NEBOSH International

Certificate

Day 9
Programme for Today

Fire Safety.
Radiation.
Ergonomics
Display Screen Equipment.
Manual Handling.
 Crown copyright material is reproduced
under the terms of the Click-Use Licence.
Fire Safety
The Fire Triangle
 Terminology
Flash point: temperature at which sufficient gas and
vapour is evolved so that burning will occur with the
application of an external ignition source, but cannot
be maintained if that source is removed.
Fire point: temperature at which sufficient gas and
vapour is evolved so that burning will occur with the
application of an external ignition source and can be
maintained even when that source is removed.
Auto ignition point: temperature at which a fuel will
ignite without the application of an external ignition
source.
Flammability limits: maximum and minimum
concentrations of a gas or vapour in air, which will
burn, e.g. methane = 5-15%.
 Classes of Fire

Class A: combustible solids (often organic),

e.g. wood, cloth and paper.
Class B: liquids, e.g. oil, petrol and alcohol.
Class C: gases, e.g. propane and methane.
Class D: metals, e.g. magnesium and
aluminium.
Class F: high temperature fat or oil.
Fire Spread

DIRECT BURNING
Principal Causes of Workplace Fires
Smoking materials. Unsafe use of flammable
Faulty or misused liquids and gases.
electrical equipment. Hot work - welding,
Malicious ignition. cutting, etc.
Portable heaters. Mechanical heat -
Unsafe storage of overheating bearings
flammable materials. and sparks.
 Fire Prevention
Design and Control of contractors.
maintenance of Control of hot work.
electrical equipment. Correct storage and
Control of portable use of flammables,
heaters. particularly liquids and
Control of smoking. gases.
Site security. Housekeeping.
Control of oxygen.
 Fire Protection
Fire resistant materials:
Building regulations often dictate.
Non-flammable building materials.
Structural steel often clad in concrete.
Materials will often be fire rated, e.g one hour.
Lining materials can have a dramatic effect on
fire characteristics.
 Fire Protection
Compartmentalisation:
Creating enclosed/sealed boxes
in a building.
Floors and walls.
Self-closing fire-resistant doors.
Automatic shutters for ventilation
shafts (may rely on fusible links
for operation).
Intumescent sealants for gaps.
 Fire Precautions
Means of detection and warning.
Means of escape.
Training and information for employees and
visitors.
Means of fighting fire.
 Means of Detecting Fire
People looking (in the simplest
workplace).
Interlinked domestic smoke
alarms:
May be suitable for small,
low-risk workplaces.
Automatic fire detection:
Point-type smoke detectors
linked to warning devices.
Ionising smoke detectors
are commonly used.
 Means of Warning
An audible means of sounding the alarm.
Shouting or a handbell:
May be adequate for small, low-risk
workplaces.
Electronic fire alarm system:
With manual call points on exit routes and
adjacent to the final exit.
Clearly audible at all locations.
Linked to detection systems.
 Means of Escape
A continuous route by way of a space, room,
corridor, staircase, doorway or other means of
passage, along or through which persons can
travel from wherever they are in a building to the
safety of the open air at ground level, by
their own, unaided efforts.
 Means of Escape
Must be:
Unobstructed.
Adequately lit.
Identified.

Maximum travel distance:

18 m if only one exit.
35 m if more than one exit.
Dead-End Corridor
Inner Rooms
 Means of Escape

Fire exit and direction signs:

Must carry a pictogram.
May carry words and an arrow.

Emergency lighting:
At night or where there is no natural light.
To indicate escape routes.
To indicate call points and fire-fighting
equipment.
To allow safe movement.
 Fire
Action

IF YOU DISCOVER A FIRE

1. Sound the alarm
2. Close all windows and doors
3. Leave the building by the nearest available
exit and report to the assembly point

ON HEARING THE ALARM

1. Close all windows and doors
2. Leave the building by the nearest available
exit and report to the assembly point

ASSEMBLY POINT:

Do not attempt to fight a major fire.

Do not take risks.
Do not stop to collect personal belongings.
Do not use the lifts.
Do not re-enter the building until authorised to do so.
 Training and Information
Fire instructions:
Displayed at suitable locations.
Brought to the attention of staff
and visitors.
Training:
Fire drills.
Fire alarm tests.
Fire extinguisher use.
Fire warden or fire team
training.
 Types of Extinguisher
Water:
Suitable for Class A fires.
Not suitable for Class B fires
or electrical fires.
Gas cartridge and stored
pressure types.
CO2:
Suitable for all classes,
especially electrical fires.
Not suitable for confined
spaces.
Stored pressure (liquid CO2).
 Types of Extinguisher
Foam:
Different types of foam (protein, fluoro-protein,
fluoro-chemical and synthetic).
Suitable for Class B fires.
Aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) can be used
on electrical fires.
Gas cartridge and stored pressure types.
Powder:
Suitable for all types of fire.
Gas cartridge and stored pressure types.


