Respiratory Protective Equipment – Advice For Factory Employees & Working With Cows In A Dairy Guidelines For Employers - IELTS Reading Answers & Explanations
From Cambridge IELTS 18 General Training Reading Test 4 · Part 2 · Questions 15–27
Reading Passage
==== Read the text below and answer Questions 15-21 ====
Respiratory Protective Equipment – advice for factory employees
You need to wear Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) when you’re doing work where you could breathe in hazardous substances in the air such as dust, vapour or gas. Common health effects from breathing hazardous substances include sore eyes and headaches. Make sure you are using the right RPE for the task. For example, negative pressure respirators should not be used in low oxygen environments.
Some types of RPE must have a tight seal around the facial area to be effective. Your employer will arrange a yearly facial fit test to ensure that you are given RPE that fits properly. This checks that the seal between the respirator and the facial area is secure, by releasing a substance that you can smell or taste if the RPE is not working properly. RPE will only provide effective protection if you are clean shaven. Facial hair growth makes it almost impossible to get a good seal so, if you have a beard, you should talk to your employer about other forms of RPE that do not rely on a tight facial fit. Jewellery and long hair can also compromise an effective fit.
Using your RPE
You should complete a visual check of your RPE for signs of damage before you use it. If you are using RPE that requires a tight fit, you must check it fits properly before entering a hazardous area.
Cleaning your RPE
Wash and dry your RPE after using it. Use a mild detergent, as harsh products such as solvents can cause damage. Use a brush and warm water and rinse with clean water. This will remove excess detergent that can cause skin irritation. Dry your RPE on a solid wooden rack or suspend from a clothes line.
Maintaining your RPE
Inspect your RPE after each use and during cleaning. Make sure you check the straps for breaks, tears, fraying edges and deterioration of elasticity. Check the inhalation and exhalation valves are working and not damaged.
Storing your RPE
Improper storage can cause distortion to your RPE. Store your RPE in a clean, dry place, away from dust, oil and sunlight. RPE should be stored so that it doesn’t get crushed.
==== Read the text below and answer Questions 22-27 ====
Working with cows in a dairy Guidelines for employers
Slips and trips
Slips and trips are one of the most common accidents when working in farm dairies. They often happen when working with cows in a dairy during milking, and during maintenance and cleaning.
The following three hazards make it more likely that employees will slip or trip:
1. Surfaces which are wet or dirty
• Have a system for cleaning up milk, oil, cleaning fluid and grain spills as soon as it happen, and make sure it is followed.
• Install non-slip mats in wet work areas and make sure that footwear is slip-resistant.
2. Obstacles such as pipes or cables in the farm dairy
• Reduce tripping accidents by hanging hoses and pipes along walls out of people’s way and remove unused fittings, like bolt fasteners in floors.
• Move obstacles from walkways and entrances where possible. Tripping hazards which cannot be removed should be clearly indicated with yellow tape. If there are obstacles overhead, these should be wrapped in padding to avoid risk of injury.
3. Steps which are too high or not deep enough, or steps in poorly lit areas
• Build steps properly and use non-slip surfaces.
• Handrails should also be fitted.
• The provision of good lighting can also help to reduce the risk of injury.
Lifting and carrying
The following tasks pose risks to dairy workers:
• lifting buckets of grain, water and milk
• lifting calves.
Managing the hazards
• Balance the load by using two buckets, one in each hand.
• Where possible, use trolleys and other mechanical aids to replace manual tasks.
Milking by hand
Specific tasks in milking which cause injury are:
• bending in an awkward position
• putting on and removing milking equipment from cows.
Managing the hazards
• Think about designing or changing the milking area so workers can change the height they are working at to suit them. Ensure that all equipment needed is close by to avoid workers having to overreach or adopt a bending position.
• Alternate between jobs to reduce repetitious manual handling tasks, including a rotation between putting on and removing milking equipment.
Questions
Questions 15–21 Sentence Completion
Complete the sentences below. Choose ONE WORD from the text for each answer.
- Some respirators are unsuitable for use in areas with limited levels of 15
- Facial fit tests should be conducted on a 16 basis.
- For workers who have a 17, an alternative to tight-fitting RPE may be required.
- Workers should avoid cleaning their RPE with 18
- RPE can either be hung up or placed on a timber 19 in order to dry it.
- It is important to ensure that the RPE 20 are not ripped and can still stretch.
- RPE should not be exposed to direct 21 when it is being stored.
Questions 22–27 Table Completion
Complete the table below. Choose ONE WORD from the text for each answer.
| Hazard | Managing the hazard |
| Slips and trips | |
| Slippery floor surfaces |
Remove solid spills such as grain immediately.
Ensure all items of 22 have good grip.
|
| Hoses and pipes |
Ensure they are fitted to walls where possible.
Highlight obstructions with brightly coloured tape.
|
| Overhead obstacles | Ensure they are covered with 23 |
| Unsuitable steps | Provide good lighting and install 24 |
| Lifting and carrying | |
| Transporting containers and calves |
Spread the weight evenly between both hands.
