JANUARY 2011

Question 1 Workers in a chemical plant are provided with gloves to protect against the possible
effects of the chemicals. In recent months, there has been an increase in the number of hand
and lower arm skin complaints amongst these workers.
Outline possible reasons for this increase in skin complaints. (10)
Question 2 (a) Identify the way in which lasers are classified according to their hazard. (2)
(b) Low power lasers are widely used to read bar-code labelled products at checkouts in retail
premises.
Outline:
(ii) the design features; (4)
(ii) the procedural controls (4)
that should be in place for the safe operation and maintenance of the equipment.

Question 3 (a) Outline the following toxicological terms:

(i) LD 50; (2)
(ii) LC 50. (2)
(b) (i) Outline the toxicity test known as the fixed dose procedure. (4)
(ii) Outline the possible reasons why the fixed dose procedure has replaced previous methods
that estimated LD 50. (2)

Question 4 Workers on a food production line have to pick up rectangles of pasta from a
delivery conveyor and place them into trays on a separate conveyor. This involves 8 hour shifts
and is carried out standing in front of the conveyors. Following complaints from a number of
workers about pains in their arms and shoulders, you have been asked to carry out an
ergonomic assessment for this operation.
(a) Outline the ergonomic risk factors to be taken into account when making such an
assessment AND outline how these may be contributing to the problems experienced by the
workers in this situation. (5)
(b) Total automation of the process is not possible. Outline other control measures that could
be taken to reduce the ill-health effects being experienced by the workers. (5)

Question 5 (a) Outline why it is important to measure transport (duct) velocity when assessing
the efficiency of a local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system. (2)
(b) Outline the methods that can be used to measure transport velocity in an LEV system. (5)
(c) Identify other measurements that can be used to determine if the LEV system is working as
designed. (3)

Question 6 (a) Outline the health effects associated with the Human immunodeficiency virus
(HIV). (3)
(b) Outline control measures to protect against occupational exposure to the virus. (7)
Question 7 A small motor vehicle repair workshop uses paints known to contain isocyanates.
(a) Outline the health effects from exposure to isocyanates. (3)
(b) Outline the factors to consider when assessing the risks arising from using these paints. (7)
(c) Outline the practical measures to control exposure to the isocyanates when spray painting
the vehicles in the workshop. (10)

Question 8 You are a health and safety advisor to a bus operating company. You have been
asked to prepare a company policy on drug misuse. Outline key points the policy should
include. (20)

Question 9 (a) Explain the meaning of the term ‘toxicity’. (2)

(b) Describe the physical characteristics of asbestos and give TWO occupational examples
where it is likely to be encountered. (4)
(c) Outline the diseases caused by exposure to asbestos AND their signs and symptoms. (7)
(d) Outline the equipment and method that should be used to determine the level of asbestos
fibres in the air in the workplace. (7)

Question 10 A distribution company employs 300 workers as drivers, warehouse operatives and
office staff, processing telephone and internet orders.
(a) Identify the possible functions of this company’s occupational health department:
(i) when recruiting new workers; (4)
(ii) when a worker returns to work after ill-health. (5)
(b) Outline other ways in which the occupational health department can assist the
management team to improve health and safety within this organisation. (11)
(You do not need to consider those functions you have already addressed in part a).

Question 11 A motorcycle courier is exposed to high levels of noise and vibration as he rides his
motorcycle. The vibration originates in the engine and wheels and is transmitted to the rider
through the vehicle seat, handlebars and foot pegs. The high noise level arises mainly from
wind turbulence around the rider’s crash helmet.
(a) Outline the ill-health symptoms related to noise and vibration that the rider is likely to
experience from prolonged and repeated riding. (4)
(b) Outline how you might assess:
(i) the noise level experienced by the rider; (4)
(ii) the level of vibration experienced by the rider. (4)
(c) Outline the range of practical measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of ill-health
effects to the driver. (8)
JULY 2011
Question 1 Workers driving vehicles on a construction site may experience wholebody vibration
(WBV).
(a) Explain the meaning of WBV. (2)
(b) Outline the health effects of WBV. (2)
(c) Outline measures the drivers could take in order to reduce the effects of WBV. (6)

Question 2 When respiratory protective equipment is in use, it may not provide the level of
protection stated by the manufacturer.
Outline the possible reasons for this. (10)
Question 3 Human epidemiology and animal studies can be used to investigate whether a
substance is carcinogenic.
(a) Outline the advantages of EACH of these methods. (3)
(b) Outline the disadvantages of EACH of these methods. (7)
Question 4 (a) Outline the four stages of occupational health and hygiene practice. (4)
(b) An organisation is concerned about the level of absence arising from work related injuries
and ill-health.
Outline practical ways in which the organisation’s occupational health department could assist
in the management of this problem. (6)

Question 5 Stone masons are exposed to silica dust during grinding operations. You have
collected exposure data for one worker using standard sampling equipment suitable for dusts.
The results are presented in the table below.

(a) Outline the meaning of the term ‘respirable dust’. (2)

(b) Using the data in the table, calculate in mg/m3 the average concentration of ‘respirable
crystalline silica (quartz) to which the worker was exposed during the sampling period. (5)
You should calculate the value in units of mg/m3 (there are 1000 litres in each cubic metre).
(c) Outline why there may be errors in the measurement values. (3)
Question 6 The most widely used and accepted index for the assessment of heat stress in
industry is the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index.
(a) Identify the measurements that need to be taken to determine the WBGT index. (3)
(b) Outline the principle of operation of the instruments that should be used to make the
measurements. (7)

Question 7 A newspaper printing company that employs 80 workers operates several printing
presses in a large open-plan area. Noise is considered to be a problem.
(a) Identify the information that should be obtained before undertaking a noise survey in the
open-plan area. (6)
(b) Explain how the noise survey should be undertaken and the type of equipment that could
be used to assess workers’ noise exposures. (14)

Question 8 Hospital nurses are at risk from work-related violence when they are required to
visit patients in their own homes.
(a) Outline a strategy that the hospital management should have in place in order to manage
work-related violence. (10)
(b) Describe a range of practical measures that the nurses can take to minimise the risk of
violence when making visits to patients. (10)

Question 9 Dental practitioners often work alone or with small teams.

(a) Identify the health hazards to which a dentist and those who work with dentists may be
exposed. (10)
(b) Outline how the risks to a dentist and those who work with dentists can be reduced. (10)

Question 10 Organic solvents, which are classified as harmful and sensitising, are used as a
thinning agent for paints which will be used by workers.
(a) Outline the principles and methodology of the following air monitoring techniques used to
assess the workers’ exposure to the organic solvents:
(i) grab sampling using a direct reading instrument; (4)
(ii) active static sampling; (4)
(iii) active personal sampling. (4)
(b) Outline the strategy to be used in the prevention and control of exposure to the organic
solvents. (8)

Question 11 (a) Outline the typical signs and symptoms of Legionnaire’s

disease. (5)
(b) Outline the conditions under which legionella bacteria may grow. (3)
(c) Outline the means of controlling the growth of legionella
bacteria. (12)
JANUARY 2012
Question 1 Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) provide important information to employers who are
required to assess exposure to hazardous substances in their workplace. A typical SDS is divided
into sections that contain different types of information.
Identify FIVE different types of information contained in a SDS, AND for EACH, outline how the
information could contribute to the assessment of risk or control of exposure. (10)

Question 2 (a) Identify the possible health effects from working in a cold store at sub-zero
temperatures. (4)
(b) Outline control measures to minimise the risks to persons who work in a cold store at sub-
zero temperatures. (6)

Question 3 Operators use a range of solvents in a manufacturing process.

