and the necessary precautions and
safe working practices.

Content
C9.1

Scope and nature of construction activities

Types of work: building works, renovation; alteration; maintenance of existing premises

(occupied or unoccupied); civil engineering; works of engineering construction; and
demolition
Range of activities, including: site clearance; demolition; dismantling; excavation; loading,
unloading and storage of materials; site movements; fabrication; decoration; cleaning;
installation; removal and maintenance of services (electricity, water, gas); landscaping
Particular construction issues relating to the: transitory nature of workers; temporary nature
of construction activities and the constantly changing workplace; time pressures from
clients; weather conditions; levels of numeracy and literacy of workers; non-English
speaking workers.
C9.2 Scope and application of the Construction (Design and Management)
Regulations 2007
The particular duties under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 of
clients, designers, construction design and management (CDM) co-ordinators, principal
contractors and contractors in relation to:
-

appointment and competence required of relevant parties

notification of projects (including the requirements for both CDM and non-CDM
projects and for displaying the particulars on site)
preparation of pre-construction information (including the purpose and requirements)
the construction phase plan (including the purpose and typical content of the plan)
provision of appropriate and relevant information to all parties
preparation of the health and safety file (including the purpose and typical content of
the file).

NEBOSH 2013

C9.3

Working at height from fixed or temporary platforms

The hazards associated with working at heights

The safe use of temporary (immobile) access equipment including ladders, trestles, scaffolds
simple independent and tower scaffolds
The requirements for the erection, use and dismantling of scaffolds and falsework
Inspection of working platforms above 2 metres (Regulation 12 Work at Height Regulations
2005)
The hazards associated with falling materials and appropriate precautionary measures
Safe methods for roof work - precautions during work on fragile roofs, edge protection for
flat and sloping roofs
The means of temporary access types and safety features of cradles, boatswains chairs,
rope access and positioning systems
The use, application, selection and precautions in use of personal and collective fall arrest
devices (safety nets, airbags, belts and harnesses).
C9.4

Demolition work

The main techniques in demolition of buildings and the associated hazards and safe
working practices with reference to:
-

C9.5

falling materials; premature collapse of buildings, materials of construction

planning, structural surveys and surveys for hazardous substances, provision of working
places and means of access/egress, use of method statements and permits-to-work,
security of site boundaries and protection of the public.
Excavations

Hazards and controls associated with excavation work:

collapse; access; falls of persons, objects and vehicles; use of transport; flooding
buried services: types and consequences of damage
need for temporary shoring (drag boxes, piling)
methods for checking for buried services and the precautions to be observed
use of 3600 excavators.

The requirements for statutory inspections and examinations of excavations.

NEBOSH 2013

Relevant statutory provisions

Construction (Head Protection) Regulations 1989
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007
Work at Height Regulations 2005
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
New Roads and Street Works Act 1991
Notification of Conventional Tower Cranes Regulations 2010

Recommended tuition time not less than 7 hours

NEBOSH 2013

Element C10: Workplace transport and driving for work

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 and the
critical analysis and evaluation of information presented in both quantitative and qualitative
forms. In particular they should be able to:
C10.1 Explain the hazards, risks and control measures for safe workplace transport operations
C10.2 Outline the factors associated with driving at work that increase the risk of an incident
and the control measures to reduce work-related driving risks.

Content
C10.1 Hazards, risks and control measures for workplace transport operations
Typical hazards leading to loss of control; overturning of vehicles; collisions with other
vehicles, pedestrians and fixed objects
Non-movement related hazards, ie, loading, unloading and securing loads; sheeting;
coupling; vehicle maintenance work
Conditions and environments in which each hazard may arise
Control measures for safe workplace transport operations:
-

suitability and sufficiency of traffic routes; management of vehicle movements;

environmental considerations (visibility, gradients, changes of level, surface conditions);
maintenance of vehicles; driver protection and restraint systems; 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; selection and training of drivers;
management systems for assuring driver competence including local codes of practice.

