Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment QUALIFICATION GUIDE England [601/6617/4] Wales [C00/0881/3] A5024-01 v 2 June 17
About ABC Awards ABC Awards is a leading national awarding organisation which has a longestablished reputation for developing and awarding high quality vocational qualifications. We are committed to developing qualifications, which help learners and organisations, by cultivating the relevant skills for learning, skills for employment and skills for life. We work with hundreds of centres nationally and thousands of learners achieve an ABC Awards qualification each year. ABC has an on-line registration system to help customers register learners on ABC s qualifications, units and exams. In addition it provides features to view exam results, invoices, mark sheets and other information about learners already registered. The system is accessed via a web browser by connecting to our secure website using a username and password. https://secure.abcawards.co.uk/ors/secure_login.asp Sources of Additional Information The ABC website www.abcawards.co.uk provides access to a wide variety of information. Copyright All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers. This document may be copied by approved centres for the purpose of assessing learners. It may also be copied by learners for their own use.
Contents Page No Qualification Overview Introduction.. 4 Aims.. 4 Target Group.. 4 Progression Opportunities Resource Requirements Tutor/Assessor Requirements.. 5.. 5.. 5 Language.. 5 Qualification Structure and Content Rules of Combination.. 6 Unit Details.. 8 Assessment External Assessment.. 20 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), Exemptions, Credit Transfers and Equivalencies Certification Glossary of Terms.. 21.. 21.. 23 This is a live document and as such will be updated when required. It is the responsibility of the approved centre to ensure the most up-to-date version of the Qualification Guide is in use. Any amendments will be published on our website and centres are encouraged to check this site regularly.
Qualification Overview Introduction The Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment provides learners with an essential foundation in relevant matters of health and safety. The qualification is aimed at learners who currently work, or want to work, in construction. The Award has one mandatory unit that is based on the National Occupational Standard COSVR641 (Conform to General Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare). Successful completion of this qualification will enable learners to apply for the Construction Skills Certificate Scheme (CSCS) Green Card which allows access to construction sites in the UK as a non-skilled worker. The ABC Level 1 in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment is a regulated qualification. The Green Card Scheme CSCS is the leading skills certification scheme within the UK construction industry. The Green Card is intended for those working in labouring occupations only. In July 2014 CSCS introduced a new requirement for applicants to achieve a formal knowledge based qualification, the Health and Safety in a Construction Environment Award. Achievement of this award will demonstrate the applicant s understanding of key issues affecting safe working practices on UK construction sites. For further information on the Green Card scheme, please visit http://www.cscs.uk.com. Aims The ABC Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in the Construction Environment aims to give learners the opportunity to: develop introductory knowledge related to health and safety in the construction industry learn about assessing risk, manual handling, working at height, work around plant and equipment and risks to health achieve a nationally-recognised Level 1 qualification prepare for further learning or training within the area. Target Group This qualification is designed for those learners who are new entrants into the construction industry and are aiming to gain their CSCS card. The qualification is suitable for learners aged 16+ who require development of their knowledge and understanding of health and safety in a construction environment. Learners will gain the knowledge and skills to work safely and efficiently in their workplace. 4
There are no formal entry requirements for learners to have achieved prior qualifications or units. It is expected however that learners will have a level of literacy adequate to cope with the multiple choice examination. The minimum age for access to this qualification is 16 years. ABC expects approved centres to recruit with integrity on the basis of a learner s ability to contribute to and successfully complete all the requirements of a unit(s) or the full qualification. Progression Opportunities Learners who achieve the Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment will have acquired the knowledge required to obtain the CSCS green Labourer card. Centres should be aware that Reasonable Adjustments which may be permitted for assessment may in