Describe a monitoring strategy that could be used to measure the exposure of the operators to
solvent vapours. (10)

Question 4 A research laboratory undertakes necessary work with biological agents. These
biological agents are categorised as extremely hazardous, being placed in the highest hazard
group.
Outline a range of technical controls that should be used to minimise the risks to those working
in the laboratory, where elimination or substitution of the hazard is not possible. (10)

Question 5 A worker on a production line is required to stand in front of his workbench, which
is 750mm deep and set at waist height. The worker must frequently lift a 20kg item of
equipment from his workbench onto an unpowered roller conveyor which is behind it. The
conveyor is set slightly higher than the workbench (see diagram).

(a) Explain why the current method of working is not acceptable. (4)
(b) Outline practical measures that might be considered to reduce the ergonomic related risk to
the worker. (6)

Question 6 Construction workers regularly use cement. Several of the long-term workers and
one of the new recruits have complained about red and sore skin on their hands.
(a) Explain the possible reasons for the symptoms they are experiencing. (6)
(b) Outline control measures that could be used to minimise these symptoms in this situation.
(4)
Question 7 A slightly corrosive solution is used as a treatment in part of a manufacturing
process. The solution is applied by hand brushing. For this process, other methods of
application are not practicable.
(a) Outline the factors that should be considered in the selection of personal protective
equipment to adequately protect the skin and the eyes of those involved in the process. (10)
(b) Outline the content of a training programme that will assist workers to use the personal
protective equipment correctly. (5)
(c) Identify a range of practical measures (other than training) that can be taken to encourage
the use of the personal protective equipment and maintain its effectiveness. (5)

Question 8 Managers are concerned at the increase in stress-related absence.

(a) Identify a range of information sources that can be used to assess the levels of stress
experienced by their workers. (6)
(b) Outline organisational and personal factors that can contribute to the incidence of work-
related stress. (14)

Question 9 A small printing company operates a number of printing machines which are
located in an open-plan workshop. Following a noise survey, the company discovers that their
workers are being exposed to high average daily noise levels. The noise levels exceed regulatory
exposure limits.
(a) Describe the acute and chronic physiological effects of exposure to high noise levels on the
individual. (4)
(b) Explain what steps the company should take to protect workers. (16)
In your answer clearly explain the range of technical and organisational control measures that
could be introduced.

Question 10 A large manufacturing company is to introduce a health promotion programme.

(a) Outline the purpose of a health promotion programme. (2)
(b) Identify issues the health promotion programme should address AND outline the way in
which EACH issue could be promoted. (10)
(c) Identify FOUR occupational health specialists who may be involved in the health promotion
programme, AND outline how EACH specialist could contribute to the programme. (8)

Question 11 (a) Identify FIVE workplace sources of ionising radiation. (5)

(b) Outline control measures that should be in place when persons may be exposed to ionising
radiation at work. (15)
JULY 2012
Question 1 (a) Outline the meaning of the term „work-related violence‟. (2)
(b) Outline a range of practical measures to help reduce violence towards a nurse who is
required to visit patients in their own home. (8)

Question 2 According to current veterinary and medical opinion, the bacterium E. coli O157
should be assumed to be carried by all ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats and deer). In addition,
this bacterium can exist for long periods of time outside the animal (in soil and faeces).
(a) Identify ways in which school children visiting a farm might be exposed to E. coli O157
bacterium. (4)
(b) Explain a range of practical control measures that should be put in place to reduce this risk
of exposure. (6)

Question 3 A company has decided to close its offices and allow its 30 workers to work from
home. The company will provide each worker with their own portable (laptop) computer for
use at home and on their daily visits to customers.
Outline factors to consider when selecting and using these laptops to minimise ergonomic risks.
(10)

Question 4 The figure below shows an audiogram for an adult worker.

(a) Explain what is meant by „threshold shift‟. (2)

(b) Outline the significance of the shape of the audiogram. (2)
(c) Outline the benefits AND limitations of audiometry as part of a hearing conservation
programme. (6)

Question 5 Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) can be caused by frequent and prolonged
use of hand-held power tools.
(a) Identify the signs and symptoms of HAVS. (2)
(b) Outline a range of control measures that could be used to minimise the risks to workers of
developing HAVS when using such power tools. (8)
Question 6 (a) Outline what is meant by the term „biological monitoring‟ AND give examples
where such monitoring may be appropriate. (6)
(b) Outline practical difficulties that an employer must overcome when introducing a
programme of biological monitoring. (4)

Question 7 A new health club is planning to install ultra-violet (UV) tanning equipment. The
equipment uses UV sources with a higher intensity than normal sunlight to accelerate tanning.
(a) Identify BOTH the acute AND chronic effects that could result from exposure to UV
radiation. (4)
(b) Outline control measures that should be put in place for BOTH workers AND customers for
the safe operation of this facility. (12)
(c) Outline TWO other examples of occupational exposure to UV radiation. (4)

Question 8 (a) Explain why it is difficult to determine whether cancers in the working
population are caused by exposure to substances used at work. (6)
(b) Outline the merits and limitations of EACH of the following methods for identifying the
carcinogenic potential of a substance:
(i) human epidemiology; (5)
(ii) animal studies; (5)
(iii) in vitro mutagenicity (AMES) testing. (4)
Question 9 In a chemical process, workers use a mixture that contains two organic liquids,
MMA and PPO. Table 1 below shows the average personal exposure levels to the organic liquids
for one worker measured over an 8-hour day and Table 2 shows the exposure limits for the two
components (MMA and PPO).

(a) Substances in a mixture may

interact in different ways to
cause harm.
Outline what is meant by
independent, additive and
synergistic interactions. (4)
(b) Using the information in
Table 1, calculate the 8-hour
Time- Weighted Average (TWA)
exposure of the worker to BOTH
MMA
AND PPO. (8)
Your answer should include
detailed working to show you
understand how the exposure is determined.
(c) Using relevant information from Tables 1 and 2, explain what actions might be required by
the employer to control exposure.Assume that the components have independent toxic action.
(8)

Question 10 A contractor is hired to fit a noticeboard in a small meeting room in an office block.
This task involves drilling through some asbestos insulating board.
(a) Outline the diseases caused by exposure to asbestos including their health effects. (7)
(b) Outline the issues the contractor should consider when assessing the risk of exposure to
asbestos arising from this task. (5)
(c) Outline control measures the contractor should take when carrying out this task. (8)

Question 11 An airborne contaminant has an Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) of 10ppm, 8-

hour Time-Weighted Average (TWA). Engineering controls have been introduced but the
airborne concentration of the contaminant in a workshop has been measured at 180ppm, 8-
hour TWA. The occupational hygienist has selected an item of Respiratory Protective
Equipment (RPE) with an Assigned Protection Factor (APF) of 20, which is to be worn
temporarily by all workers in the contaminated area.
(a) Using the data above, outline how the occupational hygienist could have calculated the APF
AND whether the hygienist made an appropriate selection. (4)
(b) Outline other factors that should be taken into account when selecting appropriate RPE. (6)
(c) When RPE is used it may not provide the level of protectionstated by the manufacturer.
Outline the possible reasons for this. (10)

JANUARY 2013
Question 1 A catalogue distribution company employs drivers, warehouse staff and office staff
to process telephone and internet orders.
Identify the functions of the distribution company’s occupational health department when:
(a) recruiting new workers; (5)
(b) a worker returns to work after ill-health. (5)
Question 2 Outline how the human body may defend itself against harmful chemical
substances. (10)

