Category: Health & Safety

Face Fit Testing of RPE

THE HSE RELEASE OF A VIDEO ON THE FACEFIT RESPIRATOR DEMONSTRATOR MODEL (FFRED)

In partnership with the British Safety Industry Federation (BSFI), the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published a refreshed version of a video on the FaceFit Respirator Demonstrator model (FFRED).

The video is for tight-fitting Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE). It provides information for workers and their employers about:

  • why it is important for individuals to have face fit tests for tight-fitting masks, such as disposable filtering face pieces (FFPs) and reusable half-face mask types
  • the importance of it having a good seal to the face

The video also shows workers what happens if the respirator does not fit properly, for example:

  • if the straps or nose clip are not tightened or not in the correct position
  • if it has ear loop straps
  • if you are not clean shaven
  • if it is damaged
  • you are wearing other personal protective equipment (PPE) on your head which interferes with the mask

You can watch the video on the FaceFit Respirator Demonstrator model (FFRED).

If you require further information, or guidance in relation to this subject, please contact KGS Ltd via email: enquiries@keygroupservices.com or Tel: 01443 740306.  

Written by Daniel Prosser, MSc CMIOSH L4DipFRA OSHCR
Health, Safety and Wellbeing Professional

LinkedIn

Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ)

A pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ) is used in the procurement stage when a buyer is identifying suitable suppliers of a service, and it helps the buyer to determine who meets the requirements of that role. On completion of the PQQ, it is at this point a supplier may be invited to tender.
 
Specifically, their purpose is to: –

  • Shortlist suppliers: PQQs help contractors and procurement teams identify suitable suppliers and contractors
  • Ensure compliance: PQQs help ensure suppliers meet the minimum requirements of the contract
  • Set expectations: PQQs help set expectations for the standard of work and competition

PQQs are used by: –

  • Public sector: PQQs are a standard part of the public sector tendering process
  • Construction industry: PQQs are commonly used in the construction industry
  • Other Industries: PQQs are increasingly being used in other industries to ensure standards are met in relation to supply chain compliance, and Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG)

A PQQ is a list of questions that potential suppliers answer to demonstrate their suitability for a contract. A PQQ may include: –

  • Name of the company, financial compliance, and exclusionary grounds
  • Technical references
  • Contract examples and technical references to assess the supplier’s ability to deliver the work
  • Health and safety, quality, and environmental questions
  • Questions about how the supplier ensures quality and environmental compliance
  • Memberships and accreditations
  • Questions about whether the supplier has the required memberships and accreditations

TYPE OF SUPPLIER
 
Specific to ‘construction works’, and when using an online platform to complete a PQQ, there will be varying requirements dependent on whether you are a contractor, principal contractor, designer, principal designer, or a non-construction works supplier.
 
Ensuring you correctly identify what type of supplier you are will mean you only have to answer questions and provide evidence related to your level of duty as defined in the Construction (Design and Management) (CDM) Regulations 2015.
 
WORK CATEGORIES
 
There may be additional requirements above the core H&S criteria dependant on the type of ‘Construction works’ you carry out to ensure you meet the minimum standard for the industry or work activities you provide.
 
Work categories that required the provision of additional information and evidence include: –

  • Working at height
  • Electrical installations and communication installations
  • Work on gas installations
  • Confined space work
  • Work with Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM)

Ensuring you correctly identify what type of work category you come under will mean you only have to answer questions and provide evidence related to the hazards relevant to your undertakings.

Written by Daniel Prosser, MSc CMIOSH L4DipFRA OSHCR
Health, Safety and Wellbeing Professional

LinkedIn

Work-Related Stress

Stress is the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them. We all experience pressure regularly. It’s healthy and essential that people experience challenges within their lives that cause levels of pressure, for example, the need to make decisions quickly when faced with a dangerous situation. It can motivate us to perform at our best. It is when we experience too much pressure and feel unable to cope that stress can result.

It’s also important to remember that every individual is different and their experience of pressure, and when that can tip into stress, will vary.

Work-related stress is a major cause of occupational ill health which can cause severe physical and psychological conditions in employees. It can also lead to poor productivity and human error, increased sickness absence, increases in accidents, high staff turnover, and poor performance in the organisation.

