The document provides an examiner's report on NEBOSH's International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (IGC2) exam from March 2009. It includes general comments on candidate performance, comments on individual exam questions, and examples of expected answers. The report finds that while many candidates were well-prepared, some showed a lack of knowledge or understanding of how to apply concepts to workplace situations. It provides feedback on common mistakes and gives sample answers for several questions to help guide future study.

1. March 2009
Examiners’ Report
NEBOSH International
General Certificate in
Occupational Health
and Safety - IGC2

2. Examiners’ Report
NEBOSH INTERNATIONAL GENERAL
CERTIFICATE IN OCCUPATIONAL
HEALTH AND SAFETY
UNIT IGC2: CONTROL OF
INTERNATIONAL WORKPLACE HAZARDS
MARCH 2009
CONTENTS
Introduction 2
General comments 3
Comments on individual questions 4
© 2009 NEBOSH, Dominus Way, Meridian Business Park, Leicester LE19 1QW
tel: 0116 263 4700 fax: 0116 282 4000 email: info@nebosh.org.uk website: www.nebosh.org.uk
The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health is a registered charity, number 1010444
T(s):exrpts/I/IGC2 0903 EXTERNAL DW/DA/REW

3. Introduction
NEBOSH (The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) was formed in 1979
as an independent examining board and awarding body with charitable status. We offer a
comprehensive range of globally-recognised, vocationally-related qualifications designed to meet the
health, safety, environmental and risk management needs of all places of work in both the private and
public sectors.
Courses leading to NEBOSH qualifications attract over 25,000 candidates annually and are offered by
over 400 course providers in 65 countries around the world. Our qualifications are recognised by the
relevant professional membership bodies including the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health
(IOSH) and the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM).
NEBOSH is an awarding body to be recognised and regulated by the UK regulatory authorities:
• The Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) in England
• The Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (DCELLS) in Wales
• The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) in Northern Ireland
NEBOSH follows the “GCSE, GCE, VCE, GNVQ and AEA Code of Practice 2007/8” published by the
regulatory authorities in relation to examination setting and marking (available at the Ofqual website
www.ofqual.gov.uk). While not obliged to adhere to this code, NEBOSH regards it as best practice to
do so.
Candidates’ scripts are marked by a team of Examiners appointed by NEBOSH on the basis of their
qualifications and experience. The standard of the qualification is determined by NEBOSH, which is
overseen by the NEBOSH Council comprising nominees from, amongst others, the Health and Safety
Executive (HSE), the Department for Education and Skills (Df ES), the Confederation of British
Industry (CBI), the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the Institution of Occupational Safety and
Health (IOSH). Representatives of course providers, from both the public and private sectors, are
elected to the NEBOSH Council.
This report on the Examination provides information on the performance of candidates which it is
hoped will be useful to candidates and tutors in preparation for future examinations. It is intended to
be constructive and informative and to promote better understanding of the syllabus content and the
application of assessment criteria.
© NEBOSH 2009
Any enquiries about this report publication should be addressed to:
NEBOSH
Dominus Way
Meridian Business Park
Leicester
LE10 1QW
Tel: 0116 263 4700
Fax: 0116 282 4000
Email: info@nebosh.org.uk
2 EXTERNAL

