The effectiveness of a fire door doesn’t just depend on the door leaf (the primary panel of the door that swings open and closed) but also on the various components such as hinges, handles, kick plates, knockers, bolts, etc., that are part of the whole assembly. It is important that the hardware selected for a fire door is suitable and … 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
HSE Launches Consultation on Chemical Legislation
A new consultation has been launched by the HSE seeking opinions on proposed changes to the HSE’s chemicals policy, in particular on biocides, classification, labelling and packaging, and the export and import of hazardous chemicals (Prior Informed Consent). Generally, the changes proposed are aimed at reducing costs and administrative burdens for businesses and improving the post-Brexit regulatory framework while maintaining … Read More
Employment Rights Bill – Government Publishes Implementation Roadmap
The government has published the Employment Rights Bill Implementation Roadmap, outlining when new measures will come into effect. This comprehensive plan aims to raise living standards across the UK, with around 15 million workers expected to benefit from new rights starting later this year. Highlights of the Roadmap include: Measures that will take effect after the bill is passed: The Strikes … Read More
The Sun’s Out – Time To Get The Shorts Out?
With the sun making a brief appearance over the past few days, the familiar health and safety advisories have returned, highlighting the risks of prolonged sun exposure, including skin cancer and heat-related illnesses. Heat-related risks to workers Whether indoors or outdoors, working in excessive heat can cause a number of medical issues, including: Heat rash – a skin irritation caused … Read More
Revised Bloodborne Viruses Guidance
A bloodborne virus is an infection that can be transmitted through direct contact with blood and other bodily fluids. The most common examples of bloodborne viruses are hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recently updated their guidance on managing the risks associated with blood-borne viruses (BBVs) in the workplace. This revised guidance provides … Read More
New High Consequence Infectious Disease Guidance for Care Providers
The UK Health Security Agency has published new guidance aimed at care providers detailing what actions should be taken should an individual under care become suspected of carrying a high consequence infectious disease (HCID). HCIDs are diseases which are identified as having a high case-fatality rate, often with no effective treatment, are difficult to detect and have the ability to … Read More
HSE Launch Free Stress eLearning Module
Stress is a widespread issue in the workplace, which, alongside anxiety and depression, contributes to around half of all cases of work-related ill health. Employees may experience stress for various reasons, such as excessive workloads, limited control over their tasks, insufficient support, difficult workplace relationships, or changes in their role or the organisation. Employers are legally required to protect staff … Read More
Updated Guidance on Fire Alarm Zone Plans: Why They Matter
The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has released new guidance on Fire Detection and Alarm Zone Plans; this has been updated to align with the latest BS 5839-1:2025 standard. This update brings a renewed focus on the critical role of zone plans in fire safety management. Key Changes in the Guidance The new guidance classifies the absence of a zone … Read More