Question 3 Assembling components on a production line can cause workers to develop work-
related upper limb disorders (WRULDs).
(a) Identify the ill-health conditions associated with WRULDs. (2)
(b) Outline control measures that could reduce the risk of workers developing WRULDs. (8)

Question 4 A contractor has been hired to examine the quality of a weld repair to a metal pipe
on a chemical plant. It has been decided that on-site radiography, using either gamma or X-ray
sources, is the only practical option in this case.
Outline suitable measures to control the radiological risks from the examination work. (10)

Question 5 Outline the occupational factors that can contribute to stress-related problems
amongst call centre workers. (10)

Question 6 (a) Outline why it is important to measure transport (duct) velocity when assessing
the efficiency of a local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system. (2)
(b) Outline the methods that can be used to measure transport velocity in an LEV system. (5)
(c) Identify other measurements that can be used to determine if the LEV system is working as
designed. (3)

Question 7 (a) Outline how the use of drugs or alcohol can adversely affect a worker’s fitness to
work. (5)
(b) Outline circumstances when drug and alcohol testing should be used at work. (4)
(c) Outline how the use of drugs or alcohol problems at work can be managed effectively. (7)
(d) Identify FOUR disciplines or agencies that may assist in assessing or managing the use of
drugs or alcohol at work. (4)

Question 8 A small motor vehicle repair workshop uses paints known to contain isocyanates.
(a) Outline the health effects from exposure to isocyanates. (3)
(b) Outline factors to consider when assessing the risks arising from using these paints. (7)
(c) Outline practical measures to control exposure to the isocyanates when spray painting the
vehicles in the workshop. (10)

Question 9 The guidance document ‘HSG173 Monitoring strategies for toxic substances’
describes a three-stage strategy. The three stages are initial appraisal, a basic survey and a
detailed survey.
(a) Outline circumstances when EACH of these stages might beappropriate. (5)
(b) For EACH of these THREE stages, outline the methods and equipment that could be used in
the monitoring. (10)
(c) Outline how the data obtained from the monitoring could be used to determine whether
controls in place are adequate. (5)

Question 10 A noise assessment carried out at a manufacturing plant has revealed that
personnel working in the vicinity of machinery are exposed to noise levels in excess of
acceptable limits. It has been decided to investigate engineering methods of reducing noise
exposures.
(a) (i) Explain the purpose of an acoustic enclosure AND an acoustic haven (acoustic refuge). (2)
(ii) Explain the design features of an acoustic enclosure. (12)
(b) Hearing protection may also be required to further reduce exposure to the noise.
Outline factors that should be considered when selecting the hearing protection. (6)

Question 11 (a) (i) Identify SIX factors that can affect the thermal comfort of an individual. (6)
(ii) Outline the role of heat indices when assessing a thermal environment. (3)
(iii) Give an example of a heat index AND identify the parameters that contribute to this index.
(3)
(b) Catering staff prepare chilled meals for reheating. A significant part of their working day is
spent in an area where the ambient temperature is between 3°C and 5°C.
Describe the control measures that could be used to minimise the risks associated with working
in this cold environment. (8)

JULY 2013
Question 1 Workers in a chemical plant are provided with gloves to protect against the possible
effects from the chemicals. In recent months, there has been an increase in the number of hand
and lower arm skin complaints amongst the workers.
Outline possible reasons for this increase in skin complaints. (10)
Question 2 (a) Identify the way in which lasers are classified according to their hazard. (2)
(b) Low power lasers are widely used to read bar code labelled products at checkouts in retail
premises.
Outline:
(i) the design features; (4)
(ii) the procedural controls (4)
that should be in place for the safe operation and maintenance of the equipment.

Question 3 Outline control measures to protect against occupational exposure to the human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV). (10)

Question 4 Animal testing is sometimes needed for classification purposes.

(a) Outline possible arguments against vertebrate animal testing. (6)
(b) Outline the alternatives that could be used instead of vertebrate animal testing. (4)

Question 5 A worker on a production line is required to stand in front of his workbench, which
is 750mm deep and set at waist height. The worker must frequently lift a 20kg item of
equipment from his workbench onto an unpowered roller conveyor which is behind it. The
conveyor is set slightly higher than the workbench (see diagram).

(a) Explain why the current method of working is not acceptable. (4)
(b) Outline practical measures that might be considered to reduce the ergonomic related risk to
the worker. (6)
Question 6 Outline the possible functions of an occupational health service within a large
manufacturing organisation. (10)

Question 7 In a chemical process, workers use a mixture composed of several liquid substances.
One of the components, designated DTJH, is classified as a sensitiser under the GHS system.
Table 1 below shows the average personal exposure levels to DTJH for one worker measured
over an 8- hour day and Table 2 shows the exposure limits for DTJH.
(a) Outline the process of hazard classification under the GHS system. (2)
(b) Outline what is meant by ‘sensitiser’ under the GHS system. (4)
(c) Using the information in Table 1, calculate the 8-hour timeweighted average (TWA)
exposure of the worker to DTJH. (6)
Your answer should include detailed working to show that you understand how the exposure is
determined.
(d) Using relevant information from Tables 1 and 2, explain what actions might be required by
the employer to control exposure. (8)

Question 8 (a) Outline the possible impact of inadequate and inappropriate lighting levels on
safety issues in the workplace. (5)
(b) Outline the factors that should be considered to help ensure that lighting in a workplace is
adequate and appropriate. (15)

Question 9 Trichloroethylene (commonly known as ‘trike’) is used as a solvent in part of an

industrial process.
(a) Identify the ill-health effects from exposure to trichloroethylene. (4)
(b) Outline the principles and methodology of the following air monitoring techniques that
might be used to assess a worker’s exposure to trichloroethylene:
(i) stain tube detector; (4)
(ii) active personal sampling. (4)
(c) Outline a strategy to be used in the prevention or control of exposure to trichloroethylene.
(8)
Assume that trichloroethylene is essential to the process and cannot be substituted.

Question 10 Hospital nurses are at risk from work-related violence when they are required to
visit patients in their own homes.
(a) Outline a strategy that the hospital management should have in place in order to manage
work-related violence. (10)
(b) Describe a range of practical measures that the nurses can take to minimise the risk of
violence when making visits to patients. (10)

Question 11 Dental practitioners often work alone or with small teams.

(a) Identify the health hazards to which dental practitioners may be exposed. (10)
(b) Outline how the risks to a dental practitioner may be reduced. (10)
JANUARY 2014
Question 1 Workers have complained that the washing facilities in the workplace are
inadequate and do not comply with the International Labour Standards.
Outline practical arrangements that need to be in place in order for washing facilities to be
considered ‘suitable and sufficient’. (10)

Question 2 Construction workers regularly use cement. Several of the long-term workers and
one of the new recruits have complained about red and sore skin on their hands.
(a) Explain possible reasons for the symptoms that they are experiencing. (6)
(b) Outline control measures that could be used to minimise these symptoms. (4)

Question 3 Outline issues that need to be considered when selecting adequate seating to
minimise the ergonomic risk to workers. (10)

Question 4 (a) Outline what is meant by the term ‘biological monitoring’ AND give examples
where this type of monitoring may be appropriate. (6)
(b) Outline practical difficulties that an employer must overcome when introducing a
programme of biological monitoring. (4)

Question 5 Workers cutting and finishing stone are exposed to silica dust.
Outline factors to be considered when carrying out a ‘suitable and sufficient’ assessment of the
risks from exposure to silica dust. (10)

Question 6 (a) Outline the meaning of the term ‘vocational rehabilitation’. (2)
(b) Outline the benefits to the employer of vocational rehabilitation. (5)
(c) Identify health care practitioners who may be involved in the vocational rehabilitation of a
worker. (3)

Question 7 Telecommunication broadcast towers emit radio frequency (RF) radiation.

