Table of Contents
BEST IELTS General Reading Test 401
IELTS GENERAL READING TEST 401 – PASSAGE – 2
IELTS GENERAL READING TEST – 401
READING PASSAGE – 2
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.
IELTS General Reading Test
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.
IELTS General Reading Test
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.
IELTS General Reading Test
Questions 15—21
Complete the sentences below
Choose ONE WORD from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 15—21 on your answer sheet.
15. Some respirators are unsuitable for use in areas with limited levels of ……………………. .
16. Facial fit tests should be conducted on a ……………………. basis.
17. For workers who have a ……………………., an alternative to tight-fitting RPE may be required.
18. Workers should avoid cleaning their RPE with…………………….
19. RPE can either be hung up or placed on a timber ……………………. in order to dry it.
20. it is important to ensure that the RPE ……………………. are not ripped and can still stretch.
21. RPE should not be exposed to direct ……………………. when it is being stored.
IELTS General Reading Test
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 they happen, and make sure it is followed.
– Install non—slip mats in wet work areas and make sure that footwear is slip-resistant.
IELTS General Reading Test
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.
IELTS General Reading Test
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.
IELTS General Reading Test
Questions 22—27
Choose ONE WORD ONLY 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
15. OXYGEN
16. YEARLY
17. BEARD
18. SOLVENTS
19. RACK
20. STRAPS
21. SUNLIGHT
22. FOOTWEAR
23. PADDING
24. HANDRAILS
25. TROLLEYS
26. OVERREACH
27. ROTATION
IELTS General Reading Test