NEBOSH Work Equipment Safety 3

Question 1

What is the safe working load (SWL) of lifting equipment?

Accepted Answer

The maximum load the equipment is designed and certified to lift safely under specified conditions

Answer

The safe working load (SWL) is the maximum mass that the lifting equipment or accessory is designed to raise, lower or suspend safely. It is determined by the manufacturer and must never be exceeded. LOLER requires that lifting equipment is clearly marked with its SWL.

Question 2

An adjustable guard differs from a self-adjusting guard in that an adjustable guard requires what?

Accepted Answer

Manual adjustment by the operator to suit the workpiece size

Answer

An adjustable guard incorporates an adjustable element that the operator must manually set to accommodate different workpiece sizes. Unlike self-adjusting guards that move automatically, the operator positions the guard before starting work. This introduces a human factor risk if the guard is not properly adjusted.

Question 3

Under PUWER 1998, what must an employer do before allowing workers to use work equipment for the first time?

Accepted Answer

Carry out a risk assessment and ensure the equipment is inspected if safety depends on installation conditions

Answer

PUWER Regulation 6 requires that work equipment is inspected after installation and before first use where its safety depends on the installation conditions. Additionally, under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, a suitable and sufficient risk assessment must be completed.

Question 4

What is the role of a 'competent person' in relation to the thorough examination of lifting equipment under LOLER?

Accepted Answer

They must have sufficient practical and theoretical knowledge and experience to carry out the examination and detect defects

Answer

A competent person under LOLER is someone with sufficient practical and theoretical knowledge and experience of the lifting equipment to detect defects or weaknesses and assess their significance. They are often independent insurance engineers or specialist inspection body employees.

Question 5

PUWER 1998 requires that work equipment controls are designed so that they cannot be operated unintentionally. Which control feature best achieves this?

Accepted Answer

Shrouded or recessed start controls that require deliberate action

Answer

PUWER Regulation 14 requires that controls are positioned and designed to prevent accidental operation. Shrouded, recessed, or guarded start buttons require the operator to make a deliberate action (such as lifting a cover or pressing into a recess), preventing inadvertent activation by leaning or bumping.

NEBOSH IGC Practice Test

NEBOSH IGC Practice Test

NEBOSH Work Equipment Safety 3