If not properly controlled, exposure to this radiation may cause harm to RF maintenance
workers and members of the public.
(a) (i) Outline possible health effects after exposure to high levels of RF radiation. (5)
(ii) Describe practical control measures to help prevent exposure to harmful levels of RF
radiation from broadcast towers. (10)
(b) Identify other workplace sources of RF radiation. (5)
Question 8 (a) Identify the typical signs AND symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease. (5)
(b) Outline the conditions under which legionella bacteria may grow. (3)
(c) Outline the means of controlling the growth of legionella bacteria. (12)
Question 9 (a) Explain the circumstances when it may be necessary to use respiratory
protective equipment (RPE) as a control measure to reduce exposure to a hazardous substance.
(6)
Workers carrying out a short duration task involving a corrosive vapour of ammonia have been
provided with RPE to protect them from inhalation of the corrosive vapour. The employer used

(b) Explain how the employer can use this information to determine if the choice of RPE is
appropriate. (4)
(c) Outline other factors that the employer should consider when selecting RPE for use in this
particular task. (10)

Question 10 A newspaper printing company that employs 80 workers operates several printing
presses in a large open-plan area. Noise is considered to be a problem.
(a) Identify the information that should be obtained before carrying out a noise survey in the
open-plan area. (6)
(b) Explain how the noise survey should be carried out AND the type of equipment that could
be used to assess workers’ exposure to noise. (14)

Question 11 Managers are concerned at the increase in stress-related absence.

(a) Identify a range of information sources that can be used to assess the levels of stress
experienced by their workers. (6)
(b) Outline organisational and personal factors that can contribute to the incidence of work-
related stress. (14)
JULY 2016
Question 1 An organisation is considering the substitution of a solvent that it currently uses for
one that is thought to be more effective.
Outline factors that should be considered before a decision is taken to make the change. (10)

Question 2 Workers are exposed to high levels of heat and steam from a manufacturing
process.
(a) Identify TWO parameters that could be measured when making an assessment of the
thermal environment AND, in EACH case, give the name of an instrument that can be used to
measure this parameter. (2)
(b) Outline ways of reducing thermal stress among workers during the manufacturing process.
(8)

Question 3 Identify functions that may be carried out by an occupational health service in a
large manufacturing organisation. (10)

Question 4 An organisation has decided to close its offices and to allow its 30 workers to work
from home. The organisation will provide workers with their own laptop (portable computer)
for use at home and on their daily visits to customers.
Outline factors that should be considered in order to minimise ergonomic risks in the selection
and use of these laptops. (10)

Question 5 A local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system is used to reduce exposure of workers to
dust in a workplace. The employer needs to assess the ongoing effectiveness of the LEV system.
(a) Identify THREE simple qualitative methods that can be used to assess the effectiveness of
the LEV system AND, for EACH method, explain how the effectiveness can be visually assessed.
(6)
(b) Identify TWO quantitative methods that can be used to measure transport velocity in an
LEV system AND explain how EACH method measures the transport velocity. (4)

Question 6 A contractor has been hired to examine the quality of a weld repair to a metal pipe
on a chemical plant. It has been decided that on-site radiography, using either gamma or X-ray
sources, is the only practical option in this case.
Outline suitable measures to control the risk of exposure to radiation from the examination
work. (10)

Question 7 Construction workers use a range of equipment and vehicles that may expose them
to high levels of vibration.
(a) Outline issues that a vibration risk assessment should consider. (8)
(b) Outline practical measures to prevent or control exposure to vibration for these workers.
(12)
Question 8 In a chemical process, workers use a mixture composed of several liquid substances.
One of the components, designated DTJH, is classified as a sensitiser under the GHS system.
Table 1 below shows the average personal exposure levels to DTJH for one worker measured
over an 8- hour day and Table 2 shows the exposure limits for DTJH.

(a) Outline the process

of hazard classification
under the GHS system.
(2)
(b) Outline what is
meant by ‘sensitiser’
under the GHS system.
(4)
(c) Using the
information in Table 1,
calculate the 8-hour
timeweighted average
(TWA) exposure of the
worker to DTJH. (6)
Your answer should include detailed working to show that you understand how the exposure is
determined.
(d) Using relevant information from Tables 1 and 2, explain what actions might be required by
the employer to control exposure. (8)

Question 9 Hospital nurses are at risk from work-related violence when they are required to
visit patients in their own homes.
(a) Outline a strategy that the hospital management should have in place in order to manage
work-related violence. (10)
(b) Describe a range of practical measures that the nurses can put in place to help reduce the
risk of violence when making visits to patients. (10)

Question 10 A worker at a large organisation has recently been diagnosed with the bacterial
infection Legionnaire’s disease.
(a) Outline the signs and symptoms of Legionnaire’s disease. (4)
(b) Outline factors that may have contributed to the worker being exposed to the bacterium
and contracting the disease. (8)
(c) Outline practical measures that the organisation should put in place to help reduce the risk
of future outbreaks. (8)

Question 11 (a) Outline how the use of drugs or alcohol can adversely affect a worker’s fitness
to work. (4)
(b) Outline circumstances when drug and alcohol testing should be used at work. (4)
(c) Outline how drug or alcohol problems at work can be managed effectively. (8)
(d) Identify disciplines or agencies that may assist in assessing or managing the use of drugs or
alcohol at work. (4)
JANUARY 2017
Question 1 Workers in a chemical plant are provided with gloves to protect against the possible
effects of the chemicals. In recent months, there has been an increase in the number of hand
and lower arm skin complaints among the workers.
Outline possible reasons for this increase in skin complaints. (10)
Question 2 Workers at a waste-water treatment plant are at risk of contracting
cryptosporidiosis.
(a) Explain how these workers might contract cryptosporidiosis. (4)
(b) Identify symptoms associated with cryptosporidiosis. (2)
(c) Outline specific control measures that these workers should use to help reduce the risk of
contracting cryptosporidiosis. (4)

Question 3 The hazardous substance called machine-made mineral fibre (MMMF) has a legally
binding occupational exposure limit (OEL) listed in standards. Unusually, there are two OELs.
The limit is expressed both as fibre/ml and also as mg/m3: 2 fibre/ml 8-hour time-weighted
average (TWA); 5 mg/m3 8-hour TWA). Two personal monitoring results, obtained using two
different measuring techniques for an operative working with MMMF, are provided below:

Note:
1000ml = 1 litre
1000 litres = 1m3
(a) Calculate the average concentration of MMMF to which the operative is exposed for EACH
of the two samples shown. (6)
You must show your working.
(b) Comment on the significance of the operative’s exposure in terms of future action required
to adequately control exposure. (4)
Assume the exposure in the time monitored is representative of exposure during the full 8-hour
shift.

