02 NEBOSH IGC Guide .pdf

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IGC U1207

Guide to the NEBOSH International General Certificate in
Occupational Health and Safety
Foreword
The NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is a
globally recognised qualification offered by an established independent UK examination
board with over 25 years experience in providing health and safety awards in the UK and
across the world including the Middle East, the West Indies and Southeast Asia.
The International General Certificate is designed for managers, supervisors and employee
representatives based outside the UK. The International General Certificate (IGC) focuses
on international standards and management systems to provide a broad understanding of
health and safety principles and practices, enabling candidates to effectively discharge
workplace health and safety responsibilities in all parts of the world.
The NEBOSH International General Certificate is also suitable for those embarking on a
career in health and safety, providing a valuable foundation for further professional study
(such as the pilot NEBOSH International Diploma). On successful completion of the
qualification, a Certificate holder with five years experience in a Health and Safety role may
apply for Technician membership (Tech IOSH) of the Institution of Occupational Safety and
Health (IOSH), the largest UK professional body in the field (www.iosh.co.uk). The
Certificate also satisfies the academic requirements for Associate membership (AIIRSM) of the
International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (www.iirsm.org).
The International General Certificate is modelled on the NEBOSH National General
Certificate (NGC), the most widely recognised health and safety qualification in the UK. The
key difference between the two awards is in the applicability of legal requirements. Rather
than be guided by a specifically UK framework, the International General Certificate takes a
risk management approach based on best practice and international standards, such as
International Labour Organisation (ILO) codes of practice, with special reference to the
model proposed in the ILO's "Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health Management
Systems" (ILO-OSH 2001). Local laws and cultural factors form part of the study programme
where relevant and appropriate.
This latest edition of the Guide includes relatively minor amendments to the content of the
syllabus and the language used has been reviewed to clarify the requirements of
assessment; in particular to make explicit the links between each element of the syllabus
and the learning outcomes.
The syllabus has now been divided into three units, each of which is assessed separately.
Whilst candidates and their course providers can continue to teach the syllabus material in
the same course format as before, (and undertake the examinations and practical unit as
before) the unitised structure provides opportunities for additional and more flexible course
formats.
For each unit successfully completed, candidates passing will receive a Unit Certificate from
NEBOSH denoting their achievement. On successful completion of all three units, the
NEBOSH International General Certificate will be awarded.

This Guide supports the enclosed syllabus for the NEBOSH International General Certificate
by providing additional guidance and background material for both tutors and candidates.
Further information about NEBOSH awards can be found on our website at
www.nebosh.org.uk. NEBOSH welcomes comments on this Guide, and on any other aspect
of the International General Certificate qualification.
David Morris
Chairman September 2007

September 2007 i
Guide to the NEBOSH International General Certificate in
Occupational Health and Safety
Contents
1. Introduction 1
2. Structure and rationale of the qualification 2
2.1 Background 2
2.2 Structure of the qualification 3
2.3 Programmes of study 4
2.4 Study material 4
3. Assessment and criteria for the award 5
3.1 Entry requirements 5
3.2 The assessment system for the NEBOSH International General Certificate 7
3.3 External examinations (IGC1 and IGC2) 7
3.4 International health and safety practical application (IGC3) 8
3.5 Requests by course providers for an examination 8
3.6 Examination registration 9
3.7 Assessment results 11
3.8 Requests for reasonable adjustments 13
3.9 Requests for special consideration 13
3.10 Enquiries about results and appeals 14
3.11 Malpractice 15

4. Syllabus for the NEBOSH International General Certificate 16
4.1 Unit IGC1: Management of international health and safety 17
4.1.1 Element 1: Foundations in health and safety 17
4.1.2 Element 2: Policy 19
4.1.3 Element 3: Organising for health and safety 20
4.1.4 Element 4: Promoting a positive health and safety culture 22
4.1.5 Element 5: Risk assessment 24
4.1.6 Element 6: Principles of control 26
4.1.7 Element 7: Monitoring, review and audit 28
4.1.8 Element 8: Occupational incident and accident investigation,
recording and reporting 30
4.2 Unit IGC2: Control of international workplace hazards 31
4.2.1 Element 1: Movement of people and vehicles – hazards and control 31
4.2.2 Element 2: Manual and mechanical handling hazards and control 33
4.2.3 Element 3: Work equipment hazards and control 35
4.2.4 Element 4: Electrical hazards and control 37
4.2.5 Element 5: Fire hazards and control 38
4.2.6 Element 6: Chemical and biological health hazards and control 40
4.2.7 Element 7: Physical and psychological health hazards and control 43
4.2.8 Element 8: Construction activities – hazards and control 46
September 2007 ii

September 2007 iii
5. Unit IGC3: International health and safety practical application 48
5.1 Aim 48
5.2 The practical assessor 48
5.3 Assessments made on training premises 48
5.4 Assessments made in the candidate’s workplace and supervised
by a manager 49
5.5 Assessments made in the candidate’s workplace and supervised
by the assessor 49
5.6 Date of assessment 49
5.7 General procedures 50
5.8 Candidate’s observation sheet 51
5.9 Marking the practical unit 53
5.10 Guidance to candidates for the practical unit 59
6. Sample examination papers 61
6.1 Unit IGC1 sample paper: Management of international health and safety 61
6.2 Unit IGC2 sample paper: Control of international workplace hazards 63
7. Appendices 65
Appendix 1: The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety
and Health (NEBOSH) 65
Appendix 2: The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) 66
Appendix 3: Examination technique 67
Appendix 4: Relationship of the IGC to the NEBOSH National Diploma and
proposed International Diploma 68

Guide to the NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
September 2007 1
1. Introduction
1.1 The NEBOSH International General Certificate is based on the NEBOSH National
General Certificate, which has been recognised for many years as the basis for a
sound, broad introduction to the fundamentals of occupational health and safety, with
over 100,000 candidates having achieved the qualification to date. The International
General Certificate has been developed to fulfil the same objectives in a global
context. This Guide has been laid out in a way that will assist tutors and candidates
understand the full scope of the course and the assessment requirements for the
qualification.
1.2 Despite the increasing global recognition of the importance of health and safety at
work, accidents and work-related ill-health continue to affect all types of workplaces
and occupations. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates that
approximately 2 million workers per year die of occupational injuries and illnesses,
equivalent to over 5,000 workers dying worldwide every day. At least 355,000 of
these deaths are due to accidents at work. There are an estimated 500-2000 non-
fatal injuries for every fatal injury (including 160 million cases of work-related
disease), many of which result in lost earnings, lost jobs and permanent disability and
poverty.
1.3 The human cost of work-related accidents and illness should not be underestimated;
for every person injured or killed there are also families, friends, and communities
who must cope with the physical, psychological and economic consequences.
1.4 The business impact of workplace accidents and ill-health is also compelling – in
addition to the direct costs of sick pay and absence, employers can find themselves
dealing with criminal prosecution, claims for compensation, adverse publicity and
harm to both business reputation and profitability. In the UK alone the estimated
annual cost of occupational injury and illness is £5 billion to employers and £16 billion
to the British economy. The annual worldwide cost of occupational injury and illness
is estimated by the ILO to be twenty times greater than the total amount of official
development assistance provided to developing countries (approximately $50 billion).
1.5 With this background, the NEBOSH International General Certificate aims to provide
managers, supervisors and employee representatives making day-to-day decisions
at work with a broad knowledge of health and safety in order to ensure that the health
and safety implications of their decisions are properly taken into account. The vast
majority of occupational injuries, accidents and ill-health are avoidable and
preventable by safe working practices and good health and safety management. By
saving money, improving productivity and raising workforce morale, effective health
and safety management should be recognised as an essential element of a
successful management strategy.
1.6 There is considerable flexibility in the modes of study for the NEBOSH International
General Certificate. Course providers run part-time day and evening courses, full-
time block release courses and open/distance learning courses in accordance with
the mode/s of study that are covered by NEBOSH accreditation. Many can also
organise in-house courses to meet the needs of individual employers. A list of
course providers for the NEBOSH International General Certificate is available from
the NEBOSH website (www.nebosh.org.uk).

