Very small things can have particular properties that make them useful in all sorts of situations, including providing water-repellent coatings for glass and other materials, delivering medicines to specific tissues in the body, giving clothing anti-microbial properties to reduce or prevent odour and many other uses. What are nanomaterials? The term ‘nanomaterials’ typically refers to objects with surface dimensions of … Read More
Changing the asbestos control regime
Over 25 years since the introduction of the final prohibitions on the supply of asbestos, it is estimated that asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis still account for around 5,000 deaths annually. Where asbestos is found? Asbestos can be found in any building constructed before 2000 and remains a risk in particular for people who may disturb … Read More
HSE Launch Motor Vehicle Paint Spraying Campaign
Health risks from paint spraying Paint spraying, especially where chemicals known as isocyanates are involved, poses serious health risks like asthma and dermatitis. The HSE recently launched a campaign of 1000 inspections targeted at motor vehicle repair businesses and the control of exposure risks during paint spraying. The inspections will be looking to establish whether those businesses have suitable controls … Read More
Lifting Equipment and Pressure Systems: A Call For Evidence
In March the Government announced a “new approach to ensure regulators and regulation support growth”, intending to review the regulatory system to ensure it supports growth, is targeted and proportionate, transparent and predictable and adapts to keep pace with innovation. Actions have been given to various regulatory bodies, including the HSE, who are due to consult on potential changes to … Read More
Making PPE Fit As Standard
The importance of providing suitable PPE Employers are required to provide employees with personal protective equipment (PPE) where risk assessment has identified that it is necessary to protect the person against risks to their health and safety. PPE should be provided as a “last resort” where the risk cannot be adequately controlled by other measures such as physically removing the … Read More
What To Do When It Isn’t Business As Usual
With floods, fires, IT failures, power outages, and global pandemics, any organisation can experience a serious incident which prevents it from continuing normal operations. Whatever the size of your organisation, the ability to respond quickly and decisively can make the difference between success and failure in returning to ‘business as usual’. Benefits of continuity planning Research has also shown that … Read More
HSE Inspections Find Serious Issues in Protecting Workers From Noise
Loud noises can cause sensitive cells in the inner ear to become overloaded, leading to temporary hearing loss. Prolonged or repeated exposure can cause permanent damage, leading to conditions such as irreversible hearing loss or tinnitus (a permanent sensation of ringing, whistling, buzzing or humming in the ears). Employers have a duty to protect workers from the effects of … Read More
Fire Fighting Foam Chemical Consultation Launched
Some fire extinguishers work by creating a blanket of foam over burning material, which smothers the flames and cools the material. Historically a group of chemicals known as Per‑ and PolyfluoroAlkyl Substances (PFAS) have been used in these foams, as they have been found to have good oil/water repellence and heat resistance. The term ‘PFAS’ covers a large number of … Read More
Mesothelioma Awareness
Inhaling asbestos fibres is known to be associated with cancers such as mesothelioma and lung cancer, and other serious lung diseases such as asbestosis and pleural thickening. Mesothelioma is almost exclusively associated with exposure to asbestos and is estimated to be responsible for 20% of deaths in the UK related to occupational lung disease. A further 20% of deaths are … Read More
Driving In London – Blind Spot Information Systems
In 2021 a scheme was introduced where HGVs over 12 tonnes gross vehicle weight would require a permit to enter Greater London. Operators of relevant vehicles entering the area without a permit can be fined. The scheme aims to improve safety for vulnerable road users and reduce collisions. Under the scheme, vehicles are allocated a star rating based on how … Read More