Office Safety, Health and Workplace Etiquette
What the exam tests
This domain tests hazard identification, fire and electrical safety, ergonomics, first aid and professional etiquette. Questions often present an incident and ask for the correct immediate action.
Core rules and concepts
- Common hazards include slips and trips, trailing cables, overloaded sockets, fire, poor lighting, repetitive strain, eye strain and stress.
- Fire safety requires a clear alarm, unobstructed exits, extinguishers of the right type, an assembly point and evacuation drills. Never use water on an electrical fire; use carbon dioxide or dry powder.
- Electrical safety means checking cords and plugs, avoiding daisy-chained extension boards, switching off equipment and reporting faults.
- Ergonomics covers chair height, back support, monitor position, keyboard height, foot support and short breaks from continuous screen work.
- First aid needs a trained person, a stocked box and an incident record.
- Etiquette includes punctuality, suitable dress, courteous greetings, low phone volume, clean shared spaces, confidentiality and no gossip.
Worked example
A worker smells burning from a socket. Reasoning: do not touch the socket or throw water. If it is safe, switch off at the main, isolate the area, warn others, report to the supervisor and call an electrician. Record the incident. This prevents shock and fire and creates evidence for maintenance.
Traps that cost marks
Using water on an electrical fire. Blocking fire exits. Ignoring small incidents. Sitting for hours without a break. Discussing confidential matters in a public area.