NCERT Solutions

Unit 4: Maintain Healthy, Safe and Secure Working Environment

Session-1: Health, Safety and Security at Workplace

A. Multiple choice questions
1. Workplace safety is essential in organization ____________.
(a) to avoid the accident and injury
(b) to increase the productivity
(c) to improve the work environment
(d) All of the above

2. Which of the following is not mandatory to keep the good health of an employee?
(a) Cleanliness
(b) Food court
(c) Clean and fresh air
(d) Clean washroom

3. The security department is not responsible for __________.

(a) personal safety
(b) computer system and equipment safety
(c) electrical safety
(d) personal belongings

4. The proper security procedures will increase ____________.

(a) liabilities
(b) insurance
(c) business revenue
(d) operational charges of the company

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5. Which kind of hazards can occur in IT industry?
(a) Biological
(b) Chemical
(c) Physical
(d) Ergonomic

6. Which of the following can cause hazards while using computers?

(a) Poor sitting postures or excessive duration of sitting in one position
(b) Lifting heavy object
(c) Mishandling of tools and equipment
(d) Improper handling of office equipment

7. Which of the following statements is likely to result in an injury to the operator?

(a) Selecting the right tool for the job
(b) Wearing safety goggles or glasses
(c) Using a tool with loose handles
(d) Keeping cutting tools sharp

8. What are the potential cause of hazards at workplace?

(a) Poor ventilation
(b) Poor lighting
(c) Poor housekeeping
(d) All of the above

B. Fill in the blanks

1. Health of an employee is the state of the physical, mental and social well-being.
2. The work places must be cleaned in the morning before the people start working
3. A proper air conditioning provide clean and cool air at the workplace.

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4. A fresh food cafeteria helps to maintain the health of the employee.
5. The work environment of the organization must be safe and free from hazard
and risks.
6. The proper security procedures will increase the business revenue and will reduce the operational charges
of the company.
7. Injuries and illness of the employees is prevented through national policy on occupational health and safety.
8. Physical hazards occurs due to physical work environment.
9. Electrical hazards mostly caused due to coming in direct contact with live wires, or indirect contact through a
conductor.
10. Hazards while using computers occurs due to poor sitting posture or excessive duration of sitting in one
position.

C. State whether the following statements are True or False

1. The employer and employees are responsible for workplace safety. (True)
2. Any injury at work should be reported to the supervisor immediately. (True)
3. No matter how big or small the injury; the injured person should receive medical attention. (True)
4. While working with machines and equipment, employees must follow the safety guidelines set by the company.
(True)
5. Bright light sources behind the display screen can create contrast problems. (True)
6. Exposure to bright lights and toxic fumes and vapor could damage the mouth and ears. (False)
7. The use of personal protective clothing and equipment can control the hazards at workplace. (True)
8. Do not throw rubbish daily. (True)
9. Proper handling of office equipment can result in injuries. (False)
10. Stress at workplace can cause hazard in today’s organization. (True)

D. Short answer questions

1. Briefly explain the concept of health, safety and security at workplace.
Health: Health of an employee is the state of the physical, mental and social well-being. Health of an employee
must be in a good condition so that the employees will not suffer from any diseases. Every organization must

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provide health and safety working environment for their employees at the workplace.
Safety: Safety at workplace refers to the work environment which is free from any hazards and risk. A proper
safety guidelines must be prepared by the company and it should be strictly followed.
Security: Security is a kind of freedom from any potential harm. Security ensures the safety of the people working
in the organization.
2. State the most important reasons for health, safety and security programs in workplace
Ans. Most important reasons for health, safety and security programs in workplace are:
1. It clearly state that the company is not only doing the business for profits but it is taking care of all its stake
holders.
2. It shows the performance of the business and the safety performance are compatible with each other.
3. It clearly indicates the company's commitment for their employee's health and safety.
4. Injuries and illness of the employees is prevented through such policy.
3. List out the various workplace safety hazards.
Ans. Various workplace safety hazards are:
1. Physical Hazards
2. Electrical Hazards
3. Fire Hazards
4. Ergonomic Hazards
5. Biological Hazards

4. List out the potential sources of hazards in an organization.

Ans. Potential sources of hazards in an organization are:
1. Hazards using Computers
2. Handling Office Equipment
3. Stress at Work
4. Working Environment

5. List some of the IT workplace hazards.

Ans. Some of the IT workplace hazards are:
1. Poor sitting postures or excessive duration of sitting in one position. These hazards may result in pain and strain.

