The 5th edition of this essential health and safety guide is now full colour throughout and meets the current specification for the NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety. The series of Study Books for NEBOSH National Diploma consists of three books, Managing Health and Safety, Hazardous Agents in the Workplace, and Workplace and Work Equipment Safety. They are designed to provide a health and safety knowledge base for those studying to NEBOSH National Diploma. This publication, together with the other two study books, is an excellent reference source for those active at NVQ Level 5, or undertaking University Diploma programmes and equivalent qualifications. They are also a valuable reference source for qualified health and safety practitioners and those with line management responsibilities for health and safety practitioners and those with line management responsibilities for health and safety. The books, where appropriate, are supported by a variety of photographs and sketches; together with an abridged reference to legislation which students have found particularly useful. The NEBOSH National Diploma is accredited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) at Level 10 in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). For users in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, this is broadly comparable to a Vocationally-Related Qualification (VRQ) at Level 6 in the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). Both are comparable to Honours degree level. The NEBOSH National Diploma syllabus is mapped against the relevant National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Health and Safety (Practitioner units). Where relevant to the NEBOSH syllabus, legislative changes, current at the time of publication, have been included.