NEBOSH IGC-2 IMPORTANT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Element 3
Q1 Identify the risk factors that could affect manual handling activities in relation to the LOAD and
INDIVIDUAL
Refer Page -116
(a) The load (4)
The weight of the load and the frequency of handling.
The size, surface texture or nature of a load makes it difficult to grasp. Consideration
should be given to factors without the provision of handles, hand grips, indents etc.
The nature of load may be too bulky or unwieldy which obstruct the vision and difficult
to identify the centre of gravity.
Loads in packages of smaller items are likely to shift unexpectedly while being handled.
Any loads to be handled having sharp corners, jagged edges, rough, very hot or very cold
surfaces.
(b) The individual(4)
The individual’s state of health, fitness, height, strength and gender can significantly
affect the ability to perform a task safely.
An individual’s physical capacity can also be age-related, typically climbing until the early
20’s and declining gradually from the mid 40’s.
A key high risk group would be young workers, expectant mothers or workers with
disabilities.
(1) A worker is manually loading boxes of components onto metal shelves
(a) Identify four types of injuries that the worker could suffer while carrying out this
activity. (4)
Refer page No -115
Manual handling operations can cause many types of injury. The most common injuries
are;
Repture of intervertebral discs (‘slipped disc’) in the lower spine.
Muscle strain and sprain.
Tendons and ligaments can also be over-stretched and torn.
Rupture of a section of the abdominal wall can cause a hernia.
Loads with sharp edges can cause cuts.
Dropped loads can result in bruises, fractures and crushing.
(b) A worker is manually loading boxes of components into metal shelves
NEBOSH IGC-2 IMPORTANT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Identify factors in relation to the TASK that could increase the risk of injury. (4)
Refer Page No -116
Height- Identify work and components in regular use are stored at waist height. Storage
above or below this height should be used of lighter or less frequently used items.
Body Posture- Frequent bending, twisting, stooping, reaching, etc. and the lessening of
any travel distances. The effect of this risk factor is significantly increased if several
movements are present for the single task.
Distance- The excessive distance to carry or lift the load, frequency of lifting, vertical &
horizontal distance of travel must be taken in to account.
Pushing or pulling activities- Lifting, lowering and carrying, pushing or pulling a load can
harm the handler. Factors such as inappropriate footwear and state of floor during such
activities should also be considered.
Sudden movement- The activity involved sudden movements which will jam or restrict
the load.
Physical Effort- Frequent or prolonged physical exposure required for the specific task.
Sufficient breaks- Fixed breaks are generally less effective than those taken voluntary
within the constraints of the work organization.
Handling while seated- Use of the powerful leg muscles is not possible and stress will be
placed on the arms and back.
Handling Capability- Number of people handling the task must also a factor to be
considered. Visibility, obstructions and roughness of the ground are all the other factors
when team handling takes place.
MUSCULOSKELETAL HAZ & CONTROLS
Q1a Define Ergonomics.
A1a The study of the relationship between the worker, the work that they are doing and the
environment in which they are doing it.
Q1b Outline the Musculoskeletal Disorders or manual handling risks concerned the workplace
A1b The disorders are;
Back injuries and back pain.
Back injuries- Caused by twisting, lifting or pushing loads which are borne on the spine.
Between vertebrae are fluid- filled cushions of gristle known as intervertebral discs.
Displaced fluid = painful backache or leq pain.
Work- related upper limp disorders (WRULD)
Muscular sprains- Muscle stretched beyond its normal limit.
Muscular strains-Sudden or excessive force which weakens the joint and related
muscles.
NEBOSH IGC-2 IMPORTANT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Hernia- The musculature of the lower abdomen is strained until part of the intestine
squeezes through the split muscle.
Cuts, abrasions and bruising.
Crushing of bones.
Q2a Outline the ergonomic factors that will influence risk related to task, equipment and workplace
A2a The factors are
Task factors
a. Repetition
b. Force
c. Posture
d. Twisting
e. Rest
Environment Factors
a. Lighting
b. Temperature
c. Humidity
d. Ventilation
Equipment Factors
a. Equipment design
b. Equipment adjustability
Q2b Outline the factors which will contributes to manual handling risks?
A2b The factors are…
Load
a. Heavy
b. Bulky or unwieldy
c. Difficult to grasp
d. Unstable or with contents likely to shift
e. Sharp hot, cold or otherwise potentially damaging
Individual
a. Does the job:
b. Require unusual strength
c. Create a hazard to those who have a health problem
d. Require special knowledge or training?
e. Is the individual at special risk-young, old, pregnant?
Task
NEBOSH IGC-2 IMPORTANT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
a. Does it involve:
b. Holding load at a distance from the body
c. Twisting, stooping or reaching
d. Movement over long distance
e. Risk of sudden movement of the load
f. Frequent or prolonged effort
g. Insufficient rest or recovery?
Environment
a. Are there:
b. Space constraints
c. Uneven or slippery floors
d. Slopes or stairs
e. Extremes of temperature, humidity
f. Windy conditions
g. Poor lighting?
Q2c State the control measures for avoiding the manual handling risks.
A2c The control measures are…..
Task
a. Use machinery/ handling aids.
b. Improve the task layout.
c. Modify the movement of the body.
d. Improve the work routine.
e. Team handling.
Load
a. Lighter.
b. Smaller.
c. Easier to grasp.
d. More stable.
e. Less damaging to hold.
f. Give information on weight and C of G
Environment
a. Improve workplace layout.
b. Improve floor condition.
c. Keep to one level.
d. Improve environmental conditions.
e. Good housekeeping.
Individual
NEBOSH IGC-2 IMPORTANT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
a. Personal considerations- age, build etc...
b. Information and training.
c. Supervision.
d. Good manual handling techniques.
e. Proper PPE
f. Attitude & behavior
g. IITS