A Paper, wood and

textiles.
B Flammable liquids,
e.g. oils and paints.
C Flammable gases,
e.g. propane and
natural gas.
Electricity present.

 Types and Siting of Extinguishers
Vaporising liquid (halons):
Suitable for all classes.
Toxic by inhalation and produce even more
toxic by-product, on contact with fire.
Siting of extinguishers:
Fire certificate may specify.
30 m maximum travel distance.
Minimum of 1 per 200 m2 floor space and
one per floor.
Conspicuous and accessible (handle not
over 1.1 m above floor).
In corridors, inside doorways or at a point of
specific use.
 Fixed Installations
Fire reels.
Sprinkler systems:
Used to protect large open plan areas,
e.g warehouses, unfrequented areas,
e.g. store rooms and means of escape.
Often water, but can incorporate foam,
e.g. flammable liquid store.
Flood systems:
Used to protect critical installations, e.g.
computer rooms.
Often require special precautions to
prevent activation when areas occupied,
e.g. halon system.
Typical Sprinkler Head
Maintenance of Fire Arrangements
Frequency of maintenance of facilities and
procedures.
Detection equipment and alarms.
Extinguishers.
Escape routes.
Emergency lighting.
Evacuation procedures.
Details of maintenance to be recorded in a
Fire Book.
 Fire Risk Assessment
Identify the fire hazards.
Identify the location of people at
significant risk.
Evaluate the risk:
Existing fire safety measures.
Carry out improvements.
Record findings and action taken.
Review and revise.
 Exam Question

Identify the main hazards associated with

excavation work on construction sites.
(8 marks)

(Source: IGC, September 2005)

NEBOSH International
Certificate

Radiation
 Radiation
What is Radiation?
Radiation is a form of energy. It travels as a
stream of particles or as waveform from a
source.
Sources can be natural or
man-made.
It is found in two types:
- ionising radiation.
- non-ionising radiation.
Background radiation
we are all exposed to all forms, all of the time!
 Radiation
Ionising radiation:

Is a form of energy, which

has the strength to alter the
electrical charge of an atom
or molecule, i.e. to ionise it.

It can also penetrate the

body and cause serious and
permanent harm to a person,
dependent on the dose.
 Radiation
Ionisation:
An atom is made up of the
nucleus which contains
protons and neutrons, and
electrons which orbit the
nucleus.
Protons are positively charged and
neutrons are neutrally charged.
They both have a measurable mass.

Electrons are negatively charged and have neglible mass.

If unstable, atoms fall apart (decay), releasing radiation.

 The Concept of Half-Life

What is
the half-
life of this
substance?

The half-life is the time taken for half of radionuclide to decay.

 Radiation

Forms of ionising radiation:

1. Alpha emission.
2. Beta emission.
3. Gamma rays.
4. Neutrons.
5. X-rays.
 Alpha Particles
Made up of 2 protons and 2 neutrons.
Heavy and slow moving, charged (2++).
Short range and stopped by a few cms of
air, tin foil or outer layer of dead skin.
Only hazardous if inside the body. If
ingested, causes very localised ionisation,
so then considered dangerous.
Occupational uses - smoke detectors
(encapsulated), science and medical
labs.
 Beta Particles
Charged (-ve), but very light
(almost no mass) and very fast
moving (<speed of light).
Travel further (less likely to hit
anything).
Penetrate further - through skin.
Can cause secondary radiation
emission.
Examples sterilisation and
thickness gauges.
 Gamma Rays
A form of electromagnetic
radiation.
Much higher frequency and higher
energy than light.
Only emitted by radioactive decay.
Travel at speed of light, over vast
distances.
Very penetrating.
Used in industrial radiography
source material is Caesium 137.
Ionising Radiation
 X-Rays

Another form of electromagnetic radiation.