Work-related stress has been identified as having a major impact on employee’s lives. Recent statistics indicate that: –

  • Approx. 250,000 people suffered from work-related stress in 2023/24
  • Approx. 5.5 million working days are lost due to work-related stress in 2023/24
  • 55% of workers feel that work is getting more intense and demanding
  • 61% of workers say they feel exhausted at the end of most working days
  • Deloitte reported that 64% of managers have considered quitting for a job that would better support their wellbeing
  • 70% of managers cited organisational barriers to supporting staff wellbeing, including company policy, heavy workload, unsupportive workplace culture, and not being equipped with the right skills

Written by Daniel Prosser, MSc CMIOSH L4DipFRA OSHCR
Health, Safety and Wellbeing Professional

LinkedIn

Dangerous Substances & Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR)

DSEAR require employers and the self-employed to control the risks, as far as is reasonably practicable, to safety within the workplace, of employees and members of the public who may be affected by hazards posed by work processes that may result in fire, explosions or the corrosion of metals.

The applicable legislation that places this duty on employers and the self-employed is the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) 2002.

The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) 2002 apply to the majority of workplaces, including moveable structures, outdoor areas and domestic premises, where: –

  • Work is being carried out by an employer or self-employed person
  • A dangerous substance is present (or is likely to be present or generated) at the workplace
  • A potentially explosive atmosphere may occur
  • The dangerous substance and/or a potentially explosive atmosphere could be a risk to the safety of people as a result of fires, explosions or similar energetic events

For example, DSEAR covers the following scenarios:

  • storage and use of flammable liquids including paints and inks, cleaning products, and fuels
  • storage and use of LPG
  • storage and use of oxygen
  • storage and transport of powders in pharmaceutical and food industries
  • storage and display of flammable goods, such as paints in shops
  • handling and storage of flammable waste materials
  • welding or other ‘hot work’ on tanks and drums that have contained flammable material
  • use of flammable gases, such as acetylene, for welding or flame cutting
  • use of flammable solvents or other substances in laboratories
  • transport of flammable substances in containers around a workplace
  • deliveries from road tankers, such as flammable liquids, gases and bulk powders
  • chemical manufacturing, processing, and warehousing
  • Distillation of alcohol products
  • Creation of dusts during work processes such as wood cutting
  • Charging of electric FLT
  • Storage and use of Substances corrosive to metal
  • The use of gas appliances designed for use in industrial processes on industrial premises and appliances that heat water to a temperature greater than 105 °C

Written by Daniel Prosser, MSc CMIOSH L4DipFRA OSHCR
Safety, Health and Wellbeing Professional

LinkedIn

Latest Changes to Fire Extinguishers and Class B Firefighting Foams

The current situation?

The UK Government is continuing to meet its commitment to phase out the use of PFOAs from firefighting products. PFOAs are known as “forever chemicals” due to their lasting harmful impact on the environment.

This phase out is being achieved through measures restricting or prohibiting the manufacture, placing on the market and use of PFOA, its salts and PFOA-related compounds used in fire-fighting foam for liquid fuel vapour suppression and Class B fires. It will include the use of aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) fire extinguishers.

What are “forever chemicals”?

“Forever chemicals” have been widely used across the world since the 1940s, from fire-fighting foams to industrial applications and consumer products. Their high thermal and chemical stability and water and oil-repellent nature means they have been heavily used in cosmetics, coatings for textiles and paper including food contact materials.

They comprise per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) which is the collective name given to a group of fluorinated compounds.

PFAS are everywhere in nature due to their inability to break down. The long history of their use has resulted in “a legacy of environmental contamination that is challenging to remediate”, according to the Environment Agency, and their toxic nature has been linked to health problems since the 1990s. They are a large group of synthetic, environmentally persistent and potentially toxic chemicals, which can build up in living organisms through a process called bioaccumulation.

The best-known examples of PFAS are PFOAs and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), both of which are now subject to regulatory restrictions because of their harmful properties.

What legislation do you need to know?

Assimilated Regulation 2019/1021 on persistent organic pollutants (the UK POPs Regulation) bans the production, placing on the market and use of substances, mixtures and articles containing PFOA, its salts and PFOA-related compounds.

They have previously been used as active ingredients in Class B firefighting foams, and particularly so within AFFFs, in the main due to their surfactant properties. They may also be present in foams as a contaminant.

Exemptions and deadlines?

There was a recent restriction from 1 January 2023, where the use of the fire-fighting foam was only allowed in sites where all releases can be contained.

The use of PFOA, its salts and PFOA-related compounds in firefighting foams for Class B fires will be banned on the 4th of July 2025.

What you need to do?

Assess your current fire safety equipment and plan for the switch to safer alternatives. It is essential that you find out whether the foam in your extinguishers contains PFOA, its salts and/or PFOA-related compounds.

You can do this by:

  • checking the safety data sheet for the foam
  • contacting the supplier or manufacturer of the foam
  • getting the foam analysed by a suitable lab

If your fire extinguishers have been regularly serviced, refilled or replaced every five years, its likely they do not contain PFOS or PFOA.

However, if your extinguishers are very old with no service or refill record, then it should be assumed to be potentially containing PFOS or PFOA and environmentally disposed of.