September 2007 2
2. Structure and rationale of the qualification
2.1 Background
2.1.1 The NEBOSH International General Certificate has been designed to provide an
appropriate breadth of underpinning knowledge for non-specialists in occupational
health and safety working in an international context, to enable them to discharge
more effectively their organisational duties or functions with respect to workplace
health and safety. It has been designed for managers, supervisors, employee
representatives and others who require a basic knowledge and understanding of
occupational health and safety.
2.1.2 Pilot courses leading to the new award were run by a small number of approved
NEBOSH course providers as a pilot exercise in 2003-04 and the qualification was
launched in April 2005. To date, over 700 candidates have already been awarded
the NEBOSH International General Certificate.
2.1.3 The key difference between the National General Certificate and the International
General Certificate is in the applicability of legal requirements. While health and
safety in the UK is underpinned by an established and well-structured set of
legislative requirements, which cannot be excluded from a national award, this is less
relevant in an international context. The syllabus (Section 4) therefore omits
reference to any particular national legal requirements. In common with the national
qualification, however, the syllabus is structured according to a management
framework. The framework used for the National General Certificate is the health
and safety management model described in the UK Health and Safety Executive’s
publication “Successful Health and Safety Management” (HSG65). The International
Certificate, on the other hand, makes reference to the model proposed in the ILO’s
“Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems” (ILO-OSH
2001). This broadly follows that set out in the British Standards Institution (BSI)
“Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems” (OHSAS 18001), part of the
“Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series”. OHSAS 18001:2007 has
been adopted as a British Standard, and is achieving increasing international
acceptance and recognition.
2.1.4 The format of the International Certificate, however, follows the structure of the
National Certificate, even though this does not match quite so closely the model in
ILO-OSH 2001 (or OHSAS 18001). The differences are not particularly significant
and retaining the same structure for both awards has some advantages in terms of
course delivery and for retaining a consistent standard between the two
qualifications.
2.1.5 The principles of achieving high standards of health and safety are the same
regardless of any legal requirements. It is these principles, and the practices that
follow them, that form the basis of the International Certificate. International technical
and other standards (ILO Codes of Practice, for instance) receive emphasis in the
syllabus, where relevant. In other cases, UK requirements and practices may be
assumed to represent ‘good practice’ and reference may be made in this respect to
UK Approved Codes of Practice and relevant guidance. Where particular local
requirements apply, then these should form part of course material but will not be
examined.

September 2007 3
2.1.6 The award of the NEBOSH International General Certificate does not imply that the
holder is competent to undertake all health and safety tasks. Competence requires
the appropriate application of knowledge and understanding through experience of
tackling real issues at work. Rather, the NEBOSH International General Certificate
provides a broad base of knowledge on which a fundamental level of competence in
occupational health and safety can be developed. The level of competence in
occupational safety and health required by an individual depends on a range of
factors including the nature and magnitude of the risks with which he or she is to deal
and whether or not there is access to more competent sources of health and safety
advice. The guidance of an occupational health and safety practitioner (someone
professionally qualified in health and safety) should be sought if there is any doubt
about the level of health and safety competence to which an organisation, or any part
of it, should have access.
2.2 Structure of the qualification
2.2.1 The NEBOSH International General Certificate consists of three units, each
separately assessed. Candidates may choose to take all of the units at the same
time or at different times. On successful completion of each of the units a Unit
Certificate will be issued. However, in order to achieve the NEBOSH International
General Certificate qualification, candidates will need to pass all of the three units
within a five-year period. Unit IGC3 (International health and safety practical
application) is not offered independently of the taught units. Candidates will normally
be required to complete the IGC3 assessment within 14 days of sitting the
examination for Units IGC1 and/or IGC2.
2.2.2 The NEBOSH International General Certificate has been divided into 3 Units:
Unit IGC1 Management of international health and safety
Unit IGC2 Control of international workplace hazards
Unit IGC3 International health and safety practical application
Unit IGC3 has no syllabus content associated with it, but tests the application of
knowledge acquired in the study of the first two units. It examines a candidate’s
application of knowledge in the first instance to identify hazards, evaluate risk and
control and secondly to report to management in a way that is persuasive towards
management action to improve standards. The structure and content of the units and
elements are set out in Section 4: Syllabus for the NEBOSH International General
Certificate.
2.2.3 The move to the unitised syllabus has led to a change in terminology in the NEBOSH
International General Certificate. Previously the two examinations were known
collectively as Part A (Paper A1 – The Management of safety and health and Paper
A2 – Controlling workplace hazards) and the practical assessment as Part B. Each
assessment method will now be known by its discrete unit identifier, ie, IGC1 and
IGC2 for the examinations and IGC3 for the practical application unit.

September 2007 4
2.2.4 The total study time for each unit is as follows:
Unit IGC1: 37 hours tuition and 23 hours private study Total: 60 hours
Unit IGC2: 43 hours tuition and 26 hours private study Total: 69 hours
Unit IGC3: See 2.2.2 above
A programme of study therefore needs to be based around a minimum of 80 taught
hours and approximately 49 hours of private study.
2.3 Programmes of study
2.3.1 The study time will be used to benchmark the adequacy of a proposed programme.
Any variation to the normal contact time will need to be justified by an accredited
centre to the satisfaction of NEBOSH on the basis of reasonable provision to meet
adequately the learning needs of a particular cohort. The same principle will apply to
distance or open learning course provider applications for accreditation.
2.3.2 The categories ‘tuition’ and ‘private study’ have in mind a face-to-face mode of
programme delivery but they will provide a benchmark for candidates studying by
supported open or distance learning. Such candidates should be guided by the total
study time, which includes own study time and time spent in individual or group
tutorials.
2.4 Study material
2.4.1 Candidates should be conversant with the main requirements of recognised
international standards as they apply generally to the workplace. An extremely useful
source of reference in this respect is the “ILO Encyclopaedia of Occupational Health
and Safety” (4th edition, ISBN 92-2-109203-8), although this is too voluminous to
recommend as a course text. UK HSC Approved Codes of Practice and HSE
guidance publications, as well as many US OSHA publications (eg the OSHA
Manual), may also provide a guide for both tutors and candidates to much of the
material covered by the course, although candidates will not be expected to be
conversant with every detail of such publications. Candidates should be guided by
their tutors on the extent to which reference could usefully be made to the materials
identified, which may depend partly on the comprehensiveness of course notes.
2.4.2 Examiners’ Reports for the International General Certificate will be published by
NEBOSH in due course. Until that time, Examiners’ Reports for the National General
Certificate, while not providing ‘model answers’, will give an indication of the key
points that Examiners were expecting to see in candidates’ answers, and whether or
not they were found on each particular occasion. While many of the questions
appearing in examinations for both awards will be similar in nature, such Reports
should be read in the context of the need for UK candidates to be familiar with UK
legislation. Examiners’ Reports are intended to be of use to both tutors and
candidates, and can be obtained from NEBOSH (either directly or via the website) at
the price shown on the current list of publications.

3. Assessment and criteria for the award
3.1 Entry requirements
3.1.1 The International General Certificate is intended for candidates who are not based in
the UK. For UK based candidates, the National General Certificate is the appropriate
qualification. Accredited course providers are required to advise potential applicants
for entry accordingly.
3.1.2 It is recognised that there may be occasions where the mainly UK-based employees
of multinational companies, particularly those that work to international standards,
may prefer to take the International General Certificate. Similarly multinational
organisations may wish for their staff wherever they are based, to take the same
course of study and qualification in health and safety. There are therefore no barriers
to entry for UK-based candidates. Accredited course providers may hold courses
and examinations either in the UK or overseas to suit their needs and those of their
candidates or clients.
3.1.3 There are no specific barriers, in terms of academic qualification or skills, to entry to
the NEBOSH International General Certificate programme. However, it should be
noted that currently the examination is offered, and must be answered, in English
only, and that the course includes a requirement to write a short report, which must
also be in English. However, NEBOSH is considering the possibility of offering the
International General Certificate in other languages. Please contact our International
Development department for further details.
3.1.4 The standard of English required by candidates studying for the NEBOSH
International General Certificate must be such that they can both understand and
articulate the concepts contained in the syllabus. There are a range of proficiency
tests available for assessing English language skills. However, the most widely used
in the academic and technical/professional environments is the IELTS (International
English Language Testing System). This test is one of a series offered within the
University of Cambridge’s ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)
Examinations. It is run in conjunction with British Council. In this subject, Cambridge
ESOL is a recognised provider of training by the appropriate UK regulatory
authorities including the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA).
As might be expected there is a Common European Framework (CEF) for defining
language skills. A reasonable level (B2) is that which is likely to be appropriate for
candidates sitting the IGC. The IELTS tests fit within this framework.
It is important to stress that the onus is on course providers to determine their
candidates’ standards of proficiency in English. However, the approach used in the
IELTS system is a proven one and course providers are advised to satisfy
themselves that their candidates are adequately prepared for a linguistically
demanding programme of study.
September 2007 5

Table 1: Relating IELTS scores to Demands of Academic and Training Courses (See
International English Language Testing System, 2005) See: IELTS Handbook p.4.
Band Linguistically
demanding academic
courses
Linguistically
less
demanding
academic
courses
Linguistically
demanding
training
courses
Linguistically
less
demanding
training
courses
9.0 – 7.5 Acceptable Acceptable Acceptable Acceptable
7.0 Probably acceptable Acceptable Acceptable Acceptable
6.5 English study needed Probably
acceptable
Acceptable Acceptable
6.0 English study needed English study
needed
Probably
acceptable
Acceptable
5.5 English study needed English study
needed
English study
needed
Probably
acceptable
Course /
training
examples
Medicine, Law,
Linguistics, Journalism,
Library Studies
Agriculture,
Pure
Mathematics,
Technology,
Computer-
based work,
Telecomms
Air Traffic
Control,
Engineering,
Pure Applied
Sciences,
Industrial
Safety
Animal
Husbandry,
Catering, Fire
Services
NEBOSH recommends to course providers that candidates undertaking the NEBOSH
International General Certificate should reach the equivalent of a scoring of 6.0 or
higher (see Table 1) in IELTS tests in order to be accepted onto an IGC programme.
Table 2: Relating IELTS scores to Qualitative Descriptors
Score Descriptor
9 Expert user Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate,
accurate and fluent with complete understanding.
8 Very good user Has fully operational command of the language with only
occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings
may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation
well.
7 Good user Has operational command of the language, though with occasional
inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations.
Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
6 Competent user Has generally effective command of the language despite
some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and
understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
5 Modest user Has partial command of the language, coping with overall
meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be
able to handle basic communication in own field.
September 2007 6