Lower frequency and energy than gamma rays.
Can be generated - bombard a metal target in a
vacuum tube with electrons.
Can be switched off.
Used in medical radiography.
 Occupational Sources
Ionising radiation - variable applications are found:

Medical and Dental radiographic

diagnosis x-rays.
Nuclear power: power stations and
defence (nuclear submarines).
Non-destructive testing gamma
rays.
Laboratory analysis, diagnosis and
research.
Smoke detectors.
 Health Effects
Ionising radiation changes DNA (cell nucleus).
High doses kill the cell (as in radiotherapy).
Survivable dose may prevent division (eventual
death) or cause mutation.
In somatic cells - may cause cancer.
In reproductive cells - may cause sterility,
mutation of offspring, etc.
Acute effects: skin burns, radiation sickness,
hair loss and death.
Chronic effects: cancers (including leukaemia),
sterility, mutations, damage to developing
foetus, cataracts and skin damage.
DNA Molecule
 Controlling Exposure
Best achieved by dose limitation.

Time limitation of exposure.

Maintain distance from the

source:
Inverse square law applies.

Shielding of the source.

 Controlling Exposure
Key aspects of radiation control

Appointment of specialists:
Radiation Protection Advisors (RPAs) and
Radiation Protection Supervisors (RPSs)
may need to be appointed to offer
specialist advice and offer supervision.

Designated areas may need to be

defined and managed. Access must be
restricted. Warning signs used, named
authorised workers and SSWs.
 Controlling Exposure
Dosimetry and Medical Surveillance

International Commission on
Radiological Protection (ICRP) has
set dose limits to exposure:

General public must not be

exposed to more than 1 mSv
per year.
Occupational exposure must
not exceed 20 mSv per year.
 Controlling Exposure
Dosimetry and Medical Surveillance
Ensure compliance to the limits by means of:

Personal Monitoring
Workers in controlled and supervised areas use
personal dosimeters, either whole body or part of body.
Medical Examination
Routine examination conducted
before employment and every
12 months.
Area monitoring
Levels assessed and equipment
maintained regularly.
 Non-Ionising Radiation
Non-ionising radiation:
Is a form of radiation without the ability to
ionise tissue, but it can cause harm. Most
forms of non-ionising radiation have an effect
on the skin and eyes and can cause damage
to them.
 Non-Ionising Radiation

This type of radiation is electromagnetic and

does not cause ionisation of the material
through which it passes. Forms occurring are:
Ultraviolet.
Infrared.
Microwaves.
Radio waves.
LASERs.
 Non-Ionising Radiation
Ultraviolet: Infrared:
Sunburn, skin cancer Emitted from hot
and premature ageing. sources.
Retinal damage - snow Heating of skin,
blindness and arc eye. Cornea and lens
e.g. welding and (causing cataract).
sunlight. e.g. glass blowers.
Cover skin. Tinted glasses.
Goggles.
 Non-Ionising Radiation
Microwaves and Lasers:
radio waves: Monochromatic and
Cause internal heating coherent = >energy.
of the body organs. Eye damage.
It cant be felt. Blink response adequate
If cant dissipate heat, for most bright light.
it cooks. Classification.
e.g. ovens and radio e.g. communications and
antenna. metal cutting.
 Classes of Laser
Class 1 - Inherently safe (low
power), protection by blinking.
Class 2 - Low power and visible,
adequate protection by blinking.
Class 3A - Medium power, direct
viewing with optical aids could be
hazardous.
Class 3B - Medium power, requiring interlocked enclosures
and strict procedures, use eye protection at all times and
restrict area.
Class 4 High-power lasers requiring extreme caution.
NEBOSH International
Certificate

Ergonomics
 Ergonomics

Basic philosophy:

To design equipment/environment which fit the

capacity and needs of the individual, thereby
promoting effective performance.

To design work systems/environment which do

not exceed physical capabilities and mental
well-being, thereby promoting comfort.
 Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the study of the
relationship between:

Man.
The equipment he works with.
The environment.

It is the science of adapting the task

(including equipment and the workplace),
to the worker.
 Principles of Ergonomics
Workstation design centres on:
Effective layout of physical objects in relation to worker,
to minimise postural stress, and also reaching and manual
manipulation of equipment.
Positioning and design of DSE and other
equipment, and also lighting to reduce
visual stress.
Organisation of tasks over time to reduce
possibility of fatigue or injury to parts of
the body.
Organisation of task activities, including
control, supervision and design of local
environment to minimise mental stress.
Ergonomics Ill-Health Effects
Physical stress.
Visual problems due to excess brightness.
Mental stress.
E.g. Work related upper limb disorder (WRULD).
A generic term for a range of musculoskeletal
disorders (MSDs), including RSI.
Symptoms:
Pain.
Lack of joint movement.
Soft tissue swelling.
Symptom may have slow onset.
Adaptation to task affects other parts of the body.
Acute stage rapidly proceeds to chronic stage.
 Ill-Health Effects

Who is affected by WRULDs?

