NEBOSH Work Environment 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What are the minimum requirements for washing facilities under the Workplace Regulations?
- Cold water and paper towels only
- A supply of clean hot and cold (or warm) running water, soap or other suitable cleaning agent, and towels or other suitable drying means (Correct answer)
- Hand sanitiser dispensers at building exits
- Washing facilities are only required in food handling workplaces
Correct answer: A supply of clean hot and cold (or warm) running water, soap or other suitable cleaning agent, and towels or other suitable drying means
Regulation 21 requires washing facilities that include a supply of clean hot and cold or warm running water, soap or other suitable means of cleaning, and towels or other suitable means of drying. They must be in readily accessible places, and separate facilities must be provided for men and women where necessary for privacy.
Question 2: How many first aiders does an employer need according to HSE guidance for a low-risk workplace with 120 employees?
- At least one appointed person only
- At least one first aider trained in first aid at work (Correct answer)
- At least three first aiders
- No first aider is needed if there is a hospital nearby
Correct answer: At least one first aider trained in first aid at work
HSE guidance suggests that for low-risk workplaces with 25-100+ employees, at least one first aider (FAW trained) is needed. For more than 100 employees, one additional first aider per 100 is suggested. The exact number depends on the risk assessment considering hazards, workforce distribution, and site accessibility.
Question 3: Under the Workplace Regulations, what is the requirement for escalators and moving walkways?
- They are not covered by the Workplace Regulations
- They must function safely, be equipped with necessary safety devices, and be fitted with an emergency stop control that is easily identifiable and readily accessible (Correct answer)
- They only need annual inspection by the manufacturer
- They must be switched off outside business hours
Correct answer: They must function safely, be equipped with necessary safety devices, and be fitted with an emergency stop control that is easily identifiable and readily accessible
Regulation 18A requires that escalators and moving walkways function safely, are equipped with necessary safety devices, and have one or more emergency stop controls that are easily identifiable and readily accessible. This reflects the significant injury potential from these mechanical conveyances.
Question 4: Which of the following is NOT a welfare requirement under CDM 2015 Schedule 2 for construction sites?
- Toilets and washing facilities
- A staff gymnasium and recreation room (Correct answer)
- Rest facilities with means of heating food and boiling water
- Storage for clothing and changing facilities
Correct answer: A staff gymnasium and recreation room
CDM Schedule 2 requires sanitary conveniences, washing facilities, drinking water, changing and rest facilities including means of heating food and boiling water, and facilities for drying clothing. A gymnasium is not a welfare requirement under any health and safety regulation.
Question 5: What does the term 'wholesome' mean when applied to drinking water under the Workplace Regulations?
- It must be mineral water from a named spring
- It must be fit for drinking, free from contamination, and meet drinking water quality standards (Correct answer)
- It must be chilled to below 10°C
- It must be carbonated or flavoured
Correct answer: It must be fit for drinking, free from contamination, and meet drinking water quality standards
Wholesome drinking water means water that is fit for human consumption, free from contamination, and meets the standards set by the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations. Mains water normally meets this standard. Non-wholesome water sources (such as for industrial processes) must be clearly marked as not for drinking.
Question 6: What is the employer's obligation regarding workplace temperature when it cannot be maintained at a comfortable level due to the work process?
- No obligation exists if the process requires extreme temperatures
- Steps must be taken to achieve a temperature as close to comfortable as possible, and localised measures such as fans, screens or PPE should be provided (Correct answer)
- Workers must simply be told to dress appropriately
- The employer must shut down operations until a comfortable temperature is achievable
Correct answer: Steps must be taken to achieve a temperature as close to comfortable as possible, and localised measures such as fans, screens or PPE should be provided
Where processes inherently generate heat or cold (foundries, cold stores), the employer cannot always achieve comfortable ambient temperatures. However, they must take all reasonable steps to achieve a temperature as close to comfortable as practicable, using measures such as shielding from heat sources, providing local cooling/heating, rest breaks, and suitable PPE.
NEBOSH Work Environment 4
What are the minimum requirements for washing facilities under the Workplace Regulations?