4 Limited user Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent
problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.
3 Extremely limited user Conveys and understands only general meaning in very
familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.
2 Intermittent user No real communication is possible except for the most basic
information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet
immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
1 Non user Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few
isolated words.
0 Did not attempt the test No assessable information provided.
Table 2: Relating IELTS scores to Qualitative Descriptors
It is acknowledged that course providers may be approached by candidates who
have a variety of non-IELTS English language qualifications. The IELTS descriptors
(see Table 2 above) are helpful in arriving at decisions over the ‘equivalence’ of any
alternative qualifications.
3.1.5 Candidates with limited experience of report writing will require training in this skill if
they are to complete the practical assessment successfully. Many candidates may
not have been involved in study for some time and will require training and practice in
both study and examination techniques.
3.1.6 Programme organisers may need to interview prospective candidates and to ask
them to complete a short test to demonstrate their skills of written communication in
English. This will help tutors to advise applicants whether their standard of written
communication is likely to be sufficient to enable them to meet the requirements of
the written papers, and to write a report for management in the practical unit. Basic
skills support, including English language tuition, should be provided by or through
the course provider to candidates who would benefit from it.
3.2 The assessment system for the NEBOSH International General
Certificate
3.2.1 The system of assessment for the International General Certificate consists of two
written examination units (IGC1 & IGC2) and a practical unit assessed in a workplace
situation (IGC3). Candidates must achieve the pass standard in each of the two
examination papers and in the practical application unit to be awarded the
International General Certificate. Referrals in individual components will normally be
granted (see paragraph 3.7.6).
3.3 External examinations (IGC1 and IGC2)
3.3.1 NEBOSH sets and marks two written examination papers, Papers IGC1 and IGC2.
Each paper contains one 20-mark question and ten 8-mark questions. The time
allowed for each paper is two hours and candidates are required to answer all
questions. Example examination papers are given in Section 6.
September 2007 7

3.3.2 Paper IGC1 (“The management of international health and safety”) addresses Unit
IGC1 Elements 1-8 of the syllabus (see Section 4.1); Paper IGC2 (“Control of
international workplace hazards”) addresses Unit IGC2, Elements 1-8 (see Section 4.2).
3.3.3 ‘Standard’ examination sittings are held twice each year, in the months of March and
September. In addition, accredited course providers may request a ‘local’ examination
on a date of their choosing (see paragraphs 3.5.2 and 3.6.2). ‘Local’ examinations are
set to the same standard as examinations on standard dates.
3.3.4 The pass standard for each paper is set around a datum point of 45%. Examinations
are set and marked to best practice procedures (see paragraph 3.7.8).
3.4 International health and safety practical application (IGC3)
3.4.1 The aim of this unit is to test a candidate’s ability to complete a health and safety
assessment of a workplace. In particular, the assessment requires candidates to:
• Carry out unaided a safety inspection of a workplace, identifying the more common
hazards, deciding whether they are adequately controlled and, where necessary,
suggesting appropriate and cost effective remedial action.
• Prepare a report that persuasively urges management to take appropriate action,
explaining why such action is needed (including reference to possible breaches of
legislation) and identifying, with due consideration of reasonable practicability, the
remedial measures that should be implemented.
3.4.2 Assessment of this unit must be carried out under the control of the accredited course
provider unless, exceptionally, alternative arrangements have been approved by
NEBOSH. Completed assessments for this unit are marked by a ‘practical assessor’ –
a suitably qualified person proposed by the centre and approved by NEBOSH.
Candidates must achieve the pass standard (60%) in this unit in order to satisfy the
criteria for the qualification. Marked IGC3 assessments are subject to external
moderation by NEBOSH.
3.4.3 Unit IGC3 is not offered independently of the taught elements. Candidates will
normally be required to complete the IGC3 assessment within 14 days of sitting the
examination for Units IGC1 and/or IGC2. Completion of study for both IGC1 and
IGC2 is recommended in order to undertake the practical application unit (IGC3).
3.4.4 Full details of the conduct and marking of the IGC3 assessment are given in Section 5.
3.5 Requests by course providers for an examination
3.5.1 Examinations on ‘standard’ dates
Approximately four months before each examination, an examination request form is
sent to each accredited course provider in order that they may express their interest in
holding an examination on the particular standard date. On return of the completed
form, NEBOSH will send the number of candidate registration forms specified on the
form to the course provider. The examination request form completed by the course
provider will specify where the examination materials are to be sent.
September 2007 8

Examination answer books are sent separate from, and in advance of, question
papers, which are enclosed in tamper-proof envelopes. With the question papers will
be a request for the centre to inform NEBOSH of their safe receipt. The co-operation
of course providers is sought in this respect.
3.5.2 Examinations on ‘local’ dates
‘Local’ examinations are set to the same standard as examinations on ‘standard’ dates,
and are available, providing a minimum of six weeks’ notice is given to NEBOSH, on
any date selected by an accredited centre. Bookings for a ‘local’ examination must be
made on an examination request form, which is supplied on request to the accredited
centre. NEBOSH will then supply candidate registration forms specifying the name of
the examination centre and the date of the examination.
An administration fee is payable by the course provider for each ‘local’ examination, for
which an invoice will be issued. This must be paid within 30 days. In addition, a
minimum of eight candidate registration fees applies to ‘local’ examinations, regardless
of whether fewer than eight candidates are in fact registering (invoices are not issued
for candidates’ registration fees). The ‘local’ examination administration fee is neither
refundable nor transferable in the event of the examination being cancelled or
postponed by the course provider.
3.5.3 The examination request form completed by the course provider will specify where the
examination material is to be sent. The examination materials will normally arrive at
least three working days before the examination and, again, confirmation of safe
receipt is required. If it has not arrived by this time, NEBOSH should be advised
immediately.
3.6 Examination registration
3.6.1 Examinations on ‘standard’ dates
Candidates should obtain a registration form from their course provider (or external
examination centre) and not direct from NEBOSH. To register for the examination,
candidates must complete the appropriate registration form and send it to NEBOSH,
together with payment of the full fee, to arrive by no later than the registration closing
date for the relevant examination as listed below:
March examination - 15 January
September examination - 15 July
Late entry fees apply to registrations received up to 7 days, and from 7 to 14 days,
after the relevant closing date – details are available on request.
3.6.2 Examinations on ‘local’ dates
In the case of ‘local’ examinations, the required number of registration forms (one per
candidate) must be completed and returned to reach NEBOSH, together with payment
of the equivalent number of registration fees (minimum of eight), at least two weeks
before the examination date (three weeks for course providers outside the UK). There
is no late entry facility for ‘local’ examinations.
September 2007 9

3.6.3 In cases where course providers complete registration forms on their candidates’
behalf, NEBOSH cannot accept responsibility for a registration form not completed or a
registration fee not paid. Registration forms received after the closing date (except
where a late entry fee has been paid) or without full payment, and payments received
without registration forms, will not be accepted and will be returned. NEBOSH does
not issue invoices for fees. UK Cheques or postal orders must be made payable to
‘NEBOSH’. International Money Orders (IMOs) and most major credit cards are also
accepted.
3.6.4 No refund will be made in respect of cancelled registrations except where corroborated
by a medical certificate or doctor’s note relating to the inability of the candidate to sit
the examination through illness. In such cases, the fee paid less a deduction to cover
administration expenses (as stated on the registration form) will be refunded. Any
requests for refunds must be made to NEBOSH within one calendar month following
the examination date. Neither fees nor registrations are transferable.
3.6.5 External Candidates
Candidates are normally expected to take the examinations at the centre where they
studied. Candidates who cannot do this – for instance, those who have undertaken an
open or distance learning programme provided by a centre that is geographically
inconvenient or does not offer the examination – should contact their course provider
for details of the nearest accredited centre that may, at the sole discretion of that
centre, accept external candidates. Course providers that may accept external
candidates are identified in the list of courses for the NEBOSH International General
Certificate, which is available on request. Details of course providers are also available
from the NEBOSH website although no indication is given here on the acceptance of
external candidates. It should be noted, however, that the majority of course providers
have expressed a willingness to accept such candidates. The normal regulations and
closing dates for registration apply.
3.6.6 Examination course providers may charge external or re-sit candidates for the
provision of accommodation, invigilation and assessment facilities. Such charges must
be paid by the candidate direct to the examination centre. These charges are not
covered by the fees payable to NEBOSH; nor are such charges recoverable by
examination course providers or candidates from NEBOSH.
3.6.7 It is the responsibility of external candidates to ascertain from the examinations officer
of the examination centre before registering with NEBOSH that:
• External candidates will be accepted for the desired sitting of the examination
(including the practical application unit);
• there are places available;
• they are provided with an examination registration form;
• they are given information on when and where to report for both the written papers
and the assessment of the practical unit;
• they are made aware of the accommodation, invigilation and assessment charges
that are payable to the centre.
September 2007 10

