Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

Specimen answers to NEBOSH examinations
435
the broom (27) replaced by an industrial grade vacuum cleaner (approximately £200). Wood dust causes health 
problems which can be very serious.
The rules concerning the use of the machines by trainees are commendable.
d) Manual handling concerns
A mechanical lift truck should be purchased and used for the movement of window frames and timber (7). 
A manually operated truck should be suffi cient at about £200 and much cheaper than a fork lift truck with its 
considerable training costs.
Manual handling and trip hazards could be eased considerably by the erection of suitable shelving on the walls 
of the two workshops. Only one day’s supply of timber should be kept in the workshops. Any excess timber 
stocks should remain in the store-room. The use of shelving is a very cheap option (£50).
e) Other issues
The PPE Regulations require that all personal protective equipment must be properly maintained and stored (11).
The heating system should be checked by a competent person because the workshops felt cold on the day of 
the inspection (below 16ºC – the minimum recommended by the Workplace Regs. Code of Practice) and there 
was an electric fi re in the administration offi ce (29). An improvement in housekeeping would ensure that fl oors 
and benches are kept clear and unobstructed.
4. 
Conclusions
The workshops were found to be clean, well maintained and well lit. The trainees clearly enjoyed working there. 
There were, however, a number of issues which need to be addressed urgently to avoid possible legal action or 
compensation claims following injuries. All these problems, other than the heating system, should be rectifi able 
within a total cost range of £ 1000–£1500.
Finally, the Health and Safety policy should be revisited and prominently displayed in both workshops.
Signed...J Brown......... 
Date...7 June 2007...
Enclosures: