The Environment Agency has released guidance on how to effectively integrate climate change risk assessment and adaptation planning into management systems. The guidance is designed for organisation already operating with management systems under an environmental permit. The guidance considers the effects of climate change as a whole rather than specific elements due to the wide range of impacts organisations may … Read More
Updated CONIAC Website
The Construction Industry Advisory Committee (CONIAC) was set up to advise the HSE on health and safety matters in construction, civil engineering and related areas. CONIAC recently launched a new website to share resources and guidance on good practice. The CONIAC website includes various resources and information about networks and working groups, this can be accessed at: https://www.coniac.org.uk/ If you … Read More
Angle Grinder Disc Safety Alert
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), has issued a safety alert regarding Toothed Saw Blade Attachments being sold for use with angle grinders, this follows a previous alert regarding Chainsaw Disc Attachments also being sold for use with angle grinders. In summary the issue is use of a chainsaw disc accessory or toothed saw blade on an angle … Read More
LPG FLT Safety Alert
The UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA) recently published a safety alert regarding possible fire risks associated with LPG forklifts. This alert is to raise awareness of problems starting LPG powered trucks from cold due to a build-up of deposits in the ignition system. Unburnt LPG passing through the truck’s engine could cause a fire risk. The safety alert gives advice … Read More
HSE Launch Asbestos and You Campaign
Work Right is a campaign initiative launched by the HSE which aims to help smaller businesses and workers. This provides guidance on a number of work related health and safety matters including mental health, musculoskeletal disorders and conditions that affect the back, joints and limbs and lung disease. As part of this overall campaign the HSE recently launched Asbestos & … Read More
New Guidance for the Production of ‘Blue’ Hydrogen
On 3rd February 2023 the Environment Agency published new guidance on the production of hydrogen from methane with carbon capture. The guidance is intended to help potential producers with permit applications and to ensure they minimise environmental impacts. The majority of hydrogen is currently produced through the use of fossil fuels in a process which involves heating a mixture of … Read More
HSE Initial Silica Inspection Campaign Results
Since October 2022 the HSE have been running a targeted inspection campaign focussing on manufacturing industries that use materials containing silica. In particular sone working, brick and tile manufacturing, kitchen worktops and foundries. Exposure to fine respirable silica dust which can penetrate deep into the lungs is associated with long-term health issues such as silicosis, lung cancer and chronic obstructive … Read More
Emery Cloth Safety Alert
Following investigations into a series of accidents related to the use of emery cloth while using rotating machinery HSE Northern Ireland (HSENI) have issued a safety alert. Emery cloth is a form of abrasive which is used primarily to polish and smooth metal components. Accidents often occur while using emery cloth with rotating machinery such as metalworking lathes where there … Read More
Updated Guidance on Protecting Buildings from Fire and Sprinkler Maintenance
Updated building fire safety guidance documents have recently been made available from the Fire Protection Association / RISCAuthority, these include: The latest edition of the guide “A to Z of essential principles in the protection of buildings”. This sets out to identify and order aspects of building design and construction that can be strengthened to protect property and business against … Read More
Updated MEWP Safety Guidance
Falls from height are one of the most common types of fatal accidents at work. A key factor in reducing the number of these accidents has been the use of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs). While these can be safer than other means of accessing work at height, there have been serious and fatal accidents where operators became trapped between … Read More