The UK Health Security Agency has published an information sheet on linen processing within adult social care. The guidance has been published in reaction to the increased risk of bacteria growing on linen due to the higher temperatures during summer. While the document is directed at adult social care providers in England, the content will be relevant in other parts … Read More

The HSE has issued a bulletin relating to the testing of boots to the American Standard, ASTM F2412-18A. The issue being that this Standard does not adequately ensure that boots are suitable for live electrical working because the standard does not test for: Direct current (DC) voltages Use in wet or damp environments (any footwear tested to this standard cannot … Read More

The Government recently published an analysis of the outcome of the consultation into the higher risk building safety scheme and the collection of golden thread building information. The consultation itself took place over 12 weeks from 20th July to 12th October 2022. The consultation outcome is split into 7 key sections, each covering the types of responses received. These sections … Read More

The National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management in Ireland has released a new fire safety guide focused on helping building owners and operators with fire safety. The guide helps with the fire safety responsibilities under section 18(2) of the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003, which place duties on individuals having control over all types of premises other than … Read More

London Fire Brigade have recently reported an increased number e-bike and e-scooter fires. As of the end of August 2023 there had been 116 fires involving e-bikes and scooter that is more than all of 2023 and higher than any other year. These fires included three fatalities and an additional 51 people injured. Concerns have been raised by a number … Read More

The Department for Business and Trade and the Office for Product Safety and Standards launched a consultation, starting 2nd August 2023, regarding a new approach to dealing with the fire safety of domestic upholstered furniture as a replacement to the existing Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988. The consultation is seeking feedback on proposals regarding: The scope of the … Read More

A new Technical Briefing Note has been published on the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) website. Technical Briefing Note 36 (TBN036) ‘Hands Off, Step Back 5 Paces’ was issued following a fatality involving a slinger or signaller. The fatality occurred when, during the initial stage of the lift, the load being lifted became snagged on an obstruction, resulting in the sling … Read More

A new consultation has been launched by the Environmental Agency to explore the possibility of unlimited fines for those who are the worst polluters. The consultation, which opened on August 15th and runs until October 8th, is seeking views on when penalties should be used, how they should be calculated, and the appeals process. The consultation considers removing the £250,000 … Read More

The HSE have announced that their construction site inspection campaign due to start in early September will focus on moving and handling construction materials. It is estimated that around 42,000 construction workers suffer work related musculoskeletal disorders, a rate of 1970 per 100,00 workers, this compares to a rate of 1100 per 100,00 for all workplaces. Musculoskeletal disorders include neck … Read More

The government has confirmed plans to require second staircases in all new residential buildings above 18 metres, a decrease in height from the previous 30 metres. The new plans were announced as part of a speech by Michael Gove, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities, on 24th July regarding the government’s long-term plans for housing. In … Read More