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January 2009

Examiners’ Report

NEBOSH InternationalDiploma inOccupational Health

and Safety (Unit IB)

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©  2009 NEBOSH, Dominus Way, Meridian Business Park, Leicester LE19 1QW

tel: 0116 263 4700 fax: 0116 282 4000 email: info@nebosh.org.uk website: www.nebosh.org.uk

The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health is a registered charity, number 1010444

T(s):exrpts/J/J-B0901 EXTERNAL DW/DA/REW 

Examiners’ Report

NEBOSH INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMAIN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

Unit IB – International control ofhazardous agents in the workplace

JANUARY 2009

CONTENTS  

Introduction 2

General comments 3

Comments on individual questions 4

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Introduction

NEBOSH (The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) was formed in 1979 asan independent examining board and awarding body with charitable status. We offer a comprehensiverange of globally-recognised, vocationally-related qualifications designed to meet the health, safety,environmental and risk management needs of all places of work in both the private and public sectors.Courses leading to NEBOSH qualifications attract over 25,000 candidates annually and are offered byover 400 course providers in 65 countries around the world. Our qualifications are recognised by therelevant professional membership bodies including the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health(IOSH) and the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM).

NEBOSH is an awarding body recognised and regulated by the UK regulatory authorities:

•  The Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) in England

•  The Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (DCELLS) in Wales

•  The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) in Northern Ireland

NEBOSH follows the “GCSE, GCE, VCE, GNVQ and AEA Code of Practice 2007/8” published by theregulatory authorities in relation to examination setting and marking (available at the Ofqual websitewww.ofqual.gov.uk). While not obliged to adhere to this code, NEBOSH regards it as best practice todo so.

Candidates’ scripts are marked by a team of Examiners appointed by NEBOSH on the basis of theirqualifications and experience. The standard of the qualification is determined by NEBOSH, which isoverseen by the NEBOSH Council comprising nominees from, amongst others, the Health and SafetyExecutive (HSE), the Department for Education and Skills (Df ES), the Confederation of BritishIndustry (CBI), the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the Institution of Occupational Safety andHealth (IOSH). Representatives of course providers, from both the public and private sectors, are

elected to the NEBOSH Council.

This report on the Examination provides information on the performance of candidates which it ishoped will be useful to candidates and tutors in preparation for future examinations. It is intended tobe constructive and informative and to promote better understanding of the syllabus content and theapplication of assessment criteria.

© NEBOSH 2009

 Any enquiries about this report publication should be addressed to:

NEBOSH

Dominus WayMeridian Business ParkLeicesterLE10 1QW

Tel: 0116 263 4700Fax: 0116 282 4000Email: info@nebosh.org.uk

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http://www.ofqual.gov.uk/http://www.ofqual.gov.uk/

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General comments

Many candidates are well prepared for this unit assessment and provide comprehensive and relevantanswers in response to the demands of the question paper. This includes the ability to demonstrateunderstanding of knowledge by applying it to workplace situations.

There are always some candidates, however, who appear to be unprepared for the unit assessmentand who show both a lack of knowledge of the syllabus content and a lack of understanding of howkey concepts should be applied to workplace situations.

In order to meet the pass standard for this assessment, acquisition of knowledge and understandingacross the syllabus are prerequisites. However, candidates need to demonstrate their knowledge andunderstanding in answering the questions set. Referral of candidates in this unit is invariably becausethey are unable to write a full, well-informed answer to one or more of the questions asked.

Some candidates find it difficult to relate their learning to the questions and as a result offer responsesreliant on recalled knowledge and conjecture and fail to demonstrate a sufficient degree ofunderstanding. Candidates should prepare themselves for this vocational examination by ensuringtheir understanding, not rote-learning pre-prepared answers.

Recurrent Problems

It is recognised that many candidates are well prepared for their assessments. However, recurrentissues, as outlined below, continue to prevent some candidates reaching their full potential in theassessment.

−  Many candidates fail to apply the basic principles of examination technique and for somecandidates this means the difference between a pass and a referral.

−  In some instances, candidates are failing because they do not attempt all the requiredquestions or are failing to provide complete answers. Candidates are advised to alwaysattempt an answer to a compulsory question, even when the mind goes blank. Applying basichealth and safety management principles can generate credit-worthy points.

