Example question

paper and Examiners

feedback on expected
answers (ED1)

Example question paper and

Examiners feedback on
expected answers
NEBOSH NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

CONTENTS

Introduction

General comments

Comments on individual questions

NEBOSH, Dominus Way, Meridian Business Park, Leicester LE19 1QW

tel: 0116 263 4700

fax: 0116 282 4000

email: info@nebosh.org.uk

website: www.nebosh.org.uk

The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health is a registered charity, number 1010444

Introduction
NEBOSH (The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) was formed in 1979 as
an independent examining board and awarding body with charitable status. We offer a comprehensive
range of globally-recognised, vocationally-related qualifications designed to meet the health, safety,
environmental and risk management needs of all places of work in both the private and public sectors.
Courses leading to NEBOSH qualifications attract around 50,000 candidates annually and are offered
by over 600 course providers, with examinations taken in over 110 countries around the world. Our
qualifications are recognised by the relevant professional membership bodies including the Institution
of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and the International Institute of Risk and Safety
Management (IIRSM).
NEBOSH is an awarding body that applies best practice setting, assessment and marking and applies
to Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) regulatory requirements.
This report provides guidance for candidates which it is hoped will be useful to candidates and tutors in
preparation for future examinations. It is intended to be constructive and informative and to promote
better understanding of the syllabus content and the application of assessment criteria.
NEBOSH 2014

Any enquiries about this report publication should be addressed to:

NEBOSH
Dominus Way
Meridian Business Park
Leicester
LE19 1QW
tel:
0116 263 4700
fax:
0116 282 4000
email: info@nebosh.org.uk

General comments
Many candidates are well prepared for this unit assessment and provide comprehensive and relevant
answers in response to the demands of the question paper. This includes the ability to demonstrate
understanding of knowledge by applying it to workplace situations.
There are always some candidates, however, who appear to be unprepared for the unit assessment
and who show both a lack of knowledge of the syllabus content and a lack of understanding of how
key concepts should be applied to workplace situations.
Course providers and candidates will benefit from use of the Guide to the NEBOSH National Diploma
in Environmental Management which is available via the NEBOSH website. In particular, the Guide
sets out in detail the syllabus content and tutor reference documents for each Element.
Some candidates may over rely on knowledge of health and safety gained through their own work
experience. While practical experiences can sometimes be helpful they are not a substitute for tuition
and study of the syllabus content, to the breadth and depth indicated in the Guide referred to above.
In order to meet the pass standard for this assessment, acquisition of knowledge and understanding
across the syllabus are prerequisites. However, candidates need to demonstrate their knowledge and
understanding in answering the questions set. Referral of candidates in this unit is invariably because
they are unable to write a full, well-informed answer to one or more of the questions asked.
Some candidates find it difficult to relate their learning to the questions and as a result offer responses
reliant on recalled knowledge and conjecture and fail to demonstrate a sufficient degree of
understanding. Candidates should prepare themselves for this vocational examination by ensuring
their understanding, not rote-learning pre-prepared answers.
Candidates should therefore note that Examiners Reports are not written to provide sample answers
but to give examples of what Examiners were expecting and more specifically to highlight areas of
underperformance.
Common weaknesses and suggestions to assist providers and candidates
It is recognised that many candidates are well prepared for their assessments. However, recurrent
issues, as outlined below, continue to prevent some candidates reaching their full potential in the
assessment.
Weakness in examination technique

Many candidates fail to apply the basic principles of examination technique and for some
candidates this means the difference between a pass and a referral

Candidates need to plan their time effectively. Some candidates fail to make good use of their
time and give excessive detail in some answers leaving insufficient time to address all of the
questions.

In some instances, candidates do not attempt all the required questions or are failing to
provide complete answers. Candidates are advised to always attempt an answer to a question
even when the question is on an unfamiliar topic. At the risk of stating the obvious, an
unattempted question will gain no marks. Questions or parts of questions missed can also
indicate a weakness in time management

Some candidates fail to answer the question set and instead provide information that may be
relevant to the topic but is irrelevant to the question and cannot therefore be awarded marks.
The comment below about rote learning may be relevant also.

Some candidates fail to separate their answers into the different sub-sections of the questions.
These candidates could gain marks for the different sections if they clearly indicated which
part of the question they were answering (by using the numbering from the question in their

answer, for example). Structuring their answers to address the different parts of the question
can also help in logically drawing out the points to be made in response.
Candidates benefit from the chance to practice answering questions in examination like conditions.
This should assist them to become familiar with the need to read questions carefully, consider, plan
their answer and then begin to write. By examination like conditions, practicing their answers within
appropriate time limits should help candidates with time management within the examination.
Feedback to candidates on their answers to questions is a key part of these practice activities.
Lack of attention to command word
-

Many candidates fail to apply the command words (also known as action verbs, eg describe,
outline, etc). Command words are the instructions that guide the candidate on the depth of
answer required. If, for instance, a question asks the candidate to describe something, then
few marks will be awarded to an answer that is an outline. Similarly, the command word
identify requires more information than a list.
The most common weakness is the provision of too little content in an answer to meet the
requirement of the command word. This is an unfortunate error as it can mean that a
candidate who knows the topic, and correct points to include in their answer, misses out on
marks.

