Common Hazards in the Workplace Flashcards
6 cards from real IOSH practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Common Hazards in the Workplace flashcards as text
What are the main hazards associated with electricity?
Answer: Electric shock, burns, fire, arcing, and explosion in certain atmospheres
Electricity presents several hazards: electric shock (which can cause cardiac arrest), electrical burns (contact and arc flash), fire (from overloaded circuits, poor connections, faulty equipment), arcing (flash burns and blast injuries), and explosion in flammable atmospheres.
What is the 'fire triangle'?
Answer: The three elements needed for fire: fuel, oxygen (air) and a source of ignition — remove any one and fire cannot start or continue
The fire triangle shows that three elements must be present simultaneously for a fire to start and continue: fuel (combustible material), oxygen (usually from air), and a source of ignition (heat, spark, flame). Removing any one element prevents fire or extinguishes it.
What are the main duties under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005?
Answer: The responsible person must carry out a fire risk assessment, implement fire safety measures, provide fire safety information, and maintain fire precautions
The Fire Safety Order requires the 'responsible person' to: carry out a fire risk assessment, implement and maintain fire safety measures, appoint competent persons, provide fire safety information and training, maintain means of escape, and ensure fire detection and fighting equipment is available and maintained.
What are the main hazards of working at height?
Answer: Falls from height (the leading cause of workplace death), falling objects, structural collapse, and overreaching or overloading
Working at height hazards include: falling from height (ladders, roofs, scaffolds, platforms — the biggest cause of workplace death in the UK), falling objects hitting people below, structural collapse of platforms or scaffolding, and injuries from overreaching or overloading mobile platforms.
What does the Work at Height Regulations 2005 require?
Answer: That work at height is avoided where possible, properly planned when necessary, and appropriate equipment is selected and used
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require: avoiding work at height where reasonably practicable, properly planning and organising work at height, using appropriate equipment (collective before individual protection), ensuring competent workers, inspecting equipment, and considering weather conditions.
What are the main hazards of workplace transport?
Answer: Pedestrians being struck by vehicles, reversing accidents, loading/unloading injuries, overturning vehicles, and falls from vehicles
Workplace transport hazards include: pedestrians being struck (especially during reversing), loading/unloading incidents, vehicles overturning, falls from vehicles, crushing between vehicles, and collisions. Separating pedestrians from vehicles and managing reversing are key controls.