−  Some candidates fail to answer the question set and instead provide information that may berelevant to the topic but is irrelevant to the question and cannot therefore be awarded marks.

−  Many candidates fail to apply the command words (also known as action verbs, eg describe,outline, etc). Command words are the instructions that guide the candidate on the depth ofanswer required. If, for instance, a question asks the candidate to ‘describe’ something, thenfew marks will be awarded to an answer that is an outline.

−  Some candidates fail to separate their answers into the different sub-sections of the questions.These candidates could gain marks for the different sections if they clearly indicated whichpart of the question they were answering (by using the numbering from the question in theiranswer, for example). Structuring their answers to address the different parts of the questioncan also help in logically drawing out the points to be made in response.

−  Candidates need to plan their time effectively. Some candidates fail to make good use of theirtime and give excessive detail in some answers leaving insufficient time to address all of thequestions.

−  Candidates should also be aware that Examiners cannot award marks if handwriting isillegible.

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UNIT IB – International control of hazardous agents in theworkplace 

Section A  – all questions compulsory 

Question 1  Outline  the possible functions of an occupational health service within alarge manufacturing company. (10)

The possible functions of an occupational health service that could have been outlinedinclude pre-employment health screening or other medical examinations (for example,of employees returning to work following accidents or of those such as transport

drivers whose work demands particular physical competencies), biological monitoringand health surveillance. The service would also very likely have a role in contributingto health and safety policies, providing specialist input to risk assessments and healtheducation and training programmes, carrying out sickness and absence monitoringand keeping health records, managing first-aid provision, implementing rehabilitationprogrammes and liaising with other professionals such as local general medicalpractitioners and enforcement officers. Other possible functions, depending on theorganisation and its activities, might include immunisation, drug and alcohol screeningand involvement with environmental monitoring programmes.

 A few candidates were able to identify the role of occupational health staff inconducting medical examinations and health surveillance but were then not able to gomuch further and outline other likely functions, in particular how occupational health

expertise could be used in promoting and managing health at work. In general,however, the question was reasonably well answered and most candidates were ableto provide a good range of possible functions of an occupational health service.

It was not necessary to outline the roles of different personnel within an occupationalhealth department as this is outside the scope of the question.

Question 2  (a) Outline why transport (duct) velocity is an important parameter tomeasure when assessing the efficiency of a local exhaustventilation (LEV) system. (2)

(b) Outline  the methods that can be used to measure transport

velocity in an LEV system. (5) 

(c) Identify  other parameters that may be measured to determine ifthe LEV system is working as designed. (3)

Part (a) of the question was concerned only with the parameter of duct velocity.Marks were available for identifying that duct velocity must be sufficient to keep theparticles airborne and, if this is not the case, then particles may settle out in theductwork and affect the overall efficiency of the system.

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Part (b) required an outline of the methods that may be used to measure duct velocityin an LEV system and it was expected that candidates would outline the principles anduse of both a thermal anemometer and a pitot-static tube. The choice ofinstrumentation is governed by the air velocity in the duct with a thermal anemometerbeing more suitable if this is less than 3ms-¹ (though knowledge of the actual figurewas not a key requirement).

The operating principles of each instrument were required – in terms of theanemometer responding to the cooling effect of airflow and the pitot-static tubemeasuring, via a pressure gauge, velocity pressure which can then be converted tovelocity. Regarding the actual use, the importance of finding a suitable sampling pointshould have been mentioned. Any such sampling point should be in an area of ductingthat is free from turbulence such as a long stretch of ducting.

Reference to a swinging vane anemometer (with probe) was also appropriate.However, reference to rotating vane anemometers was inappropriate in response tothis part of the question.

Part (c) gave scope for candidates to recall knowledge of other parameters relating to

LEV systems such as capture velocity, pressure differential across the filter and fanspeed. Measurement of the level of contaminants in the workplace air, powerconsumption and emission levels from the exhaust may also give an indication of theefficiency of an LEV system, all other things being equal.

There were only a few candidates who displayed the required level of knowledge inanswering this question. The remainder did not appear to be familiar with either theprinciples of local exhaust ventilation or the methods for measurement.

