Unit 52 - Introduction to Health and Safety
Overview
Introduction to health and safety at Entry Level 3 requires the candidate to understand the implications of health and safety in the workplace. They need to be able to understand the risks and hazards in the workplace. They need to demonstrate that they understand the safety work environment, i.e. the signs they will see. The need to demonstrate that they know how to use safety equipment and why it is needed.
A work activity will typically be ‘straightforward or routine’ because:
The task or context will be familiar and involve few variable aspects. The techniques used will be familiar or commonly undertaken.
Example of context – Make a simple report on workplace health and safety.
Assessor's guide to interpreting the criteria
General Information
QCF general description for Level 1 qualifications
- Achievement at RQF entry level 3 (EQF Level 1) reflects the ability to use relevant knowledge, skills and procedures to complete routine tasks. It includes responsibility for completing tasks and procedures subject to direction or guidance.
- Use knowledge of facts, procedures and ideas to complete well- defined, routine tasks. Be aware of information relevant to the area of study or work
- Complete well-defined routine tasks. Use relevant skills and procedures. Select and use relevant information. Identify whether actions have been effective.
- Take responsibility for completing tasks and procedures subject to direction or guidance as needed
Requirements
- Standards must be confirmed by a trained Level 1 Assessor or higher
- Assessors must at a minimum record assessment judgements as entries in the online mark book on the INGOTs.org certification site.
- Routine evidence of work used for judging assessment outcomes in the candidates' records of their day to day work will be available from their e-portfolios and online work. Assessors should ensure that relevant web pages are available to their Account Manager on request by supply of the URL.
- When the candidate provides evidence of matching all the criteria to the specification, subject to the guidance below, the assessor can request the award using the link on the certification site. The Account Manager will request a random sample of evidence from candidates' work that verifies the assessor's judgement.
- When the Account Manager is satisfied that the evidence is sufficient to safely make an award, the candidate's success will be confirmed and the unit certificate will be printable from the web site.
- Each unit at Level 1 has recommended 40 guided learning hours based on time required to complete by an average learner.
Assessment Method
Assessors can score each of the criteria N, L, S or H. N indicates no evidence and it is the default setting. L indicates some capability but some help still required to meet the standard. S indicates that the candidate can match the criterion to its required specification in keeping with the overall level descriptor. H indicates performance that goes beyond the expected in at least some aspects. Candidates are required to achieve at least S on all the criteria to achieve the full unit award. Once the candidate has satisfied all the criteria by demonstrating practical competence in realistic contexts they achieve the unit certificate.
Expansion of the assessment criteria
1. The candidate will understand the importance of health, safety and welfare in the workplace
1.1 I can explain why health and safety in the workplace is important
Candidates should be able to say why they think health and safety at work is important
Evidence: Documentation in portfolios, assessor observations.
Additional information and guidance
Being safe at work is an important right and needs to be protected. many people in the world work in dreadful and life threatening conditions, in many cases so that we can have over priced expensive branded smart phones. All people have the right to be safe in their work place, whether they are at the bottom or the top of the organisation. 100 years ago, most people would have been dying young working in heavy industry and workers have fought long and hard over many years to protect worker's right.
1.2 I can identify the responsibilities of employers and employees in relation to health and safety
Candidates should be able to show an understanding of the rights of all parties in a workplace
Evidence: Documentation in portfolios, assessor observations.
Additional information and guidance
Every worker should expect to go to work in a safe and healthy environment, but by the same token the worker should not turn up deliberately affected by drugs or alcohol as it makes it unsafe for them and their colleagues. If they see any unsafe or unhealthy practices, they have a right to report it, perhaps through their union, so that it can be addressed.
2. The candidate will know potential hazards and risks in the workplace
2.1 I can identify hazardous materials and non-hazardous materials
The candidate will be able to identify some of the more obvious hazards at work
Evidence: From portfolios, local testing, assessor observations
Additional information and guidance
Just a few years ago, many people would have been working in quite hazardous jobs with no knowledge of the dangers. Many people worked on building schools, hospitals and factories using asbestos which is now known as a cause of cancer. Candidates should be aware of hazards such as flammable or caustic materials they may come in contact with. There are also non-hazardous materials that could lead to accidents.
