Respiratory Protective Equipment Working With Cows In A Dairy Reading Answers
Porishmita .24 Jun, 2025
Respiratory Protective Equipment Working With Cows In A Dairy Reading Answers: The IELTS Academic Reading section often features passages related to workplace safety, procedures, and manuals. This practice test includes two such texts: one about Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) for factory employees and the other about safety while working with cows in a dairy. These types of passages are common in the IELTS exam, especially in Part 1 and 2 of the General Training section, but may also appear in Academic Reading if written in an informative and instructional style. Practising these passages will help you improve your ability to follow instructions, identify hazards, and match information with accuracy—key skills needed to score well in the IELTS Reading test.
Free IELTS Reading Practice Tests
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1-13, which are based on the reading passages below.
Respiratory Protective Equipment – Advice for Factory Employees Reading Passage 1
Read the text below and answer Questions 1-7.
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.
Also Read:
Respiratory Protective Equipment Reading Answers Sample Questions with Explanations
Questions 1–7
Complete the sentences below using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage.
-
RPE is required when there is a risk of breathing in substances like ________ or gas.
-
For some respirators to work well, a good ________ is essential.
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A fit test checks if the RPE creates a tight seal by using something you can ________ or taste.
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Workers with ________ must discuss alternative RPE with their employer.
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Always do a ________ before using your RPE to make sure it is not damaged.
-
Strong cleaning products should be avoided because they might cause ________.
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To avoid damage, RPE must be stored in a dry place and not be ________.
Answers to Questions 1-7
|
Question |
Answer |
Explanation |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
dust |
The passage lists "dust, vapour or gas" as hazardous substances. |
|
2 |
seal |
A tight seal is mentioned as necessary for proper function. |
|
3 |
smell |
The fit test uses something you can smell or taste. |
|
4 |
beards |
Facial hair interferes with the seal, and bearded workers need other options. |
|
5 |
visual check |
Users must inspect their RPE visually before use. |
|
6 |
irritation |
Harsh cleaners can cause skin irritation. |
|
7 |
crushed |
Improper storage may result in the RPE being crushed. |
Working with Cows in a Dairy – Guidelines for Employers Reading Passage 2
Read the text below and answer Questions 8-13.
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:
-
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.
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Install non—slip mats in wet work areas and make sure that footwear is slip-resistant.
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Obstacles such as pipes or cables in the farm dairy
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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.
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Steps which are too high or not deep enough, or steps in poorly lit areas
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Build steps properly and use non-slip surfaces.
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Handrails should also be fitted.
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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.
Working with Cows in a Dairy Reading Answers Sample Questions with Explanations
Questions 8–13
Choose ONE answer from the list A–G below for each question. There are more options than you need.
What safety advice is given for the following workplace situations?
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Preventing trips caused by items such as hoses and pipes
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Preventing slips caused by liquid spills
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Preventing falls due to poor lighting or narrow steps
-
Avoiding strain when lifting heavy loads like milk or grain
-
Reducing injuries from bending and awkward milking positions
-
Reducing harm from repetitive milking tasks
Options
A. Rotate jobs during the day
B. Hang obstacles out of the way
C. Use padded mats
D. Improve lighting and build safe steps
E. Clean up spills quickly
F. Use trolleys or tools to reduce manual effort
G. Keep a diary of cow milking routines
Answers to Questions 8–13
|
Question |
Answer |
Explanation |
|---|---|---|
|
8 |
B – Hang obstacles out of the way |
Hoses and pipes should be attached to walls. |
|
9 |
E – Clean up spills quickly |
A system for cleaning spills is mentioned. |
|
10 |
D – Improve lighting and build safe steps |
Properly built steps and lighting are advised. |
|
11 |
F – Use trolleys or tools to reduce manual effort |
Using mechanical aids is suggested. |
|
12 |
A – Rotate jobs during the day |
Rotating tasks is recommended to prevent injury. |
|
13 |
A – Rotate jobs during the day |
Job rotation helps with repetitive manual handling. |
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Respiratory Protective Equipment Working With Cows In A Dairy Reading Answers FAQs
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