Question 3  A research laboratory undertakes intentional work with biological agentssuch as Ebola and Lassa viruses. These biological agents are

categorised as extremely hazardous, being placed in the highest hazardgroup.

Outline a range of technical controls that should be used to minimise therisks to those working in the laboratory, where elimination or substitutionof the hazard is not possible. (10)

In answering this question, candidates were expected to outline technical controlmeasures such as: the separation of the laboratory from other activities in the samebuilding; input and extracted air to be passed through a HEPA (high efficiencyparticulate air) filter; access to be restricted to authorised persons by means of asecurity pass or swipe card system; the work area to be sealable to permit disinfection

and to be maintained at an air pressure negative to atmosphere; all surfaces to beimpervious to water, easy to clean and resistant to acids, alkalis, solvents anddisinfectants; secure storage to be provided for the biological agents; an observationwindow (or equivalent) to be fitted so that the occupants can be seen at all times; amicrobiological safety cabinet with sealed front and glove port access to be used tocarry out the work; a facility such as an autoclave to be provided for rendering wastesafe; provision of an incinerator for disposal of animal carcases on site (if applicable);the laboratory should be provided with its own equipment and finally the provision ofappropriate and adequate hand washing facilities.

There were not many good answers provided for this question with few candidatesappreciating either the hazards involved or the precautions that should be taken.

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Question 4  (a) Use the data below to calculate  the 8 hour Time-Weighted Average (TWA) exposure to flour dust for a bakery operative.Your answer should include detailed working to show yourunderstanding of how the exposure is determined. (7) 

Working Period(Total shift time = 8 hours)

Tasks undertaken by bakeryoperative

Exposure to Flour dust(mg/m

3)

08.00 – 10.30 Weighing ingredients 14

10.30 – 10.45 Break

10.45 – 12.45 Charging the mixers 10

12.45 – 13.45 Lunch

13.45 – 15.45 Cleaning equipment 2.5

15.45 – 16.00 Assisting maintenance staff 0 (assumed)

 Assuming that exposure is zero during break times and lunch time

 Also assume that a legally enforceable Exposure Limit (8 hours TWA) of 10 mg/m3

is applicable to flour dust

(b) The bakery changes the working patterns to the extent that theoperative now only charges the mixer. In addition, shift timeshave been altered to a 10 hour shift, which includes a 1 hourlunch break where the exposure is assumed to be zero. Usingthe relevant data above, recalculate  the equivalent 8 hour TWAexposure in their new role  AND comment on the legalimplications of this change. (3)

 Answers to the first part of the question should have shown how the 8 hour TWAexposure to flour dust for a bakery operative could be calculated firstly by multiplyingtogether each time period and exposure including the periods of zero exposure, thenadding the results of the calculations together and finally dividing by eight. This wouldgive an answer of 7.5 mg/m³. Numerically, this could be expressed as:

((14 x 2.5) + (0 x 0.25) + (10 X 2) + (0 X 1) + (2.5 X 2) + (0 X 0.25))/8= (35 + 0 + 20 + 0 + 5 + 0)/8 = 60/860/8 = 7.5 mg/m³.

For part (b), a similar calculation would have shown an exposure of 11.25 mg/m³ viz:((10 x 9) + (0 x 1)) = 90/8 = 11.25 mg/m³.

The change in the mode of working has increased the individual’s exposure so it isnow more than the legal exposure limit. The employer is no longer adequately

controlling exposure and must introduce additional controls.

While the first part of the question was well answered, many candidates becameconfused with the calculations required for the second part and arrived at a wrongresult. They were then not in a position to comment on the legal implications of thechange in the working pattern.

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Question 5  (a) Identify the way in which lasers are classified according to theirhazard. (6)

(b) Low power lasers are widely used to read bar-code labelledproducts at checkouts in retail premises. Outline  the design

features that should be incorporated into these laser products toensure their safe operation and maintenance. (4)

In answer to part (a) of the question, candidates were expected to identify that theclassification of lasers is defined in an IEC standard – IEC 60825 (also EN 60825).The classifications are based on accessible emission levels with the power of thelasers measured in milliwatts (mW). There are seven different classifications – 1, 1M,2, 2M, 3B, 3R, and 4 and marks were awarded to those who additionally identified thegraduation in the level of hazard associated with each class from Class 1 – the lowestlevel to Class 4 lasers which pose the greatest hazard.