2.2 I can name common hazards in the workplace and offer a description of how such hazards may be caused
The candidate will be able to explain a few examples
Evidence: From portfolios, local testing, assessor observations
Additional information and guidance
IN an office space, problems like loose wires or exposed electrical cables are obvious hazards. Having flammable materials near heat os also dangerous. Recent problems with mobile phones have shown how their batteries can catch fire. Companies that deal with hazardous chemicals need to be careful that they don't spill ito the water near by. People working on farms have to work with dangerous pesticides and fungicides which can cause problems. Other suitable examples are required here.
2.3 I can determine whether common access equipment is secure or not (steps, ladders, ramps and simple non-hydraulic/non-powered platforms)
The candidate will be able to carry out simple safety checks
Evidence: From portfolios, local testing, assessor observations
Additional information and guidance
Many accidents at work happen because of poorly stored or badly maintained equipment. Falling off ladders or down steps and ramps is common place and therefore extra care and attention is required. Hydraulic tools can have enormous power and workers need to be cautious around, i.e. farm equipment with hydraulic power.
3. The candidate will know common basic safety signs found in the workplace
3.1 I can identify the different basic safety signs and recognise the hazards they indicate
The candidate will be able to identify the main safety signs in my work place or generally
Evidence: From portfolios, local testing, assessor observations
Additional information and guidance
Many websites that sell safety signs also explain what they are for. Candidates should be able to identify and explain the main ones they will encounter.
4. The candidate will demonstrate an awareness of safe practices and protective equipment
4.1 I can recognise common fire-fighting equipment
The candidate will be able to recognise fire equipment
Evidence: From portfolios, local testing, assessor observations
Additional information and guidance
Most work places, by law, will have a fire extinguisher or fire blanket to put out fires and these will be regularly inspected for damage or wear to make sure they work.
This is a graphic of a CO2 extinguisher. There are several common types which deal with different types of flame.
4.2 I can recognise items of personal protective equipment
The candidate will be able to list some basic safety items
Evidence: From portfolios, local testing, assessor observations
Additional information and guidance
Depending on the type of work and the hazards encountered, these will be clothes, such as goggles, gloves, boots or coats etc. It could be breathing apparatus or if under water, some type of protective suit.
4.3 I can describe some of the precautions to be observed when using non-powered equipment that might be hazardous
The candidate will be able to list some safety best practices
Evidence: From portfolios, local testing, assessor observations
Additional information and guidance
Working with saws, axes or hammers etc can cause all sorts of problems if not handled properly. In recent years, many people at home have cut themselves with knives as they have been careless. Some tips on how to be safe.
4.4 I can identify where First Aid equipment is usually located in the workplace
The candidate will be able to list where the equipment is
Evidence: From portfolios, local testing, assessor observations
Additional information and guidance
When you start at a company, you should be introduced t the first aid officer or person in charge of first aid and should be shown where the first aid kit is and what is in it. In most cases it will be quite basic stuff to help until an ambulance arrives, if it is something serious.
4.5 I can outline fire and emergency procedures
The candidate will be able to show the fire and emergency protocols
Evidence: From portfolios, local testing, assessor observations
Additional information and guidance
Posters or guides should be available to say what to do and where to go in case of fire or emergency. candidates can summarise this.
4.6 I can outline why it is important to report accidents, ill health and other incidents
The candidate will be able to discuss in a basic way why this is important
Evidence: From portfolios, local testing, assessor observations
Additional information and guidance
The more information gathered about these incidents, the more chance there is of avoiding them later or for others. If you constantly feel unwell and find it hard to breath, you should report it as it could be a result of some bad equipment that is giving off toxic fumes.
Moderation/verification
The assessor should keep a record of assessment judgements made for each candidate guided by the above guidance. Criteria should be interpreted in the context of the general descriptors of RQF Level 1 qualifications. They should make notes of any significant issues for any candidate and be in a position to advise candidates on suitable routes for progression. They must be prepared to enter into dialogue with their Account Manager and provide their assessment records to the Account Manager through the on-line mark book. They should be prepared to provide evidence as a basis for their judgements through reference to candidate e-portfolios. Before authorising certification, the Account Manager must be satisfied that the assessors judgements are sound. In the event of missing evidence, the assessor will be requested to gather appropriate information before the award can be made.