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2. Making the same movement repetitively can also cause muscle fatigue.
3. Glare from the computer screen can be harmful to the eyes.

6. What are the examples of potential hazards?

Ans. Examples of potential hazards are:
1. Hazards using Computers:
Hazards while using computers include poor sitting postures or excessive duration of sitting in one position.
These hazards may result in pain and strain.
2. Handling Office Equipment:
Improper handling of office equipment can result in injuries. For example, sharp-edged equipment if not handled
properly, can cause cuts.
3. Stress at Work:
In an organization, we may encounter various stress like long working hours can be stressful and so can aggressive
conflicts or arguments with colleagues.
4. Working Environment:
Potential hazards may include poor ventilation, chairs and tables of inappropriate height, hard furniture, poor
lighting, staff unaware of emergency procedures, or poor housekeeping.
7. Describe information technology workplace hazards.
Ans. Some of the information technology workplace hazards are:
1. Poor sitting postures or excessive duration of sitting in one position. These hazards may result in pain and strain.
2. Making the same movement repetitively can also cause muscle fatigue.
3. Glare from the computer screen can be harmful to the eyes.
8. What are the workplace safety rules?
Ans. Workplace safety rules are:
A) Basic Fire safety rules in an organization are:
1) Fire escape plans must be installed at proper levels
2) Conduct regular drills
3) Smoke alarms must be placed at proper intervals
4) Keep workplace a no-smoking zone

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5) Maintenance of safety equipment must be taken care of regularly
B) Falls and Slips Safety rules
1) Keep the moving area clean and clutter free.
2) Workplace must be proper ventilated receive light.
3) Wear non slippery footwear.
4) Floors must be clean and dry
5) Oil spills, dust must be immediately cleaned.
C) Electrical Safety Rules:
1) Electrical equipment used should be approved by a recognised organization. 2) Workers should be trained to
handle the electric equipment safely.
3) Damaged and hazardous electrical equipment should be immediately replaced.
4) Heat emanating equipment should be kept away from the electrical equipment.
9. List out different safety guidelines?
Ans. Safety Guidelines are:
1. Store all cleaning chemicals in tightly closed containers in separate cupboards.
2. Make sure all areas have proper lighting.
3. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery when working with machines.
4. Never distract the attention of people who are working near a fire or with some machinery.
5. Shut down all machines before leaving for the workplace.
6. Do not play with electrical controls or switches
10. Describe type of emergency with example.
Ans. Various types of emergencies are there and there should be an emergency management plan to handle
the situation of emergency. Some of the types of emergencies are as follows:
1. Chemical spills
2. Extreme heat waves
3. Droughts
4. Pandemics
5. Terrorist attack
6. Fire

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7. Floods
8. Thunderstorms
9. Leakage of some hazardous gas/ chemical

Session-2: Workplace Quality Measures

A. Multiple choice questions
1. To provide health and safety working environment, every organization must have ___________________.