4. General comments
Many candidates are well prepared for this unit assessment and provide comprehensive and relevant
answers in response to the demands of the question paper. This includes the ability to demonstrate
understanding of knowledge by applying it to workplace situations.
There are always some candidates, however, who appear to be unprepared for the unit assessment
and who show both a lack of knowledge of the syllabus content and a lack of understanding of how
key concepts should be applied to workplace situations.
In order to meet the pass standard for this assessment, acquisition of knowledge and understanding
across the syllabus are prerequisites. However, candidates need to demonstrate their knowledge and
understanding in answering the questions set. Referral of candidates in this unit is invariably because
they are unable to write a full, well-informed answer to the question asked.
Some candidates find it difficult to relate their learning to the questions and as a result offer responses
reliant on recalled knowledge and conjecture and fail to demonstrate any degree of understanding.
Candidates should prepare themselves for this vocational examination by ensuring their
understanding, not rote-learning pre-prepared answers.
Recurrent Problems
It is recognised that many candidates are well prepared for their assessments. However, recurrent
issues, as outlined below, continue to prevent some candidates reaching their full potential in the
assessment.
− Many candidates fail to apply the basic principles of examination technique and for some
candidates this means the difference between a pass and a referral.
− In some instances, candidates are failing because they do not attempt all the required
questions or are failing to provide complete answers. Candidates are advised to always
attempt an answer to a compulsory question, even when the mind goes blank. Applying basic
health and safety management principles can generate credit worthy points.
− Some candidates fail to answer the question set and instead provide information that may be
relevant to the topic but is irrelevant to the question and cannot therefore be awarded marks.
− Many candidates fail to apply the command words (also known as action verbs, eg describe,
outline, etc). Command words are the instructions that guide the candidate on the depth of
answer required. If, for instance, a question asks the candidate to ‘describe’ something, then
few marks will be awarded to an answer that is an outline.
− Some candidates fail to separate their answers into the different sub-sections of the
questions. These candidates could gain marks for the different sections if they clearly
indicated which part of the question they were answering (by using the numbering from the
question in their answer, for example). Structuring their answers to address the different parts
of the question can also help in logically drawing out the points to be made in response.
− Candidates need to plan their time effectively. Some candidates fail to make good use of their
time and give excessive detail in some answers leaving insufficient time to address all of the
questions.
− Candidates should also be aware that Examiners cannot award marks if handwriting is
illegible.
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5. Paper IGC2
Control of international workplace hazards
Question 1 (a) Identify FOUR types of hazards for which local exhaust
ventilation (LEV) would be an appropriate control measure giving
an example in EACH case of the harmful effect that might be
produced. (8)
(b) Outline the factors that may reduce the effectiveness of a local
exhaust ventilation system (LEV). (12)
In answering part (a) of this question, candidates could have identified hazards such
as dust which could cause coughing, sneezing and possible damage to the lung;
chemicals which might cause irritation and have toxic effects; allergens which might
aggravate an asthmatic condition; microbiological substances which could cause
various diseases; asphyxiants with their ability to cause respiratory effects and
exposure to heat often leading to heat exhaustion. Apart from dust, many candidates
were unable to identify any additional types of hazard.
For part (b), there is a range of factors that might reduce the effectiveness of a local
exhaust ventilation system. They include damage to the system such as splits or
holes in the ducting; blocked or incorrect filters; fan inefficiency as a result of blade
wear or corrosion; initial design issues; process changes; unauthorised alterations
such as an increase in the number of outlets; incorrect use such as a failure to
position the hood close enough to the source of emission; a build up of dust in the
ducting; blocked or obstructed outlets and a failure to provide a system of regular
maintenance, inspection and testing. Again many candidates found difficulty in
outlining a sufficient number of the required factors while others did not read the
question with sufficient care and produced a list rather than an outline.
Question 2 Identify the factors that could contribute towards the development of
work-related upper limb disorders (WRULDs) amongst workers at a
supermarket checkout. (8)
In answering this question, candidates were expected to identify factors such as
space constraints resulting in employees being forced to adopt fixed and static
positions; non-adjustable equipment such as chairs and the design of the scanning
equipment; over reaching often during the handling of bulky and heavy articles; a high
pace of work and high levels of repetition; environmental conditions such as
temperature and humidity; a lack of job rotation and a failure to provide adequate
breaks; the age of the workers with some having pre-existing conditions and a lack of
appropriate training and supervision.
Many candidates appeared not to visualise the task described in the question and
described the generic causes of WRULD rather than those specific to the given
scenario.
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6. Question 3 (a) In relation to the classification of fires, give an example of a
material (fuel) that falls within EACH of the classes A, B, C and
D. (4)
(b) Identify TWO methods of heat transfer AND explain how EACH
method contributes to the spread of fire. (4)
This question was generally well answered. For the first part, candidates could have
given examples of fuel sources for the classes of fire such as for Class A, solids
usually of an organic nature such as wood, paper or plastic; for Class B, liquids or
liquefiable solids such as petrol, oil, paint or wax; for Class C, gases such as LPG,
natural gas and acetylene; and for Class D, finely divided metals such as zinc and
magnesium.
In answering part (b), candidates could have referred to methods of heat transfer
such as conduction involving the molecule to molecule transfer of heat through
conducting solids such as metal beams or pipes to other parts of the building and
igniting combustible or flammable materials; radiation involving the emission of heat in
the form of infra red radiation which can raise temperatures of adjacent materials so
that they reach their ignition temperatures or flash points; convection which allows hot
gases to rise and either become trapped beneath a ceiling or travel through voids and
ducts to remote parts of a building, in both cases raising temperatures; and finally
direct burning where heat comes into direct contact with combustible material and
causes ignition.
Question 4 Outline the main hazards associated with excavation work. (8)
Candidates who performed well in answering this question considered all aspects of
excavation work and not just the situation of a person within an excavation who might
be harmed by a collapse of the sides, contact with buried services, ingress of water,
build-up of fumes or being struck by falling materials. Broader answers also included
the hazards associated with the use of machinery, the effect of the excavation work on
adjacent structures, the possibility of vehicles or people falling into unprotected
excavations, biological hazards such as leptospirosis, coming into contact with
contaminated land and even at this late stage the possible presence of an unexploded
bomb.
Answers to this question were below standard and there were few answers which
contained reference to the expected range of hazards. Some candidates produced a
list rather than an outline while others seemingly mis-read the question and outlined
control measures rather than the required hazards.
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7. Question 5 Outline the specific hazards associated with the use of battery-powered
forklift trucks AND state the precautions necessary in EACH case. (8)
This question related specifically to hazards associated with battery powered fork lift
trucks and the precautions that should be taken to counter these hazards though
there were some candidates who seemingly did not appreciate this and concentrated
on the general hazards associated with the use of all types of fork lift truck. The
hazards include that relating to battery charging leading to the generation of hydrogen
gas which may be ignited by electrical arcing, causing explosion or fire. This calls for
the provision of a dedicated charging station with adequate ventilation, free from
ignition sources and well signed to warn persons of the potential danger. There is also
the possibility of employees being burned by battery acid when carrying out
maintenance work on the truck so that they would need to be provided with and wear
personal protective equipment such as gloves and eye protection.
The batteries themselves are heavy and consequently suitable lifting facilities and
arrangements would have to be provided. There is always the possibility of electric
shock and burns through the shorting of battery leads and to protect against this
possibility, adequate insulation, a correct connection procedure and the wearing of
gloves would be needed. Finally there are the hazards associated with the actual use
of the trucks and the potential for collision with pedestrians since the trucks are
virtually silent when running. This calls for the delineation of traffic routes, the wearing
of high visibility clothing by pedestrians and the sounding of the truck’s warning device
by drivers when personnel are being approached.
Question 6 Identify the electrical hazards that could be discovered by a visual
inspection. (8)
Electrical hazards that might be discovered during a visual inspection include:
evidence of bare wires and conductors; cuts, abrasions and cracks in inner and outer
cable insulation; damage to plugs and sockets and a failure to cord grip the cable; a
lack of circuit protection such as the absence of an appropriate fuse or a failure to use
a residual current device; evidence of incorrect, unsafe or unauthorised repairs;
overloaded circuits and sockets; damage to the outer case of an appliance and the
absence of effective operating controls; appliances in a dirty or wet condition with vent
holes filled with dust; no evidence of the provision of an adequate earth; the incorrect
choice of an appliance for the task to be carried out; and portable appliance tests
which were out of date.
Answers to this question were generally not to a good standard with most candidates
unable to identify the range of hazards expected.
Question 7 (a) Identify THREE forms of biological agents. (3)
(b) Identify THREE possible routes of entry into the body for a
biological agent. (3)
(c) Give TWO control measures to reduce the risk of exposure to a
biological agent. (2)
6 EXTERNAL