In addition, if you intend to use, or have a stockpile of Class B foam already installed in systems which contains or may contain PFOA, its salts and/or PFOA-related compounds, you must comply with the following conditions –

  • holders of stockpiles greater than 50kg must notify the appropriate regulator by completing a stockpile notification form, as soon as possible
  • the fire-fighting foam must not be used for training
  • the fire-fighting foam must not be used for testing unless all releases are contained

Written by Daniel Prosser, MSc CMIOSH L4DipFRA OSHCR
Safety, Health and Wellbeing Professional

LinkedIn

DSEAR

DSEAR stands for Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 which is concerned with protection to employees, and to members of the public against the risks and potential outcomes arising from dangerous substances and potentially explosive atmospheres.

The duties in DSEAR apply alongside the Health and Safety at Work Act (HASAWA) 1974, and other regulations made under the Act such as The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (MHSWR) 1999, and those in relation to fire safety such as The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RRFSO) 2005.

DSEAR does not apply to maritime activities, areas used directly for and during the medical treatment of patients, the use of gas appliances burning gaseous fuels, the manufacture, handling, use, storage and transport of explosives or chemically unstable substances, Mineral extracting industries, or during the carriage of dangerous goods.

WHAT IS COVERED UNDER DSEAR?

The Regulations apply to the majority of workplaces, including moveable structures, outdoor areas and domestic premises, where:

  • Work is being carried out by an employer (or self-employed person)
  • A dangerous substance is present (or is liable to be present or generated) at the workplace
  • A potentially explosive atmosphere may occur
  • The dangerous substance and/or a potentially explosive atmosphere could be a risk to the safety of people as a result of fires, explosions or similar energetic events

For example, DSEAR covers the following scenarios:

  • storage and use of flammable liquids including paints and inks, cleaning products, and fuels
  • storage and use of LPG
  • storage and use of oxygen
  • storage and transport of powders in pharmaceutical and food industries
  • storage and display of flammable goods, such as paints in shops
  • handling and storage of flammable waste materials
  • welding or other ‘hot work’ on tanks and drums that have contained flammable material
  • use of flammable gases, such as acetylene, for welding or flame cutting
  • use of flammable solvents in laboratories
  • transport of flammable substances in containers around a workplace
  • deliveries from road tankers, such as flammable liquids, gases and bulk powders
  • chemical manufacturing, processing, and warehousing
  • Creation of alcohol products
  • Creation of dusts during work processes such as wood dust
  • Charging of electric FLT

An explosive atmosphere is a mixture of a dangerous substance or substances (gas, mist, dust or vapour) with the air, which has the potential to catch fire or explode. An explosive atmosphere does not always result in an explosion but, if it does catch fire, the flames travel quickly. If this happens in a confined space (e.g. in plant), the rapid spread of the flames or rise in pressure could also cause an explosion.

WHEN IS A RISK ASSESSMENT REQUIRED?

DSEAR requires employers to make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks from materials and mixtures that are categorised under the GB Classification, Labelling, & Packaging (CLP) 2008 Regulations as Flammable, Highly Flammable, Extremely Flammable, or Corrosive, and which are present in the workplace, and to eliminate or control the risks posed by such materials and mixtures.

Ideally, it would be practical to carry out a risk assessment in relation to DSEAR as part of the overall workplace risk assessment required under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (MHSWR) 1999. However, in most cases, this is not known or always possible so a standalone DSEAR risk assessment should be undertaken.

The extent, and level of detail of the DSEAR risk assessment is dependent upon the risk posed by such considerations set out below.

Work equipment, COSHH assessment, and other risk assessments would likely include similar hazards to be considered suitable and sufficient, however, the DSEAR risk assessment looks at the premises as a whole.

The DSEAR risk assessment should include all areas where there are dangerous and flammable materials stored and in use, and where there is potential for the presence of an explosive atmosphere.

You should carry out a DSEAR risk assessment regardless of the quantity of dangerous substance present, as it will enable you to decide whether existing measures are sufficient or whether any additional controls or precautions are necessary.

As well as assessing the normal activities within the workplace, you will also need to assess non-routine activities, such as maintenance work, where there is often a higher potential for fire and explosion incidents to occur.

If there is no risk to safety from fires and explosions, and corrosives to metal, or the risk is trivial, no further action would be needed.

