Maintaining A Safe Environment For Employees Working On Computers & Using Portable Ladders - IELTS Reading Answers & Explanations
From Cambridge IELTS 17 General Training Reading Test 2 · Part 2 · Questions 15–27
Reading Passage
==== Read the text below and answer questions 15-20 ====
Maintaining a safe environment for employees working on computers
Workstation Furniture
The work desk or work surface should be big enough to allow the user to arrange the screen, keyboard and documents etc. in a flexible way. It should be stable and positioned so that it’s comfortable when an employee uses a document holder but also big enough to let the user work comfortably and to alter their position.
The working environment
You need to assess noise levels. The equipment should not be so noisy that it distracts the user. If you cannot use quieter equipment consider soundproofing or moving the equipment. You could use partitions between noisy equipment and the rest of the workstation as an alternative.
Lighting is also an important consideration. Surrounding windows must have curtains or blinds which users can adjust to prevent reflected glare. If needed provide users with lighting appropriate to their tasks and particular workstation. Users should have control over their lighting to prevent reflected glare.
Temperature wise the equipment should not give out so much heat that the user becomes uncomfortable so monitor this. It’s also important that you maintain ventilation and you control humidity so that it is at a level which keeps the user comfortable.
Task design and rest breaks
Good design of the task can be as important as the right choice of furniture and equipment. Whenever possible you should design jobs so that employees have a mix of activities and some control over which tasks they perform and when. You should match staffing levels to workload so that individuals are neither overworked nor underworked and give employees some say in the way it is carried out and the planning that goes into it.
An employee’s need for rest breaks will vary depending on the type of work they are doing and how intensely they are working. As a general rule however short, frequent breaks are better than longer, less frequent ones. A 5-10 minutes break after 50-60 minutes work is better than 15-20 minute break after two hours. The employee should at times have a choice over when to take breaks and they should be encouraged to do non-work activities during their break ideally away from the workstation.
==== Read the text below and answer questions 21-27 ====
Using portable ladders
Employers need to oversee all ladders that are owned by their company. Detailed visual inspections should be carried out on a regular basis, and they should have an up to date record of these. Before starting a job employers are also responsible for ensuring any ladder is the right length to meet the needs of the task reaching out from the very top of a ladder is highly dangerous. Once you get a ladder you as a user of the ladder should conduct a pre use check each working day. Conducting pre use checks should have been part of your training and should be done in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. When doing a check it is important to focus on the steps and make sure they are not loose as this could cause an accident. Similarly a cracked joint in the ladder could cause it to fail.
Almost all falls from ladders happen because the ladder moves unexpectedly. The key factor in preventing falls from ladders is to ensure your ladder is stable whilst being used. First make sure that you choose level ground on which to set up you ladder. There are specially designed tools you can use to ensure this – don’t just use a piece of wood. Second check the ground surface is dirt free and solid so the feet can grip and the ladder doesn’t sink.
Before you go up your ladder look at the surrounding environment. Make sure the ladder cannot be struck by vehicles. If necessary safeguard the area by placing red and white cones around it. Ensure it will not be pushed over by other hazards such as opening doors. Doors and windows may need to be secured where possible. Finally think about the hazards to the general pubic and make sure they cannot walk underneath it or get too near to it. A danger sign at the base is often the best way of doing this.
To secure the ladder tie it to a suitable point such as a window or railing making sure both sides are attached. Where this is not practical secure it to the wall near the base of the ladder with ties; avoid using blocks to wedge the ladder in place as they can easily move.
Questions
Questions 15–20 Note Completion
Complete the notes below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.
Furniture
Desk size should facilitate
- The flexible arrangement of computer items
- The easy use of a holder of documents
- Change in the user’s 15
Environment
Employers should
- Move, soundproof, or separate noisy equipment using 16
- Reduce glare from nearby 17e.g. using adjustable blinds
- Provide suitable lighting
- Ensure a comfortable temperature
o Check 18 from equipment
o Check air flow and quality in working area
Tasks and breaks
Employees should have
- A variety of tasks to choose from
- A fair workload
- An input into task achievement and 19
- Regular short breaks at times of their own 20
- Breaks not located at their workstation
Questions 21–27 Sentence Completion
Complete the sentences below. Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text.
Safe ladder use
- Employers should keep a 21 of ladder safety inspections.
- Employers should check the 22 of a ladder is suitable for the job.
- The 23 and joints of the ladder need particularly close inspection.
- Make sure the 24 of the ladder are resting on a clean, hard surface.
- Protect the ladder from vehicles by using 25
- Use a 26 to keep people away from the ladder.