Question 4 A fire alarm engineer visits many customers’ premises during the working day in
order to check that fire alarm sounders are operating at the correct sound level. The engineer
does not wear hearing protection.
(a) Explain how the engineer may be at risk of hearing damage. (3)
(b) Explain how the engineer’s personal noise exposure should be determined. (7)
Question 5 A bus company operates a fleet of buses to provide transport for passengers in a
busy city. The bus driver is the only bus company worker on each bus. Bus drivers are
sometimes subject to violence.
(a) Outline why these bus drivers may be at an increased risk of violence. (5)
(b) Outline practical control measures to help reduce the risk of violence to these bus drivers.
(5)

Question 6 Dilution ventilation is sometimes used to control certain types of hazardous

substances generated in a workplace.
(a) Outline circumstances when dilution ventilation may be appropriate as a control measure.
(3)
(b) Explain how an effective dilution ventilation system is designed and operates to reduce
exposure to a hazardous substance. (4)
(c) The following specification applies in an open-plan workshop:

Calculate the actual number of air changes per hour AND comment on the suitability of the
specified dilution ventilation system. (3)

Question 7 Workers in carpentry workshops and sawmills may be exposed to hardwood dust.
(a) Outline the risks to health from hardwood dust. (5)
(b) Identify types of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) that could be used by the workers.
(3)
(c) Other than providing RPE, outline control measures that should be considered in order to
protect those who are exposed to hardwood dust. (12)

Question 8 Nurses working in a radiotherapy treatment facility use a liquid to treat patients
that contains an ionising radioactive material. The liquid is prepared by the nurses before they
administer it to the patients. After the treatment, they clean the area and equipment before
disposing of any remaining liquid.
(a) Outline how nurses could be exposed to the radioactive material while carrying out this
work AND, in EACH case, identify the corresponding route of entry. (4)
(b) Outline practical control measures to help reduce the nurses’ exposure to the radioactive
material while they are carrying out this work. (16)
Question 9 In deep underground mines there are high temperatures and high levels of
humidity. These conditions arise naturally from the surrounding earth as well as through mining
processes.
(a) Identify specific health effects associated with working in these conditions. (2)
(b) (i) Explain how the working conditions can affect the health of the workers. (3)
(ii) Explain how the working conditions can affect the safety of the workers. (1)
(c) Outline practical control measures to help reduce the risks associated with working in an
environment with high temperatures and high levels of humidity. (14)

Question 10 Farmers, veterinary workers and sheep shearers often need to manually handle
live animals such as sheep, pigs or goats as part of their work. In these situations the load is the
live animal.
(a) Describe factors associated with the load that increase the risk of these manual handling
activities. (4)
(b) Outline a range of other factors that should be considered when carrying out manual
handling risk assessments in these situations. (6)
(c) Outline practical control measures that could be used in these situations to help reduce the
risk of a manual handling injury. (10)

Question 11 (a) Construction workers are at risk of developing hand-arm vibration syndrome
(HAVS).
(i) Outline factors that may increase this risk. (5)
(ii) Outline the steps of a health surveillance programme for workers who are exposed to hand-
arm vibration. (5)
(b) A construction worker has been off work for a period of time suffering from HAVS and the
employer’s occupational health department wants to find out if they are fit to return to work.
(i) Outline the way in which symptom severity of HAVS is classified using the Stockholm scale.
(5)
(ii) Outline options that the occupational health department can suggest to the employer if the
occupational health doctor decides that the worker cannot return to the work that exposes
them to vibration. (5)
JULY 2017
Question 1 Outline what should be considered when selecting workplace seating to minimise
ergonomic risks to workers. (10)
Question 2 Workers in a chemical manufacturing plant need personal protective equipment
(PPE) to protect their eyes and faces when handling open containers of highly corrosive liquids.
(a) Describe what should be considered when selecting the PPE for this task. (6)
(b) Outline arrangements that the chemical manufacturer should put in place when the
selected PPE is in use. (4)
Question 3 (a) Give the meaning of the term ‘vocational rehabilitation’. (2)
A worker has been absent from work for eight months following a back injury. This was a work-
related manual handling injury. This worker is due to return to work.
(b) Using the bio-psychosocial model, outline possible barriers to the worker’s rehabilitation.
(3)
(c) Outline ways in which the employer can assist workers to return to work. (5)
Question 4 (a) Outline what is meant by the term ‘biological monitoring’. (2)
(b) Outline circumstances in which biological monitoring may be appropriate. (4)
(c) Outline what difficulties an employer must overcome when introducing a programme of
biological monitoring. (4)
Question 5 An organisation operates a call centre to handle customer service enquiries. The call
centre operates between 08:00 and 20:00, seven days a week.
Outline the potential causes of stress to call centre workers for EACH of the UK Health and
Safety Executive’s (HSE’s) Management Standards below:
(a) demands; (4)
(b) support; (2)
(c) relationships. (4)
Question 6 A manufacturer’s data on vibration emission from equipment can be used to
estimate the exposure of workers to hand-arm vibration (HAV). This manufacturer’s data is
measured in a laboratory and can underestimate the actual vibration magnitude experienced
by workers.
(a) Outline possible reasons for this difference. (2)
(b) Outline how vibration emission from a hand-held tool might be measured. (3)
(c) Outline the content of a training course for workers exposed to HAV. (5)
Question 7 (a) Identify TWO of the main types of biological agent. (2)
(b) Outline the FOUR special properties of biological agents. (4)
(c) Zoonoses are diseases transmitted from animals to humans. Two important zoonotic
diseases are psittacosis and leptospirosis. For EACH of these:
(i) identify the animals associated with causing the disease in humans; (2)
(ii) outline the mode of transmission from animals to humans; (4)
(iii) outline methods of preventing infection of humans. (8)
Question 8 An organisation uses rubber substances in its tyre manufacturing process. Rubber process
dust and rubber fumes are produced during the process and both are classified as carcinogenic.

The following legally enforceable long-term exposure limits (8-hour time weighted average
(TWA)) apply:

(a)
Outline
what is
meant
by

inhalable dust. (2)

(b) Outline the equipment and method required for personal sampling of inhalable rubber dust.
(7)
(c) Calculate the 8-hour TWA exposure to the process operators from BOTH the rubber process
dust and the rubber fume. (6)
(d) Comment on the significance of your answers calculated in part (c) in terms of exposure and
possible future action. (5)
Question 9 (a) Identify possible health effects from exposure to ionising radiation. (5)
(b) Outline control measures that could minimise workers’ exposure to ionising radiation. (15)
Question 10 ‘Suitable and sufficient’ lighting in a workplace is necessary to protect the health
and safety of workers.
(a) Identify adverse health effects that workers could experience as a result of unsuitable or
insufficient lighting. (4)
(b) Explain how the following features of lighting could affect the safety of worker's:
(i) low lighting levels; (2)
(ii) stroboscopic effects; (2)
(iii) colour effects. (2)
(c) Lighting surveys can assess levels of illuminance in a workplace.
Outline what could affect levels of illuminance that are measured in a workplace. (10)