The risk assessment should include consideration of:

  • The locations where DSEAR risks could be present
  • The people who could be affected, and how
  • the hazardous properties of the substance (Flammable, Explosive, Oxidising, Corrosive)
  • information on safety provided by the supplier, including information contained in any relevant safety data sheet (SDS)
  • The quantities stored and used in the workplace
  • the circumstances of the work including
    • the work processes and substances used and their possible interactions
    • the amount of the substance involved
    • where the work will involve more than one dangerous substance, the risk presented by such substances in combination
    • the arrangements for the safe handling, storage and transport of dangerous substances and of waste containing dangerous substances
  • activities, such as maintenance, where there is the potential for a high level of risk
  • the effect of measures which have been or will be taken pursuant to these Regulations
  • the likelihood that an explosive atmosphere will occur and its persistence
  • the likelihood that ignition sources, including electrostatic discharges, will be present and become active and effective
  • the scale of the anticipated effects of a fire or an explosion
    • any places which are or can be connected via openings to places in which explosive atmospheres may occur
    • such additional safety information as the employer may need in order to complete the risk assessment

A DSEAR risk assessment should only be carried out by a competent person, who has the training, experience, skill, and knowledge to allow them to accurately identify the hazards present, assess the risks to people and the organisation, and recommend measures to eliminate or control the risks present.

The level of competence required will vary depending on the hazards present, quantities and durations that these hazards are present, and the organisational and environmental factors involved.

A DSEAR risk assessment does not constitute a comprehensive assessment of all workplace hazards as required under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (MHSWR) 1999, and additional specific risk assessments may be required, for example – COSHH, or manual handling.

REVIEW OF DSEAR RISK ASSESSMENT?

The time between reviews depends on the nature and extent of the risk present, however, it is recommended that you complete a DSEAR Risk Assessment at intervals not exceeding 3 years. If you introduce significant changes to your workplace, such as changing the dangerous substances present or their quantities, or changing the work equipment or processes, you should review your risk assessment. Similarly, you should do this in the event of an incident, including a near miss – for example a release of a dangerous substance without ignition – to determine if the measures you have in place are sufficient.

HOW CAN YOU CONTROL THE RISK?

From the findings of the risk assessment, if a risk cannot be eliminated, DSEAR requires control measures to be implemented in the following order:

  • Reduce the quantity of dangerous substances to a minimum
  • Avoid or minimise releases of dangerous substances
  • Control releases of dangerous substances at source
  • Prevent the formation of a dangerous atmosphere
  • Collect, contain, and remove any releases to a safe place (for example, through ventilation)
  • Avoid ignition sources
  • Avoid adverse conditions (for example, exceeding the limits of temperature or control settings) that could lead to danger
  • Keep incompatible substances apart

In addition to these control measures, DSEAR requires mitigation measures to be put in place. These can include:

  • Reducing the number of employees exposed to the risk
  • Providing plant that is explosion resistant
  • Providing plant that is corrosion resistant
  • Providing explosion suppression or explosion relief equipment
  • Taking measures to control or minimise the spread of fires or explosions

ZONING

Where the DSEAR risk assessment determines the presence or potential for flammable atmosphere, these areas shall be classified into a ‘zone’. The type of zone will be dependent on the frequency and duration of an explosive atmosphere.

The zone classifications are:

  • Zone 0 (Zone 20) -That part of a hazardous area in which an explosive atmosphere is continuously present, or present for long periods, or frequently
  • Zone 1 (Zone 21) – That part of a hazardous area in which an explosive atmosphere is likely to occur occasionally in normal operation
  • Zone 2 (Zone 22) – That part of a hazardous area in which an explosive atmosphere is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for a short period only

Zones 0, 1 and 2 are used for explosive atmospheres formed of flammable gases, vapours or mists. Zones 20, 21 and 22 are used for explosive atmospheres formed of combustible dusts.

EQUIPMENT

DSEAR sets out the link between zones, and the equipment that may be installed in that zone. This applies to new or newly modified installations. The equipment categories are defined by the ATEX equipment directive, set out in UK law as the Equipment and Protective Systems for use in the Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 1996.

The following categories of equipment must be used in the zones indicated, provided they are suitable for gases, vapours, mists, dusts or mists and dusts, as appropriate: –

  • in zone 0 or zone 20 – Category 1 equipment
  • in zone 1 or zone 21 – Category 1 or 2 equipment
  • in zone 2 or zone 22 – Category 1, 2 or 3 equipment

For any equipment, in use within any DSEAR zone, or installed for the health and safety of workers, should be inspected, tested, and maintained, as set out in the manufacturers manual to ensure it is in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair. Where any equipment has a maintenance log, the log should be kept up to date.