C10.2 Driving at work

Extent of work related road injuries and fatalities
Factors associated with driving at work that increase the risk of being involved in a road
traffic incident (distance, driving hours, work schedules, stress due to traffic and weather
conditions etc)
Managing work-related road risk:
-

policy covers work-related road risk

systems to manage work-related road risk
selection and management of fleet
monitoring performance to ensure policy is effective eg
reporting of work-related road incidents by employees

organisation and structure.

NEBOSH 2013

collection of information,

Risk assessment.
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

eg, checking drivers licences and documentation; driver training; vehicle checks; journey
planning.

Relevant statutory provisions

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 Part III in particular
The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996

Tutor references
Workplace transport safety An employers guide (HSG136) HSE Books, SBN 0-71766754-7
Driving at work, Managing work-related road safety, HSE INDG382

Recommended tuition time not less than 4 hours

NEBOSH 2013

Element C11: Pressure system hazards and controls

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 and the
critical analysis and evaluation of information presented in both quantitative and qualitative
forms. In particular they should be able to:
C11.1 Outline the principles of operation of liquefied gas storage; refrigeration systems; and
heating systems
C11.2 Outline the key features and safety requirements for simple unfired pressure systems
C11.3 Outline the key features and safety requirements for process pressure systems
C11.4 Outline, the likely causes of the failure of pressure systems, and the testing and
prevention strategies that can be used.

Content
11.1

Principles

The hazards of steam; the mechanism of a steam explosion (eg Corus Blast Furnace, 2001);
properties of liquid petroleum gas; advantages and disadvantages of storage in spheres vs.
torpedoes
The liquefaction of gases for bulk storage under pressure/refrigeration; the operation of a
closed circuit refrigeration cycle
The operation of basic steam heating system
Meaning of pressure, positive pressure and negative pressure.
11.2

Simple pressure systems

Meaning of "vessel"; unfired; contents; shape, construction and materials; gauge pressure;
operating conditions; transportable gas containers
The essential safety requirements; pressurised components; steel and aluminium vessels;
non-pressurised components
Types of inspection, frequencies and statutory basis for examination of simple pressure
systems.
11.3

Pressure systems

Meaning of relevant fluids, the scope of what constitutes a pressure system; steam at any
pressure
The key components and safety features of pressure systems; temperature, pressure, level
indicators; pressure relief valves; fuel cut-off; bursting discs; level replenishment; water
treatment.

NEBOSH 2013

11.4

Failure of pressure systems

The hazards of over pressure and over temperature in pressure systems

The mechanisms of mechanical failure that lead to a loss of containment: excessive stress;
abnormal external loading; overpressure; overheating; mechanical fatigue and shock;
thermal fatigue and shock; brittle fracture; creep; hydrogen attack; corrosive failure with
reference to case studies; examples of pressure system failures
Prevention strategy: design and construction, repair and modification, information and
marking, safe operating limits, written scheme of examination, maintenance and record
keeping, competent persons.

Relevant statutory provisions

Pressure Equipment Regulations 1999
Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000
Simple Pressure Vessels (Safety) Regulations 1991

Recommended tuition time not less than 5 hours

NEBOSH 2013

100

4.2

Unit D: Application of health and safety theory

and practice

Learning outcomes
On completion of this element, candidates should be able to:
Demonstrate the ability to apply the knowledge and understanding gained from their
studies of elements of Units A, B and C in a practical environment
Carry out a detailed review of the health and safety performance of a workplace or
organisation
Critically analyse and evaluate information gathered during the review
Produce a justified action plan to improve performance.

Content
This unit contains no additional syllabus content. However, completion of study for units A, B and
C is recommended in order to undertake the Unit D assignment. Candidates should refer to the
separate Unit D Guidance which is available to download from the Students section of the website,
or from their accredited course provider.

4.2.1

Purpose and aim

The aim of the assignment is to produce an overall review of the health and safety management
system of an organisation and indicate, using risk assessment, the priorities for the organisation for
the future.
The focus of the Unit D assignment should be the application of the knowledge and understanding
developed in Units A, B and C to a real workplace situation. It provides opportunities for the
candidate to carry out research appropriate to a qualification that is comparable to degree-level.
Candidates are required to demonstrate the ability to carry out a range of activities that would be
expected of a health and safety practitioner.
The report should be organised in sections which match those set out in the assignment mark
scheme. The sections are:
Executive Summary
Introduction
Review of the Health and Safety Management System
Hazard Identification
Risk Assessment
Conclusions
Recommendations
Action Plan
References / Bibliography
Appendices.

