Question
(a) Identify hazards associated with the use of a cement mixer. (4) (b) For the hazards identified above outline control measures that can be used to reduce the risks. (4)
Approaching the Question
Think now about the steps you would take to answer the question:
1. The first step is to read the question carefully. Note that part (b) of this question asks you to outline control measures. We haven’t tackled an “outline” question in IGC2 yet, and it is a very common NEBOSH question type. An outline is defined as “give the key features of”. You need to give a brief description of something or a brief explanation of reasons why. This is less depth than ”explain” or ”describe” but more depth than “list”. A great amount of depth and detail is not required.
So in this question you are required to identify hazards associated with cement mixers, then outline control measures that are used to reduce those hazards.
2. Next, consider the marks available. In this question there are eight marks so it is expected that around eight or nine different pieces of information should be provided. Questions that are split into parts (this one is split into two parts worth four marks each) are often easier to pick up marks on, because the signposts NEBOSH use are so much easier to see. You will be expected to provide four pieces of information for each part of the question; the whole question should take around eight minutes. As we have said previously, if you want to provide a few additional pieces of information and you have the time to do so it is fine – this might help you to achieve maximum marks. However, if a question specifically asks for four facts, then you must only give four as any others won’t be marked. Here it’s OK as it’s only implied from the mark scheme.
3. Now highlight the key words. In this case they might look like this:
(a) Identify hazards associated with the use of a cement mixer. (4) (b) For the hazards identified above outline control measures that can be used to reduce the risks. (4) 4. Read the question again to make sure you understand it and have a clear understanding of the hazards
associated with the use of cement mixers and their control measures. (Reread your notes if you need to.) 5. The next stage is to develop a plan – there are various ways to do this. Remind yourself, first of all, that you need
to be thinking about ‘hazards’ for the first part; and ‘controls’ for the second part.
The answer plan will take the form of a bullet-pointed list that you need to develop into a full answer based on the key words that you have highlighted.
Now have a go at the question. Draw up an answer plan, and then use it as the basis to write out an answer as you would in the exam.
Key hint: don’t just think of mechanical (machinery) hazards – there are lots of potential hazards associated with the use of a cement mixer.
Remember, you can always contact your tutor if you have any queries or need any further guidance on how to answer this question.
When you have finished, compare your plan and full answer with those that follow.
RRC
Sample
ELEMENT 3 WORK EQUIPMENT HAZARDS AND CONTROL
Suggested Answer
Plan
Cement Mixer Hazards Corresponding Controls • Ejection of materials.
• Entanglement in moving parts.
• Chemical hazards (irritant and corrosive). • Inhalation of dusts.
• Noise.
• Electrocution (if electrically powered) • Contact with diesel/fumes if diesel-powered. • Manual handling.
• Guards to contain contents. • Guards to prevent access.
• PPE including gloves, goggles, overalls. • Use of RPE to prevent inhalation. • Use of ear defenders.
• Maintenance and use of RCD.
• Adequate ventilation, safe storage of fuels.
• Mechanical lifting aids, reduction in cement bag size, training.
Possible Answer by Exam Candidate
(a) Hazards associated with the use of a cement mixer include: • The ejection of materials from the moving drum.
• Contact with moving parts resulting in entanglement or abrasion. • Contact with the corrosive cement and inhalation of irritant dusts. • Noise during the operation of the mixer.
• Electrocution from an electrically-powered mixer. • Manual handling of the cement bags.
(b) Corresponding controls to reduce the risk could include the following. Guards could be installed in order to contain debris and prevent ejection of materials, while also preventing access to moving parts of the mixer. PPE, including gloves, eye protection and overalls could be used to protect from the corrosive cement, while dust masks could be used to prevent inhalation of cement dusts. Maintenance may reduce the noise levels; however, hearing protection, e.g. ear plugs, could be used to further reduce the risk. The risk of electric shock could be reduced by using reduced voltage (110V) power supplies, or if not possible an RCD could be used. Finally manual handling could be reduced by using mechanical lifting aids, reducing bag sizes, using team lifting and providing training in safe lifting techniques.
Reasons for Poor Marks Achieved by Candidates in Exam
As before, bullets have been used with care in the above example answer – this is not a list and the correct level of detail for an “identify” question has been used.
Most candidates managed this question well. However, some did lose marks for not providing sufficient detail for an “outline” as required in part (b).