ADDITIONAL CONTROL MEASURES

Additional control measures include:

  • Provide Information, Training, Instruction, and supervision to employees
  • Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as identified by risk assessment
  • Provide Safe Systems Of Work (SSOW) for routine and non-routine activities undertaken
  • Introduce a Permit To Work (PTW) system for any work undertaken in DSEAR zones
  • Ensure contractors are competent, work to suitable and sufficient Risk Assessment Method Statements (RAMS), suitably insured, and have suitable equipment for any work undertaken in DSEAR zones

KEY ACTIONS

  • Identify liquids, gases, dusts, substances that are flammable, explosive, or corrosive to metals
  • Where reasonably practicable, avoid the use of such materials or substitute with less dangerous materials
  • Do not allow hot work in circumstances which could create danger
  • Minimise the quantities of flammable and dangerous substances stored
  • Undertake risk assessment in accordance with DSEAR, taking specialist advice as required
  • Ensure that there is effective control of the release of flammable and dangerous substances, ignition sources and hot surfaces
  • Only allow work on gas appliances using Gas Safe registered contractors
  • Implement improvements as identified by the DSEAR risk assessment for the safe storage, use and disposal of flammable and dangerous substances
  • Undertake the inspection, testing, and maintenance of control measures
  • Ensure there are adequate emergency procedures for spillages, leaks or other foreseeable situations
  • Ensure suitable and sufficient insurance is available
  • Provide information, training, instruction, and supervision to relevant stakeholders
  • Keep records
  • If petrol is to be stored for dispensing into motor vehicles including for retail sale, obtain a petroleum storage certificate from the petroleum enforcing authority before the storage takes place

Written by Daniel Prosser, MSc CMIOSH OSHCR
Safety, Health and Wellbeing Professional

LinkedIn

Hand-Arm Vibration

Introduction

This H&S Update draws your attention to relevant legislation, the need to manage ill-health risks arising from exposure to Hand-arm vibration hazards in the workplace and gives practical advice and guidance on how to keep people safe and sound and comply with relevant legislation.

What are the risks?

Using vibrating tools and equipment in the workplace can lead to Ill health conditions collectively known as Hand-arm vibration syndrome, or ‘HAVs’.  This term is used to describe a range of ill health conditions including ‘Vibration White Finger’, ‘carpel tunnel syndrome’, and tendonitis. Damage is irreversible and leaves employees with lifelong conditions.

Colleagues could be most at risk when:

  • Working in roles that expose them to high levels of vibration, such as highway maintenance, construction, grounds maintenance, vehicle maintenance, and metalworking, etc
  • Using high vibration magnitude equipment including, but not limited to breakers, scabblers, impact wrenches, hammer drills, grinders, disc-cutters, sanders, and compaction equipment, etc.
  • Smoking, as this reduces blood flow and reduces recovery from vibration trauma
  • Having pre-existing neurological (nerve), vascular (circulatory) and musculoskeletal conditions
  • Working in cold and damp environments

Management of Risk and Principles of Prevention:

  • The employer must ensure that risk from the exposure of vibration to his employees is either eliminated at source or, where this is not reasonably practicable, reduced to as low a level as is reasonably practicable
  • Where it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate risk at source and an exposure action value is likely to be reached or exceeded, the employer must reduce exposure to as low a level as is reasonably practicable by establishing and implementing a programme of organisational and technical measures which is appropriate to the activity
  • The measures taken by the employer shall be based on the general principles of prevention and shall include consideration of:
    • Other working methods which eliminate or reduce exposure to vibration
    • Choice of work equipment of appropriate ergonomic design which, taking account of the work to be done, produces the least possible vibration
    • The provision of auxiliary equipment which reduces the risk of injuries caused by vibration
    • Appropriate maintenance programmes for work equipment, the workplace and workplace systems
    • The design and layout of workplaces, workstations and rest facilities
    • Suitable and sufficient information and training for employees, such that work equipment may be used correctly and safely, to minimise their exposure to vibration
    • Limitation of the duration and magnitude of exposure to vibration
    • Appropriate work schedules with adequate rest periods; and the provision of clothing to protect employees from cold and damp

Vibration Exposure

Like all ill health hazards, ‘exposure’ is a product of ‘Strength’ x ‘Time’.

Vibration magnitude is measured and expressed as metres per second per second (m/s2).

Manufacturers provide ‘tool data’ within user manuals, and there are many useful sources of information that can be found on the internet.

Strength

Typical vibration magnitudes are:

  • Breakers – 12 m/s2 +
  • Strimmers, hedge Cutters and Mowers – 6 m/s2 +
  • Wacker Plates – 5 m/s2 +
  • Sanders – 4 m/s2 +

Notes of caution:

  • Add a manufactures testing uncertainty value (typically plus or minus 1.5m/s2) to the advertised figures when making calculations
  • Figures are quoted for new tools and give little consideration to old equipment, disc or material type as this can significantly vary (e.g. drilling wood or concrete / Hedge cutting laurel or beech / sanding high density or low-density materials)

The HSE has a system in which exposures can be more simply expressed as ‘points’.

