IOSH Controlling Risks 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'lock out/tag out' (LOTO) procedure?
- A procedure for locking the workplace at night
- A safety procedure to ensure machines are properly shut down, isolated and prevented from restarting during maintenance (Correct answer)
- A method for securing confidential documents
- A fire evacuation procedure
Correct answer: A safety procedure to ensure machines are properly shut down, isolated and prevented from restarting during maintenance
Lock out/tag out (LOTO) is a safety procedure to ensure that machines and equipment are properly shut down, de-energised, and isolated from all energy sources before maintenance or repair work begins. Tags warn others not to restart the equipment.
Question 2: What is the purpose of safety signage in the workplace?
- To make the workplace look professional
- To warn of hazards, indicate mandatory actions, show emergency routes, and prohibit dangerous behaviours (Correct answer)
- To comply with planning regulations
- To replace the need for training
Correct answer: To warn of hazards, indicate mandatory actions, show emergency routes, and prohibit dangerous behaviours
Safety signs provide important visual information about hazards, mandatory requirements, prohibitions, and emergency arrangements. They supplement other controls but should never be the sole control measure. The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 sets out requirements.
Question 3: What are the four types of safety sign and their colours?
- Black, white, grey and brown
- Red (prohibition/fire), yellow (warning), blue (mandatory), green (safe condition/first aid) (Correct answer)
- Red, orange, purple and pink
- All safety signs must be white with black text
Correct answer: Red (prohibition/fire), yellow (warning), blue (mandatory), green (safe condition/first aid)
Safety signs follow an international colour-coding system: Red = prohibition and fire equipment; Yellow/amber = warning of hazards; Blue = mandatory actions; Green = safe conditions, escape routes and first aid. Shape also varies: circle, triangle, circle, rectangle respectively.
Question 4: What should be considered when selecting PPE for a task?
- Only the cost of the PPE
- The nature of the hazard, fit, comfort, compatibility with other PPE, and the work environment (Correct answer)
- Only the colour and appearance
- Whether the employee already owns some PPE
Correct answer: The nature of the hazard, fit, comfort, compatibility with other PPE, and the work environment
When selecting PPE, consider: the nature and severity of the hazard, the fit (including individual sizing), comfort (so it will be worn), compatibility with other PPE being worn simultaneously, the work environment, and any health conditions of the wearer.
Question 5: What is 'maintenance' of control measures and why is it important?
- It is only necessary for fire extinguishers
- Regular checking, servicing and repair of controls to ensure they continue to work effectively (Correct answer)
- It is a legal requirement only for lifting equipment
- Maintenance is optional if the equipment is new
Correct answer: Regular checking, servicing and repair of controls to ensure they continue to work effectively
Maintenance of control measures — including guards, ventilation systems, PPE, alarms and safety devices — is essential to ensure they continue to function as intended. Without maintenance, controls can degrade and fail, leaving workers unprotected.
Question 6: What is the difference between 'collective' and 'individual' protection measures?
- There is no difference
- Collective measures protect everyone in the area (e.g., guardrails); individual measures protect one person (e.g., harness) (Correct answer)
- Collective measures are cheaper; individual measures are more expensive
- Collective measures are voluntary; individual measures are mandatory
Correct answer: Collective measures protect everyone in the area (e.g., guardrails); individual measures protect one person (e.g., harness)
Collective protection measures protect everyone in the area without requiring individual action (e.g., guardrails, LEV, machine guards). Individual measures protect only the person using them (e.g., harnesses, respirators, ear defenders). Collective measures are always preferred.
IOSH Controlling Risks 3
What is a 'lock out/tag out' (LOTO) procedure?