There is good guidance available to candidates and providers Guidance on command words and
question papers which can be accessed on the NEBOSH website. This guidance will assist
candidates to see and understand what is required in an answer when the different command words
are used in questions. Some candidates miss out on marks by spending too long writing about one or
two points when the answer requires more points to be covered. The chance to practice questions with
a range of command words and to receive feedback on the quality of their answers will benefit
candidates.
Rote learning
-

Some candidates appear to have answered a question they hoped to see in the question
paper rather than the question actually asked. This error can lead to all the available marks for
a question being missed, with the consequent impact on the likelihood of reaching a pass
standard.
The weakness described can be due to rote learning but may also relate to the need to read
and consider the question commented upon above

Other weaknesses observed

Candidates should also be aware that Examiners cannot award marks if handwriting is
illegible.

Candidates should note that it is not necessary to start a new page in their answer booklet for
each section of a question.

Examination paper five from eight questions to be attempted

Question 1

(a)

Outline the key stages in the hydrological cycle.

(b)

Describe how human activity may cause changes to the

hydrological cycle.

(8)

(12)

The hydrological cycle is a basic concept with evaporation from water bodies leading
to the formation of clouds then rain which may runoff from land to rivers or infiltrate into
groundwater. Most candidates are able to outline the main stages in the cycle and
gain good marks.
Part (b) requires the candidate to describe the role of human activity in changing the
cycle and typically causes candidates some difficulty. Many candidates concentrate
largely on the effects of global warming leading to changes in rainfall patterns, which
gains credit. Fewer candidates refer to the role of urban development in changing
runoff, river engineering, changes in agricultural practices, land drainage, water
abstraction etc. Therefore marks gained in this part are limited by lack of breadth.
Some candidates describe, in detail, how human activities may lead to different forms
of water pollution, for which little or no credit can be awarded as pollution does not
significantly affect the operation of the cycle.

Question 2

Under the Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005 (Special Waste

Regulations in Scotland), waste engine oil is categorised as a hazardous
waste. A vehicle maintenance depot uses an external storage tank for
waste engine oil. The depot manager has been informed that the tank is
badly corroded.
(a)

(b)

Describe the steps that should be taken by the manager in

arranging for a contractor to dispose of the contents of the tank
ensuring compliance with statutory requirements.
Identify the main criminal liabilities that could arise if the tank
were found to have failed.

(12)

(8)

The main issues that should be described in part (a) are consignment note procedures,
checking legal authority of carriers and waste contractors and control of records.
Candidates should avoid being side-tracked into describing, at length, the legal
requirements applying to oil storage, which have limited relevance to the task of arranging
for the tank to be emptied by a contractor and hence can only gain limited marks.
For part (b) very few candidates make reference to the criminal liabilities established
under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 in respect of escape of waste and hence
miss marks. Candidates must avoid wasting effort by detailing the civil liabilities
established under common law, which cannot gain credit as the question is concerned
with criminal liabilities. Many candidates gain marks for referencing the criminal sanctions
that may be relevant, such as prosecution leading to fines and/or possible imprisonment
and the award to clean up costs.

Question 3

(a)

(b)

Outline the factors that should be considered in the selection of

suitable risk control measures to minimise risks to the
environment from an industrial process.
Outline the control measures that could be used to minimise
noise nuisance arising from process machinery.

(12)

(8)

Answers to part (a) are often limited to the technical factors applying to emission controls
selection and therefore gained limited marks. Better answers identify a wide range of
other factors, such as capital/revenue cost, permit requirements, technical skills needed to
operate a control measure, impact on other processes, energy efficiency, maintenance
requirements etc.
For part (b) candidates who structure their answers into the obvious hierarchy of source
control, pathway modification and protection of a receptor gained most marks. Examples
of relevant control measures for which the Examiners gave credit included eliminating
noisy processes, changing operating times, anti-vibration mountings, maintenance,
location of noise sources away from receptors, noise enclosures or fences, double glazing
etc. Candidates should avoid digressing into outlining the stages in assessment of noise,
for example using the methodology of BS4142, for which no credit can be given as this is
not a control measure.

Question 4

Many organisations produce publicly available corporate environmental

reports.
(a)

(b)

Identify FOUR drivers behind organisations publishing reports

on their environmental performance.
Outline the typical content that should be included within an
annual environmental report.