Tip: m/s2 x m/s2 x2 = Points per hour. e.g. a tool of 6 m/s(6x6x2)= 71 points per hour.

Time

When making calculations it’s important to note that exposure is dictated by time on the ‘trigger’, and not necessarily the ‘activity’ time.  Trigger time is very difficult to estimate so the best way of quantifying exposure is to employ a specialist to carry out vibration exposure measurements. These measurements can then be used to inform your Risk Assessments.  Where use of tools is limited and not core to the work activity, a ‘desktop’ assessment (estimate) may be all an employer need do.

Legal Exposure Limit Values and Action Values:

The daily exposure limit value is 5 m/s2 A(8) – or expressed as 400 HSE Points per day.

This is the figure at which employees should stop work immediately.

The daily exposure action value is 2.5 m/s2 A(8) – or expressed as 100 HSE Points per day;

This is the figure at which the employer must take steps to reduce exposure to as low as is reasonably practicable and introduce particular control measures within this guidance.  

Important note:

There is no ‘safe level’ of exposure and employers must apply the principles of prevention and always manage risks to as ‘low as reasonably practicable’.

Safe Systems of Work

1. Risk Assessment

The HSE recommends the following five steps in undertaking a risk assessment:

  1. Identify the hazards
  2. Assess the risks
  3. Control the risks
  4. Record significant findings
  5. Review the controls

You will need to:

  • Identify your tools and processes
  • Gather vibration data
  • Measure, or estimate the trigger time and calculate the daily exposure (Use the simple HSE Vibration Exposure Calculator, particularly for multiple tool use)

2. Effective Risk Controls

  • Provide Vibration awareness training to employees
  • Issue relevant information (the HSE Leaflet later referred to in this update, SA47 – Vibration within your H&S manual
  • Select equipment of the lowest vibration magnitude
  • Understand potential exposure and plan works to minimise exposures
  • Maintain tools and equipment
  • The single most effective control to deploy is ‘Work / Task rotation’
  • Implement a simple system where vibration exposures can be monitored
  • Ensure employees receive occupational health monitoring

3. Monitoring

The employers find the biggest challenge is implementing a system where employees can track personal vibration exposures (daily points).  Consider technological solutions for higher risk workers such as wearable HAVs devices which provide real-time monitoring and feedback to the employer.

When used properly, these systems can also signal improper use and tool wear which may require maintenance intervention.

One very practical way of monitoring (counting) and controlling personal exposures might be to express points as daily activity tasks: e.g.

  • A scaffolder running fitting nuts with an impact wrench on X number of fittings to reach 100pts
  • A grounds maintenance operative refuelling a strimmer X number of times to reach 100pts
  • A foundry worker fettling X number of foundry castings to reach 100pts
  • Workplace Timers can also be deployed to assist employees monitor vibration exposure,

However, it must be stressed that the duty to monitor and control exposure is on the employer.

4. Importance of Equipment Maintenance

Wear and tear on tools, bearings, blades and accessories can significantly increase vibration magnitudes. Keep all equipment properly maintained.

Consider the most effective methods in reaching the work objective to reduce trigger times.

Simple measures such as ensuring line trimmers on strimmers are present will ensure line lengths (and vibration magnitudes) are not excessively above manufacturers quoted data.

5. Occupational Health

Where vibration hazards and risks exist, employers should implement the following:

  • Pre-selection health screening questionnaires and occupational health assessment
  • Annual Health Screening questionnaires to employees
  • Annual health surveillance appointments with a qualified Occupational Health Practitioner to
    • detect the early onset of any vibration related industrial disease, and
    • to provide assurance of the effectiveness of the safe systems of work in place

6. RIDDOR

Should your Occupational Health Practitioner diagnose., at any time, the onset of HAVs, the employer will need to make an assessment to what extent the ill-health has been caused by work and, where necessary, report all industrial diseases to the Health and Safety Executive (in accordance with RIDDOR 2015).

References:

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999

The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005.

The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013

INDG296 HSE Hand-arm Vibration (A Guide for Employees)

INDG175 HSE Hand-arm Vibration at Work (A Brief Guide)

Written by Daniel Prosser, MSc CMIOSH OSHCR
Safety, Health and Wellbeing Professional

LinkedIn

Working in the Sun and Heat

For those working outdoors, there is the added risk of sun exposure. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun can cause skin damage including sunburn, blistering and , in the long term, skin cancer.

UV exposure can occur even on overcast days. Bear in mind that UV radiation is at its peak between 11am and 3pm and efforts should be concentrated at reducing exposure during these times.

