NEBOSH Work Equipment Safety 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under PUWER 1998, what is the primary duty placed on employers regarding the provision of work equipment?
- Equipment must be suitable for its intended use and conditions (Correct answer)
- Equipment must be purchased from approved suppliers only
- Equipment must be replaced every five years regardless of condition
- Equipment must be painted in high-visibility colours
Correct answer: Equipment must be suitable for its intended use and conditions
Regulation 4 of PUWER 1998 requires employers to ensure work equipment is suitable by design, construction or adaptation for the actual work it will be used for, considering the working conditions and health and safety risks.
Question 2: Which type of machinery guard is permanently fixed to the machine and can only be removed with tools?
- Interlocked guard
- Adjustable guard
- Fixed guard (Correct answer)
- Self-adjusting guard
Correct answer: Fixed guard
A fixed guard is a permanent enclosure fastened to the machine frame using bolts, screws or welding, requiring tools for removal. It provides a physical barrier with no moving parts, making it the simplest and most reliable form of guarding.
Question 3: What does the acronym LOTO stand for in the context of maintenance isolation procedures?
- Limit Of Tolerance Operation
- Lockout/Tagout (Correct answer)
- Level Of Technical Oversight
- Logistics Of Temporary Operations
Correct answer: Lockout/Tagout
LOTO stands for Lockout/Tagout, a safety procedure ensuring that dangerous machines are properly shut off and unable to be started up again before maintenance or servicing work is completed. It involves physically locking energy-isolating devices and applying warning tags.
Question 4: Under LOLER 1998, how often must lifting equipment used for lifting persons undergo thorough examination?
- Every 12 months
- Every 6 months (Correct answer)
- Every 3 months
- Every 24 months
Correct answer: Every 6 months
LOLER 1998 Regulation 9 requires that lifting equipment used for lifting persons must be thoroughly examined at least every 6 months. This is more frequent than the 12-month interval required for other lifting equipment, reflecting the higher risk involved.
Question 5: What is the key difference between an interlocked guard and a fixed guard on machinery?
- Interlocked guards are cheaper to install
- An interlocked guard is linked to the machine controls so the machine cannot operate unless the guard is closed (Correct answer)
- Fixed guards provide better protection than interlocked guards
- Interlocked guards do not require maintenance
Correct answer: An interlocked guard is linked to the machine controls so the machine cannot operate unless the guard is closed
An interlocked guard is connected to the machine's control system via a limit switch or similar device. When the guard is opened, the machine automatically stops or cannot be started. This allows regular access for feeding or removing workpieces while maintaining safety.
Question 6: Which of the following is a requirement for mobile work equipment under PUWER 1998?
- Mobile equipment must always be fitted with caterpillar tracks
- The employer must ensure mobile work equipment is fitted with rollover protective structures (ROPS) where there is a risk of rollover (Correct answer)
- Mobile equipment can only be operated by workers over 25 years old
- Mobile equipment must be stored indoors at all times
Correct answer: The employer must ensure mobile work equipment is fitted with rollover protective structures (ROPS) where there is a risk of rollover
PUWER 1998 Regulations 25-30 address mobile work equipment. Where there is a risk of the equipment rolling over, it must be fitted with rollover protective structures (ROPS) and the operator must have a restraining system such as a seatbelt to keep them within the protection zone.
NEBOSH Work Equipment Safety 1
Under PUWER 1998, what is the primary duty placed on employers regarding the provision of work equipment?