Question 1: Identify three common hazards that might be present in a healthcare setting and explain how they could potentially cause harm.

Answer: Common hazards include wet floors (risk of slips and falls), exposed electrical wires (risk of electrical shock), and cluttered walkways (risk of trips and falls). Proper maintenance and cleaning procedures help reduce these risks.

Question 2: Describe two safety measures that staff can implement to prevent the spread of infection in a care home.

Answer: Staff can perform regular hand washing and use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and masks to prevent infection transmission.

Question 3: Explain the importance of risk assessments in maintaining safety within a health or social care environment.

Answer: Risk assessments identify potential hazards, evaluate the level of risk, and help implement measures to reduce or eliminate dangers, ensuring a safer environment for clients and staff.

Question 4: List three types of personal protective equipment (PPE) used in healthcare settings and state when each should be used.

Answer: Gloves (when providing personal care or handling bodily fluids), masks (when caring for infectious patients), and aprons (during procedures that may involve splashes or contamination).

Question 5: Describe a scenario where a care worker might need to use manual handling techniques to ensure safety. Include what actions they should take.

Answer: A care worker assisting a resident to sit up from a lying position should ensure they use proper lifting techniques, maintain a straight back, bend their knees, and ask for assistance if needed to prevent injury.

Question 6: Sketch a layout of a safe and accessible emergency exit route in a healthcare setting. Label key features such as the exit door, fire alarm, and clear pathways.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a clear pathway to the emergency exit door, with no obstructions; the fire alarm should be positioned near the exit; pathways should be wide enough for wheelchairs and stretchers, and signage should be visible.

Question 7: Explain why regular safety checks are essential in a care environment. Include two specific examples of safety checks that should be performed.

Answer: Regular safety checks help identify hazards early and prevent accidents. Examples include checking fire alarms to ensure they work and inspecting electrical equipment for damage or faults.

Question 8: Identify two responsibilities of health and social care workers regarding safety and explain their importance.

Answer: Workers must follow health and safety policies to prevent accidents, and report hazards promptly to ensure the environment remains safe for everyone. This helps protect both staff and clients from harm.

Question 9: Draw a simple diagram of a patient bed area that includes safety features such as side rails, call buttons, and clear pathways. Label each feature.

Answer: A correct diagram would show a bed with side rails for patient safety, a call button within reach, and a clear, unobstructed pathway around the bed to allow easy movement.