Where the environment has a high temperature or humidity, there is an increased risk of heat stress. Heat stress is not only a risk to outdoor workers but also to workers within high temperature workplaces, such as those involving hot industrial processes or where the space is unventilated and naturally accumulates heat, e.g. in attics.

THE CURRENT SITUATION

According to the latest available statistics:

  • There
    are around 16,700 new melanoma skin cancer cases in the UK every year, that’s
    46 every day (2016-2018)
  • There
    were 2,341 deaths from melanoma skin cancer in the UK between 2017-2019
  • Over
    the last decade, melanoma skin cancer incidence rates have increased by around
    a third (32%) in the UK. Rates in females have increased by more than a quarter
    (27%), and rates in males have increased by almost two-fifths (38%)
    (2016-2018). 86% of melanoma skin cancer4 cases in the UK are preventable.
  • Melanoma
    skin cancer is the 5th most common cancer in the UK, accounting for
    4% of all new cancer cases (2016-2018)
  • Melanoma
    skin cancer is the 20th most common cause of cancer death in the UK,
    accounting for 1% of all cancer deaths (2017-2019)

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

  • The
    Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

    require that a ‘reasonable temperature’ should be maintained inside buildings
    used as workplaces
  • The
    Approved Code of Practice (L24)
    goes on to provide that,
    where reasonable comfort cannot be achieved, e.g. because of hot processes,
    ‘all reasonable steps should be taken to achieve a temperature which is as
    close as possible to comfortable’
  • The
    Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
    – places a duty on every
    employer to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety,
    and welfare at work of all their employees. ‘Health’ includes mental health
  • The
    Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992
    (as
    amended) require that employers select, provide, and maintain suitable PPE for
    employees and that they should instruct staff in how and when to use it. PPE
    worn by employees, the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at Work Regulations
    require employers to consider the work environment such as the weather, if the
    work is outside
  • The
    Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015

    also require that indoor construction site temperatures be ‘reasonable’
  • The
    Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

    place a duty on employers to make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the
    risks to health and safety to which employees are exposed whilst they are at
    work.

The regulations also require that workplaces should be adequately thermally insulated which, although in most cases is a reference to retention of heat, could be construed in extreme environments as providing insulation from heat. Furthermore, regulations require that the excessive effects of sunlight on temperature must be avoided.

No upper limit of temperature is given, though, based on industry and HSE guidance, anything above 24°C is not regarded as comfortable.

SUN EXPOSURE

UV exposure can occur even on overcast days. Bear in mind that UV radiation is at its peak between 11am and 3pm and efforts should be concentrated at reducing exposure during these times.

Clothing can be purchased with sun protection factors assigned, although HSE’s general advice is that a fine weave will provide more protection than a loose weave. This should be taken into account when specifying corporate clothing for outdoor workers.

Sunglasses should be provided where needed to protect workers from the hazard of UV radiation. This is especially the case for those working around water or on snow. Ultraviolet light is intensified and potentially more damaging to the eyes and visual system when it is reflected off the surface of water or snow. Sun exposure has been connected with eye diseases including cataracts and macular degeneration, dry eyes, corneal growths and keratitis or sunburn to the cornea. Sunglasses provided for workers should meet BS EN ISO 12312-1:2022.

HEAT STRESS

To protect those working out of doors, employers need to consider, in their risk assessments, protection from the sun and whether workers need protection from heat stress.

Heat stress is not only a risk to outdoor workers but also to workers within high temperature workplaces, such as those involving hot industrial processes or where the space is unventilated and naturally accumulates heat, e.g. in attics. It is also a concern where work is strenuous and involves wearing protective clothing and for outdoor workers in hot environments. Where the environment has a high humidity, there is an increased risk of heat stress.

What is Heat Stress?

Heat stress occurs when the body is forced to work hard to control its core temperature. This can occur when:

  • Sweat
    evaporation is restricted by the type of clothing and / or the humidity of the
    environment
  • Heat
    will be produced within the body due to the work rate and, if insufficient heat
    is lost, core body temperature will rise
  • Core
    body temperature rises causes the body to react by increasing the amount of
    sweat produced, which may lead to dehydration
  • Heart
    rate also increases which puts additional strain on the body
  • If
    the body is gaining more heat than it can lose the deep body temperature will
    continue to rise
  • Eventually
    it reaches a point when the body’s control mechanism itself starts to fail

As deep body temperature rises, the body reacts by increasing the amount of sweat produced, which may lead to dehydration. The heart rate increases placing additional strain on the body. Eventually it reaches a point when the body’s control mechanism starts to fail. Typical symptoms are:

  • An
    ability to concentrate
  • Muscle
    cramps
  • Heat
    rash
  • Severe
    thirst – a late symptom of heat stress
  • Fainting
  • Heat
    exhaustion – fatigue, giddiness, nausea, headache, clammy skin
  • Heat
    stroke – hot dry skin, confusion, convulsions, and eventual loss of
    consciousness. This is the most severe disorder and can result in permanent
    brain damage or death if not detected at an early stage

Treatment of the early symptoms, by removing the individual to a cool environment, it is essential to avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

If managers are worried that an employee is showing signs of excessive stress, they should encourage them to see the GP, or refer them to the organisation’s occupational health service where available.