some instances limit a learner s progression into the sector. Centres must, therefore, inform learners of any limits their learning difficulty may impose on future progression Resource Requirements The assessment is available online only. Learners will, therefore, need access to electronic equipment. Tutor/Assessor Requirements We require those involved in the assessment process to be suitably experienced and / or qualified. In general terms, this usually means that the assessor is knowledgeable of the subject / occupational area to a level above that which they are assessing. Assessors should also be trained and qualified to assess or be working towards appropriate qualifications. Language This qualification and any associated assessment materials are in English only. 5
Qualification Structure and Content ABC Awards Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment Qualification Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment The qualification will be assessed by an online multiplechoice test (50 questions total) English Assessment Grading 80 minutes Pass or Fail only Pass mark: 35 out of 50 Re-sit opportunities Unlimited Pass Operational Start Date 01 September 2015 Review Date 30 April 2018 Operational End Date 30 November 2017 Certification End Date 31 May 2018 ABC Sector Ofqual SSA Sector Stakeholder Support Contact Construction and Building Services 5.2 Building and Construction This qualification has been developed in collaboration with Construction Skills, the SSC for the construction industry See ABC website for the Centre Support Officer responsible for this qualification 6
Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment Rules of Combination: Learners must achieve 4 credits from the mandatory unit. Unit title Health and Safety in a Construction Environment Unit Number Level Credit Value GLH Page No. K/505/1933 1 4 40 8 Qualification Purpose As on RITS submission Entry Requirements none Age Range Pre 16 16 18 18+ 19 + Recommended GLH 40 Learning Aims Ref. 60166174 Type of Funding Available Qualification Fee / Unit Fee Additional Information See Learning Aims Search website See ABC website for current fees and charges See ABC website for resources available for this qualification. 7
Unit Details Unit Title K/505/1933 Health and Safety in a Construction Environment Level 1 Credit Value 4 Guided Learning Hours 40 Unit Summary Assessment requirements: Assessment criteria 1.6: One hazard/risk must be listed for each of the following: resources/equipment/obstructions/storage/services/wastes/work activities Assessment criteria 2.6: Four aids must be listed Assessment criteria 3.3: One hazard/risk must be listed for each of the following: dropping tools and debris/stability of ladders/overhead cables/fragile roofs/scaffolds/internal voids/the working area/equipment/other people Assessment criteria 4.2: Five risks to health must be listed Assessment criteria 4.7: Two types of asbestos waste must be stated Assessment criteria 4.8: Three types of personal protective equipment (PPE) must be stated Assessment criteria 5.2: Five hazards/risks must be stated Learning Outcomes (1 to 5) The learner will 1. Know the principles of risk assessment for maintaining and improving health and safety at work Assessment Criteria (1.1 to 5.6) The learner can 1.1 State the purpose of risk assessments and method statements 1.2 State the legal requirements of risk assessments and method statements 1.3 State common causes of work-related fatalities injuries 1.4 State the implications of not preventing accidents and ill 8
Learning Outcomes (1 to 5) The learner will Assessment Criteria (1.1 to 5.6) The learner can health at work 1.5 State the meaning of the following in relation to health and safety at work accident near miss hazard risk competence 1.6 List typical hazards/risks associated with the following resources equipment obstructions storage services wastes work activities 1.7 State the importance of reporting accidents and near misses 1.8 State typical accident reporting procedures 1.9 State who is responsible for making accident reports 2. Know the importance of safe manual handling in the workplace 2.1 State the reasons for ensuring safe manual handling in the workplace 2.2 State potential injuries and ill health that may occur from incorrect manual handling 2.3 State the employee s responsibilities under current legislation and official guidance for moving and storing materials manual handling mechanical lifting 2.4 State the procedures for safe lifting in accordance with official guidance 2.5 State the importance of using site safety equipment when handling materials and equipment 2.6 List aids available to assist manual handling in the workplace 2.7 State how to apply safe work practices, follow procedures and report problems when carrying out safe manual handling in the workplace 9