3.6.8 Examinations at British Council offices overseas
Course providers may arrange for their candidates to take the written examination at a
British Council office either on a ‘standard’ or ‘local’ date. The programme organiser
will be responsible for making the arrangements directly with the appropriate British
Council office. The location of the examination should be entered on the examination
request form completed by the course provider.
3.6.9 Languages
Examinations are normally offered in English; however they may be available in
languages other than English. Students should contact the course provider who
should liaise with NEBOSH.
3.6.10 British Council offices will levy a charge to programme organisers for the provision of
accommodation, invigilation and handling and despatch of examination materials on
their behalf. The course provider must pay such charges directly to the appropriate
British Council. The fees payable to NEBOSH do not cover these charges; nor are
such charges recoverable by course provider or candidates from NEBOSH.
3.6.11 Admission vouchers and proof of identity
Approximately four weeks before a ‘standard’ examination, and one week before a
‘local’ examination, registered candidates will receive an admission voucher that gives
their candidate number and the regulations for candidates. The candidate number is
the only identification that candidates may use on their examination scripts – scripts
must not include the name of the candidate. The admission voucher is essential to
gain entry to the examination room but the invigilator will require photographic proof of
identity, for example: passport, driving licence or identity card.
3.7 Assessment results
3.7.1 Written Examinations
Each written paper (IGC1 and IGC2) contains one 20-mark question and ten 8-mark
questions. The time allowed for each paper is two hours and candidates are required
to answer all questions. Example examination papers are included in Section 6.
Candidates are required to obtain at least 45% in each paper. The written papers are
marked and moderated by NEBOSH.
3.7.2 International health and safety practical application
The assessment for the practical unit (IGC3) is set and marked by a suitably qualified
assessor, who is appointed by the course provider and approved by NEBOSH, to a
standard set and moderated by NEBOSH. Candidates are required to obtain at least
60% for a pass. The assessor will confirm the marks and grades awarded internally
before notification to NEBOSH. NEBOSH reserves the right to moderate practical
marks and grades and its decision on external moderation shall be final.
September 2007 11

3.7.3 Unit grading and certification
The pass mark for each unit may vary accordingly to pre-determined criteria but is
normalised to 45% for the written papers (IGC1 and IGC2) and 60% for the practical
application unit (IGC3).
Candidates who are successful in an individual unit will be issued with a Unit
Certificate, normally within 8 weeks of the issue of the result notification. This will
show a pass grade only.
3.7.4 Qualification grading
When candidates have been awarded a Unit Certificate for all three units (ie have
achieved a Pass in IGC1, IGC2 and IGC3), the marks for all three units are added
together and a final grade is awarded as follows:
Pass 150 - 179 marks
Credit 180 - 209 marks
Distinction 210 marks or more
3.7.5 Qualification certification
Once a candidate has achieved a Pass in all three units and the overall qualification
grade awarded, a qualification parchment will be issued, normally within 8 weeks of
the issue of the result notification.
Once the result of the third completed unit has been issued the candidate has one
month from the result declaration date to either:
• Inform NEBOSH in writing of their intention to re-sit a successful unit for the
purposes of improving a grade or;
• submit an Enquiry About Result (EAR) request (see 3.10.2 below).
Candidates who fail to do this will be issued with a qualification parchment and will be
deemed as having completed the qualification.
3.7.6 Unit re-sits
If a candidate’s performance in any unit component is lower than a pass, candidates
may re-register for each unit or the whole qualification at a later date if they so wish.
Candidates may re-sit just the unit in which they have been unsuccessful providing
that they re-sit within 5 years of the sitting of the first successful unit. Candidates
should take this to mean from the result declaration date for their first successful unit.
3.7.7 Candidates who register for any unit of the IGC whilst awaiting a result from a
previous sitting of an IGC examination may not seek a refund of the registration fee if
they retrospectively claim exemption from any part of the qualification subsequent to
the issue of the awaited result.
3.7.8 NEBOSH adopts rigorous procedures to ensure that all examination scripts are
marked to a consistent and reliable standard. Following pre-standardisation marking
of sample scripts by qualified Examiners, a standardisation meeting of all Examiners
is convened where the final mark scheme is agreed. This is then followed by total
marking/re-marking of scripts to the standardised scheme. Each Examiner’s results
September 2007 12

are qualitatively and quantitatively moderated in order to ensure that the standard is
consistently maintained. Careful consideration is given to those candidates who
have received borderline marks and to any special considerations (see section 3.9)
before the final declaration of results.
3.8 Requests for reasonable adjustments
3.8.1 Any candidate who believes that they will be disadvantaged in the examination and/or
the practical application unit due to a disability, medical condition or specific learning
difficulty (eg, dyslexia) may, where deemed reasonable and appropriate by NEBOSH,
be allowed reasonable adjustments to help to compensate for such a disadvantage. It
may be possible, for instance, for the candidate to be allowed extra time for the
examination or to arrange with the examination centre for a scribe to transcribe verbal
answers onto paper, or to make use of a word-processor, under otherwise normal
examination conditions. NEBOSH will attach certain conditions in each case to
maintain examination protocol.
3.8.2 Requests for reasonable adjustments must be made to NEBOSH by examination
course providers at least one month before the examination, and must be supported by
medical or other appropriate evidence with confirmation that the examination centre will
be able to provide the adjustments requested if their use is approved by NEBOSH.
The results of candidates afforded such adjustments shall be given special
consideration (see section 3.10 below) if the arrangements do not compensate fully for
their particular disadvantage.
3.8.3 Full details of the Reasonable Adjustments and Special Considerations policy and
procedures are available from the NEBOSH website or on request.
3.9 Requests for special consideration
3.9.1 Special consideration may be given to a candidate who was present at the assessment
but believes their examination performance was adversely affected by temporary
illness, injury or other circumstances beyond their control which arose at or near the
time of the assessment. However, it cannot be given where the circumstances
prior to examination (eg, work commitments, moving house, domestic problems
etc) are such that a candidate has been unable to devote sufficient time or effort
to his/her learning in order to attain the necessary knowledge and understanding.
It is therefore important that candidates, when registering for the examination, are
reasonably certain that they will be able to complete their course of study without
diversion. Candidates with a disability that may affect their learning are advised to
discuss their special needs with their course provider (see 3.8 above).
3.9.2 Candidates who feel disadvantaged due to illness, distraction or any other reason
during the assessment must report this to the invigilator before leaving the
examination room and request that their written statement, together with the
invigilator’s comments on the statement, be sent by the course provider to NEBOSH.
3.9.3 Requests for special consideration must be made to NEBOSH by the examination
provider as soon as possible after the examination and no more than seven working
days after the assessment. In all such cases, evidence must be submitted in support of
the application, such as medical evidence and/or corroboration by the invigilator.
Requests received more than seven working days after the examination date, but
before the results have been declared, will only be considered at the sole discretion of
NEBOSH. Such requests cannot be considered retrospectively after the declaration of
September 2007 13

results unless the request relates to circumstances that were not known, and could not
have reasonably been known, by the candidate at the material time.
3.9.4 Special consideration is given by the Certificate Results Panel prior to the declaration of
results.
3.9.5 Full details of the Reasonable Adjustments and Special Considerations policy and
procedures are available from the NEBOSH website or on request.
3.10 Enquiries about results and appeals
3.10.1 NEBOSH applies detailed and thorough procedures to moderate and check
examination results before they are issued. This includes a particular review of
borderline results. It thereby ensures that the declared results are a fair and
equitable reflection of the standard of performance by candidates.
3.10.2 There are, however, procedures for candidates or course providers to enquire about
results that do not meet their reasonable expectations. An ‘enquiry about result’
(EAR) must be made in writing within one month of the date of issue of the result to
which it relates.
In the case of examination results, a request may be made either for a Type 1
enquiry (a clerical check that all pages of a script have been marked and that marks
have been correctly totalled) or for a Type 2 enquiry (a clerical check, marking check
and short report on the scripts of an individual candidate or group of candidates).
Where a result is upgraded following an enquiry concerning an individual result, the
enquiry fee (and re-registration fee where applicable) will be refunded. Where the
enquiry concerns a batch of results, the enquiry fee will be refunded if 10% or more
of the results are upgraded. Requests for special consideration (see section 3.9
above) that were not made prior to the declaration of results cannot be taken into
account in the EAR procedures. Enquiries about results are considered by the
Certificate Enquiries Panel.
3.10.3 Where a candidate or centre remains dissatisfied following the exhaustion of the EAR
procedures, an appeal may be lodged. Notification of an intention to appeal must be
made within 14 days of the date of issue of the outcome of the EAR procedures. A
pre-appeal investigation is then carried out to check compliance with the EAR
procedures and the findings of the investigation are reported to the prospective
appellant. Notwithstanding the result of the investigation, the candidate or centre has
the right to make a formal appeal within 21 days of the date of issue of the findings.
The appeal is heard by a specially convened Appeals Panel and at least 21 days’
notice of the date of the appeal hearing is given to the appellant. All relevant
correspondence and documentation are sent, or otherwise made available, to the
appellant. Both the appellant and the Panel may call witnesses. The decision on
whether to allow or dismiss an appeal is made on the basis of a majority vote of the
Panel.
3.10.4 Full details of the EAR and appeal procedures and fees are available from the
NEBOSH website or on request.
September 2007 14

