Unit 201 - Health and Safety Quiz

1. The Health and Safety at Work act 1974 is one of the most important safety laws that is applicable to nearly every person working in any job. Under HASAW 1974, whose responsibility is it to ensure safe working practises?

• Persons concerned with the premises

• Employers

• Designers, manufacturers and suppliers of goods and materials

• Employees and the self-employed

• All of the above

Answer explanation

It's everybody's responsibility to make sure health and safety laws are followed

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations cover safety issues relating to harmful substances. Hazardous substances are anything that can harm your health when you work with them, if they are not properly controlled, e.g. by using inadequate ventilation. Pick three examples of hazardous substances that can be found in engineering workplaces.

• Fumes from machines

• Oils

• Acids

• Skin rash

Answer explanation

COSHH is the regulation (law) that covers substances that can cause harm to your health.

The following are examples of substances:

Chemicals, Fumes, Dusts, Gases etc.

The Provision and use of Work Equipment (PUWER) regulations cover the safe use of equipment typically found in engineering workplaces.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

PUWER is the regulation (law) that requires that equipment provided for use at work is:

Suitable, Safe, Used by trained people, Used with appropriate health and safety measures (guards, emergency stops etc)

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences (RIDDOR) regulations state that when an accident occurs, the details must be recorded in a company’s accident book. According to RIDDOR, should dangerous occurrences (near misses) be formally recorded?

• True

• False

Answer explanation

According to RIDDOR, you must report injuries and near-misses

Briefly describe what the ‘Safety Representatives and Safety Committee Regulations’ set out

Answer explanation

Functions of safety representatives:

• investigate potential hazards, dangerous occurrences and accidents.

• investigate employees’ complaints.

• make representations to the employer on health and safety matters.

• carry out workplace inspections.

• receive information from inspectors and represent employees in consultations at the workplace with inspectors.

• attend meetings of safety committees.

Responsibilities for safety committees are:

• Informing and educating employees about safety standards in the workplace

• Creating, distributing, and updating documents that outline specific workplace safety practices

• Holding regular safety training for all employees

• Regularly hosting company-wide workplace inspections and safety audits

• Encouraging breaks in the workplace (overworked employees are more likely to get injured)

Which of the responsibilities below are the employees' responsibility?

• To attend safety courses

• Fit guards on machinery

• Be alert to danger

• Know escape procedures

• The provision of personal protective equipment(PPE)

Which of the responsibilities below are the employers' responsibility?

• Fit guards on machinery

• Be alert to danger

• The provision of personal protective equipment(PPE)

• Keeping dust and fumes under control

• Provide safety training courses

Approved Codes of Practise (ACOP) offer advice on how to achieve the goals of health and safety laws. Approved Codes of Practise offer practical examples of good practise and have a special legal status.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

ACOPs describe preferred or recommended methods that can be used (or standards to be met) to comply with regulations and the duties set by the Health and Safety at Work Act.

The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at Work Regulations 1992 require that PPE is to be used and supplied at work wherever there are risks to health and safety that cannot be adequately controlled in other ways. The regulations also require that PPE is:

• Used correctly by employees

• Provided with instructions on how to use it safely

• Properly assessed before use, to ensure it's suitable and safe

• Maintained and stored properly

• All of the above

A blue and white circular sign as shown below is a mandatory sign, meaning you must carry out the action shown on the sign. What shape and colour(s) are advisory signs (also known as safety signs), and what do they mean?

Answer explanation

Advisory signs are also known as information signs because they provide us with information on things. For example, a first aid sign is an advisory sign that gives us the information of where the first aiders can be found and how we can contact them