NJW

‘‘Describe”

This action verb is used to give a “word picture” of something that actually exists. Answers must be in written form but do not need to be depth. Answers can usually be greatly improved by including a sketch. Sketches still need a written explanation.

Eg. In accordance with the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, describe a Prohibition Sign.

Sample Answer:

A Prohibition Sign is a red circle with a red diagonal crossing a white background. A black pictogram appears against the white background. The red part must take up at least 35% of the sign’s total area.

“Explain”

This action verb is used in questions which are designed to test one’s understanding of a particular issue. They must be in written form and require an in depth answer.

Eg. Explain the enforcement actions that an inspector from the Health and Safety Executive can make after inspecting a work premises.

Sample Answer:

The enforcement actions that an inspector from the Health and Safety Executive can make after inspecting a work premises depend upon his/her findings.

If there are no particular problems found the inspector would take no action. If, however, there were slight safety problems, the inspector might offer verbal or written advice to the employer. If the inspector is of the opinion that a “relevant statutory provision” is being, or has been breached with a good chance of it happening again, he/she may issue an Improvement Notice. If danger is imminent, however, a Prohibition order could be issued which would normally mean that a particular activity would have to be stopped. If a very serious incident has occurred, the inspector may initiate prosecution against the employer.

‘’Sketch’’

This action verb will usually accompany another (eg. “describe” which requires a written explanation as indicated above). Providing that sketches can be understood by the examiner, they may be done “freehand”.

Eg. Using a sketch, explain the fire triangle

• Sample Answer:
• DRAW SKETCH HERE

The fire triangle is a simple model which explains how fires start and how they might be extinguished. The figure of a triangle above is representative of “a fire” and indicates that before a fire can exist, oxygen, heat and fuel must come into contact with each other. To extinguish the fire only one of the triangle’s sides needs to be removed causing the “fire” to collapse. Oxygen can be removed by “smothering” the fire, whilst heat can be removed by “cooling”. Fuel can be removed by “starving” the fire.

Questions which use this action verb require an absolute minimum of information and answers can be in bullet point form.

Eg. List the component parts of a Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system

Sample Answer:

The component parts of a Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system are:

• • Hood
• • Ducting
• • Air Cleaning Device
• • Fan

Questions which use this action verb require an absolute minimum of information and answers can be in bullet point form.

Eg. List the component parts of a Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system

Sample Answer:

The component parts of a Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system are:

• • Hood
• • Ducting
• • Air Cleaning Device
• • Fan
• • Exhaust Outlet

“Define”

Questions which use this action verb require a generally accepted definition about something and answers must be in written form. Answers do not need to be in depth.

Eg. Define the term “negligence”

Sample Answer:

Negligence is a civil wrong involving unreasonable conduct resulting in loss or injury

“State”

This action verb can be treated in the same way as “Define” (See Above) but is used where a generally accepted “definition” about something does not exist. Answers must be in written form but do not need to be in depth.

Eg. State the requirements for reporting an “over three day” injury under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995

• Sample Answer:
• Over three day injuries should be reported by forwarding F2508 to the relevant reporting authority within ten days of the injury happening. Alternatively, one can contact the HSE’ s Incident Contact Centre by phone, fax or computer.

“Outline”

This action verb can be treated as a written form of “list” and only requires the essential features relating to an issue. The answer does not to be in depth but must be in written form,

Eg. Outline the three standard conditions that must be met for an employee to prove a case of negligence against an employer


Sample Answer:

The three standard conditions that must be met for an employee to prove a case of negligence against an employer are proving that a duty of care was owed, that the duty had been breached and that the breach resulted in injury or loss.

This action verb is used when the question is testing for a generally accepted method of doing something. It can be treated in the same way as “state” (See Above). Answers must be in written form but do not need to be depth.

Eg. Identify the circumstances under which an employer must establish a health and safety committee

Sample Answer:

An employer must establish a health and safety committee when requested to do so in writing by two or more trade union appointed safety representatives.