(a) Cleanliness
(b) Filtered water
(c) Clean wash-room
(d) All of the above

2. Air pollution is mostly caused by production of the ________ in the surrounding air.
(a) dust
(b) mixture of solid particles
(c) gases
(d) All of above
3. Repetitive use of muscle may feel pain in your ___________.
(a) neck
(b) shoulder
(c) wrist or fingers
(d) All of the above
4. The security department organization is not responsible for __________________.
(a) other safety
(b) computer system safety
(c) electrical safety
(d) transport safety

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(e) All of the above

5. For an organization, the proper security procedures will reduce ________________.

(a) liabilities
(b) insurance
(c) operational charges of the company
(d) All of the above

6. Do not wear ________ when working with machines.

(a) jewelry
(b) safety glasses
(c) masks
(d) gloves

7. Sore lower back is caused due to _________________.

(a) reaching forward frequently
(b) no lumbar support
(c) no upper back support from chair
(d) reaching forward for long periods

8. What should you do with the problem of dry eyes?

(a) Forget to blink
(b) Rest eyes periodically and do simple eye exercises
(c) Do exercise
(d) Blink the eyes

9. If light is coming directly behind or in front of you then you may suffer from _________________.

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(a) eye strain
(b) sore eyes
(c) dry eyes
(d) eye strain and sore eyes

B. Fill in the blanks

1. Air and water pollution can be analyzed by using – physical, chemical and biological analysis.
2. The PH value of the water can be measured through chemical analysis.
3. The microbial indicators are used to monitor the health of the ecosystem.
4. Ergonomics is the science concerned with designing and arranging things.
5. Working with wrists extended too much repetition can cause arching wrists.
6. The repetition of a seemingly innocuous task over a period of time can cause an injury.
7. If a cord or wire will cross a pathway safety it should be mark it with hazard tape.
8. Loose cords and wires can cause electrical hazards.
9. Glare and reflections on the screen should be prevented.
10. The keyboard should have a matt surface to avoid reflective glare.

C. State whether the following statements are True or False

1. The work environment of the organization must be free from hazards and risk. (True)
2. Practice a no vehicle day in every week to avoid air pollution. (True)
3. Applying ergonomics can improve performance and productivity. (True)
4. Wear rings, watches and necklaces while working on the computer. (False)
5. Never touch or try repairing any electrical equipment or circuits with wet hands. (True)
6. Unplug all power sources and cables from computer while working on computer. (False)
7. Occupational overuse syndrome, also known as repetition strain injury. (True)

8. The work chair must be stable and allow the user to move easily. (True)
9. Artificial lighting from computer screens can cause sleeping problems. (True)

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10. The keyboard and mouse should not be kept at the same level. (False)
D. Short answer type questions
1. What causes the water pollution?
Ans. Main causes of water pollution are:
1. Industrial waste
2. Sewage and Waste water
3. Oil Leaks and Spills
4. Fertilizers from Agriculture field 5. Household waste

2. What is occupational overuse syndrome?

Ans. Occupational overuse syndrome, also known as repetition strain injury (RSI), is a collective term for a range
of conditions, characterized by discomfort or persistent pain in muscles, tendons and other soft tissues. It is
usually caused with repetitive movement, sustained or constrained postures and/or forceful movements.
Psycho-social factors, including stress in the working environment, may be important in the development of
occupational overuse syndrome

3. What are musculoskeletal problems?

Ans. This problem include different areas of our body, such as neck, back, chests, arms shoulders and feet. It
occurs because of our wrong posture, uncomfortable chair for sitting that is not ergonomically correct while
working on the computer.

4. What cautions to be taken while working on the computer?

1. Keep your monitor at least 20 to 30 inch away from you.
2. maximize contact of your back against the backrest of the chair.
3. Always take small breaks while working on the computer.
4. Wear anti-glare glasses to work on computer.

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5. Why there is no right way to use a laptop?
Ans. There is really no right way to use a laptop because if you position the screen at the right height for your
back and neck, it will cause you to have to lift your arms and shoulders too high to use it and vice versa.
6. What causes eye strain and how to avoid it?
Ans. Computer's bright light, glare and flickering images can cause eye strain and visual fatigue. It can be avoided
by:
1. Adjusting the brightness of computer screen.
2. Keeping a proper vision distance from computer. 3. Blinking our eyes at regular interval.
4. Wearing anti-glare glasses while working in computer.