For part (b), design features that should be incorporated into the laser products to

ensure their safe operation and maintenance include the laser having no greaterpower than Class 1; the use of embedded systems; the fitting of a protective housingwith trigger operation on the hand held version; incorporating a key control withinterlock to the power source; the provision of signage and the appropriate positioningof the laser, including hand-held equipment, to avoid eye-level exposure.

This question was not well answered with many candidates lacking any knowledge oflaser classification or being able to visualise the practical scenario involving bar codereaders.

Question 6  A company has decided to close its offices and allow the 30 workers to

work from home.

The company will provide each worker with their own portable (laptop)computer for use at home and on their daily visits to customers.

Outline  the factors which should be considered to minimise ergonomicrisks to their workers when purchasing these laptops  AND bringing theminto use. (10) 

This question focussed on the ergonomic considerations involved in the use ofportable computers and the factors which should be considered to minimise risks tousers.

The initial selection and purchase of the equipment is of prime importance if thecomputer is to be used on the move where consideration would need to be given tothe provision of as large a screen as possible; to the weight of the equipment; to theprovision of light weight carrying cases or trolleys and to the provision of friction padsto stop the computer slipping during use.

During home use consideration would have to be given to the provision of a separatemouse and keyboard and a separate screen or docking station as well as theprovision of other workstation equipment such as a chair and desk.

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Other factors which would have to be considered would be the involvement of theusers in the selection of the equipment; revising the display screen equipment andmanual handling risk assessments to reflect the new mode of working and providingtraining on the use of the portable machines with reference to carrying out riskassessments on workstations created at home or on the move; on minimising theergonomic risks associated with correct set-up and use, for example on the

importance of taking regular breaks and on minimising the manual handling risksassociated with carrying the laptop.

 Answers to this question were to an acceptable standard though some candidates didnot focus wholly on the given scenario and wrote at length about software andergonomic issues associated with a workstation rather than concentrating on theissues associated with the use of a laptop.

Section B  – three from five questions to be attempted 

Question 7  A small printing company operates a number of printing machines whichare located in an open plan workshop. Following a noise survey thecompany discovers that their workers are being exposed to high averagedaily noise levels. The noise levels exceed regulatory exposure limits.

(a) Describe the acute and chronic physiological effects of exposureto high noise levels on the individual. (4)

(b) Explain what steps the company should take to protect workers. (16) In your answer clearly describe the range of technical and

organisational control measures that could be introduced.

In answering part (a) of the question, candidates were expected to outline effects suchas tinnitus, a ringing in the ears that may be chronic or acute; threshold shift whichcan again be temporary or permanent; and noise induced hearing loss where thoseaffected suffer a loss of sensitivity to sounds in the speech range.

For part (b), candidates should have referred to the need to reduce exposure bymeans other than the provision of hearing protection and could have describedtechnical controls such as: replacing older/noisier equipment with machines thatemitted lower levels of noise; isolating the noisier machines in a separate area of theworkshop and building a noise enclosure of suitable noise attenuating material around

them; mounting the noisy equipment on rubber strips or dampers; lining the walls andfloor of the workshop with acoustically absorbing material and applying damping tometal panels on machines; and creating a noise haven for the employees. If, evenafter taking the above measures, the provision of hearing protection was found to benecessary, it should be chosen based on an octave band analysis measurement ofthe noise emitted in order to provide the best overall reduction in exposure.

Organisational controls include reducing exposure times by job rotation; designatinghearing protection zones; providing training to employees on the risks associated withexposure to noise and on the fitting and maintenance of hearing protection; ensuringhearing protectors, once issued, were used and introducing disciplinary procedures todeal with those employees who did not wear them.

 Answers were generally to a reasonable standard with most candidates able to use ageneric noise control approach to the specific example in the question.