(4)

(16)

Part (a) is generally well answered, with many candidates gaining maximum marks for
identifying drivers such as Government pressure for disclosure, the role of the EU Eco
Management and Audit Scheme, supply chain pressures etc. Better answers identify
that such reports in some countries is a legal requirement.
Answers to part (b) are typically well answered well by most candidates. There are a
wide range of topics that are typically covered in environmental reports, and many
candidates appear to base their answers on published guidelines for reporting, such as
those from DEFRA. Examiners gave credit for a wide selection of relevant topics, such
as environmental achievements, management policies and arrangements, emissions
to various media, resource inputs and outputs of waste. Better answers also make
reference to data trends in relevant topics and progress towards achievement of
targets, with data being independently validated and signed off within the report.

Question 5

(a)

(b)

Define what is meant by the term 'contaminated land under the

Environmental Protection Act 1990.

(8)

Outline the sources and nature of published guidance that could

be used in the assessment of soil contamination found on a
former factory site.

(12)

Better answers included the definition of contaminated land given in the Environmental
Protection Act, Part 2A.
For Part (b), candidates should avoid answers outlining the various approaches to on-site
site investigation, including trail pits, boreholes, sample testing etc. None of these are
relevant to the question which is concerned with published guidance that could be used in
assessment. This again draws attention to the need to carefully read a question. Correct
answers included relevant guidance and such sources as the Soil Guideline Values, the
Contaminated Land Exposure Assessment tools, the GLC indices, the Dutch standards
etc.

Question 6

Give the meaning of EACH of the following terms in the context of

environmentally hazardous substances, AND identify TWO relevant
examples to illustrate your answer in EACH case.
(a)

Persistence.

(4)

(b)

Bioaccumulation.

(4)

(c)

Ecotoxicity.

(4)

(d)

Biotransformation.

(4)

(e)

Half-life.

(4)

Answers to this popular question are generally of a good standard, with the majority of
candidates gaining full marks for several of the listed terms. For persistence,
Examiners are expecting candidates to refer to the tendency for substances to remain
in the environment unchanged by chemical, physical or biological processes. Half-life
is a measure of the time taken for the concentration of a substance to be reduced by
50%. Bioaccumulation refers to the propensity of a substance to accumulate in tissues
and organs, whereas biotransformation involves a substances being changed into
another substance, usually by microorganisms. Ecotoxicity is a measure of a
substances capacity to exert toxic effects on ecosystems. Whilst most candidates
correctly give the meanings of these terms, some fail to identify examples that are
relevant. There are many examples of substances relevant to one or more of the
above characteristics, such as mercury, cadmium, pesticides, chlorinated organic
compounds, radioactivity etc.

Question 7

Residents claim that dust emanating from a nearby waste transfer station
is damaging their property.
Describe the main grounds for action under common law that might be
available to the residents.

(20)

Answers to this popular question are generally of a good standard. Most answers
covered the main forms of 'Tort'. Examiners are expecting to see reference to the
relevance of nuisance, negligence, the rule in Rylands v Fletcher, trespass and breach
of statutory duty. Candidates should avoid wasting time and effort describing the role
and powers of local authorities under Statutory Nuisance under Part 3 of the
Environmental Protection Act 1990, which has little relevance to the question.
Examiners are also expecting candidates to make reference to the tests that are
applied under each 'Tort'. For example under negligence a candidate could have
referred to the need to show proof of causation, that a duty is owed and that as result
of a breach, harm is caused and that harm is reasonably foreseeable and not too
remote.

Question 8

Under the Air Quality Regulations 2000, local authorities have a duty to
prepare an air quality assessment to determine whether prescribed air
quality objective levels are likely to be exceeded.
(a)

(b)

Describe the processes that local authorities should follow in

making such an assessment.

(11)

Describe the principles of operation of ONE method that could

be used to quantify ambient levels of EACH of the following air
pollutants:
(i)

nitrogen oxides;

(3)

(ii)

sulphur dioxide;

(3)

(iii)

benzene.

(3)

Only a small number of candidates choose to attempt this question. For part (a),
answers are generally limited with few candidates able to describe the processes of
initial screening, modelling, monitoring and finally assessment against air quality
objective levels leading to decisions as to whether an air quality management area
should be declared.
In part (b), answers are more encouraging with most candidates correctly describing
relevant methods of quantification, such as chemiluminesence, UV fluorescence or
infra-red spectrometry respectively. Many candidates base their descriptions of
principles around a simple diagram which although not essential, is an effective
method which avoids the need for lengthy text descriptions of how techniques operate.

The National Examination

Board in Occupational
Safety and Health
Dominus Way
Meridian Business Park
Leicester LE19 1QW
telephone +44 (0)116 2634700
fax +44 (0)116 2824000
email info@nebosh.org.uk
www.nebosh.org.uk