How do I revise Health and safety for Pearson Education Ltd A-Level?

When writing risk assessments or evaluations, always reference specific legislation (e.g., Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, COSHH, PUWER) to show contextual understanding.

What exam tips are there for Health and safety? (2)

In practical observations, verbalize your safety checks aloud: state the hazard, the control measure chosen, and the reason for using particular PPE to demonstrate underpinning knowledge.

What exam tips are there for Health and safety? (3)

Use the hierarchy of control as a framework in answers: first attempt to eliminate or reduce risk without PPE, and justify PPE use if residual risk remains.

What mistakes should I avoid in Health and safety?

Selecting inappropriate PPE for the hazard, such as using cotton gloves when handling chemicals, which offers no chemical resistance.

What are common errors in Health and safety exams? (2)

Neglecting to inspect PPE for damage or wear before use, assuming it is always in serviceable condition.

Health and safety

PEARSON-EDUCATION-LTD

vocational

This subtopic focuses on the practical application of health and safety legislation in engineering workshops and manufacturing environments, emphasizing risk assessment, hazard control, and the correct selection and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Learners are expected to demonstrate compliance with statutory regulations such as the Health and Safety at Work Act and COSHH, and to apply industry-standard safe systems of work to prevent injury and ensure a safe working culture. Mastery involves not only knowledge of PPE types but also the ability to justify their appropriate use based on task-specific risk analyses.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

Subtopics in this area

Health and safety

Topic Overview

Health and safety in manufacturing and engineering is a critical topic that covers the legal, ethical, and practical measures needed to prevent accidents and ill health in the workplace. It is governed by key legislation such as the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA), which places a duty on employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of employees. This topic also includes the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, which require risk assessments, and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), which ensure machinery is safe to use. Understanding these regulations is essential for any engineer, as non-compliance can lead to serious injuries, legal penalties, and reputational damage.

For A-Level students, this topic is not just about memorising laws; it's about applying principles like the hierarchy of control (elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE) to real-world scenarios. You'll learn how to conduct risk assessments, identify hazards (e.g., moving parts, electrical risks, hazardous substances), and implement control measures. This knowledge is directly relevant to your future career, whether you work on a factory floor, in a design office, or as a manager. It also links to other topics like quality control and maintenance, as poor safety often leads to defects and downtime.

Mastering health and safety demonstrates to employers that you understand your legal responsibilities and can contribute to a positive safety culture. In exams, you'll be expected to apply concepts to unfamiliar situations, so focus on understanding the 'why' behind each regulation. This topic is also a foundation for further study in areas like risk management and occupational health.

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Award credit for demonstrating the ability to conduct a dynamic risk assessment before commencing a task, identifying hazards and implementing appropriate control measures.
Award credit for correctly selecting and fitting PPE, such as safety goggles, gloves, and steel-toe boots, with clear justification linked to the specific manufacturing process.
Award credit for evidencing safe manual handling techniques and the proper use of lifting equipment, in line with LOLER regulations.
Award credit for demonstrating a consistent safety-first attitude, such as reporting near misses and maintaining a tidy workspace as part of 5S methodology.
Award credit for accurately citing and explaining the purpose of specific legislation (e.g., COSHH for chemical handling, RIDDOR for incident reporting) in a given workplace scenario.
Look for a clear distinction between a hazard (potential source of harm) and a risk (likelihood and severity of harm) in risk assessment documentation.
Credit should be given for following a recognised risk assessment methodology (e.g., HSE's five steps: identify hazards, decide who might be harmed, evaluate risks and decide precautions, record findings, review and update) with practical, context-appropriate examples.
Recognise when learners correctly link identified hazards to specific legislative requirements and propose suitable control measures aligned with the hierarchy of controls.

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Award credit for demonstrating the ability to conduct a dynamic risk assessment before commencing a task, identifying hazards and implementing appropriate control measures.
Award credit for correctly selecting and fitting PPE, such as safety goggles, gloves, and steel-toe boots, with clear justification linked to the specific manufacturing process.
Award credit for evidencing safe manual handling techniques and the proper use of lifting equipment, in line with LOLER regulations.
Award credit for demonstrating a consistent safety-first attitude, such as reporting near misses and maintaining a tidy workspace as part of 5S methodology.
Award credit for accurately citing and explaining the purpose of specific legislation (e.g., COSHH for chemical handling, RIDDOR for incident reporting) in a given workplace scenario.
Look for a clear distinction between a hazard (potential source of harm) and a risk (likelihood and severity of harm) in risk assessment documentation.
Credit should be given for following a recognised risk assessment methodology (e.g., HSE's five steps: identify hazards, decide who might be harmed, evaluate risks and decide precautions, record findings, review and update) with practical, context-appropriate examples.
Recognise when learners correctly link identified hazards to specific legislative requirements and propose suitable control measures aligned with the hierarchy of controls.

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡When writing risk assessments or evaluations, always reference specific legislation (e.g., Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, COSHH, PUWER) to show contextual understanding.
💡In practical observations, verbalize your safety checks aloud: state the hazard, the control measure chosen, and the reason for using particular PPE to demonstrate underpinning knowledge.
💡Use the hierarchy of control as a framework in answers: first attempt to eliminate or reduce risk without PPE, and justify PPE use if residual risk remains.
💡For coursework evidence, include dated photographs, witness statements, or supervisor sign-offs to authenticate your application of safe working practices.
💡In assessment tasks requiring legislation application, always name the most relevant regulation (e.g., COSHH for chemical spills, PUWER for machinery hazards) and explain how it specifically governs the scenario.
💡When writing risk assessments, explicitly reference the hierarchy of controls (elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE) to demonstrate systematic thinking and secure higher marks.
💡Use precise language: differentiate between 'legal requirement', 'guidance', and 'best practice', and support statements with examples from Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs) where appropriate.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Selecting inappropriate PPE for the hazard, such as using cotton gloves when handling chemicals, which offers no chemical resistance.
Neglecting to inspect PPE for damage or wear before use, assuming it is always in serviceable condition.
Overlooking environmental hazards like noise, dust, or fumes, and failing to use hearing protection, dust masks, or extraction systems.
Treating PPE as the primary control measure rather than a last resort, misunderstanding the hierarchy of controls (elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE).
Confusing hazard and risk terminology, for instance referring to a machine's moving part as a 'risk' rather than a 'hazard', or failing to quantify risk levels in terms of likelihood and severity.
Producing generic risk assessments that do not reflect the specific environment, e.g., using a template without adapting it to unique manufacturing processes or equipment.
Overlooking long-term health hazards under COSHH, such as occupational asthma or dermatitis from repeated low-level exposure, instead focusing only on immediate acute effects.
Misapplying RIDDOR reporting criteria, for example, reporting a minor cut that does not meet the specification of a 'specified injury' or failing to recognise that occupational diseases must be reported.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Safe working

PPE

Workshop safety

Health and safety

Risk assessment

Legislation

Ready to test yourself?

Practice questions tailored to this topic

Health and safety

Subtopics in this area

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terminology

Ready to test yourself?

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Health and safety

Subtopics in this area

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and why is it important?

How do I conduct a risk assessment for a manufacturing process?

What is the difference between a hazard and a risk?

What are the main regulations under HSWA that I need to know for my exam?

Why is PPE considered the last resort in the hierarchy of control?

What are my responsibilities as an employee under health and safety law?

Key Terminology

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in PEARSON-EDUCATION-LTD vocational Manufacturing & Engineering

Assemble and process products for food service

Bake off food products for sale

Care for livestock pre-slaughter in food operations

Care for poultry pre-slaughter in food operations