NEBOSH Work Environment 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What lighting standard does the Workplace Regulations require for workplaces?
- Minimum 200 lux in all work areas
- Every workplace must have suitable and sufficient lighting, which should be natural so far as is reasonably practicable (Correct answer)
- Only artificial lighting is acceptable for consistent illumination
- Lighting is only regulated in offices, not in factories
Correct answer: Every workplace must have suitable and sufficient lighting, which should be natural so far as is reasonably practicable
Regulation 8 requires suitable and sufficient lighting in every workplace, and that this should be natural light so far as is reasonably practicable. Emergency lighting must also be provided where failure of artificial lighting would pose a danger. Specific lux levels come from HSE guidance rather than the regulations themselves.
Question 2: CDM Schedule 2 sets welfare requirements for construction sites. Which of the following is a specific requirement?
- A permanent brick-built canteen
- Sanitary conveniences that are adequately ventilated and lit, with separate facilities for men and women where reasonably practicable (Correct answer)
- Hot showers available 24 hours a day
- Air-conditioned changing rooms
Correct answer: Sanitary conveniences that are adequately ventilated and lit, with separate facilities for men and women where reasonably practicable
Schedule 2 of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 requires sanitary conveniences (toilets) that are adequately ventilated and lit. Separate facilities for men and women must be provided where reasonably practicable. These can be temporary facilities appropriate for the site duration.
Question 3: The minimum temperature of 13°C applies to which type of work under the Workplace Regulations ACoP?
- Sedentary office work
- Work involving severe physical effort (Correct answer)
- Work in cold storage facilities
- Night shift work regardless of activity
Correct answer: Work involving severe physical effort
The 13°C minimum applies to workplaces where the work involves severe physical effort, such as manual labour in warehouses or loading bays. The higher 16°C minimum applies to sedentary work. Neither applies to specific exemptions like cold rooms where the process requires low temperatures.
Question 4: Under the Workplace Regulations, what is the requirement regarding floors and traffic routes?
- All floors must be carpeted for comfort
- Floors and traffic routes must be of sound construction, free from dangerous obstructions, and not slippery (Correct answer)
- Traffic routes are only required in warehouses and factories
- Floors must be inspected by a competent person annually
Correct answer: Floors and traffic routes must be of sound construction, free from dangerous obstructions, and not slippery
Regulation 12 requires that floors and traffic routes are of suitable construction, have adequate drainage where necessary, are free from dangerous holes, slopes, or uneven surfaces, and are not slippery. Handrails must be provided on staircases, and every open side of a staircase must be fenced.
Question 5: What are the specific requirements for drinking water provision under the Workplace Regulations?
- Only bottled water is acceptable
- An adequate supply of wholesome drinking water must be readily accessible, clearly marked, and cups provided where the supply is not a jet (Correct answer)
- Drinking water only needs to be available in the canteen
- Workers can be directed to the nearest public water fountain
Correct answer: An adequate supply of wholesome drinking water must be readily accessible, clearly marked, and cups provided where the supply is not a jet
Regulation 22 requires an adequate supply of wholesome drinking water that is readily accessible at suitable places and conspicuously marked. Where the supply is not from a drinking fountain or jet, cups or other drinking vessels must be provided. Mains water satisfies 'wholesome' unless the supply is contaminated.
Question 6: Under the Workplace Regulations, what must an employer provide regarding changing facilities?
- Changing facilities are only needed if workers wear uniforms
- Suitable and sufficient changing facilities must be provided where workers need to change into special clothing and cannot be expected to change in another room (Correct answer)
- Changing rooms are only required on construction sites
- A locker is sufficient; no dedicated changing area is needed
Correct answer: Suitable and sufficient changing facilities must be provided where workers need to change into special clothing and cannot be expected to change in another room
Regulation 24 requires suitable and sufficient changing facilities where workers need to wear special clothing for work and cannot reasonably be expected to change in another room. The facilities must include seating, be separate for men and women where necessary for privacy, and allow clothing to be stored.
NEBOSH Work Environment 2
What lighting standard does the Workplace Regulations require for workplaces?