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Question 8  (a) Describe  the ways the body may defend itself against inhaleddusts. (12)

(b) A company uses a range of coloured powders in the manufacture

of paints. These powders are added directly to a mixing vesselfrom sacks. The company is concerned about the level ofexposure to its workers from the powders during this part of theprocess. Outline  the practical control measures that could beused to minimise exposure to these powders during the addition. (8)

The body’s first line of defence against inhaled dusts is the nasal hairs which trap andfilter out dust particles greater than ten microns in size. Mucus in the nose and mouthalso traps these particles which are subsequently ejected by sneezing, blowing thenose and spitting. Dust particles between five and ten microns tend to settle in themucus covering the bronchi and broncioles and are wafted upwards by tiny hairs – theciliary escalator – towards the throat. They are then coughed and spat out. Particles

smaller than five microns are more likely to reach deep into the lungs, as far as thealveoli. These particles are ingested by macrophages – a type of white blood cell – ina process known as phagocytosis and transported back to the ciliary escalator or tothe lymphatic system. They may also be transported across the alveolar membraneinto the blood stream.

In answering part (b), candidates should have recognised that elimination of thecoloured powder was not an option since the colour range was required.Consequently they were expected to outline practical control measures such asintroducing the colouring agent in a pellet or dye solution form. If this was not possible,then the powder could be fed into the mixing vessel by means of an automated feedsystem (such as a screw conveyor). Local exhaust ventilation is also an option. Avacuum system would need to be introduced to clear up spillages and employees

should be provided with personal protective equipment such as overalls, gloves andgoggles. Some form of respiratory protection would also have to be provided. If thedust was thought to be nuisance only, then a particle filtering face piece – adisposable face mask – changed on a regular basis could suffice. However, a maskand filter respirator would have to be worn if the powder were found to be harmful. Adequate supervision to enforce use is important. Use of appropriate handlingtechniques to minimise dust creation when emptying sacks was also relevant.

The first part of the question, based on a theoretical concept, was well answered.However, the practical aspect of the scenario in the second part caused problems.

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Question 9  It is often necessary to monitor a worker’s personal exposure tohazardous substances using a variety of methods including:

gravimetric analysis;

microscopy;chemical analysis.

For EACH of these three measurement principles:

(a) identify a type of hazardous substance,  AND suggest a typicalworkplace situation, where such a measurement may benecessary; (6)

(b) outline  the type of equipment and the methodology used todetermine the worker’s personal exposure to the hazardoussubstance. (14) 

For part (a) of the question, candidates should have identified that the gravimetricmethod for measuring personal exposure to hazardous substances may be used formeasuring total inhalable or respirable dusts for instance in a woodworking workshopor in the manufacture of chemicals. Microscopy would be used for the measurementof fibres such as following the accidental disturbance or planned removal of asbestos.Chemical analysis is used in the measurement of gases, vapours, fumes and somedusts in workplaces such as laboratories or those involved in the manufacture ofchemicals.

Part (b) asked candidates to outline the equipment and methodology used in each ofthe three monitoring methods. With gravimetric, a filter on a sampling head attachedto a pump is used. There are various types of sample head depending on the type of

dust being determined (eg 7 hole, , IOM and the cyclone). The filter is weighed beforeand after sampling and the concentration, expressed in mg/m³, is determined from theweight gain and the volume of air drawn through the pump during the sampling period.With microscopy, a membrane filter fitted on an appropriate sampling head (egcowled) is attached to a pump. After sampling is completed, a phase contrastmicroscope is used to count the fibres. The number of fibres in a known proportion ofthe sample is calculated and extrapolated to the whole sample with the result beingexpressed as fibres per millilitre of air (f/ml). As far as chemical analysis is concerned,there are numerous active and passive collection devices. For example, a tube orsampling head with a filter impregnated with an adsorbing material such as charcoal,tenax or silica attached to a pump. After sampling it is desorbed and analysed in alaboratory. Analysis techniques include mass spectrometry, IR spectrometry and gaschromatography. Concentrations are expressed in parts per million or milligrams/m³.

General points associated with each monitoring method include the necessity: tocalibrate the pumps used; to draw a known volume of air through the filter or tube; totake a number of samples to minimise errors in measurement; and to ensure thesampling head was placed in the breathing zone.

This was not a popular question. Answers generally demonstrated a lack of technicalknowledge of the measuring equipment involved.

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Question 10  A slightly corrosive solution is used as a treatment in part of amanufacturing process. The solution is applied by hand brushing. Forthis process, other methods of application are not practicable.