Question 11 An employer has identified that workers are exposed to high noise levels and has
used the single number rating (SNR) method to select hearing protection, using the information
below.
(a) Using the data in the above table, calculate AND explain how to determine a realistic
estimate of the A-weighted sound pressure level entering the ear of the workers wearing this
hearing protection. (4)
(b) Comment on whether the attenuation that is provided by this hearing protection is
appropriate. (2)
(c) Identify TWO other methods that could be used to determine if the hearing protection
selected provides appropriate attenuation AND, for EACH of these methods, outline the data
required in order to be able to calculate the attenuation provided by this hearing protection. (6)
(d) Other than noise attenuation, outline factors that the employer should consider when
selecting hearing protection. (8)
JANUARY 2018
Question 1 Outline what an employer should consider when carrying out an assessment to
determine the first-aid provision needed in the workplace. (10)
Question 2 (a) Give the meaning of the term ‘occupational health’. (2)
A large organisation is outsourcing its occupational health service to a contractor. It has been
advised to choose a contractor that carries the SEQOHS logo.
(b) (i) Identify what SEQOHS stands for. (1)
(ii) Outline how SEQOHS operates. (5)
(c) Outline TWO benefits to a worker of having access to an occupational health service at
work. (2)
Question 3 Workers in a chemical plant are provided with gloves to protect against the harmful
effects of the chemicals, but a significant number of workers are reporting hand and lower arm
skin complaints.
Outline possible reasons why these skin complaints may be occurring even though workers are
provided with gloves. (10)
Question 4 An employer wants to use a local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system to control
workers’ exposure to a hazardous gas generated during a manufacturing process.
(a) (i) Outline control options that the employer should consider before deciding an LEV system
is the appropriate means of control. (4)
(ii) Outline what the employer should consider when specifying an LEV system to control this
hazardous gas. (4)
(b) Other than the employer, identify TWO other persons with responsibilities in relation to an
LEV system. (2)
Question 5 Norovirus is a common cause of gastroenteritis that can spread rapidly in closed
communities such as hospitals, care homes and cruise ships.
(a) Explain how the virus is transmitted. (3)
(b) Identify the symptoms of norovirus. (3)
(c) Outline how the spread of the virus can be minimised. (4)
Question 6 A survey of an industrial building has revealed extensive use of asbestos material.
(a) Identify where asbestos might have been used in the building. (2)
(b) Outline control measures that could help protect workers in the industrial building from
exposure to asbestos. (8)
Question 7 The Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE’s) manual handling assessment charts (MAC)
is a tool that can be used to determine manual handling risks of various types of activity,
including lifting operations. The MAC tool assigns numerical scores to a range of risk factors.
(a) (i) Identify FIVE risk factors in the MAC tool that should be considered for a lifting operation
carried out by an individual. (5)
(ii) For EACH of the risk factors identified in (a) (i), describe how the numerical scores vary as
the lifting operation changes. (5)
Reference to the exact numerical scores is not required.
(b) Explain why using the MAC tool alone may not result in a fully ‘suitable and sufficient’ risk
assessment. (5)
An internet-based delivery organisation operates a large warehouse where workers pick loads
weighing between 2kg and 20kg. The workers carry these loads to an area where the items are
stacked on to pallets.
The organisation decides to use the HSE’s variable manual handling assessment chart (V-MAC)
to assess the manual handling risks to its workers, who work 8-hour shifts.
(c) Outline why the V-MAC tool is suitable in this scenario. (4)
Delivery drivers use pallet trucks to load the stacked pallets on to delivery vehicles.
(d) Comment on the use of the V-MAC tool in this situation. (1)
Question 8 Dental practitioners and receptionists often work alone and can be subject to work-
related violence/aggression from patients.
(a) Outline why dentists and receptionists may be at risk of work-related violence/aggression
from patients. (5)
(b) Outline control measures that could help reduce work-related violence/aggression from
patients. (15)
Question 9 A new health club is planning to install ultraviolet (UV) tanning equipment. The
equipment uses UV sources with a higher intensity than normal sunlight to accelerate tanning.
(a) Identify effects that could result from exposure to UV radiation. (4)
(b) Outline control measures that could be put in place for workers and customers for the safe
operation of this equipment at the health club. (12)
(c) Identify TWO other workplaces where sources of UV radiation are found AND identify how
exposure to UV radiation occurs in EACH workplace. (4)
Question 10 A night club hires musicians and DJs to play live and pre-recorded amplified music
daily, from a stage. In the same room is a bar where workers are employed serving drinks.
Following personal noise exposure monitoring, a high risk of excessive noise exposure was
identified for all workers in the bar area. Suitable hearing protection has been provided to all
the bar workers.
Other than the provision of hearing protection, outline control measures that could help
reduce the risks to the bar workers’ hearing. (20)
Question 11 (a) Outline the purpose of a heat stress index when assessing the thermal
environment. (3)
The most widely used heat stress index in industry is the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT)
index.
(b) (i) Identify the measurements that need to be taken to determine the WBGT index. (3)
(ii) Outline the principle of operation of the instruments that should be used to make EACH of
the measurements identified in (b) (i). (7)
(c) A manufacturing process produces high levels of heat and steam.
Outline control measures that could help reduce heat stress among workers in this
environment. (7)
JULY 2018
Question 1 Window cleaners frequently use extending ladders. They unload the ladders from
the roof of their van, carry them to position and extend them to reach higher windows. When
they have cleaned the windows, they load the ladders back on to the roof of the van before
moving to the next location.
(a) Outline manual handling risk factors when using these ladders. (7)
You are not required to include any risks relating to working at height in your answer.
(b) The employer wants workers to store the ladders inside the van and not on the roof.
Comment on how this change could affect the manual handling risks. (2)
(c) Outline ONE change in working practice that could eliminate the manual handling risks from
using extending ladders for the window cleaners. (1)
Question 2 (a) Outline TWO considerations to help ensure that lighting is adequate and
appropriate in the workplace. (2)
(b) Identify THREE symptoms associated with visual fatigue. (3)
Workers in a large open-plan office with windows and artificial ceiling lights carry out work
using display screen equipment for a significant part of their working day. A number of workers
are complaining that the lighting in the office is not suitable.
(c) Consider what features of the lighting in the office might have led to these complaints. (5)
Question 3 A training organisation wants to introduce hand-held laser pointers for use by their
trainers when presenting courses to students.
Recent media reports suggest that some hand-held laser pointers can contain Class 3B or Class
4 lasers.
(a) Identify potential eye damage that could result from exposure to lasers with these
classifications. (3)
(b) Outline control measures that could help reduce the potential for eye damage to the
trainers and students. (7)
Question 4 (a) Give the meaning of ‘work-related stress’. (1)
(b) Identify potential signs that a worker could be stressed. (3)
(c) Outline control measures that could help manage work-related stress in an organisation. (6)
Question 5 A worker in a furniture manufacturing workshop spends most of their time
machine-sanding hardwood with a hand-held power sander.
Outline control measures to help protect the worker and their colleagues from the risks of
exposure to hardwood dust. (10)
Question 6 Hazardous substances entering the body through the skin can cause systemic
effects.
(a) Describe the structure of the skin. (6)
Marks will not be awarded for diagrams. A description in words is required.
(b) Explain how a hazardous substance could enter the body through the skin and cause a
systemic effect. (4)
Question 7 A large indoor poultry farm is concerned about workers being exposed to the
zoonose that causes the disease psittacosis (also known as ornithosis).
(a) (i) Give the meaning of the term ‘zoonose’. (1)
(ii) Identify BOTH the type and name of the biological agent that causes psittacosis. (2)
(b) Explain how the workers are likely to be exposed to the biological agent that causes
psittacosis. (4)
(c) Identify possible ill-health effects that could result from exposure to the biological agent
that causes psittacosis. (3)
(d) Describe control measures that could be put in place to help reduce the risk of workers
contracting psittacosis. (10)
Question 8 (a) Explain when it might be necessary to use respiratory protective equipment
(RPE) as a control measure to help reduce exposure to a hazardous substance. (6)
Workers carrying out a task involving the corrosive vapour of ammonia have been provided
with RPE to protect them from exposure to ammonia by inhalation. The employer used the
following information to determine the selection of the RPE:

