Workplace Safety, Health and Hygiene
Why it matters
Guards work shifts, outdoors, alone and at night. The exam tests hazard identification, risk control, PPE, manual handling, fatigue, heat and hygiene. Safety duties apply to the guard, colleagues, visitors and the public.
Core rules
- Identify hazards: wet floors, poor lighting, electrical faults, traffic, dogs, violence, heat and fatigue.
- Use controls in order: eliminate, substitute, engineer, administrate, then PPE.
- Wear the issued uniform, shoes and rainwear; use gloves, masks and reflective jackets where required.
- Use safe manual handling: assess, keep the load close, bend knees, avoid twisting, ask for help.
- Report slips, trips, damaged fittings and near misses; do not hide them.
- Manage shift fatigue with planned breaks, hydration and handover.
- Maintain hand hygiene, clean toilets and safe drinking water; do not eat at the post.
Worked example
A guard finds a wet floor near a busy entrance and no warning sign. He should place a caution sign, warn approaching people, mop or isolate the area if trained, and report the leak. He should not ignore it because “cleaning is not my job”; a fall could injure a visitor and create liability.
Traps that cost marks
- Relying on PPE as the first control.
- Lifting a heavy load alone to appear strong.
- Skipping handover and leaving hazards unreported.
- Drinking alcohol or working while unfit for duty.