- Keep the ladder in place using ties rather than 27
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q15 | Position | It should be stable and positioned so that it's comfortable when an employee uses a document holder but also big enough to let the user work comfortably and to alter their position | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that the desk should be stable and set in a way that allows comfort when using documents. It should also be big enough to give the user a chance to change how they are sitting or standing while working. Answer Explanation: The answer is 'Position'. This means where something is placed. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'Position' because the passage mentions that the desk should be arranged so it is comfortable to use a document holder and that the user can change their position while working. This highlights the importance of how the desk is set up for comfort. |
| Q16 | Partitions | If you cannot use quieter equipment consider soundproofing or moving the equipment. You could use partitions between noisy equipment and the rest of the workstation as an alternative | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage suggests that if loud machines are used, you can make the place quieter by either making them quieter, moving them, or by using partitions. Partitions are like walls that can keep noise away from where people are working. Answer Explanation: The answer is 'partitions'. This means sections that can divide areas to help reduce noise. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'partitions' because the passage says you can use partitions between noisy equipment and the rest of the workstation. This helps to make the work environment quieter and more comfortable. |
| Q17 | Windows | Surrounding windows must have curtains or blinds which users can adjust to prevent reflected glare | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that windows need to have curtains or blinds. This allows users to adjust them, which helps stop bright light from making it hard to see. Answer Explanation: The answer is 'Windows'. This means the area where light comes in can be covered with something like curtains. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'Windows' because they are mentioned in the passage as needing curtains or blinds to help reduce glare. This is important for creating a comfortable work environment. |
| Q18 | Heat | Temperature wise the equipment should not give out so much heat that the user becomes uncomfortable so monitor this | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that the equipment should not make too much heat because it can make the user uncomfortable. It's important to watch or check how warm it gets. Answer Explanation: The answer is 'heat'. This means the warmth that comes from machines or equipment. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'heat' because it's mentioned in the passage that the equipment should not give off too much heat so that the user remains comfortable. Keeping the temperature comfortable is an important part of a safe working environment. |
| Q19 | Planning | give employees some say in the way it is carried out and the planning that goes into it | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that employees should have a say in how their work is done and in the planning of their tasks. This means they should be able to help decide how to do their work. Answer Explanation: The answer is 'Planning'. This means thinking about how work will be done. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'Planning' because the passage says it's important for employees to have some control over how they do their work and how it is organized. This refers to 'planning' their tasks. Keywords to notice are 'employees', 'some control', 'planning'. |
| Q20 | Choice | The employee should at times have a choice over when to take breaks | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that employees can decide when to take their breaks sometimes, which is very important for their work comfort. Answer Explanation: The answer is 'Choice'. This means employees should be able to decide when they take their breaks. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'Choice' because the passage explains that employees should have some say in when they take breaks. It suggests that they should have control over their break times, which means they can choose when to take them. |
| Q21 | Record | Employers need to oversee all ladders that are owned by their company. Detailed visual inspections should be carried out on a regular basis, and they should have an up to date record of these | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that employers must watch over all ladders they own. They need to check the ladders regularly and keep a written log of these checks. Answer Explanation: The answer 'Record' means a written list or document that shows something has been checked. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'Record' because the passage states that employers need to have an 'up to date record of these' inspections for ladders. This means they should keep a written log of all safety checks they perform on the ladders. |
| Q22 | Length | Before starting a job employers are also responsible for ensuring any ladder is the right length to meet the needs of the task | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that before starting any job, employers must check if the ladder is the correct length for the task. This is necessary to keep everyone safe. Answer Explanation: The answer 'Length' means the distance from one end of the ladder to the other. It is important to check this to make sure the ladder is tall enough for the job. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'Length' because the passage mentions that employers are responsible for ensuring any ladder is the right length to meet the needs of the task. This is essential for safety. |
| Q23 | Steps | When doing a check it is important to focus on the steps and make sure they are not loose as this could cause an accident | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that when checking the ladder, you need to look at the steps carefully to ensure they are safe. If the steps are loose, it can lead to accidents. Answer Explanation: The answer is 'steps'. It means parts of the ladder that you stand on. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'steps' because the passage mentions that it is important to check the steps of the ladder carefully to make sure they are not loose. Loose steps can cause accidents when using a ladder. |
| Q24 | Feet | Second check the ground surface is dirt free and solid so the feet can grip and the ladder doesn't sink | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage tells us to check that the ground where the ladder stands is clean and firm. This helps the feet of the ladder grip well and prevents it from sinking. Answer Explanation: The answer means the parts of the ladder that touch the ground. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'feet' because in the passage, it talks about ensuring that the parts of the ladder that touch the ground should be on a clean, hard surface. This is important to keep the ladder stable and safe when it is used. |
| Q25 | Cones | If necessary safeguard the area by placing red and white cones around it | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that if needed, you should use red and white cones to protect the area around the ladder. This means cones keep people safe from getting too close. Answer Explanation: The answer is 'cones'. Cones are small, tall objects that can be put on the ground to keep people away from a place. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'cones' because the passage mentions using red and white cones to safeguard the area around a ladder. This helps prevent people from getting too close or walking underneath the ladder while it is in use. |
| Q26 | Sign | A danger sign at the base is often the best way of doing this | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that putting a danger sign at the bottom of the ladder is a smart way to keep people away from it. Answer Explanation: The answer is 'sign'. A sign is a board or notice that warns or gives information. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'sign' because the passage talks about protecting the area around the ladder. It mentions that a danger sign at the base is a good way to keep people safe from getting too close to the ladder. |
| Q27 | Blocks | where this is not practical secure it to the wall near the base of the ladder with ties; avoid using blocks to wedge the ladder in place as they can easily move | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says to tie the ladder to the wall instead of using blocks. Blocks can move easily, which is unsafe. Answer Explanation: The answer is 'blocks.' This means that instead of using blocks to hold the ladder, you should use ties. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'blocks' because the passage states that using blocks to hold the ladder in place is not safe. It can easily move, which might lead to accidents. Therefore, it is better to use ties to keep the ladder stable. |