(b) Explain how the employer can use this information to determine if the choice of RPE is
appropriate. (4)
(c) Outline what an employer should consider when selecting RPE for this particular task. (10)
Question 9 Forestry workers are required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to
protect them from hazards associated with the machinery they use. This PPE includes eye and
head protection, gloves and protective clothing.
The workers are outdoors and being exposed to high levels of ultra-violet (UV), non-ionising
radiation from the sun. This situation can lead to heat-related illness and health effects from
exposure to the sun.
(a) Explain the importance of maintaining heat balance in the body. (4)
(b) Identify possible effects of heat-related illness. (4)
(c) Outline control measures to help reduce the risks from exposure to heat and non-ionising
radiation hazards for the forestry workers. (12)
Question 10 A worker is using a hand-held jackhammer to break up a large area of concrete.
Jackhammers produce high levels of noise and vibration.
(a) Outline the possible ill-health effects to the worker from the prolonged use of jackhammers
to break concrete. (5)
(b) Outline actions that the worker can take to help reduce the risks from their exposure to the
noise and vibration of this work activity. (7)
(c) Review the similarities and differences between hand-arm vibration exposure assessment
and noise exposure assessment. (8)
Question 11 In a chemical process workers are exposed to two organic liquids. Table 1 below
shows the average personal exposure levels to each of the organic liquids for one worker
measured over an 8-hour day.

(a) Using the information in Table 1, demonstrate that the 8-hour time-weighted average
(TWA) exposures of the worker to BOTH Liquid A and Liquid B are as shown in Table 2. (8)
Your answer should include detailed working to show how the exposure is calculated.
The exposure limits for the two liquids are as follows:

(b) Outline what actions the employer might need to take to control exposure to Liquid A,
which is an essential component of the chemical process. (7)
(c) Comment on the exposure to Liquid B. (1)
(d) There is a concern that exposure to a mixture of these two liquids might increase the risk to
workers.
Consider why this might be a valid concern. (4)
JANUARY 2019
Question 1 Workers driving vehicles on a large construction site have reported back pain
caused by exposure to whole body vibration (WBV).
(a) Outline control measures that could minimise their exposure to WBV. (7)
(b) Outline other possible work-related causes of the back pain being experienced by these
workers. (3)
Question 2 A large manufacturing organisation operates from several temporary workplaces in
various locations.
(a) Outline what should be considered when assessing the basis of the first-aid provision at the
temporary workplaces. (5)
(b) Outline the arrangements for the provision of first aid at the temporary workplaces. (5)
Question 3 Sailing instructors at a freshwater sports centre are at increased risk of contracting
leptospirosis.
(a) Identify ill-health effects associated with leptospirosis. (2)
(b) Outline the mode of transmission of leptospira for these sailing instructors. (2)
(c) Outline control measures the sailing instructors could take to minimise the risk of
contracting leptospirosis. (6)
Question 4 Glass blowers use furnaces to produce molten glass that they then blow into shapes
to make glasses and vases. During their work they are exposed to different types of non-
ionising optical radiation.
(a) Identify the possible ill-health effects to the glass blowers from exposure to the non-ionising
optical radiation. (3)
(b) Describe the specific requirements of the personal protective equipment that would be
required to protect the glass blowers from the non-ionising optical radiation. (3)
(c) Other than ill-health effects and control measures, outline what should be considered in a
radiation risk assessment. (4)
Question 5 The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) identifies six stress Management
Standards, one of which is Change. The requirement of this standard is that ‘Employees indicate
that the organisation engages them frequently when undergoing an organisational change’.
(a) An organisation is about to undergo a significant change.
Outline steps the organisation could take to help reduce the risk of workers suffering from
work-related stress as a result of this change. (6)
(b) Identify TWO other HSE stress Management Standards AND give the requirement for EACH.
(4)
Question 6 (a) Outline what is meant by the term ‘biological monitoring’. (2)
(b) Outline circumstances in which biological monitoring may be appropriate. (4)
(c) Outline difficulties an employer must overcome when introducing a programme of biological
monitoring. (4)
Question 7 Workers in a busy restaurant frequently use hand-held trays to carry plates of food
and drinks from the kitchen to the customers’ tables. These hand-held trays can be heavy and
unstable.
There are regular incidents where workers drop the trays.
To help reduce these incidents, the employer has decided to introduce non-powered trollies, on
wheels, that will be used by the restaurant workers to transport their customers’ food and
drink orders.
(a) Outline what the employer should consider when selecting suitable non-powered trollies for
this task. (14)
(b) Comment on how this change could affect the manual handling risks to the workers. (3)
(c) Comment on how this change could affect other risks to the workers and to customers’
safety and health. (3)
Question 8 Building maintenance workers use hot and cold methods to strip old paint
containing lead from doors and windows. This produces dust, fume and vapour containing lead.
(a) Identify the specific health effects to the workers relating to working with lead. (4)
(b) Outline the requirements for health surveillance for workers who work with lead. (4)
(c) Workers have a general duty to comply with the health and safety measures put in place by
their employers.
Outline what the workers should do to protect their health. (12)
Question 9 Human epidemiology and animal studies are methods that can be used to
investigate whether a substance is carcinogenic.
(a) (i) Explain what is meant by the term ‘carcinogen’. (2)
(ii) Outline the advantages and disadvantages of human epidemiology. (5)
(iii) Outline the advantages and disadvantages of animal studies. (5)
(b) Outline the control measures that should be in place in a workplace where a carcinogenic
substance is used. (8)
Question 10 (a) A machine operator works at a number of different machines during each 8-
hour working day.
(i) Describe how static measurements of sound pressure level can be made while the operator
is operating the machines. (4)
(ii) Explain how to determine the daily personal noise exposure (LEP,d) for the operator from
the static measurements of these sound pressure levels. (3)
(b) The result of a personal dosimetry measurement of noise exposure for this operator on a
similar working day provides an LEP,d that is 4 dB(A) greater than that determined in part (a).
Other than equipment errors, outline possible reasons for the difference. (3)
(c) Outline the possible technical control measures that could be introduced to help reduce the
workers’ exposure to the noise. (10)
Question 11 An employer has an occupational health department that carries out vocational
rehabilitation.
(a) Outline the meaning of the term ‘vocational rehabilitation’. (2)
(b) Outline the benefits of vocational rehabilitation to:
(i) the employer; (4)
(ii) a worker. (4)
(c) A worker is required to take 12 months away from their work to receive treatment for a
long-term medical condition.
Outline what the employer can do to assist the worker BOTH during the absence and at the
time of their return to work. (10)
JULY 2019
Question 1 Outline how an occupational hygienist should determine a worker’s long term
personal exposure to total inhalable hazardous dust. (10)
Question 2 (a) Explain how exposure to silica dust can cause silicosis. (4)
(b) The construction of a city’s underground rail line involves extensive tunnelling and concrete
spraying activities.
Outline controls that reduce the risk of workers developing silicosis, while carrying out
tunnelling and concrete spraying activities. (6)
Question 3 Dilution ventilation can be used to control certain types of hazardous substances
generated in a workplace.
(a) Outline circumstances when dilution ventilation may be appropriate as a control measure to
reduce exposure to a hazardous substance. (3)
(b) Describe the design features of the air input for a dilution ventilation system. (3)
For a

dilution ventilation system to be effective the number of air changes achieved must be
sufficient.
(c) (i) Calculate the number of air changes per hour for a dilution ventilation system with the
following specification:
(ii) Comment on the effectiveness of the specified dilution ventilation system in controlling
exposure to a hazardous substance. (2)

Question 4 Workers are required to pick up small pasta pieces from a delivery conveyor and
transfer them to foil trays on a separate conveyor during the production of pre-prepared pasta
dishes. This work is carried out standing in front of the conveyors for an 8-hour shift. An
ergonomic risk assessment is to be carried out.
(a) Outline the ergonomic risk factors to be considered in this assessment. (5)
(b) A number of workers have complained about pains in their arms, shoulders and back.
Other than automation outline control measures that could help reduce the ergonomic risks
these workers are exposed to. (5)
Question 5 The use of hand-held power tools results in workers being exposed to hand-arm
vibration (HAV).

