IOSH Common Hazards in the Workplace 2

Question 1

What are the main hazards associated with electricity?

Accepted Answer

Electric shock, burns, fire, arcing, and explosion in certain atmospheres

Answer

Electricity presents several hazards: electric shock (which can cause cardiac arrest), electrical burns (contact and arc flash), fire (from overloaded circuits, poor connections, faulty equipment), arcing (flash burns and blast injuries), and explosion in flammable atmospheres.

Question 2

What is the 'fire triangle'?

Accepted Answer

The three elements needed for fire: fuel, oxygen (air) and a source of ignition — remove any one and fire cannot start or continue

Answer

The fire triangle shows that three elements must be present simultaneously for a fire to start and continue: fuel (combustible material), oxygen (usually from air), and a source of ignition (heat, spark, flame). Removing any one element prevents fire or extinguishes it.

Question 3

What are the main duties under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005?

Accepted Answer

The responsible person must carry out a fire risk assessment, implement fire safety measures, provide fire safety information, and maintain fire precautions

Answer

The Fire Safety Order requires the 'responsible person' to: carry out a fire risk assessment, implement and maintain fire safety measures, appoint competent persons, provide fire safety information and training, maintain means of escape, and ensure fire detection and fighting equipment is available and maintained.

Question 4

What are the main hazards of working at height?

Accepted Answer

Falls from height (the leading cause of workplace death), falling objects, structural collapse, and overreaching or overloading

Answer

Working at height hazards include: falling from height (ladders, roofs, scaffolds, platforms — the biggest cause of workplace death in the UK), falling objects hitting people below, structural collapse of platforms or scaffolding, and injuries from overreaching or overloading mobile platforms.

Question 5

What does the Work at Height Regulations 2005 require?

Accepted Answer

That work at height is avoided where possible, properly planned when necessary, and appropriate equipment is selected and used

Answer

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require: avoiding work at height where reasonably practicable, properly planning and organising work at height, using appropriate equipment (collective before individual protection), ensuring competent workers, inspecting equipment, and considering weather conditions.

IOSH Managing Safely Practice Test

IOSH Managing Safely Practice Test

IOSH Common Hazards in the Workplace 2