Learning Outcomes (1 to 5) The learner will 3. Know the importance of working safely at height in the workplace Assessment Criteria (1.1 to 5.6) The learner can 3.1 Define the term working at height 3.2 State the employee s responsibilities under current legislation and official guidance whilst working at height 3.3 List hazards/risks associated with the following dropping tools and debris stability of ladders overhead cables fragile roofs scaffolds internal voids equipment the working area other people 3.4 State how hazards/risks associated with working at height can be controlled 3.5 State the regulation that controls the use of suitable equipment for working at height 4. Know risks to health within a construction environment 4.1 List substances hazardous to health under current regulations 4.2 List common risks to health within a construction environment 4.3 State the types of hazards/risks that may occur in the workplace linked with use of drugs and alcohol 4.4 State the importance of the correct storage of combustibles and chemicals on site 4.5 State the importance of personal hygiene within a construction environment 4.6 State the potential hazards/risks to the health of workers exposed to asbestos 4.7 State types of asbestos waste 4.8 State types of personal protective equipment (PPE) used when dealing with hazardous materials 10
Learning Outcomes (1 to 5) The learner will 5. Know the importance of working around plant and equipment safely Assessment Criteria (1.1 to 5.6) The learner can 5.1 List ways in which moving machinery can cause injuries 5.2 State hazards/risks relating to the use of plant and equipment Signposting to National Occupational Standards 5.3 State the importance of keeping a safe distance away from plant/machinery and equipment until clear contact is made with the operator 5.4 Outline how method statements can assist in ensuring the safety of workers where moving plant is in use 5.5 State ways to eliminate or control hazards/risks relating to working around plant and equipment 5.6 Identify hazard warning signs and symbols used around the use of plant and equipment Based on COSVR641 (Conform to General Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare). 11
SUPPORTING UNIT INFORMATION Unit Health and Safety in a Construction Environment (K/505/1933) INDICATIVE CONTENT Learning Outcome 1: Know the principles of risk assessment for maintaining and improving health and safety at work AC1.1 Risk assessments purpose e.g. assess the risks associated with work assess who may be harmed and how identify measures necessary to reduce or prevent these risks comply with relevant, applicable legislation, e.g. Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations. Method statements purpose e.g. outline a safe system of work for a specific job ensure that the necessary precautions have been communicated to those involved incorporate H&S and training procedures. AC1.2 Risk assessments General assessment - employers are required to make an assessment of the health and safety risks to which employees and others are exposed on construction sites. The significant findings must be recorded where five or more people are employed. Specific assessments certain regulations require risk assessments for specific hazards and state in more detail what is required. These include: work at height; hazardous substance (COSHH); manual handling; noise; vibration and lead. Method statements are not a legal requirement of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations, however they are identified by the Health and Safety Executive as one way of satisfying the requirements of the regulations. AC1.3 Causes of fatalities and injuries: Fall from height Contact with machinery Struck by falling material / something collapsing Struck by moving vehicle Contact with electricity Struck against Slip, trip (uneven surfaces, obstacles, trailing cables, wet or slippery surfaces, changes in level) Lifting and handling injuries 12
AC1.4 Implications HSE sanctions improvement notice prohibition notice injuries, fatalities absenteeism financial - possibility of paying compensation, legal action, insurance delays morale at work AC1.5 Accident - an unplanned, unpremeditated event caused by unsafe acts or conditions resulting in injury. Near miss - an unplanned event with the potential to cause injury or loss. Hazard - something that can cause harm at work, e.g. chemicals, noise, electricity, working up a ladder. Risk - chance that a hazard causes harm, e.g. working alone, exposed wiring, identification of the risks relating to plant, equipment, machinery, materials. Competence - e.g. ability, understanding, knowledge, having the skills to carry out the task. AC1.6 Hazards/risks e.g. falls from height from uneven floors, platforms, scaffoldings, roofs, open holes, trenches crush injuries by a workplace vehicle or malfunction of machinery cave in through malfunction of the shoring system, sloping missing in excavations electrocution by contact with power lines, power tools (trailing cables, poor insulation) struck by falling objects, moving machinery back injuries from carrying heavy loads, working in inappropriate positions/confined spaces respiratory diseases from inhaling dust, fumes musculoskeletal disorders from sprains and strains of the muscles, injuries affecting the hand and wrist, the shoulders, neck and upper back, the knees hearing losses from long time exposure to noise skin diseases from exposure to hazardous substances (e.g. solvents, asbestos, sealing agents), exposure to the ultraviolet rays AC1.7 Importance or reporting Improves morale at work / increase in a feeling of safety while working Reduces future claims for damages by employees Opportunities to make improvements. AC1.8 Reporting procedures should include 13