8. Answers to this question were to a reasonable standard. For part (a), forms of
biological agents that could have been identified include bacteria, viruses, fungi and
prions.
Possible routes of entry into the body for a biological agent include inhalation,
injection, ingestion, inoculation and/or injection and absorption through the skin or
mucosal membranes.
In answering part (c), candidates could have referred to a number of control
measures such as cleaning, sterilisation and disinfection; the use of personal
protective equipment such as gloves, respiratory and eye protection and an overall;
containment of the agent in a microbiological safety cabinet; the use of spill trays; the
prohibition of smoking and eating/drinking in the work area; a good standard of
personal hygiene and immunisation.
Question 8 Identify the control measures to prevent slip and trip hazards in an
engineering workshop. (8)
In answers to this question, Examiners were looking for candidates to identify control
measures such as: the initial design and layout of the workplace with designated
walkways and non-slip floors; a system of maintenance which ensures the prompt
repair of floor defects such as holes and bumps; procedures for avoiding and dealing
with spillages particularly those associated with the filling and draining of machinery
and its maintenance; the provision of adequate lighting and highlight strips to warn of
a difference in levels; the provision of hand rails and edge protection on stairways; a
good standard of housekeeping (including the proper management of cables and
hoses) and procedures for reporting defects and incidents.
Question 9 Outline the factors that may lead to occupational stress amongst workers. (8)
In answer to this question, possible causes of increased stress levels could usefully
have been divided into those relating to the organisation of the work or task and those
relating to workplace interactions. Job factors might include the existence of a poor
health and safety culture within the organisation; a lack of commitment by and support
from management and a failure to provide adequate information, instruction and
training; work patterns such as shift work or unsocial hours; excessive overtime;
repetitive or monotonous work; a lack of adequate breaks; a lack of control over the
job with the allocation of too much or too little responsibility; work loads too high or too
low; the task not matched to the skills of the person; environmental factors such as
noise, temperature and ventilation and job insecurity and the fear of redundancy
particularly at times of organisational change.
Interactions involve such issues as harassment, bullying, discrimination, fear of
violence, poor communication and general relationships with management and work
colleagues. There are also a range of personal and social factors such as illness,
financial worries and family commitments that could increase an employee’s level of
stress at work, even if some may not be work related.
The subject of stress did not seem to be well understood by many of the candidates.
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9. Question 10 Identify the mechanical hazards shown in the diagrams below AND for
EACH give ONE workplace example. (8)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Acceptable answers to this question including appropriate workplace examples would
have been as follows:
(a) Entanglement – with a spindle or the chuck of a drill.
(b) Crushing – between the moving table of a planning machine and a fixed structure.
(c) Drawing in – into meshing gears or the feed rolls of a paper making machine.
(d) Shear – as might occur in a scissor lift.
8 EXTERNAL