3.11 Malpractice
3.11.1 NEBOSH reserves the right to sanction candidates and/or course providers for
malpractice in examinations and/or the completion of practical examinations and/or
assignments. Malpractice can be defined as any act or omission that jeopardises the
integrity of a qualification. This includes attempting or planning such an act or
omission, whether or not the attempt or plan is successful. Examples include, but
are not limited to, the use of unauthorised material or other cheating during
examinations and plagiarism within practical examinations and assignments.
NEBOSH will take such action, with respect to the candidates and/or course
providers concerned, as is necessary to maintain the integrity of the qualification.
This may include disqualification from the current course and/or examination and for
such further period of time as NEBOSH may determine.
3.11.2 Full details of the Malpractice policy and procedures are available from the NEBOSH
website or on request.
September 2007 15

4. Syllabus for the NEBOSH International General Certificate
The syllabus is divided into 3 units. Each of the first two units is further divided into a
number of elements.
Unit IGC1 Management of international health and safety
Element Recommended Page
Number/Title Hours
1. Foundations in health & safety 6 17
2. Policy 3 19
3. Organising for health & safety 3 20
4. Promoting a positive health & safety 4 22
culture
5. Risk assessment 6 24
6. Principles of control 5 26
7. Monitoring, review and audit 6 28
8. Occupational incident and accident
investigation, recording and reporting 4 30
Minimum total tuition time for Unit IGC1 37
Recommended private study time 23
Unit IGC2 Control of international workplace hazards
Element Recommended Page
Number/Title Hours
1. Movement of people and vehicles – 4 31
hazards and control
2. Manual and mechanical handling – 5 33
hazards and control
3. Working equipment hazards and 6 35
control
4. Electrical hazards and control 3 37
5. Fire hazards and control 6 38
6. Chemical and biological health 7 40
hazards and control
7. Physical and psychological health 6 43
hazards and control
8. Construction activities - hazards and 6 46
control
Minimum total tuition time for Unit IGC2 43
Minimum total tuition time 80
September 2007 16

4.1 Unit IGC1: Management of international health
and safety
4.1.1 Element 1: Foundations in health and safety
Learning outcomes
On completion of this element, candidates should be able to demonstrate understanding of
the content through the application of knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar situations. In
particular they should be able to:
1.1 Outline the scope and nature of occupational health and safety
1.2 Explain briefly the moral, social and economic reasons for maintaining and promoting
good standards of health and safety in the workplace
1.3 Outline the role of national governments and international bodies in formulating a
framework for the regulation of health and safety
1.4 Identify the nature and key sources of health and safety information
1.5 Outline the key elements of a health and safety management system.
Content
1.1 The scope and nature of occupational health and safety
• The multi-disciplinary nature of health and safety; the barriers to good standards
of health and safety (complexity, competing and conflicting demands, behavioural
issues)
• Meanings and distinctions between:
- health, safety, welfare and environmental protection
- occupational accidents, dangerous occurrences, near-misses and work-
related ill-health (physiological and psychological), commuting accidents
- hazard and risk.
1.2 The moral, social and economic reasons for maintaining and promoting good
standards of health and safety in the workplace
• The size of the health and safety ‘problem’ in terms of the numbers of work-
related fatalities and injuries and incidence of ill-health
• The need to provide a safe place of work, safe plant and equipment, safe
systems of work, training and supervision, and competent employees
• The business case for health and safety: direct and indirect costs of accidents
and ill-health; insured and uninsured costs; employers’ liability insurance.
1.3 The role of national governments and international bodies in formulating a
framework for the regulation of health and safety
• Employers’ responsibilities
• Workers’ responsibilities and rights
• The role of enforcement agencies and the consequences of non-compliance
• International standards and conventions (eg, International Standards
Organisation (ISO) and the International Labour Organisation - ILO).
September 2007 17

1.4 The nature and sources of information on health and safety
• Internal and external to the organisation
• Examples of sources of information provided by the websites or publicity offices
of national or international agencies (eg, International Labour Organisation (ILO),
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (USA), European Agency for
Safety and Health at Work (EU), Health and Safety Executive (UK), Worksafe
(Western Australia)).
1.5 The key elements of a health and safety management system
• Setting policy
• Organising
• Planning and implementing
• Evaluation (Monitoring, review, measurement, investigation)
• Auditing
• Action for improvement (preventative and corrective action; continual
improvement).
Sources of reference
Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems (ILO-OSH 2001) ISBN
0-580-37805-5
ILOLEX (ILO database of International Law) http://www.ilo.org/ilolex/index.htm
Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series (OHSAS 18000): Occupational Health
and Safety Management Systems OHSAS 18001:1999 (ISBN-0-580-28298-8), OHSAS
18002:2000 (ISBN: 0-580-33123-7), BSI
Occupational Safety and Health Convention (C155), ILO
Occupational Safety and health Recommendation (R164) ILO
Recommended tuition time not less than 6 hours
September 2007 18

4.1.2 Element 2: Policy
Learning outcomes
2.1 Explain the purpose and importance of setting policy for health and safety
2.2 Describe the key features and appropriate content of an effective health and safety
policy.
Content
2.1 The purpose and importance of setting policy for health and safety
• The role of the health and safety policy in decision-making; the needs of different
organisations
• The aims, objectives and key elements of a health and safety policy in terms of:
- stating the overall aims of the organisation in terms of health and safety
performance
- defining the health and safety roles and responsibilities of individuals within
the organisation
- specifying the arrangements for achieving general and specific aims.
2.2 The key features and appropriate content of an effective health and safety
policy
• Setting targets: general statement of intent; signatory to statement; setting
objectives and quantifiable targets; concept of benchmarking
• Organising for health and safety: allocation of responsibilities; lines of
communication; feedback loops; the role of the line managers in influencing the
health and safety policy and monitoring effectiveness
• Health and safety arrangements: the importance of specifying the organisation’s
arrangements for planning and organising, controlling hazards, consultation,
communication and monitoring compliance with, and assessing the effectiveness
of, the arrangements to implement the policy
• The circumstances that may lead to a need to review the health and safety policy
(eg, passage of time, technological, organisational or legal changes, results and
monitoring)
• Standards and guidance relating to health and safety policy.
Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems (ILO-OSH 2001)
ISBN-0-580-37805-5
Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series (OHSAS 18000): Occupational
Health and Safety Management Systems OHSAS 18001:1999 (ISBN-0-580-28298-8),
OHSAS 18002:2000 (ISBN 0-580-33123-7), BSI
September 2007 19

4.1.3 Element 3: Organising for health and safety
Learning outcomes
3.1 Outline the health and safety roles and responsibilities of employers, managers,
supervisors, employees and other relevant parties.
3.2 Explain the importance and means of consulting with employees on health and safety
issues and the means to achieve effective consultation.
Content
3.1 Organisational health and safety roles and responsibilities
• The roles and responsibilities of:
- the employer (corporate and non-corporate) for the health, safety and welfare
of employees and the health and safety of those affected by work activities (eg,
visitors, contractors, the public)
- directors and senior managers for leading on health and safety and
implementing, on behalf of the employer, the health and safety policy
- middle managers and supervisors for the health and safety of subordinates
persons with primary health and safety functions
- workers for the health and safety of themselves and others who may be
affected by their acts or omissions
- persons in control of premises for the health and safety of those using the
premises as a place of work and for those using plant or substances provided
- the self-employed for the health and safety of themselves and others
• The supply chain and the general duties of suppliers, manufacturers and designers
of articles and substances for use at work in relation to the health and safety of
their products and the provision of information
• The relationship between client and contractor and the duties each has to the other
and to the other’s employees; effective planning and co-ordination of contracted
work; procedures for the selection of contractors
• Shared responsibilities in the case of joint occupation of premises: co-operation
and co-ordination.
3.2 Consultation with employees
• The importance and means of consulting with workers on health and safety issues;
the distinction between ‘informing’ and ‘consulting’.
September 2007 20

•
ISBN 0-580-37805-5
Health and Safety Management Systems OHSAS 18001:1999 (ISBN 0-580-28298-8),
OHSAS 18002:2000 (ISBN: 0-580-33123-7), BSI
Occupational Safety and Health Convention (C155), ILO
Occupational Safety and Health Recommendation (R164) ILO
September 2007 21