Try to avoid moving containers by hand, and use equipment such as 25 instead.
|
| Milking by hand | |
| Repetitive handling of milking equipment |
Keep everything accessible so that employees don’t need to bend or 26
Introduce a system of 27 to increase variety.
|
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q15 | Oxygen | negative pressure respirators should not be used in low oxygen environments. | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that negative pressure respirators can't be used where there's not enough oxygen. This means they need a good air supply to work. Answer Explanation: The answer is 'Oxygen.' This means the respirators cannot be used in places where there is not enough oxygen to breathe. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'Oxygen' because the passage says that 'negative pressure respirators should not be used in low oxygen environments.' This tells us that these respirators need enough oxygen to work properly. |
| Q16 | Yearly | Your employer will arrange a yearly facial fit test to ensure that you are given RPE that fits properly. | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that your boss will set up a test every year to check that your mask fits you well. Answer Explanation: The answer 'yearly' means once every year. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'yearly' because the passage says that your employer will arrange a test every year to make sure the Respiratory Protective Equipment fits you properly. |
| Q17 | Beard | Facial hair growth makes it almost impossible to get a good seal so, if you have a beard, you should talk to your employer about other forms of RPE that do not rely on a tight facial fit. | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that having a beard can stop the RPE from fitting tightly on your face. If your face has hair, the equipment will not work right. It suggests talking to the boss about different types of RPE. Answer Explanation: The answer is 'beard'. This means facial hair that some people have. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'beard' because the text explains that if you have a beard, you cannot get a good seal with the Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE). This means it won't work well to protect you. The passage says to talk to your employer about other RPE options if you have a beard. |
| Q18 | Solvents | Use a mild detergent, as harsh products such as solvents can cause damage. | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says to use a gentle soap to clean the RPE, not strong products. Strong cleaning products can hurt the respirator. Answer Explanation: The answer is 'solvents'. This means strong cleaning products that can hurt the respirator. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'solvents' because the passage says that harsh products like solvents can cause damage to the RPE. It is important to clean the RPE carefully so that it stays safe and effective for use. |
| Q19 | Rack | Dry your RPE on a solid wooden rack or suspend from a clothes line. | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that you should dry your RPE on a wooden rack or hang it up. This means that a rack is used to help RPE dry after cleaning. Answer Explanation: The answer 'rack' means a type of shelf where you can put things to dry. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'rack' because the passage talks about how to dry RPE. It says you can dry your RPE on a wooden rack or hang it from a clothes line. This shows that a rack is a place to keep RPE so it can dry properly. |
| Q20 | Straps | Make sure you check the straps for breaks, tears, fraying edges and deterioration of elasticity. | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage is telling you to look at the straps of your RPE carefully. You need to make sure they are not broken, have no holes, and still stretch. Answer Explanation: The answer is 'Straps'. This means the bands that hold the respirator in place. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'straps' because the passage says you need to check that the straps are not broken or damaged. This is important so that the respirator fits well and works properly. |
| Q21 | Sunlight | Store your RPE in a clean, dry place, away from dust, oil and sunlight. | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says to keep your RPE in a clean and dry place and not to put it where it can be damaged by sunlight, dust, or oil. Answer Explanation: The answer means the bright light that comes from the sun. Here, 'sunlight' refers to the light and heat that can damage the equipment if it is stored outside or in bright places. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'sunlight' because the passage states that RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment) should be stored away from dust, oil, and sunlight to prevent damage. Keeping it away from sunlight is important for maintaining the equipment's good condition. |
| Q22 | Footwear | make sure that footwear is slip-resistant | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says you should wear shoes that don't slip so you can stay safe while working. Answer Explanation: The answer is 'Footwear'. This means shoes or boots that help stop slipping. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'Footwear' because the passage says that slip-resistant footwear can help prevent slips and trips in a dairy. It is important to wear the right shoes to stay safe while working. |
| Q23 | Padding | Tripping hazards which cannot be removed should be clearly indicated with yellow tape. If there are obstacles overhead, these should be wrapped in padding to avoid risk of injury. | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that if there are things hanging above that might cause harm, they should be covered with something soft called padding to keep workers safe. Answer Explanation: The answer means something soft that is used to cover or protect something else, like obstacles in this case. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'padding' because the passage mentions that overhead obstacles should be wrapped in padding to prevent injury. This helps to make the area safer for workers. |
| Q24 | Handrails | Handrails should also be fitted. | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage is telling us that it is safe to install handrails on steps. This helps people to hold on when they go up or down. Answer Explanation: The answer is 'Handrails'. This means that railings should be put on steps to help people hold on and be safe. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'Handrails' because the passage mentions that to reduce the risk of injury from steps that are too high or not deep enough, handrails should be fitted. This is important for safety when working in areas where there might be dangerous steps. |
| Q25 | Trolleys | Where possible, use trolleys and other mechanical aids to replace manual tasks. | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that workers should use trolleys and machines when they can. This helps them not to hurt themselves when they carry heavy things. Answer Explanation: The answer is 'trolleys'. This means using special carts to help carry things instead of lifting them by hand. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'trolleys' because the passage suggests using trolleys and other mechanical aids to make lifting easier and safer for dairy workers. It helps to reduce the risk of injury when moving heavy items. |
| Q26 | Overreach | Ensure that all equipment needed is close by to avoid workers having to overreach or adopt a bending position. | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that all tools should be near workers so they don't have to stretch too far or bend down. This helps prevent injury by making the work easier and safer. Answer Explanation: The answer is 'overreach', which means to stretch too far to reach something. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'overreach' because the passage mentions that to manage hazards for milking by hand, it's important to keep everything accessible so workers do not need to stretch too far or bend awkwardly. This means avoiding positions where they have to reach beyond their comfortable space. |
| Q27 | Rotation | Alternate between jobs to reduce repetitious manual handling tasks, including a rotation between putting on and removing milking equipment. | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage is saying that workers should change what they do to avoid doing the same thing over and over. This helps them not to get too tired or hurt. Answer Explanation: The answer 'Rotation' means switching or changing tasks regularly. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'Rotation' because in the passage, it mentions that to reduce repeated manual tasks, workers should alternate between jobs. This means they should rotate their tasks to make work easier and less tiring. |