Core Units: Safety, Risk and Workplace Foundations
What the core units really test
The core units are not a memory quiz on regulations; they test whether you can apply a safety reasoning cycle on any plant site. Know these concepts: the hierarchy of control (eliminate, substitute, engineer, administrate, then PPE last), hazard identification and risk assessment, incident and near-miss reporting, isolation and lock-out/tag-out (LOTO), pre-start checks, communication and signal systems, traffic management, and emergency response including first aid and firefighting basics.
Traps to watch for
Questions love the word "first". The first control is always elimination, not signage or PPE. Another trap is confusing a hazard (the thing that can harm) with a risk (the likelihood and consequence of that harm). Watch for questions that imply a near miss need not be reported; it must be. Also expect LOTO distractors such as "remove the tag so the machine can be tested" or "another worker can remove your lock" - only the person who applied a personal lock removes it, under a documented exception process. PPE is the last line, never the primary control.
Worked example
A question describes a leaking hydraulic hose near a walkway. Applying the hierarchy: eliminate by rerouting the walkway or shutting down the machine; engineer by fitting a guard or drip tray; administrate with signage and inspections; PPE with gloves and glasses. The best answer is the highest-order control that is reasonably practicable, not "put up a wet floor sign".
Rule of thumb
For any scenario, ask: what could kill someone here, what is the highest control I can apply, and who must I tell? If an answer skips reporting or jumps to PPE, it is usually wrong.