7. What type of display screen is suitable to work on computer?

Ans. We should use the modern LED monitors of legible size and with adequate spacing between the characters
and lines. The image on the screen should be stable, with no flickering. The screen must be free of reflective glare.
8. What type of keyboard is suitable to work on computer?
Ans. The keyboard should tilt and separate from the screen so that we can find a comfortable working position
to avoid fatigue in the arms or hands. The keyboard should have a matt surface to avoid reflective glare. The
symbols on the keys must be adequately contrasted.

Sesion-3: Prevent Accidents and Emergencies

A. Multiple choice questions

1. What are the steps necessary for operating a fire extinguisher?

(a) Identify the safety pin of the fire extinguisher which is generally present in its handle
(b) Break the seal and pull the safety pin from the handle
(c) Use the fire extinguisher by squeezing the lever
(d) All of the above

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2. Which of the following is an examples of ignition sources of open flames?
(a) Gas ovens
(b) Lighters in smoking areas
(c) Welding torches
(d) All of the above

3. In fire classification, all liquid, grease, and gas material comes under __________________.
(a) Class A material
(b) Class B material
(c) Class C material
(d) Class A material

4. In fire classification, material magnesium, potassium, and sodium comes under _______________.
(a) Class A material
(b) Class B material
(c) Class C material
(d) Class D material

5. In fire classification, material wood, cloth, and paper comes under ________________.
(a) Class A material
(b) Class B material
(c) Class C material
(d) Class D material

6. In fire classification, electrical material and equipment comes under ____________________.

(a) Class A material

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(b) Class B material
(c) Class C material
(d) Class D material

7. When do we use a fire extinguisher?

(a) In case of flood
(b) In case of electric shock
(c) In case of fire
(d) In case of burn injury

8. What is the primary fire emergency telephone number is?

(a) 011
(b) 101
(c) 108
(d) 111

9. Which of the following contains everything you need to know about evacuating your facility safely?
(a) Evacuation Diagram
(b) Emergency Action Plan
(c) Employee Directory
(d) Both (a) and (b)

10. The best course of action to take during a medical emergency is to ________________.
(a) Begin first aid immediately
(b) Activate the emergency plan for reporting injuries
(c) Notify the person's family about the situation
(d) Both (a) and (b)

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B. Fill in the blanks
1. Emergency is a serious or crisis situation that needs immediate attention and action.
2. A wet floor sign will warn people to walk carefully on freshly mopped floors.
3. Watch your steps signs can prevent accidents on a staircase with a sharp bent or warn against a loose floor tile.
4. The coordinator should be responsible to handle evacuation process.
5. Workplace fires are commonly caused by improper storage of flammable material or combustible dust.
6. There should always be an emergency response plan for scheduled electrical maintenance or work.
7. If the victim is breathing and has a heartbeat, give first aid for injuries and treat for shock.
8. A fire extinguisher is a cylindrical pressure vessel containing an agent which can be discharged to extinguish
a fire.
C. State whether the following statements are True or False
1. The organization’s policies and guidelines is the best guide to handle emergency. (True)
2. If someone is injured, act as per your impulse or gut feeling. (False)
3. Keep water and food items away from electrical equipment. (True)
4. Always switch off the electrical circuits. (False)
5. Always wear protective equipment, such as gloves and shoes. (False)
6. A fire extinguisher is a protection device used to extinguish fires. (True)
7. Flammable materials can be placed around a door exit. (False)
8. You can determine possible evacuation routes from floor plan diagrams posted in your facility. (True)

D. Short answer questions

1. What is a workplace emergency?
Ans. A Workplace emergency refers to any unexpected situation that needs immediate attention and
action in workplace that may poses a risk to the safety and security of employees.
2. How do you protect yourself, your employees, and your business?
Ans. The best way to protect yourself and your organization is to develop a well thought-out emergency action
plan to guide the employees in the event of an emergency.