Outline what should be considered when conducting a risk assessment for exposure to HAV.
(10)
Question 6 Audiometry can be used to assess a worker’s hearing.
(a) Explain what is meant by the term ‘threshold shift’. (2)
(b) The figure below shows an audiogram for an adult worker.
(i) Give the name of the hearing condition indicated in this audiogram. (1)
(ii) Describe the physical changes in the inner ear for an adult worker with this audiogram
result. (2)
(iii) Outline the resultant effect on hearing for an adult worker with this audiogram result. (1)
(iv) Outline reasons why audiometry testing may not produce an accurate representation of the
effects of workplace noise exposure on a worker’s hearing. (4)

Question 7 The avian influenza virus can be found in chickens, ducks, geese, and wild birds.
Poultry workers are at risk of becoming infected with this virus.
(a) Outline how poultry workers can become infected by this virus. (4)
(b) Identify the symptoms of avian influenza if contracted by poultry workers. (4)
A large poultry farm has a number of different locations where live birds are kept. Vehicles
transporting new stock birds and bird food access each location and poultry workers move
equipment between the locations daily. Vets and external agencies frequently visit all the
locations.
(c) Outline control measures the poultry farm could use to minimise the risk of the virus
entering their locations or spreading between the different locations. (12)
Question 8 (a) Identify signs that would indicate a worker may be suffering from mental ill-
health. (4)
Evidence recently published indicates that male construction workers are three times more
likely to commit suicide than an average working male.
(b) Outline what might contribute to increased mental ill-health issues in construction workers.
(8)
(c) Outline actions a construction company could take to actively improve the mental health
and well-being of their construction workers. (8)
Question 9 Lasers are often used by the entertainment industry during displays and music
concerts attended by members of the public. The lasers used are of very high power and are
given a hazard classification.
(a) Outline the hazard classification system used for lasers. (4)
(b) Outline how exposure to lasers can cause damage to the eyes. (6)
(c) Outline control measures that could be used to reduce the risks to the public at such
displays. (10)
Question 10 (a) Identify FOUR environmental parameters that affect thermal comfort. (4)
(b) Identify THREE other parameters that affect thermal comfort. (3)
(c) Workers are at risk of heat stress when working in a manufacturing process that produces
high levels of heat and steam. Some workers are more vulnerable to the effects of heat stress.
(i) Identify TWO reasons why some workers may be more vulnerable to heat stress. (2)
(ii) Outline controls measures that help reduce the risk of heat stress for all workers working in
this manufacturing process. (8)
(d) Wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) is a commonly used heat stress index.
Outline the purpose of WBGT. (3)
Question 11 Provision of sufficient lighting levels is necessary in all workplaces and these levels
of illuminance can be measured.
(a) Identify the unit of measurement typically used for illuminance. (1)
(b) Outline what could affect levels of illuminance measured in a workplace. (10)
In addition to sufficient lighting, a workplace should have lighting that is suitable for the work
being carried out.
(c) Explain other key features of the lighting design that should be considered when providing
suitable lighting for an:
(i) operating theatre in a hospital; (5)
(ii) outdoor loading bay. (4)
JANUARY 2020
Question 1 Workers driving vehicles on a large construction site have reported back pain
caused by exposure to whole body vibration (WBV).
(a) Outline control measures that could minimise the workers’ exposure to WBV. (7)
(b) Outline other possible work-related causes of the back pain being experienced by these
workers. (3)
Question 2 Outline reasons why respiratory protective equipment (RPE) may not provide the
level of protection that is stated by the manufacturer when it is being used. (10)
Question 3 Animal studies can be used to assess acute and chronic effects of hazardous
substances.
(a) Outline the meaning of the following terms used in animal studies:
(i) NOAEL; (2)
(ii) LD50. (2)
(b) Outline the advantages and disadvantages of using animal studies to investigate whether a
substance may be hazardous to humans. (6)
Question 4 (a) Give the meaning of the term ‘work-related violence’. (2)
(b) Outline practical measures to help reduce violence towards a nurse who visits patients in
their homes. (8)
Question 5 Workers are exposed to high levels of heat and steam from a manufacturing
process.
(a) Identify TWO parameters that could be measured when making an assessment of the
thermal environment. (2)
(b) Outline ways of reducing thermal stress among workers during the manufacturing process.
(8)
Question 6 An organisation is considering the substitution of a chemical it currently uses, for an
alternative one.
Outline what should be considered when assessing the risk of using a new chemical. (10)
Question 7 Workers in a large manufacturing organisation are exposed to a solvent by
inhalation, throughout their 8-hour shift.
(a) (i) Use the data in the table below to calculate the 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA)
exposure to a solvent for a worker. Your answer should include the detail of calculation to show
your understanding of how the exposure is determined. (7)

(ii) The organisation decides to change the working patterns so that each worker does a single
task for a 12-hour shift. A worker is assigned to the task of charging the mixers for their 12-hour
shift. Within the shift, they are allowed two 45-minute breaks where their exposure is assumed
to be zero.
Using this information and the relevant data above, calculate the 8-hour TWA exposure for this
worker. (2)
(iii) Outline the legal implications of this change in the working pattern. (2)
(b) The occupational health department at the organisation needs to decide whether to carry
out health surveillance for workers exposed to this solvent.
(i) Outline the purposes of health surveillance. (4)
(ii) Identify ONE type of health surveillance that may be appropriate for the workers using this
solvent. (1)
(iii) Other than health surveillance, identify FOUR functions that may be carried out by an
occupational health service in a large manufacturing organisation. (4)
Question 8 A large livestock farm employs a number of people who are involved in caring for
animals, cleaning out animal enclosures and disposing of waste materials.
During such work workers may be exposed to zoonoses.
(a) Give the meaning of the term ‘zoonose’. (2)
(b) Outline how and when the farm workers are likely to be exposed to:
(i) cryptosporidiosis; (3)
(ii) leptospirosis. (3)
(c) Outline a range of practical control measures that should be used to minimise the risks
associated with exposure to zoonoses. (10)
(d) Identify TWO other zoonoses that workers working on the farm could be exposed to. (2)
Question 9 (a) Identify possible health effects from exposure to ionising radiation. (5)
(b) Outline control measures that should be in place where workers may be exposed to ionising
radiation. (15)
Question 10 Managers are concerned at the increase in stress-related absence.
(a) Identify a range of information sources that can be used to assess the levels of stress
experienced by their workers. (6)
(b) Outline organisational and personal factors that can contribute to work-related stress. (14)
Question 11 Farmers, veterinary workers and sheep shearers often need to manually handle
live animals such as sheep or goats as part of their work. In these situations the load is the live
animal.
(a) Describe what, associated with the load, increases the risk from these manual handling
activities. (4)
(b) Outline what should be considered when carrying out manual handling risk assessments in
these situations. (6)
(c) Outline practical control measures that could be used in these situations to help reduce the
risk of a manual handling injury. (10)