Keyboard operators and

office staff.
Assembly line workers.
Slaughterhouse staff.
Supermarket checkout staff.

Why are checkout staff at risk?

 Specific Health Problems
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Other upper limb disorders:
Bursitis.
Epicondylitis.
Occupational cramp of the
hand.
Tendonitis.
Tenosynovitis.
Ulnar neuritis.
Thoracic outlet syndrome.
 Specific Health Problems
Anatomy of the back:
7 cervical vertebrae.
12 thoracic vertebrae.
5 lumbar vertebrae.
The sacrum.
Coccyx.
 Specific Health Problems

Some back problems:

Sciatic pain.
Prolapsed intervertebral
slipped disc.
Arthritic changes.
Fusion of vertebrae.
 Specific Health Problems
Some other ill-health effects:

Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).

Fatigue-related disorders.
Eye problems (usually caused by
excessively bright light).
- Eyestrain.
- Inflammation.
- Blurred vision.
- Headaches and vertigo fatigue.
Cranfield Man
 Ergonomic Risk Factors
What are the causes?
There are three risk factors and activities:

Physical requirements of the task.

The environment.
The equipment worked with.

We will look at these in turn, next.

 Ergonomic Risk Factors

Physical requirements of the task -

key factors:
Posture and physical action.
Forces involved.
Repetition.
Duration and recovery time.
 Ergonomic Risk Factors
The environment - key problem areas:

Illumination and contrast of

general lighting.
Glare.
Flickering light.
Temperature.
Humidity.
 Ergonomic Risk Factors
The equipment - key factors:
Physical characteristics of the
equipment itself:
- Physical manipulation.
- Encouraging poor posture.
Position in relation to worker:
- Requiring bending.
- Reaching down.
- Reaching up.
NEBOSH International
Certificate

Display Screen Equipment

(DSE)
 DSE - Terminology

What is Display Screen Equipment?

Any alphanumeric display screen regardless of
the display process involved.

Who is the user?

An employee who habitually uses DSE as a
significant part of their working day.

What is an operator?
A self-employed user.
 Ill-Health Effects of DSE

Suggested Ill-Health Effects:

Work Related Upper Limb
Disorder (WRULD).
Temporary eyestrain.
Fatigue and stress.
Facial dermatitis.
Radiation.
Photosensitive epilepsy.
 Ill-Health Effects of DSE

What does DSE include?

Equipment.

Environment.

Interface of computer and

user.
DSE Workstation

(Source: L26, First edition)

 Display Screen Equipment
Interaction of User and Equipment
Chairs - adjustability An Example of Good Posture
footrests
Screens - adjustability
construction
glare
Keyboard - adjustability
construction
Work surface - area
document holders
Environment - space
lighting
noise
heat
Software - includes ergonomics
Optimum Workstation Set-Up
Screen height adjustable so that the
monitor top is level with the eyes,
giving a 15-20 degree drop in vision.

Screen: glare and

reflection minimised.
Distance 35 - 60 cm.
Shoulders relaxed and Screen able to
upper arm vertical. tilt and swivel.
Space in front of the
Seat height so that
keyboard to rest wrists
forearms are approx.
(wrist support).
horizontal.
Keyboard detachable
with facilities to tilt.

Depth of desk top >60cm

with worktop height
approx. 60cm from the
floor.
5 star base with
adjustable seat A footrest may be
height and backrest. required to minimise
Lower back support pressure on the
at belt height. underside of the thigh.
 DSE Assessment
Workstation Assessment

Minimum standards for the

equipment and environment relate to:

Screen, keyboard, desk, chair and

footrest.

Space, light, reflection and glare,

noise, heat, radiation and
humidity.
 Preventative/Precautionary Measures
Engineering Controls:
Physical layout.

Systems of Work:
Planning work routine:
- Regular breaks.
- Task or job rotation.
- Work sharing.
- Extension of job responsibilities i.e. the same task
not performed repeatedly.
- Limitation of overtime work.
Preventative/Precautionary Measures

Individual measures:

- Information and training -

in correct use of equipment
and software.

- Eye test and spectacles -

should be at cost of employer.
NEBOSH International
Certificate

Manual Handling
 Manual Handling

What is manual handling?