4.1.4 Element 4: Promoting a positive health and safety
culture
Learning outcomes
4.1 Describe the concept of health and safety culture and its significance in the
management of health and safety in an organisation
4.2 Identify indicators which could be used to assess the effectiveness of an
organisation’s health and safety culture and recognise factors that could cause a
deterioration
4.3 Identify the factors which influence safety related behaviour at work
4.4 Identify methods which could be used to improve the health and safety culture of an
organisation
4.5 Outline the internal and external influences on health and safety management
standards.
Content
4.1 Concept and significance of safety culture
• Definition of the term ‘health and safety culture’
• Correlation between health and safety culture and health and safety performance.
4.2 Factors influencing safety culture
• Tangible outputs or indicators of an organisation’s health and safety culture (eg,
accidents, absenteeism, sickness rates, staff turnover, level of compliance with
health and safety rules and procedures, complaints about working conditions)
• Factors promoting a negative health and safety culture (eg, reorganisation,
uncertainty, the behaviour of, and standard of decision-making by management).
4.3 Factors influencing safety related behaviour
• Individual, job and organisational factors
• Attitude, aptitude and motivation
• Perception of risk
• Errors and violations
• Effects of age and experience
• The influence of peers.
September 2007 22

4.4 Improving health and safety culture
• Securing commitment of management
• Promoting health and safety standards by leadership and example
• Use of competent personnel with relevant knowledge, skills and work experience
• Effective communication within the organisation:
- merits and limitations of different methods of communication (verbal, written
and graphic)
- use and effectiveness of notice boards and health and safety propaganda
(films, videos, posters), toolbox talks, memos, employee handbooks
- co-operation and consultation with the workforce (roles and benefits of worker
participation, safety committees and employee feedback)
• Training:
- the effect of training on human reliability
- opportunities and need for training provision (induction, job change, process
change, introduction of new legislation, introduction of new technology.
4.5 Internal and external influences on health and safety management standards
• Internal influences on health and safety (eg, management commitment,
production demands, communication, competence, employee representation)
• External influences on health and safety (eg, societal expectations, legislation
and enforcement, insurance companies, trade unions, stakeholders, economics).
ISBN 0-580-37805-5
OHSAS 18002:2000 (ISBN 0-580-33123-7), BSI
Reducing Error and Influencing Behaviour (HSG48), HSE Books ISBN 0-7176-2452-8
September 2007 23

4.1.5 Element 5: Risk assessment
Learning outcomes
5.1 Explain the aims and objectives of risk assessment
5.2 Identify hazards by means of workplace inspection and analysis of tasks
5.3 Explain the principles and practice of risk assessment.
Content
5.1 Aims and objectives of risk assessment
• Definitions of hazard and risk
• Objectives of risk assessment; outcomes of incidents in terms of human harm,
and legal and economic effects on the organisation
• Different types of incident: ill-health, injury accident, dangerous occurrence, near-
miss, damage-only; typical ratios of incident outcomes and their relevance in
terms of the proportion of non-injury events; utility and limitations of accident
ratios in accident prevention.
5.2 Identifying hazards
• Identifying hazards: sources and form of harm; roles of inspections, job/task
analysis, legislation, manufacturers’ information, incident data
• Accidents in terms of injury: slips/trips/falls; falls from height; falling objects;
collision with objects; trapping/crushing under or between objects; manual
handling; contact with machinery/hand tools; electricity; transport; contact with
chemicals; asphyxiation/drowning; fire and explosion; animals; violence
• Health related hazards: chemical, biological, physical, psychological.
5.3 Principles and practice of risk assessment
• Identifying population at risk: employees, maintenance staff, cleaners,
contractors, visitors, public, etc
• Identification of hazards with reference to 5.2 above
• Evaluating risk and adequacy of current controls: likelihood of harm and probable
severity; qualitative and semi-quantitative risk ranking; residual risk; acceptable /
tolerable risk levels; use of guidance; sources and examples of legislation;
applying controls to specified hazards; general control hierarchy; prioritisation
based on risk; distinction between priorities and time scales
• Recording significant findings: format; information to be recorded
• Reviewing: reasons for review (eg, incidents, process/equipment/staff/ legislative
changes; time)
• Criteria for a ‘suitable and sufficient’ risk assessment
• Special case applications to young persons, expectant and nursing mothers,
disabled workers and lone workers.
September 2007 24

ISBN 0-580-37805-5
Five Steps to Risk Assessment (INDG163, Revision 3), HSE Books ISBN 0-7176-1565-0
OHSAS 18002:2000 (ISBN 0-580-33123-7), BSI
September 2007 25

4.1.6 Element 6: Principles of control
Learning outcomes
6.1 Describe the general principles of control and a basic hierarchy of risk reduction
measures that encompass technical, behavioural and procedural controls
6.2 Describe what factors should be considered when developing and implementing a safe
system of work for general work activities and explain the key elements of a safe
system applied to the particular situations of working in confined spaces and lone
working
6.3 Explain the role and function of a permit-to-work system
6.4 Explain the need for emergency procedures and the arrangements for contacting
emergency services
6.5 Describe the requirements for, and effective provision of, first aid in the workplace.
Content
6.1 General principles of control and risk reduction
• General principles of prevention (technical, behavioural and procedural controls)
- avoiding risks
- evaluating unavoidable risks
- controlling hazards at source
- adapting work to the individual
- adapting to technical progress
- replacing the dangerous by the less/non-dangerous
- developing a coherent prevention policy
- giving priority to collective protective measures (and describe in detail eg,
engineering control) over individual protective measures (eg, personal
protection); concepts of ‘safe place’ and ‘safe person’
- providing appropriate training, information and supervision to employees,
including role, categories and features of safety signs.
• General hierarchy of control, such as:
- avoiding risks
- elimination/substitution
- reducing/time limiting exposure
- isolation/segregation
- engineering control
- safe systems of work
- training and information
- personal protective equipment (requirements, benefits and limitations)
- welfare
- monitoring and supervision.
September 2007 26

6.2 Safe systems of work
• Responsibility of the employer to provide safe systems of work
• Role of competent persons in the development of safe systems
• Importance of employee involvement in the development of safe systems
• Importance and relevance of written procedures
• The distinction between technical, procedural and behavioural controls
• Development of a safe system of work
• Analysing tasks, identifying hazards and assessing risks
• Introducing controls and formulating procedures
• Instruction and training in the operation of the system
• Monitoring the system
• Specific examples of confined spaces, lone working and working and travelling
abroad in relation to systems of work.
6.3 Permit- to-work systems
• Operation and application
• Typical permits and circumstances in which they may be appropriate (eg, hot work,
work on live electrical systems, machinery maintenance).
6.4 Emergency procedures
• Importance of developing emergency procedures
• Arrangements for contacting emergency and rescue services.
6.5 First-aid
• First-aid requirements
• Principles, role and requirements of emergency medical response and first-aid
provision
• Coverage in relation to shift work and geographical location.
•
Sources of Reference
First-Aid at Work (ACOP) (L74), HSE Books ISBN 0-7176-1050-0
Safe Work in Confined Spaces (ACOP) (L101), HSE Books ISBN 0-7176-1405-0
Permit-to-Work Systems (INDG98), HSE Books ISBN 0-7176-1331-3
Safety in the Global Village, IOSH Information Sheet, 1999
http://www.iosh.co.uk/index.cfm?go=technical.guidance
September 2007 27

4.1.7 Element 7: Monitoring, review and audit
Learning outcomes
7.1 Outline and differentiate between active (pro-active) monitoring procedures, including
inspections, sampling, tours and reactive monitoring procedures, explaining their role
within a monitoring regime
7.2 Outline the role of work place inspections, and communicate findings in the form of an
effective and persuasive report
7.3 Explain the purpose of regular reviews of health and safety performance, the means
by which reviews might be undertaken and the criteria that will influence the frequency
of such reviews
7.4 Explain the meaning of the term ‘health and safety audit’ and describe the
preparations that may be needed prior to an audit and the information that may be
needed during an audit.
Content
7.1 Active and reactive monitoring
• Active monitoring measures including the monitoring of performance standards
and the systematic inspection of plant and premises
• Use of safety inspections, sampling and tours and their roles within a monitoring
regime
• Reactive monitoring measures including data on accidents, dangerous
occurrences, near misses, ill-health, complaints by workforce and enforcement
action.
7.2 Workplace inspections
• Role of workplace inspections; factors governing frequency and type of
inspection; competence of inspector; use of checklists; allocation of
responsibilities and priorities for action after inspections and examinations (legal
or otherwise)
• The requirements for effective report writing (style, structure, content, emphasis,
persuasiveness etc).
7.3 Review of health and safety performance
• Gathering information to review health and safety performance:
- accident and incident data
- inspections
- absences and sickness
- surveys, tours and sampling
- quality assurance reports, audits, monitoring data/records/reports, complaints
• Reporting on health and safety performance
• Role of Boards, Chief Executive/Managing Director and Senior Managers
• Feeding into action and development plans as part of continuous improvement.
September 2007 28

7.4 Auditing
• Scope and purpose of auditing health and safety management systems; distinction
between audits and inspections
• Pre-audit preparations, information gathering, notifications and interviews
• Responsibility for audits
• Advantages and disadvantages of external and internal audits.
•
ISBN 0-580-37805-5
Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series (OHSAS 18000): Occupational Health
and Safety Management Systems OHSAS 18001:1999 (ISBN 0-580-28298-8), OHSAS
18002:2000 (ISBN: 0-580-33123-7), BSI
September 2007 29

