Workplace Safety and Environment: Hazards, Protection and Good Practice
Core concepts
This section tests recognition of workplace hazards, correct use of personal protective equipment, safe handling of tools and chemicals, fire prevention and emergency response, electrical safety, first aid basics, and environmental responsibility such as waste segregation and pollution control.
Common traps
- PPE is the last line of defence: questions often ask for the first control, which is eliminating or guarding the hazard, not merely wearing gloves.
- Fire classes: water is unsuitable for electrical and oil fires; use carbon dioxide or dry powder instead.
- Electrical safety: never touch a casualty still in contact with a live conductor; switch off the supply first.
- Chemical handling: add acid to water, never water to acid, to control heat.
- Waste disposal: used oil, batteries and solvent rags are hazardous waste and must not be dumped with general rubbish.
Rule of thumb
Use the hierarchy of control: eliminate, substitute, engineer controls, then administrative controls, and finally PPE. When in doubt, stop work and report.
Worked example
A small electrical fire starts at a machine. The correct response is to raise the alarm, isolate the power if safe, and use a CO₂ extinguisher - never water. Afterward, report the incident and record it so the cause can be corrected.