Internal company processes Report of Injuries Dangerous Diseases Regulations (RIDDOR) Health and Safety Executive (HSE). AC1.9 Reporting procedures should require construction employees to report an accident to a site manager or safety representative. Learning Outcome 2: Know the importance of safe manual handling in the workplace AC 2.1 Reasons for ensuring safe manual handling, e.g. Reduce risk to employer, employees, general public Assessing individual capability Preventing injury Reduce loss of production through sick leave. AC 2.2 Injuries/ill health Injuries - torn ligaments, strains, sprains, aches, pains, fractures, breaks, spinal injuries, cuts, bruises Ill health lung problems, cancers (resulting from exposure to asbestos and silica, solar radiation, coal tars and pitches), vibration white finger, carpal tunnel syndrome, deafness and dermatitis. AC 2.3 Employees responsibilities refer to HSWA 1974 (as amended) Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended) Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 1992 Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) AC 2.4 Safe lifting Refer to organisations own procedures Employers should avoid need to carry out manual handling which creates a risk of injury. Where avoidance is not reasonably practicable, employers have to make an assessment, put sensible health and safety measures in place to prevent and avoid injury and provide information about the weight of loads. AC 2.5 Importance: e.g. prevent injury, avoid mishaps. AC 2.6 Aids e.g. trolley, fork lift, pallet truck, lifting sling, wheelbarrow, sack barrow, kerb/vacuum lifter, hoist. 14
AC 2.7 Work practices - refer to organisations own procedures e.g. risk assessments, training Follow procedures: refer to organisations own procedures e.g. use of training, instructions and demonstration for lifting, use of manual handling checklists Report problems: e.g. contact manager/supervisor, responsible officer, complete accident form, marking an aid as defective and removing it from site. Learning Outcome 3: Know the importance of working safely at height in the workplace AC 3.1 Formal definition - work in any place, including a place at or below ground level, where if measures required by the Work at Height Regulations 2005 are not taken, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury AC 3.2 Responsibilities - within own organisation, e.g. reporting any defects relating to working at height to the employer equipment for working at height provided by employer using any training for the use of work equipment at height acting under the instructions provided by the employer. AC 3.3 Hazards/risks: e.g. major injury to self/others, fatalities, falls, electric shock, trips, becoming entangled in machinery. AC 3.4 Avoid work at height where it's reasonably practicable Prevent falls using either an existing place of work that is already safe or the right type of equipment e.g. guard rails, handrails, scaffolding, mobile elevated platforms, harnesses, tool lanyards, air bags, fall arrest systems Where the risk can t be eliminated minimise the distance and consequences of a fall, by using the right type of equipment. AC 3.5 Regulation, e.g. The Work at Height Regulations 2005. Learning Outcome 4: Know risks to health within a construction environment AC 4.1 Substances such as (dust, fumes/vapours, chemicals, gases) from diesel, petrol, paint, thinners, PVA glue, adhesives, mastic, cement. AC 4.2 Main health risks in construction musculoskeletal disorders - back and other muscle and joint injuries hand-arm vibration syndrome - pain and numbness in the fingers and hands caused by the use of vibrating tools dermatitis - redness and inflammation of the skin related to exposure to hazardous 15
substances such as cements and solvents noise-induced hearing loss - deafness or ringing in the ears caused by exposure to high levels of noise asbestos-related diseases AC 4.3 Hazards/risks: e.g. Impaired productivity Risk of self-injury Injuring a colleague through not concentrating Falls from height Loss of balance Driving while under the influence Possible dismissal Distraction from the work you are doing Falling unconscious while operating machinery. AC 4.4 Importance - reduce chance of fires, injuries, fatalities, accidents, damage to environment. AC 4.5 Importance: e.g. personal hygiene measures Protect against Weil s disease Protect against transfer of soil contamination Prevent sickness Protect against using chemicals and absorbing through skin Prevent burning from alkalines. AC 4.6 Hazards/risks associated with asbestos e.g. Mesothelioma Lung cancer Asbestosis Pleural thickening. Risks associated with these hazards e.g. Long term lung disease Breathlessness Lung cancer. AC 4.7 Types of asbestos waste Sprayed asbestos (limpet) Lagging Asbestos insulating boards (AIB) Asbestos cement products, flat or corrugated sheets 16