Transporting or supporting of a
load (including the lifting, putting
down, pushing, pulling, carrying or
moving thereof) by hand or by
bodily force.
 The Scale of the Problem
Over a third of all lost-time incidents reported in the UK
every year, are manual handling related.
Other

Handling

Trip

M/c
Struck Falls
 Manual Handling
Common injuries:
Disc injury.
Trapped nerves.
Muscle strains.
Hernias.
Sprains and strains
(ligaments and tendons).
Fractures, burns,
lacerations and bruising.
WRULDs.
Anatomy of the Spine

The spine is made up of:

Vertebrae.
Intervertebral discs.
Tendons and ligaments.
Muscles.
The spinal cord.
Nerves.
The Spine

Vertebrae from
the middle part
of the back.

Vertebrae
from the
lower back.
 The Spine
Cross Section of Vertebra and Disc

Vertebra

Disc

Tough outer coat

Centre of disc
Effect of Loads on the Discs

vertebra

disc

vertebra
The Spinal Cord and Nerves
Three Stacked Vertebra

Discs

Nerves

Ligaments
A Slipped Disc Trapping a Nerve

Spinal cord

Nerve bundle

Distorted disc
 Employers Responsibility
Employers should adhere to a strict hierarchy
of measures in managing the hazard:

Avoid hazardous manual handling

operations so far as possible, i.e. by
elimination.
Assess any hazardous manual
handling activities that cannot be
avoided.
Reduce the risk of injury so far as is
reasonably practicable, e.g.
automation, mechanical aids, etc.
 Manual Handling

The Employer should -

so far as possible, avoid

manual handling where there
is a risk of injury.
How Can I Avoid Manual Handling?

Eliminate the need to move the load.

Automate the movement.

Mechanise the movement.

 How Do I Know if There is a Risk
of Injury?
Do people puff, sweat and get very
fatigued?
Are work areas cramped?
Are loads excessive or awkward?
Is there a history of back pain and
absence?
Use the general guidelines filter.
Lifting and Lowering Filter
Assessment guideline filter - maximum weight guidance.

These are guideline values only.

 Manual Handling Operations

Carrying
Guideline filter similar.
Hold load against body.
Rest every 10 metres.
Pushing and Pulling
 Lifting and Lowering Filter

Handling Whilst Seated

Guideline values much
reduced.
Applies to area of shoulder
to hip.
 Lifting and Lowering Filter
Bending and Twisting

45 degree twist = 10% reduction from filter guidelines.

90 degree twist = 20% reduction.
 Duties of Employers
The employer should make a suitable and
sufficient assessment of the manual handling
operation and reduce the risk of injury to the
lowest level possible.

Employees must follow any safe

system of work introduced.
 Duties of Employers
How should the employer assess the Risk?
What does a suitable and sufficient risk
assessment mean?
The following four factors should be considered as
part of the risk assessment.
1. Load
2. Individual Capability
3. Task
4. Environment

Remember LITE.
 Duties of Employers
How Can I Reduce the Risk of Injury?

Use mechanical assistance.

Redesign of the task, load

or environment.

Team handling for heavy

or unwieldy loads.

Good handling technique.

Mechanisation
Mechanical Assistance
 Factors to Assess
The Load

Is it heavy?
Is it bulky or unwieldy?
Is it difficult to grasp?
Is it unstable?
Is it sharp, hot or
otherwise hazardous?
 Modifying the Load
Honeycombing the
load may reduce the
weight, depending
on the type of
material used.
Modifying the Load
 Modifying the Load
This is a
rudimentary form
of mechanisation.
 Factors to Assess
The Individual
Does the task
Require unusual strength, height,
etc.?
Pose a risk to pregnant workers?
Pose a risk to young people?
Pose a risk to people with health
problems?
Other factors:
Is protective clothing or
equipment worn?
Does this affect the operation?
 Factors to Assess
The Task
Does the task involve:
Being held at a distance from the trunk?
Twisting?
Stooping?
Reaching upwards?
Excessive lifting or lowering?
Excessive carrying distances?
Pushing or pulling?
Sudden movement of the load?
Frequent/prolonged physical effort?
Sufficient rest periods?
A rate of work imposed by a process?
 Effect of Distance from Trunk

Capability %

Distance
from the
spine, cms
Modifying the Task
Modifying the Task
 Factors to Assess
The Work Environment
Does lack of space prevent good posture?
Are floors uneven, slippery or unstable?
Are there variations in floor level?
Is it extremely hot or cold?
Is it extremely humid?
What is ventilation like?
Are there gusts of wind or strong air
movements?
What is the lighting like?
Modifying the Environment
 Training
Safe Lifting Technique
1. Stop and think.
2. Position the feet.
3. Adopt a good posture.
4. Get a firm grip.
5. Keep the load close.
6. Dont jerk.
7. Move the feet.
8. Put down, then adjust.