10. A number of candidates became confused and often made an incorrect identification
of the different hazards. Examples were rare and those that were offered were often
too vague to merit a mark. Some candidates admitted they did not recognise the
diagrams while others described them.
Question 11 Describe FOUR types of guard used on machinery AND give an
appropriate application of EACH. (8)
Candidates could initially have referred to a fixed guard, describing it as a physical
barrier which was not linked to the machine operation and required a special tool for
its removal. This kind of guard is often used on belt and pulley drives to machines.
They could then have gone on to cite the interlocked guard, which is linked to the
machine operation and prevents access when the machine is in a dangerous
condition while also preventing operation of the machine until the guard is in position.
An appropriate application of this type of guard would be on a power press. A third
category of guard, the trip device, stops movement of the machine when approach is
detected and is often found as a means of protection on drilling machines whilst
finally, an automatic or self acting guard such as a push away guard on a guillotine, is
linked to the machine mechanism and physically moves the operator away from the
danger zone.
Whilst the different types of guards were generally identified by name, the
descriptions given of their mode of operation and their possible application were often
not sufficient to obtain all the marks available.
9 EXTERNAL

11. The National Examination
Board in Occupational
Safety and Health
Dominus Way
Meridian Business Park
Leicester LE19 1QW
telephone +44 (0)116 2634700
fax +44 (0)116 2824000
email info@nebosh.org.uk
www.nebosh.org.uk