Certain textured coatings Bitumen or vinyl materials - Roofing felt, floor and ceiling tiles AC 4.8 PPE eye protection - goggles hand and arm protection - gloves respiratory protection - face mask hearing protection - earplugs overalls feet protection - safety boots protective headwear Learning Outcome 5: Know the importance of working around plant and equipment safely AC 5.1 Moving machinery striking or trapping people damage from flying debris noise AC 5.2 Hazards/risks e.g. struck and injured by moving parts or ejected material. trapping by rollers, belts and pulley drives crushing by parts moving together or towards a wall or other object cuts and severing injuries by sharp edges stabbing or skin punctures by sharp-pointed parts skin friction or abrasion by rough surfaces burns or scalds by parts of the machine, materials and emissions (such as steam or water) electrical shock and burns tripping and slipping hazards by allowing materials or waste to build. For example an excavator hazard would be crushing injuries and the risk could be a fracture /break to a bone. AC 5.3 Safe distance: e.g. avoid getting trapped, risk of injury from flying debris. AC 5.4 Outline relates to moving plant and could, e.g. provide information on the equipment to be used provide details of any necessary safety precautions inform the methods and operations to be undertaken inform the sequence of operations. 17
AC 5.5 Control/eliminate risks: e.g. following designated walkways good signage high visibility yellow jackets/reflective strips to clothing use of banks person to watch operations use of audible alarms on plant use of a physical barrier use of limiting stops on plant. AC 5.6 Signs/symbols: e.g. emergency evacuation and fire warning poisonous chemical general caution high voltage no entry signs hard hat area danger plant operating beware plant crossing prohibition signs no access to operatives. TEACHING STRATEGIES AND LEARNING ACTIVITIES Centres should adopt a delivery approach which supports the development of their particular learners. The aims and aspirations of all learners, including those with identified special needs, including learning difficulties/disabilities, should be considered and appropriate support mechanisms put in place. Centres must make sure that any legislation taught is up to date. The Health and Safety Executive website contains legislation information in a format that Level 1 learners can comprehend. METHODS OF ASSESSMENT This unit will be externally assessed via a multiple choice test. The test is available on-demand, which means that centres may arrange an test at a site and time of their choosing. Only online and on demand versions of the test are available, giving centres flexibility in terms of delivery. Online examinations are marked automatically and results are available after completion of the test. The grade boundary for this test will be approximately 70% for a pass. 18
Minimum requirements when assessing this unit ABC expects that teaching staff should be qualified and/or vocationally experienced to at least a level above that which they are teaching. There are no requirements for internal assessment. EVIDENCE OF ACHIEVEMENT This unit will be externally assessed via a multiple choice test. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Centres and learners may familiarise themselves with the format and style of the examination questions by reference to the sample questions provided on ABC Awards website. 19
Assessment External Assessment The assessment will be available as an on demand multiple choice test. A sample test has been created and is available on the ABC website. Test specifications The way the knowledge is covered by each test is laid out in the table below: The duration of the test is 80 minutes Learning Outcome 1. Know the principles of risk assessment for maintaining and improving health and safety at work 2. Know the importance of safe manual handling in the workplace 3. Know the importance of working safely at height in the workplace 4. Know risks to health within a construction environment 5. Know the importance of working around plant and equipment safely Number of questions % 12 24 6 12 12 24 12 24 8 16 50 100 The pass mark is set at approximately 70%. The boundary may be subject to alteration in the event where a variation in the difficulty of the test is identified. 20