September 2007 30
4.1.8 Element 8: Occupational incident and accident
investigation, recording and reporting
Learning outcomes
8.1 Explain the process and purpose of, and procedures for, investigating occupational
incidents (accidents, cases of work-related ill-health and other occurrences)
8.2 Describe the organisational requirements for recording and reporting such incidents.
Content
8.1 The process and purpose of investigating occupational incidents
• Role and function of investigation of accidents, cases of ill-health and other
occurrences
• Different types of incident: by outcome; injury; ill-health; dangerous occurrence;
near miss; damage only
• Basic investigation procedures:
- Interviews, plans, photographs, relevant records, checklists
- Identifying immediate causes (unsafe acts and conditions) and root or
underlying causes (management systems failures)
- Identify remedial actions.
8.2 The organisational requirements for recording and reporting occupational
incidents
• Internal systems for collecting, analysing and communicating data
• Organisational requirements for recording and reporting incidents
• Reporting of events to external agencies: Typical examples of major injuries,
diseases and dangerous occurrences that might be reportable to external
agencies.
Recording and Notification of Occupational Accidents and Diseases, ILO
ISBN 92-2-108784-0

September 2007 31
4.2 Unit IGC2: Control of international workplace
hazards
4.2.1 Element 1: Movement of people and vehicles
- hazards and control
Learning outcomes
1.1 Identify the hazards that may cause injuries to pedestrians in the workplace and the
control measures to reduce the risk of such injuries
1.2 Identify the hazards presented by the movement of vehicles in the workplace and the
control measures to reduce the risks they present.
Content
1.1 Movement of people
• Hazards to pedestrians:
- typical hazards causing: slips, trips and falls on the same level; falls from a
height; collisions with moving vehicles; striking by moving, flying or falling
objects; striking against fixed or stationary objects
- conditions and environments in which each hazard may arise.
• Control strategies for pedestrian hazards:
- risk assessment; slip resistant surfaces; spillage control and drainage;
designated walkways; fencing and guarding; use of signs and personal
protective equipment; information, instruction, training and supervision
- maintenance of a safe workplace: cleaning and housekeeping requirements,
access and egress, environmental considerations (heating, lighting, noise and
dust).
1.2 Movement of vehicles
• Hazards in vehicle operations:
- typical hazards causing loss of control and overturning of vehicles; collisions
with other vehicles, pedestrians and fixed objects including when leaving and
entering any working area
- conditions and environments in which each hazard may arise.
• Control strategies for safe vehicle operations:
- risk assessment; suitability and sufficiency of traffic routes; management of
vehicle movements; environmental considerations (visibility, gradients,
changes of level, surface conditions); maintenance of vehicles; driver
protection and restraint systems; means of segregating pedestrians and
vehicles and the measures to be taken when segregation is not practicable;
protective measures for people and structures (barriers, marking signs,
warnings of vehicle approach and reversing); site rules; selection and training
of drivers; management systems for assuring driver competence including
local codes of practice.

September 2007 32
Workplace Transport Safety – Guidance for Employers (HSG136), HSE Books
ISBN 0-7176-0935-9

September 2007 33
4.2.2 Element 2: Manual and mechanical handling
hazards and control
Learning outcomes
2.1 Describe the hazards and the risk factors which should be considered when
assessing risks from manual handling activities
2.2 Outline ways of minimising manual handling risks
2.3 Identify the hazards and explain the precautions and procedures to reduce the risk in
the use of lifting and moving equipment with specific reference to fork-lift trucks,
manually operated load moving equipment (sack trucks, pallet trucks), lifts, hoists,
conveyors and cranes.
Content
2.1 Manual handling hazards and risks
• Common types of manual handling hazard and injury
• Assessment of manual handling risks by considering the task, the load, the
individual and the working environment.
2.2 Minimising manual handling risks
• Means of minimising the risks from manual handling with reference to the task,
load, individual and working environment, eg, design, automation/mechanisation
• Recognise techniques for manually lifting loads to avoid musculoskeletal
disorders due to lifting, poor posture and repetitive or awkward movements.
2.3 Safety in the use of lifting and moving equipment
• Hazards associated with, and safe use and maintenance of, fork-lift trucks,
manually operated load moving equipment (sack trucks, pallet trucks), lifts,
hoists, conveyors and cranes
• Requirements for lifting operations:
- strong, stable and suitable equipment
- positioned and installed correctly
- visibly marked, eg, safe working load
- ensure lifting operations are planned, supervised and carried out in safe
manner by competent people
- special requirements for lifting equipment for lifting persons
• The need for periodic examination/testing of lifting equipment.

September 2007 34
ISO 12100 - 1: 2003, Safety of machinery, basic concepts, general principles for design,
basic terminology, methodology ISBN 0-580-42922-9
technical principles ISBN 0-580-42923-7
Manual Handling (Guidance) (L23), HSE Books ISBN 0-7176-2414-3
Safety in Working with Lift Trucks (HSG6), HSE Books ISBN 0-7176-1781-5
Safe Use of Lifting Equipment (L113), HSE Books ISBN 0-7176-1628-2

September 2007 35
4.2.3 Element 3: Work equipment hazards and control
Learning outcomes
3.1 Outline general principles for selection, use and maintenance of work equipment
3.2 Outline the hazards and controls for hand tools
3.3 Describe the main mechanical and non-mechanical hazards of machinery
3.4 Describe the main methods of protection from machinery hazards.
Content
3.1 General principles for selection, use and maintenance of work equipment
• Types of work equipment; including hand tools, power tools and machinery
• Suitability for the task – including meeting basic safety standards
• The need to restrict the use of equipment with specific risks to appropriate persons
• Provision of information, instruction and training to operators, maintenance staff
and managers
• The need for equipment to be maintained and maintenance to be conducted safely
• The need for periodic examination and testing of pressure systems
• Importance of operation and emergency controls, stability, lighting, markings and
warnings, clear unobstructed workspace
• What is expected of operators.
3.2 Hazards and controls for hand-held tools
• Hazards and misuse of hand tools and controls for safe use, in particular their
condition, suitability for purpose and location in which they are used (eg,
flammable atmosphere)
• Hazards of portable power tools (eg, drill, sander) and the means of control.
3.3 Machinery hazards
• Main mechanical and non-mechanical hazards and how harm may result from
them
• Hazards presented by a range of equipment, including office machinery (eg,
photocopier, document shredder), manufacturing/maintenance machinery (eg,
bench-top grinder, pedestal drill), agricultural/horticultural machinery (eg, cylinder
mower, strimmer / brush-cutter, chain-saw), retail machinery (eg, compactor,
checkout conveyor system) and construction machinery (eg, cement mixer, bench-
mounted circular saw).
3.4 Protection from machinery hazards
• The principles, merits and limitations of the following methods of protection: fixed
guards; interlocked guards; trip devices; adjustable/self-adjusting guards; two-hand
controls; protective appliances; emergency stop controls, personal protective
equipment; information, instruction, training and supervision
• Application of the above methods to the range of equipment listed
• Basic requirements for guards and safety devices: compatible with process,
adequate strength, maintained, allow maintenance without removal, not increase
risk or restrict view, not easily by-passed.

September 2007 36
Safe Use of Work Equipment (ACOP) (L22), HSE Books ISBN 0-7176-1626-6
basic terminology, methodology ISBN 0-580-42922-9
technical principles ISBN 0-580-42923-7
Ambient Factors in the Workplace (ILO Code of Practice), ILO ISBN 92-2-11628-X

September 2007 37
4.2.4 Element 4: Electrical hazards and control
Learning outcomes
4.1 Identify the hazards and evaluate the consequential risks from the use of electricity in
the workplace
4.2 Describe the control measures that should be taken when working with electrical
systems or using electrical equipment.
Content
4.1 Hazards and risks associated with the use of electricity in the workplace
• Principles of electricity:
- basic circuitry, relationship between voltage, current and resistance, frequency
• Hazards of electricity:
- electric shock and its effect on the body; factors influencing severity: voltage,
frequency, duration, resistance, current path; first-aid treatment for electric
shock
- electrical burns: direct and indirect
- electrical fires: common causes
- portable electrical equipment: conditions and practices likely to lead to
accidents (unsuitable equipment, inadequate maintenance, use of defective
apparatus)
- secondary hazards (eg, falls from heights).
4.2 Control measures
• Control measures:
- selection and suitability of equipment
- advantages and limitations of protective systems: fuses, earthing, isolation,
reduced low voltage systems, residual current devices, double insulation
- inspection and maintenance strategies: user checks; formal inspection and
tests; frequency of inspection and testing; records of inspection and testing;
advantages and limitations of portable appliance testing (PAT).
Electricity at Work – Safe Working Practices (HSG85), HSE Books ISBN 0-717-62164-2
Maintaining Portable and Transportable Electrical Equipment (HSG107), HSE Books
ISBN 0-7176-2805-1