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101

4.2.2

Marking

The Unit D assignment is marked by appropriately qualified Examiners appointed by NEBOSH.

Candidates must achieve the pass standard (50%) in Unit D in order to satisfy the criteria for
the qualification.

4.2.3

Assessment location

The Unit D assignment must be carried out in the candidates own workplace. Where the
candidate does not have access to a suitable workplace, the accredited course provider should
be consulted to help in making arrangements for the candidate to carry out the assignment at
suitable premises.
Candidates do not require supervision when carrying out the practical application, but the
candidate must sign a declaration that Unit D is their own work.
Candidates and employers should be aware that the status of the report undertaken to fulfil the
requirements of Unit D is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute an
assessment for the purposes of any legislation or regulations.

4.2.4

Submission of completed work

Assignment reports should be submitted before the set submission date in either March or
September.
The actual dates will be published by NEBOSH annually. Candidates intending to submit an
assignment must register through their accredited course provider using the appropriate form and
paying the appropriate fee. On registration candidates will receive a submission form which must
accompany the assignment report.
Assignments must be submitted directly to NEBOSH. They should be sent by Royal Mail Special
Delivery or a courier service that provides a track-back facility (this is a next day guaranteed delivery
service). Failure to use such a service close to the closing date may result in arrival after the closing
date and rejection of the assignment.
Candidates are strongly advised to keep a copy of their assignment report.
No refund of fees will be made in cases where assignments are rejected or where candidates
register but fail to submit.

4.2.5

Further information

Further detailed information regarding Unit D including forms and mark schemes can be found
in a separate guidance document for candidates and accredited .course providers available from
the NEBOSH website (www.nebosh.org.uk): Unit D Assignment guidance and information for
candidates

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102

Sample examination question papers

5.1

Unit A: Managing health and safety

THE NATIONAL EXAMINATION BOARD IN

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

NEBOSH NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

Unit A: Managing health and safety

[DATE]
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.

(a)

(b)

Explain why organisations often identify the costs of health and

safety control measures much more easily than they identify the
costs that can arise from poor health and safety standards.

(6)

Outline, with examples, the meaning of the terms insured and

uninsured costs in connection with accidents and incidents at
work AND outline the relative size of these two costs in an
organisation as demonstrated by accident costing studies.

(4)

The following table shows the number of lost-time accidents recorded at

two organisations involved in similar manufacturing processes. The
figures in brackets show the average numbers of employees at each
organisation for the year in question.
Year
2005
2006
2007
2008

NEBOSH 2013

Organisation A
22 (2500)
24 (2450)
31 (2300)
30 (2100)

Organisation B
8 (250)
8 (265)
8 (300)
7 (340)

103

(a)

(b)

(a)

(b)

(5)

Outline any possible limitations with the data itself, or the way
that it is collected, that might make direct comparisons of the rates
at the two organisations unreliable or misleading.

(5)

Outline reasons for establishing effective consultation

arrangements with employees on health and safety matters in the
workplace.

(4)

Outline a range of formal and informal consultation arrangements

that may contribute to effective consultation on health and safety
matters in the workplace.

(6)

A risk assessment has identified the need to introduce a safe system of

work for cleaning some moving machinery. The system proposed would
allow the machinery to be cleaned by the operator whilst it was running at
normal speed with the guards removed. This would present a risk of
injury from the moving parts. To reduce this risk it is proposed that the
cleaning is undertaken with a long-handled device which would enable
the operators hands to be kept away from the moving parts.
(a)

(b)

Calculate AND compare the annual lost-time accident incidence

rates for the two organisations for the years shown AND
comment on any trends.

Outline the extent to which the proposed system of work meets

the general principles of prevention referred to in Regulation 4
and Schedule 1 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work
Regulations 1999. Your answer should refer to the specific
general principles of prevention which are relevant to this
scenario.

(5)

Outline the steps that an organisation should take to ensure the

effective implementation of a new safe system of work, assuming
that a detailed risk assessment has already been undertaken.

