Workshop Safety, Health, and Environmental Practices
What this domain tests
Safety, health and environment questions check that you can identify hazards, select controls in the right order, use PPE, handle fire and chemicals, and manage workshop waste lawfully.
Core rules
- Control hierarchy: eliminate, substitute, engineer controls, administrative controls, then PPE as the last line.
- Fire classes: A solid combustibles (water, foam), B flammable liquids (foam, CO₂, dry powder), C gases, D metals, and electrical (CO₂, dry powder - never water).
- Carbon monoxide is colourless and odourless; never run an engine in a closed workshop without extraction.
- Battery charging releases hydrogen - no sparks, good ventilation, eye protection and acid-resistant gloves.
- Waste oil, filters, solvents, coolant and batteries are hazardous waste and must go to authorised handlers, never to drains.
- Use axle stands, not a jack alone; chock wheels; disconnect the battery before welding; keep extinguishers and first-aid kits accessible.
Worked example
A petrol spill ignites near a bench. Petrol is a Class B flammable liquid, and water would spread the burning fuel because it is denser and the petrol floats. The correct response is to raise the alarm, isolate power, and use a foam, CO₂ or dry-powder extinguisher, aiming at the base of the fire and keeping an escape route. The reasoning is that the extinguishing agent must smother the vapour and cool the fuel without dispersing it.
Traps that cost marks
Using water on electrical or petrol fires, storing oily rags in open bins, bypassing machine guards or interlocks, and pouring coolant or solvent down the drain.