(a) Outline  the factors that should be considered in the selection ofpersonal protective equipment to adequately protect the skin andthe eyes of those involved in the process. (10)

(b) Outline  the content of a training programme that will assistworkers to use the personal protective equipment correctly. (5)

(c) Identify  a range of practical measures (other than training) thatcan be taken to encourage the use of the personal protectiveequipment and maintain its effectiveness. (5) 

In answering part (a) of the question, a logical approach would have been to outline

the factors to be considered in the selection of personal protective equipment firstly forthe hands, then for the face and eyes and finally for the rest of the body. However,firstly, applicable to all forms of protection are factors such as: consultation and usertrials; comfort/fit; conformity to appropriate performance standards and appropriatechemical resistance. For the selection of protective gloves, additional relevant factorswere the chemical breakthrough time; the level of dexterity required for the task; thelength of the glove to afford adequate protection; the durability of the gloves; the needto ensure that a suitable range of sizes is available for the various users; and anyemployee allergies to the glove material or any other skin problems. In the selection ofeye protection, relevant factors were the risk of splashing the face as well as eyes; theneed to use goggles or a face shield (glasses inadequate); and their compatibility withother protective equipment if this was required. In the selection of body protection,candidates should have referred to aprons and/or overalls and appropriate footwear.

Good answers to the second part of the question would have identified thatemployees should receive training in topics such as: the health risks of the chemical inuse; the type of personal protection to be used and the reason for its use; the methodsto be used for putting on and taking off the equipment without causing contaminationincluding decontaminating or discarding gloves after use; the methods of examiningthe equipment for damage or degradation, particularly gloves, and for reportingdefects and obtaining replacements; how to store the equipment correctly and finallyhow to carry out self examination of the skin and the action to be taken if problemswere to occur.

For part (c), candidates were expected to identify practical measures such as:management leading by example; employees being involved in the selection of the

equipment; ensuring the availability of a range of sizes in gloves and fully adjustableface shields; ensuring employees were required to sign for their equipment andmaintaining records of issue; issuing the equipment on a personal basis and providingadequate storage facilities; using propaganda, signs and posters and incentiveschemes; monitoring compliance in the use of the equipment with a recognised codeof discipline for non-use; and finally monitoring the effectiveness of the equipmentissued and replacing it with an alternative type if problems were encountered.

While this was a popular question and generally well answered, those who were notso successful were those who found it difficult to adapt their standard generic personalprotective equipment answer to the actual scenario in the question.

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Question 11  You are a health and safety advisor to a railway train operating company.You have been asked to prepare a company policy on drug misuse.Outline the key points that such a policy should include. (20) 

In the preparation of a policy on drug misuse for a railway train operating company,candidates should have outlined key points such as: a general statement of aims, forinstance the employer expects all employees to ensure that drug misuse does nothave a detrimental effect on their work; responsibilities for carrying out the policy(managers, employees, occupational health counsellors etc) and who is covered bythe policy (employees, contractors, visitors); a definition of drug misuse that includesmisuse of prescription drugs as well as prohibited drugs; the requirement fornotification to management by those employees taking prescription drugs; a reportingprocedure for employees if they suspect colleagues are taking or are under theinfluence of drugs; circumstances in which drug testing will be carried out such as pre-employment, randomly as a precautionary measure for all drivers and track sideworkers and following any track side or train accident or incident; the practical

arrangements for carrying out testing including those for peripatetic workers; thearrangements for handling samples taken for drug testing; the procedures to befollowed after a positive test or a refusal to take a test with a clear statement on thesanctions to be taken in such circumstances; details of an appeals procedure; anindication of the support and help available to employees who have a drug problemtogether with the recognition that treatment may result in absence which will betreated as normal sick leave; details of arrangements for re-instatement and return towork following treatment and a statement assuring employees of confidentiality.

This was a popular but not well answered question with many candidates unable tosuggest an acceptable range of key points to be included in the policy.

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The National ExaminationBoard in OccupationalSafety and Health

Dominus WayMeridian Business ParkLeicester LE19 1QW

telephone +44 (0)116 2634700fax +44 (0)116 2824000email info@nebosh.org.ukwww.nebosh.org.uk