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

Element 5: Work equipment - hazards and control

Element covers:

• General requirements for work equipment
  
• Hand-held tools
  
• Machinery hazards
  
• Appropriate control measures for machinery hazards
  

The main thrust of this element is to highlight the hazards which are associated with the provision and use of work equipment.

The regulations that cover this are Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)

The general requirement for work equipment is that it should be well maintained and fit for purpose, those who are to operate the equipment must be experienced and correctly trained in it safe use. The regulations cover all work equipment for woodworking planes, circular saws, bench and hand held grinders, drill, chainsaws, masonry cutting equipment and electric drills. The list is to provided an indication to the types of equipment and is in no way complete.

The hazards mainly associated with work equipment can include cut and abrasions, entanglement with rotary equipment, ingress of foreign body, crush, severe lacerations from chain saws and grinders along with noise vibration. There are other hazards that might not be directly attributable to the equipment, such as hazards from frayed or damaged electrical cables, ingress of water into electrical equipment and some more which may have long term effects i.e. dust, and vibration.

Hand held tools such as hammer chisels files saw can all be hazardous if not used and maintained correctly, Files should always have handles, hammers and chisels should always be ground to remove mushroom effect etc. It is essential that the risk from the use of work equipment is identified and controlled. The correct use of PPE when use of equipment is essential. Eye, ear, hand and repertory (dust masks) should all be considered when use any equipment.

The start stop and emergency stop controls for powered equipment must be at all time clearly identifiable and in good working order.

Guarding of machinery can remove significant hazards from work equipment as long as the guard completely cover the rotating parts and are not easily removable.

Chuck guards for dill and lathes blade guards for circular saws and guards over drive pulley's are all examples where guarding should be used.