The United Kingdom Lubricants Association Metalworking Fluid Product Stewardship Group, in association with the HSE and University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, have produced a set of 10 short videos, all between 1 to 5 minutes long, on various aspects of practical work with metalworking fluids. The videos consider the topics of: Looking after metalworking fluids Conducting visual and … Read More
New Guidance on the Safe Use of MEWPS Near Power Lines
The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) has released new guidance as part of their High Voltage! global electric safety campaign. The IPAF High Voltage! campaign is designed to help those planning and using MEWPs to properly consider the hazards and risks associated with working near power lines and what control measures can be taken to safely negotiate the risks. The … Read More
HSE Report on Fit Testing of CE Marked Ear Loop Respirators
Following the previous safety alert released April 2022 the HSE has now released specific details of research undertaken regarding the effectiveness of different styles of filtering facepiece (FFP) respirators / masks as respiratory protective equipment (RPE). In the previous safety alert the HSE warned that respirators and facemasks that rely on ear loops to hold them in place are not … Read More
Compressed Gas Cylinder Risk Assessment Guide
A new technical information sheet has been released by the British Compressed Gases Association (BCGA) covering risk assessments for activities involving compressed gas cylinders in the workplace. The new guidance includes hazards related to the cylinders themselves, the gases used within the cylinders, pressure release, external influences as well as other concerns including transport. The guidance can be downloaded for … Read More
Guidance on Managing Stress
Stress is defined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as ‘the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them’. Stress can affect a person’s physical and mental health and cause burnout, anxiety, and depression. Stress can be caused by factors at work such as conflicting demands, conflict at work, lack of support … Read More
Regulation deadline approaching for employees working with di-isocyanates
Under the regulations¹, from 24th August 2023, anyone whose work involves use of di-isocyanates either on their own or where the chemical is part of another substance or mixture (except for when in very low concentrations), is required to have completed specific training. Di-isocyanates can be found in many applications including, paints, adhesives, spray foams, sealants, inks and is used in … Read More
New Safety Videos for Boaters using Inland Waterways
A new set of five videos regarding the safe use of inland waterways, have been released by the Environment Agency in partnership with the Canal and River Trust. The videos each cover a different topic and are all around 5 mins in length making them a quick and easy watch. Additionally the animated format of the videos makes them accessible … Read More
Fire Safety Regulations to Come into Force 1st October 2023
As part of the third phase of the Home Office’s fire safety reform programme a series of new fire safety guidance and regulations will come into force in England on the 1st of October 2023. The new regulations follow the first two phases which were the Fire Safety Act 2021 (phase 1) and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 (phase … Read More
Climate Change Risk Assessment and Adaptation Planning Guidance
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