(5)

Human failure was identified as a significant factor in an accident

involving a crane. An employee was seriously injured when struck by
material being transported by the crane.
Outline the types of human failure which may have contributed to the
accident AND in EACH case give examples relevant to the scenario to
illustrate your answer.

(10)

A Health and Safety Executive inspector visits a small, limited company.

The inspector decides to serve a prohibition notice on the employer in
respect of an unguarded machine.
(a)

NEBOSH 2013

Identify the legal criteria that must be satisfied before a

prohibition notice may be lawfully served.
104

(2)

(b)

If the employer chooses to appeal against the notice identify the

effect of the appeal AND the timescale within which an appeal
must be made.

(2)

At a subsequent visit the inspector discovers that the unguarded machine

is still in use by an employee and that this activity has been agreed by the
Operations Director. The inspector decides to bring a prosecution against
the Operations Director by virtue of Section 37 of the Health and Safety
at Work etc Act 1974 in respect of the breach of the prohibition notice.
(c)

(d)

Outline the legal criteria that the inspector would need to satisfy
to bring a successful prosecution.

(3)

Identify the maximum penalties that would be available on

conviction of the Operations Director.

(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.

A low pressure storage vessel is connected via pipework to a

manufacturing plant which could, in the event of malfunction, generate a
pressure great enough to rupture the vessel. To prevent this a pressure
detector is installed in the low pressure storage vessel. If pressure starts
to rise above an acceptable level the detector activates a valve control
system. This in turn closes the inlet valve to the vessel isolating it from
excessive pressure. It has been estimated that pressure great enough to
rupture the low pressure storage vessel would be generated once every
four years on average.
Reliability data for the system is given below.

(a)

NEBOSH 2013

Component

Reliability

Pressure detector

0.95

Valve control system

0.99

Inlet valve

0.8

Construct an event tree for the protective system described

above AND use it to calculate the frequency of a rupture of the
low pressure storage vessel.

105

(12)

(b)

(c)

It is proposed that, in addition to the protective system described

above, the low pressure storage vessel is also fitted with a suitable
pressure relief valve (reliability 0.9).
Assuming that the vessel would only rupture if both the protective
system and the pressure relief valve failed at the same time,
calculate the frequency of rupture of the low pressure storage
vessel in these circumstances.

(4)

Outline the issues that would need to be considered when

deciding whether both protective systems were needed on the low
pressure storage vessel.

(4)

A forklift truck is used to move loaded pallets in a large distribution

warehouse. On one particular occasion the truck skidded on a patch of oil.
As a consequence the truck collided with an unaccompanied visitor and
crushed the visitors leg.
(a)

Outline reasons why the accident should be investigated.

(b)

The initial responses of reporting and securing the scene of the

accident have been carried out.
Outline the actions which should be taken in order to collect
evidence for an investigation of the accident.

(c)

(8)

The investigation reveals that there have been previous skidding

incidents which had not been reported and the company therefore
decides to introduce a formal system for reporting near miss
incidents.
Outline the factors that should be considered when developing
and implementing such a system.

(4)

(8)

The case of R v Swan Hunter Shipbuilders Ltd and Another [1982] arose
from a serious fire during a ship repair at Swan Hunters shipyard. Swan
Hunter were convicted in the Court of Appeal.
(a)

(b)

NEBOSH 2013

Identify the specific provisions of the Health and Safety at Work

etc Act 1974 under which Swan Hunter Shipbuilders Ltd (Swan
Hunter) were prosecuted AND in EACH case outline the reasons
why the company was convicted.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
were not in force at the time of this case. Had these Regulations
been in force, identify the requirements of the Regulations under
which Swan Hunter could have been prosecuted specifically in
connection with the fire incident AND outline reasons in EACH
case.

106

(6)

Requirements in the Regulations relating to competent health

and safety assistance and emergency procedures should be
excluded.
(c)

(a)

(b)

(8)

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

are supported by an Approved Code of Practice and guidance. In
criminal proceedings outline the legal status of:
(i)

an Approved Code of Practice;

(3)

(ii)

guidance.

(3)

Explain the difference between:

(i)

common law and statute law;

(4)

(ii)

civil law and criminal law.

