NEBOSH Health and Safety Foundations 2

Question 1

What is the difference between a 'hazard' and a 'risk' in health and safety?

Accepted Answer

A hazard is the potential to cause harm; a risk is the likelihood and severity of harm occurring from the hazard

Answer

A hazard is a source of potential harm (e.g., a wet floor, a chemical, moving machinery). Risk is the combination of the likelihood that harm will occur and the severity of that harm. Risk assessment combines both: identifying hazards, then evaluating the risk from each.

Question 2

What does the 'hierarchy of controls' represent?

Accepted Answer

A ranked order of control measures from most to least effective: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE

Answer

The hierarchy of controls ranks measures from most effective (elimination of the hazard entirely) through substitution, engineering controls (isolation, guarding), administrative controls (safe systems of work, training, supervision), to the least effective — PPE. Higher-order controls reduce risk for everyone automatically; PPE depends on individual behavior.

Question 3

What is the purpose of a 'safe system of work'?

Accepted Answer

To provide a formal procedure that eliminates or minimizes risks by defining how work is to be done safely

Answer

A safe system of work (SSOW) is a formal integrated set of procedures resulting from systematic examination of a task. It defines the safest way to perform the task, identifies hazards, prescribes controls, and specifies the sequence of operations — reducing risk for all involved.

Question 4

Which document gives a worker legal right to stop work if they believe there is an imminent risk of serious injury?

Accepted Answer

The right to refuse dangerous work — recognised under ILO conventions and incorporated in UAE Federal Law No. 8 and Saudi Labour Law

Answer

ILO Convention No. 155 and national implementing legislation (including UAE Labour Law and Saudi Labour Law) recognise workers' right to remove themselves from imminent danger without being penalised for doing so. This right is a fundamental worker protection principle.

Question 5

What is the main purpose of a workplace health and safety inspection?

Accepted Answer

To proactively identify hazards, unsafe conditions, and failures in control measures before they cause harm

Answer

Proactive inspections are a fundamental element of active health and safety monitoring. They identify hazards and control failures before incidents occur, allowing corrective action. Inspections are scheduled and systematic, examining the workplace, equipment, working practices, and documentation.

NEBOSH IGC Gulf Practice Test

NEBOSH IGC Gulf Practice Test

NEBOSH Health and Safety Foundations 2