NEBOSH Work Equipment Safety 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A self-adjusting guard on a circular saw automatically adjusts its opening based on what factor?
- The temperature of the blade
- The size and movement of the workpiece being fed through (Correct answer)
- The speed setting selected by the operator
- The noise level of the machine
Correct answer: The size and movement of the workpiece being fed through
A self-adjusting guard automatically adjusts the size of its opening according to the dimensions of the workpiece being passed through. As the material is fed in, the guard opens just enough to admit it, then returns to its rest position, minimising operator exposure to the dangerous parts.
Question 2: Under LOLER 1998, what documentation must be provided following a thorough examination of lifting equipment?
- A verbal confirmation to the site manager
- A report of thorough examination by the competent person (Correct answer)
- A manufacturer's warranty certificate
- An insurance renewal notice
Correct answer: A report of thorough examination by the competent person
LOLER Regulation 10 requires that a report of thorough examination is produced by the competent person after each examination. This report must identify the equipment, describe any defects found, state whether it is safe to continue use, and specify the next examination date.
Question 3: What is meant by a 'thorough examination scheme' under LOLER 1998?
- A plan for painting all lifting equipment annually
- A written scheme drawn up by a competent person specifying which parts of the equipment are to be examined and at what intervals (Correct answer)
- A financial budget for replacing old equipment
- A training schedule for crane operators
Correct answer: A written scheme drawn up by a competent person specifying which parts of the equipment are to be examined and at what intervals
A thorough examination scheme is a documented plan prepared by a competent person that identifies the critical parts of lifting equipment requiring examination, the methods of examination, and the intervals between examinations. It may replace the default statutory intervals if appropriately justified.
Question 4: Which of the following lifting accessories must be thoroughly examined under LOLER 1998?
- Only chains over 10 metres in length
- All lifting accessories including slings, shackles, eyebolts and hooks (Correct answer)
- Only wire rope slings
- Only accessories used outdoors
Correct answer: All lifting accessories including slings, shackles, eyebolts and hooks
LOLER 1998 applies to all lifting accessories used at work, including chains, slings (textile, wire rope, chain), shackles, eyebolts, hooks, and swivels. All must undergo thorough examination at least every 6 months as they are critical to the safety of lifting operations.
Question 5: Under PUWER 1998, who is responsible for ensuring that adequate training is provided to workers using work equipment?
- The equipment manufacturer
- The employee using the equipment
- The employer (Correct answer)
- The local authority
Correct answer: The employer
PUWER Regulation 9 places a duty on the employer to ensure that all persons who use, supervise or manage the use of work equipment have received adequate training. This includes training on the methods of use, risks involved, and precautions to be taken.
Question 6: What is the purpose of an isolation procedure before maintaining work equipment under PUWER 1998?
- To ensure the equipment is clean before work begins
- To disconnect the equipment from all energy sources to prevent unexpected start-up or energy release (Correct answer)
- To move the equipment to a separate room
- To notify the insurance company of the maintenance
Correct answer: To disconnect the equipment from all energy sources to prevent unexpected start-up or energy release
PUWER Regulation 19 requires that work equipment is provided with suitable means to isolate it from all energy sources. Isolation ensures that stored or supplied energy (electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, gravitational) cannot cause unexpected movement or release during maintenance, protecting workers from serious injury.
NEBOSH Work Equipment Safety 2
A self-adjusting guard on a circular saw automatically adjusts its opening based on what factor?