(6)

Employers have a duty under common law to take reasonable

care to ensure the safety of their employees.
Referring to relevant case law where appropriate, outline the
nature of this duty in terms of:

(i)

safe plant and equipment;

(6)

(ii)

safe places of work.

(4)

As the Health and Safety Adviser to a large organisation, you have

decided to develop and introduce an in-house auditing programme to
assess the effectiveness of the organisations health and safety
management arrangements.
Describe the organisational and planning issues to be addressed in the
development of the audit programme.
You do not need to consider the specific factors to be audited.

NEBOSH 2013

107

(20)

5.2 Unit B: Hazardous agents in the workplace

THE NATIONAL EXAMINATION BOARD IN
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

NEBOSH NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

Unit B: Hazardous agents in the workplace

[DATE]
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

Outline signs that could indicate to an employer that an employee has an

alcohol problem.

(10)

(a)

Outline the nature and properties of alpha particles.

(4)

(b)

Outline the principles that could be used to control exposure to

alpha particles.

(6)

Identify the possible range of specialists involved in Occupational

Health provision in a large manufacturing company.

(5)

Outline the specific activities that occupational health specialists

could undertake as part of a programme to reduce accidents and
absences relating to manual handling. For EACH activity identify
the most appropriate occupational specialist to undertake the
activity.

(5)

(a)

(b)

NEBOSH 2013

108

A welder undertakes work in an open plan workshop.

Outline the factors to be considered when selecting suitable Respiratory
Protective Equipment for this work.

(10)

Work related upper limb disorders (WRULDs) can develop if ergonomic

principles are not followed when designing work tools and work
equipment.
(a)

Outline what is meant by the term ergonomic principles.

(2)

(b)

Outline how the design of work tools and work equipment can
help to minimise the risk of a person developing a WRULD.

(8)

Employees can be exposed to corrosive substances.

(a)

Give the meaning of the term corrosive.

(b)

The data below, for three forms of the same product, is taken from
a suppliers catalogue.

(2)

Using the data outline the likely routes of entry AND effects of
exposure when handling EACH of these products.
Product
Code

Chemical
name/formula

Concentration

Physical
Form

Sodium Hydroxide
(NaOH)

99.9%

Pellets

Sodium Hydroxide
(NaOH)

97%

Powder

Sodium Hydroxide
(NaOH)

50% in water

Liquid

NEBOSH 2013

109

(8)

(a)

(b)

(a)

(b)

Identify the published sources of information an employer could

use to determine if carcinogens are used in their workplace.
Outline the control measures that should be used when, because
of the nature of the work, it is not possible to eliminate a
carcinogen or substitute it with an alternative substance.

Outline the principles of a prospective cohort study, as used in

epidemiology.

(4)

Outline factors that may affect the reliability of such cohort

studies.

(10)

(6)

A company that operates hotels and health spas recognises the risks
associated with the legionella bacteria.
(a)

(b)

(16)

National public health monitoring has recorded several hundred

cases of an illness. In at least half the cases the cause has been
confirmed, by laboratory tests, as a new strain of virus.
Outline the possible data AND data sources that could be used
for a prospective cohort study of this outbreak.

(c)

(4)

Identify specific locations where there may be growth of, or

potential exposure to, legionella for employees AND guests.
Outline the control measures that this company should implement
to minimise exposure to legionella bacteria.

(5)

(15)

A noise survey is to be carried out in a large enclosed turbine hall within

an electricity generating power station.
In the turbine hall there are three steam driven turbines and other
mechanical plant associated with power generation.
Exposure to noise is a considerable problem for the 50 employees who
work on each shift in the turbine hall especially when all three turbines
are running.
Explain how a noise survey should be planned and undertaken in order
to assess employees noise exposures in this workplace.

NEBOSH 2013

110

(20)

A manufacturing process involves the use of three organic solvents,

exposure to which is controlled by local exhaust ventilation (LEV) and
personal protective equipment. The LEV system is regularly inspected
and is subject to thorough examination and testing on an annual basis.
(a)

(b)

NEBOSH 2013

Outline how the exposure of the process workers to solvent

vapours could be assessed.

(10)

Outline how the data obtained could be used to determine if the

exposure of the process workers to the solvents is adequately
controlled.

(10)

111

5.3 Unit C: Workplace and work equipment safety

THE NATIONAL EXAMINATION BOARD IN
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

NEBOSH NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

Unit C: Workplace and work equipment

[DATE]
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

Outline the main design features of a warehouse and associated traffic

routes intended to reduce the risks associated with internal transport.

(10)

A petrol storage tank in a bund containing three other similar tanks is

overfilled during a transfer operation resulting in a large spill of petrol into
the bund. The petrol vapour is ignited from a remote source causing a
catastrophic explosion and fire involving the whole installation.
(a)

(b)

NEBOSH 2013

Identify the design and construction measures that could have

prevented such an event.

(4)

Outline the range of measures that would be necessary to

mitigate the effects of such an event.

(6)

112

A design for a multifuel combined heat and power (CHP) power station
allows for either coal, oil or natural gas burning. The proposed site will
include the necessary fuel storage facilities and water treatment plant.
The installation will be located on the bank of a river estuary and receive
deliveries by road, pipeline and ship.
Identify potential pollutants AND their related source:

(a)

during normal operation;

(5)

(b)

during abnormal operation.

(5)

A production plant uses a potentially explosive powder. Pressurised

nitrogen is the transporting and inerting gas within the plant.
(a)

Give the meaning of inerting.

(2)

(b)

Outline practical reasons why inerting was considered necessary

for this process.

(3)

(c)

Identify the risks from inert atmospheres during maintenance.

(2)

(d)

Outline control measures that reduce the risks from inert

atmospheres during maintenance.

(3)

The owners of a large distribution warehouse business have secured a

contract from a stationery manufacturer. Their insurers have
recommended that the proposed storage facility is sprinkler protected.
Outline the factors to be considered in providing an adequate sprinkler
system for the storage facility.

(10)

With reference to the mechanical hazards associated with the operation

of a hydraulic robotic arm on a production line, outline a range of
measures aimed at minimising the risk of injury.

(10)

NEBOSH 2013

113

A property development company has acquired a former Victorian grain

warehouse, abandoned for the past twenty years, to convert into luxury
apartments. A Principal Contractor has been appointed for the entire
project which involves total removal of the building internals followed by
construction of the apartments within the building shell. The demolition
work is sub-contracted to a specialist company.
(a)

Under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations

2007 (CDM);
(i)

(ii)

(b)

(a)

(b)

outline the specific duties of the Principal Contractor with

regard to the demolition phase of the project.
Your answer should exclude requirements to check on
clients duties.

(7)

identify additional duties specific to demolition under

CDM.

(3)

Outline the content of the Pre-Construction Information that will

be of specific interest to the demolition contractor.

(10)

Outline a range of factors that may cause instability of a mobile

crane.

(8)

Outline control measures that should be taken to reduce the

likelihood of a mobile crane overturning during a lifting operation.

(12)

A serious accident occurred when a threaded steel rod in the braking

mechanism of a hoist broke. An investigation revealed that the cause of
the breakage was fatigue failure.
(a)

Outline the mechanism and characteristics of fatigue failure.

(b)

Identify THREE factors which can contribute to such a failure

AND for EACH factor outline ONE circumstance in which it may
occur. (6)

(c)

Outline the measures that could have been taken to minimise the
likelihood of such a failure.

Outline the precautions that can be taken to minimise the risks

associated with a cable strike when excavating near underground
electrical cables.

NEBOSH 2013

114

(6)

(8)

(20)

An enclosed reactor vessel 30 metres high with a diameter of 10 metres

needs cleaning, inspection and repair. The reactor was previously used
for reacting flammable solids and gases that formed a toxic, acidic
product.
It is not possible to avoid entry and the relevant personnel are suitably fit,
trained, informed and supervised.
Outline additional arrangements that should be considered in order to
comply with the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997.

NEBOSH 2013

115

(20)

The National Examination

Board in Occupational
Safety and Health
Dominus Way
Meridian Business Park
Leicester LE19 1QW
telephone +44 (0)116 2634700
fax +44 (0)116 2824000
email info@nebosh.org.uk
www.nebosh.org.uk

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