September 2007 38
4.2.5 Element 5: Fire hazards and control
Learning outcomes
5.1 Identify fire principles and hazards and evaluate main fire risks in a workplace
5.2 Explain the basic principles of fire prevention and the prevention of fire spread in
buildings
5.3 Identify the appropriate fire alarm system and fire-fighting equipment for a simple
workplace
5.4 Outline the requirements for an adequate and properly maintained means of escape
for a simple workplace
5.5 Outline the factors which should be considered when implementing a successful
evacuation of a workplace in the event of a fire.
Content
5.1 Basic fire principles, hazards and risks in the workplace
• Basic principles of fire: fire triangle; sources of ignition; fuel and oxygen in a
typical workplace
• Classification of fires: A, B, C, D and F
• Methods of heat transmission and fire spread: convection; conduction; radiation;
and direct burning
• Common causes and consequences of fires in workplaces
• Assessment of fire risks and the matters to be addressed in carrying out the
assessment.
5.2 Fire prevention and prevention of fire spread
• Control measures to minimise the risk of fire in a workplace:
- elimination of, or reduction in, the use and storage of flammable and
combustible materials
- control of ignition sources
- systems of work
- good housekeeping
• Safe storage and use of flammable liquids
• Structural measures to prevent the spread of fire and smoke: properties of
common building material; protection of openings and voids.
5.3 Fire alarm system and fire-fighting equipment
• Fire detection, fire warning and fire-fighting equipment:
- Common fire detection and alarm systems
- Portable fire-fighting equipment: siting, maintenance and training requirements
- Extinguishing media: water, foam, dry powder, vaporising liquids, gaseous;
advantages and limitations.
5.4 Means of escape
• Requirements for fire plans to include means of escape: travel distances, stairs,
passageways, doors, emergency lighting, exit and directional signs, assembly
points.

September 2007 39
5.5 Evacuation of the workplace
• Emergency evacuation procedures: fire marshals; fire drills; roll call; provisions
for the infirm and disabled.
Safety in the Use of Chemicals at Work – sections 6 and 7 (ILO Code of Practice), ILO
ISBN 9-2210-8006-4
Fire Safety: an Employer’s Guide (HSE, Home Office, Scottish Executive, DoE Northern
Ireland), The Stationery Office ISBN 0-113-41229-0

September 2007 40
4.2.6 Element 6: Chemical and biological health
hazards and control
Learning outcomes
6.1 Recognise the forms of, and classification of, substances hazardous to health
6.2 Explain the factors to be considered when undertaking an assessment of the health
risks from substances commonly encountered in the workplace
6.3 Describe the use and limitations of occupational exposure limits including the
purpose of long term and short term exposure limits
6.4 Describe acute and chronic health effects
6.5 Outline control measures that should be used to reduce the risk of ill-health from
exposure to hazardous substances
6.6 Outline the basic requirements related to disposal of waste and effluent (and the
control of atmospheric pollution).
Content
6.1 Forms and classification of hazardous substances
• Forms of chemical agent: dusts, fumes, gases, mists, vapours and liquids
• Forms of biological agents: fungi, bacteria and viruses
• General classification of chemical substances hazardous to health: irritant,
corrosive, harmful, toxic and carcinogenic
• The health hazards of specific substances, ammonia, chlorine, organic solvents,
carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, isocyanates, lead, asbestos, silica, leptospira,
legionella and hepatitis; the circumstances in which they might be present.
6.2 Risks associated with hazardous substances
• Routes of entry of hazardous substances into the body and body reaction in the
form of superficial and cellular defence mechanisms with particular reference to
the hazardous substances listed above
• Use of above to assess health risks
• Sources of information:
- product labels
- EU list of Indicative Limit Values, HSE list of Workplace Exposure Limits (UK), -
ACGIH list of Threshold Limit Values (US)
- manufacturers’ safety data sheets and responsibility for their provision;
information typically to be included by supplier
• Limitations of information in assessing risks to health
• Basic surveys for health risks; use and limitations of basic monitoring equipment
such as stain tube detectors, passive samplers, smoke tubes and dust monitoring
equipment.

September 2007 41
6.3 Occupational exposure limits
• Application of relevant limits (Threshold Limit Values, Workplace Exposure Limits,
Maximum Allowable Concentrations, etc)
• Long term and short term limits
• Limitations of exposure limits
• International variations and attempts at harmonisation (eg, EU Indicative Limit
Values).
6.4 Acute and chronic health effects
• Difference between acute and chronic health effects.
6.5 Control measures
• Prevent exposure or, where this is not reasonably practicable, adequately control it
• Ensuring occupational exposure limits are not exceeded
• Methods of control:
- elimination or substitution of hazardous substances or form of substance
- process changes
- reduced time exposure; significance of time weighted averages
- enclosure of hazards; segregation of process and people
- local exhaust ventilation: general applications and principles of capture and
removal of hazardous substances; the components of a basic system and the
factors that may reduce its effectiveness; requirements for inspection
- use and limitations of dilution ventilation
- respiratory protective equipment: purpose, application and effectiveness; types
of equipment and their suitability for different substances; selection, use and
maintenance of respiratory equipment
- other protective equipment and clothing (gloves, overalls, eye protection)
- personal hygiene and protection (eg, vaccination) regimes
- health and medical surveillance
• Further controls of substances that can cause cancer, asthma or damage to genes
that can be passed from one generation to another.
6.6 Waste disposal and control of pollution
• Key concepts of environmental issues relating to waste disposal and effluent:
- Air pollution: Discharges to atmosphere from common sources, eg, local
exhaust ventilation
- Water pollution: Discharges to water/sewer and principles of protection
against accidental release, eg, spill protection/bunding
- Waste disposal: Duty of care, definition of hazardous and non-hazardous
wastes, documentation associated with the amount and content of the waste
and details of any waste transfer, registration of sites, safe storage of
incompatible wastes, minimising pollution from waste.

September 2007 42
Safety in the Use of Chemicals at Work (ILO Code of Practice), ILO ISBN 9-2210-80064
Step by Step Guide to COSHH Assessment (HSG97), HSE Books ISBN 0-7176-2785-3
An Introduction to Local Exhaust Ventilation (HSG37), HSE Books ISBN 0-7176-1001-2
Respiratory Protective Equipment at Work – A Practical Guide (HSG53),
HSE Books ISBN 0-7176-2904-X
Ambient Factors in the Workplace (ILO Code of Practice), ILO ISBN 92-2-111628-X

September 2007 43
4.2.7 Element 7: Physical and psychological health
hazards and control
Learning outcomes
7.1 Identify work processes and practices that may give rise to musculoskeletal health
problems (in particular work-related upper limb disorders – WRULDS) and outline
appropriate control measures
7.2 Identify common welfare and work environment requirements in the workplace
7.3 Describe the health effects associated with exposure to noise and outline appropriate
control measures
7.4 Describe the health effects associated with exposure to vibration and outline
appropriate control measures
7.5 Describe the principal health effects associated with heat, ionising and non-ionising
radiation and outline basic protection techniques
7.6 Explain the causes and effects of stress at work and outline appropriate control
actions
7.7 Describe the situations that present a risk of violence towards employees and outline
ways of minimising such risk
7.8 Describe the effects on health and safety of alcohol and drugs and outline control
actions.
Content
7.1 Musculoskeletal health
• The principles of ergonomics as applied to the workplace
• The ill-health effects of poorly designed tasks and workstations; musculoskeletal
problems including work-related upper limb disorders; hand/arm vibration
• The factors giving rise to ill-health conditions: task (including repetitive, strenuous);
environment (including lighting, glare); equipment (user requirements, adjustability,
etc)
• Examples of risk activities such as keyboard operation and assembly of small
components; the main elements of an analysis of a display screen equipment
workstation, including portable devices
• Appropriate control measures.
7.2 Welfare and work environment issues
• Principal expectations (supply of drinking water, washing facilities, sanitary
conveniences, protection from second-hand smoke, accommodation for clothing,
rest and eating facilities, seating, ventilation, heating and lighting).

September 2007 44
7.3 Noise
• The effects on hearing of exposure to noise
• The meaning of terms commonly used in the measurement of sound (sound
pressure, intensity, frequency); the decibel scale and dB(A)
• Acceptable and unacceptable levels of noise
• Simple noise measurement techniques
• Basic noise control techniques (isolation, absorption, insulation, damping and
silencing)
• The purpose, application and limitations of personal hearing protection: types,
selection, use, maintenance and attenuation factors
• Health surveillance.
7.4 Vibration
• The effects on the body of exposure to vibration, with particular reference to hand-
arm vibration and whole body vibration
• Acceptable and unacceptable levels of vibration
• Basic vibration control measures including choice of equipment, maintenance,
limiting exposure (including duration and magnitude, work schedules, rest periods,
clothing to protect against cold etc)
• Health surveillance.
7.5 Heat and radiation
• The effects of exposure to extremes of temperature; preventive measures
• The types of, and distinction between, ionising and non-ionising radiation and their
health effects; International Commission on Radiological Protection
recommendations on dose limits
• Typical occupational sources of ionising and non-ionising radiation
• Basic radiation protection and control strategies.
7.6 Stress
• Causes, effects and prevention strategies (demand, control, support relationships,
role, change).
7.7 Violence at work
• Risk factors and prevention strategies.
7.8 Effects on health and safety of alcohol and drugs
• Effects on health and safety of alcohol and drugs (prescribed and controlled);
control strategies.

02 NEBOSH IGC Guide .pdf

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