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3. What is an emergency action plan?
Ans. An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is a written document that states how to react in different types of
emergencies. Action plans of organizations should adhere to safety standards set by the Occupational Safety
and Health Administration (OSHA).
4. What should your emergency action plan include?
Ans. An emergency action plan (EAP) should include the following:
1. Evacuation plans: It should have at least two escape routes from every area, and a designated meeting place for
employees to gather after evacuating.
2. Accounting for employees: Take a headcount after an evacuation.
3. Reporting and alerting authorities.
4. Alerting staff and visitors about emergency
5. How do you develop an evacuation policy and procedures?
Ans. Steps to develop an evacuation policy and procedures are:
1. Evaluate the emergency.
2. Identify place where people can go in an emergency.
3. Identify the best ways to get out of the building.
4. Rehearse evacuation procedures.
5. Regularly review and update the plan as needed.
6. How do you establish evacuation routes and exits?
Ans. To establish evacuation routes and exits, you should
1. Know the nearest exit from your location and the route to get there. 2. Know the assembly point.
3. Know an alternate route in case your first route is blocked.
4. Know where to find first-aid supplies and fire extinguishers.
7. What are the various types of fire extinguisher and their extinguishing material?
Ans. Various types of fire extinguishers are:
1. Water
2. Foam
3. Dry powder

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4. CO2
5. Wet chemical
 Water Fire Extinguishers are good for tackling fires involving burning paper, wood and soft furnishing
(Class A fires), as the water soaks into the materials and cools them.
 Foam fire extinguishers are suitable on Class A fires and fires involving flammable liquids (Class B)
 Dry powder fire extinguishers are incredibly versatile and can be used for almost every kind of fire.
(Class A, Class B and Class C)
 CO2 fire extinguishers (also known as carbon dioxide fire extinguishers) are mainly used for electrical
fires.
 Wet chemical fire extinguishers (also known as Class F fire extinguishers) are the extinguisher that can
safely be used for fires involving cooking oil
8. What are the steps for operating a fire extinguisher in case of a fire emergency?
Ans.
1. Identify the safety pin of the fire extinguisher, present in its handle.
2. Break the seal and pull the safety pin from the handle.
3. Use the fire extinguisher by squeezing the lever.
4. Sweep it from side to side.
9. Compare the different type of fire extinguisher.
Ans. Different types of fire extinguishers are:
1. Water 2. Foam
3. Dry powder
4. CO2
5. Wet chemical
Water
Foam
Dry Powder
CO2
Wet chemical
Water Foam Dry Powder CO2 Wet Chemical
Fire Class A A&B A, B & C B&C A

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10. List the different class of fire.
Ans. There are several classes of fire, including
Class A: Fire that involve materials such as wood, cloth, and paper.
Class B : Fire that involve flammable liquid, grease, and gas materials that burn when exposed to ignition sources.
Class C : Fire that involve electrical materials and equipment. These materials cause fires very quickly and
present a serious risk of arc flash.
Class D : Fire that involve any materials that are volatile and able to quickly ignite, such as magnesium, potassium
and sodium.
11. List out electrical rescue techniques.
Ans. Electrical Rescue Techniques are:
Approaching the accident
1. Never rush into an accident situation.
2. Call 108 as soon as possible
Examining the scene
1. Visually examine victims to determine if they are in contact with energised conductors.
2. Metal surfaces, objects near the victim itself may be energised.
3. Do not touch the victim or conductive surfaces while they are energised.
4. Switch off the electrical circuits if possible.
Hazards and solutions
1. In case you cannot switch off the power source, take extreme care.
2. Ensure that your hands and feet are dry.
3. Wear protective equipment, such as gloves and shoes. Stand on a clean dry surface.
4. Use non-conductive material to remove a victim from the conductor.
12. What is the first aid for electrical emergencies?
Ans. If someone has been shocked by electricity, you should
1. Unplug the appliance or turn off the power. If you can't turn off the power, use a piece of wood,
to separate the victim from the power source.

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2. Do not try to move a victim touching a high voltage wire.
3. Call for emergency help.
4. If the person is not breathing, and doesn't have a pulse, begin CPR.

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