Typical Examination Questions based on Element 5:- Work equipment - hazards and control

1.	A leaking underground concrete reservoir has been emptied in order that it can be visually inspected prior to its subsequent repair. Describethe health risks faced by those repairing the reservoir when pneumatic tools are to be used to remove defective concrete and epoxy resin material used to effect repairs.	(10)
	Risks from excessive noise, the possibility of hand-arm vibration syndrome, and respiratory sensitisation and dermatitis from the use of epoxy materials, musculoskeletal problems due perhaps to the constraints of the working environment or the weight of the equipment. The repair task would also give rise to the possibility of respiratory problems associated with exposure to concrete dust
2.	Hand-held electric drills are commonly used on construction sites. Other than electricity. Outline FOUR hazards associated with the use of such equipment.	(8)
	Other hazards include entanglement with chuck or bit, stabbing or puncture by the drill bit, noise, vibration, dust and hazards associated with trailing cables.
3.	On a long-term contract, joiners are working with medium density fibreboard using hand-held circular saws and portable electric planers in a temporary site unit. Explainhow you would ensure that the joiner's health is not put at risk during this activity.	(8)
	Measures that include: assessment of the levels of dust, noise and vibration; the provision of efficient dust extraction equipment or respirators with the appropriate protection factor; the provision of hearing protection and the need to manage vibration by the use of lower vibration tools or job rotation.
4.	(a) Describe when a fixed guard would be an appropriate means of providing protection against mechanical hazards. (b) Outline the features of fixed guards designed to minimise the risk of injury or ill health from dangerous parts of machinery	(2) .(6)
	(a) Appropriate when providing protection against mechanical hazards when infrequent or no access is required to dangerous parts of a machine during its normal operation. (b) Factors such as; the material of construction, which should be sufficiently robust and be able to contain any ejected material, but still allow sight of the process when required; the method of fixing, usually requiring the use of a special tool for the guards removal; the need to ensure that any necessary openings in guards are such that they do not allow access to the dangerous parts and the need to address the possibility of the guard reverberating and exacerbating a noise problem