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), Exemptions, Credit Transfers and Equivalencies ABC Awards policy enables learners to avoid duplication of learning and assessment in a number of ways: Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) a method of assessment that considers whether a learner can demonstrate that they can meet the assessment requirements for a unit through knowledge, understanding or skills they already possess and do not need to develop through a course of learning. Exemption - Exemption applies to any certificated achievement which is deemed to be of equivalent value to a unit within ABC qualification but which does not necessarily share the exact learning outcomes and assessment criteria. It is the assessor s responsibility, in conjunction with the Internal Moderator, to map this previous achievement against the assessment requirements of the ABC qualification to be achieved in order to determine its equivalence. Any queries about the relevance of any certificated evidence, should be referred in the first instance to your centre s internal moderator and then to ABC. It is important to note that there may be restrictions upon a learner s ability to claim exemption or credit transfer which will be dependent upon the currency of the unit/qualification and a learner s existing levels of skill or knowledge. Where past certification only provides evidence that could be considered for exemption of part of a unit, learners must be able to offer additional evidence of previous or recent learning to supplement their evidence of achievement. Credit Transfer ABC may attach credit to a qualification, a unit or a component. Credit transfer is the process of using certificated credits achieved in one qualification and transferring that achievement as a valid contribution to the award of another qualification. Units/Components transferred must share the same learning outcomes and assessment criteria along with the same unit number. Assessors must ensure that they review and verify the evidence through sight of: original certificates OR copies of certificates that have been signed and dated by the internal moderator confirming the photocopy is a real copy and make these available for scrutiny by the External Moderator. Equivalencies opportunities to count credits from the unit(s) from other qualifications or from unit(s) submitted by other recognised organisations towards the place of mandatory or optional unit(s) specified in the rule of combination. The unit must have the same credit value or greater than the unit(s) in question and be at the same level or higher. ABC encourages its centres to recognise the previous achievements of learners through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), Exemption, Credit Transfer and Equivalencies. Prior achievements may have resulted from past or present employment, previous study or 21
voluntary activities. Centres should provide advice and guidance to the learner on what is appropriate evidence and present that evidence to the external moderator in the usual way. Further guidance can be found in Delivering and Assessing ABC Awards Qualifications which can be downloaded from http://www.abcawards.co.uk/centres-grid-page-move/policiesprocedures/ Exemptions There are no identified exemptions for this qualification. Equivalencies There are no identified equivalencies for this qualification. Certification Learners will be certificated for all units and qualifications that are achieved and claimed. ABC s policies and procedures are available on the ABC website. 22
Appendices Glossary of Terms GLH (Guided Learning Hours) GLH is where the learner participates in education or training under the immediate guidance or supervision of a tutor (or other appropriate provider of education or training). It may be helpful to think Would I need to plan for a member of staff to be present to give guidance or supervision? GLH is calculated at qualification level and not unit/component level. Examples of Guided Learning include: Face-to-face meeting with a tutor Telephone conversation with a tutor Instant messaging with a tutor Taking part in a live webinar Classroom-based instruction Supervised work Taking part in a supervised or invigilated assessment The learner is being observed. TQT (Total Qualification Time) The number of notional hours which represents an estimate of the total amount of time that could reasonably be expected to be required, in order for a learner to achieve and demonstrate the achievement of the level of attainment necessary for the award of a qualification. The size of a qualification is determined by the TQT. TQT is made up of the Guided Learning Hours (GLH) plus all other time taken in preparation, study or any other form of participation in education or training but not under the direct supervision of a lecturer, supervisor or tutor. TQT is calculated at qualification level and not unit/component level. Examples of unsupervised activities that could contribute to TQT include: Researching a topic and writing a report Watching an instructional online video at home/e-learning Watching a recorded webinar Compiling a portfolio in preparation for assessment Completing an unsupervised practical activity or work Rehearsing a presentation away from the classroom Practising skills unsupervised Requesting guidance via email will not guarantee an immediate response. 23