Risk-assessing Heat Stress

When carrying out a risk assessment, the first aspect of the assessment is to understand the degree of hazard involved. The factors that need to be considered are the:

  • Air temperature – this is the temperature of the air surrounding the body
  • Radiant heat – thermal radiation is the heat that radiates from a warm object and can be present even if there are no heat sources. Radiant temperature has a greater influence over air temperature on how we lose or gain heat from the environment. Examples of radiant heat are sun, fire, ovens, molten metals, and dryer machinery.
  • Air velocity –  the speed at which air moves across the employee to keep them cool, if the air is cooler than the environment. Instances where air velocity is an important factor to thermal comfort include still or stagnant air in an indoor environment that is artificially heated, which can feel stuffy. Also phycisal activity increase air movement, so air velocity may be corrected to account for a person’s level of physical activity.
  • Humidity – when water is heated and evaporates into the surrounding environment, the resulting amount of water in the air will provide humidity. Relative humidity is the actual amount of water vapour in the air and the maximum amount of water vapour that the air can hold at that air temperature. Relative humidity between 40% and 70% does not have a major impact on thermal comfort. In workplaces which are not air conditioned, or where the weather conditions outdoors may influence the indoor thermal environment, relative humidity may be higher than 70%. Humidity in indoor environments can vary greatly and may be dependant on whether there are drying processes (paper mills, laundry etc) where steam is given off. High humidity environments have a lot of vapour in the air, which prevents the evaporation of sweat from the skin. In hot environments, humidity is important because less sweat evaporates when humidity is high (80%+). The evaporation of sweat is the main method of heat reduction. When non-breathable vapour-impermeable personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn, the humidity inside the garment increases as the wearer sweats because the sweat cannot evaporate. If an employee is wearing this type of PPE (e.g. asbestos or chemical protection suits etc) the humidity within the PPE will be high.
  • Levels of physical work – the more physical work a person does, the more heat they will produce. The more heat produced; the more heat needs to be lost so they don’t overheat. The impact of metabolic rate on thermal comfort is critical. A persons physical characteristics should always be borne in mind when considering their thermal comfort, as factors such as their size and weight, age, fitness level and sex can all have an impact on how they feel, even if other factors such as air temperature, humidity and air velocity are all constant.
  • Clothing insulation – the amount and type of clothing being worn (impervious clothing impedes heat loss and is said to cause heat stress at temperatures as low as 21°C if activities are strenuous). Wearing too much clothing or PPE may be a primary cause of heat stress even if the environment is not considered warm or hot. It is important to identify how the clothing contributes to thermal comfort or discomfort. By periodically evaluating the level of protection provided by existing PPE and evaluating newer types of PPE it may be possible to improve the level of thermal comfort. Where PPE is uncomfortable it will also encourage workers to remove them and therefore change the risk of exposure or protection from hazards – which would be a detrimental consequence.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Actions that an employer can introduce to help manage working in the sun and heat include:

  • Scheduling
    indoor jobs for the middle of the day and outdoor tasks to the start and end,
    to avoid peak exposures
  • Rotating
    staff to limit exposure times
  • Providing
    shelter either for the work or, where not practicable, for breaks
  • Encouraging
    or requiring staff to cover up and wear sunglasses
  • Providing
    hats that shade the neck, face and ears
  • Providing
    SPF 15+ sunscreen
  • Include
    sun exposure and heat stress within risk assessments as appropriate to the work
  • Consult
    with workers when undertaking risk assessments and before introducing new ways
    of working
  • Provide
    cool drinking water and encourage workers to drink plenty of water regularly to
    prevent dehydration
  • Increase
    the number of rest breaks in cool / shaded locations. Av cooled rest area may
    be required indoors
  • Ensure
    that contractors are also aware of the risks and are taking preventative
    actions
  • Give
    sun protection / heat stress advice to staff and managers
  • Take
    account of sun and heat stress risks in first aid provisions
  • Consider
    the risks of heat stress when selecting clothing and PPE
  • Take
    action to reduce exposure to a safe level, e.g. by the timing of work, managing
    exposure times, providing shelter
  • Provide
    training for your workers, especially new and young employees telling them
    about the risks of heat stress associated with their work, what symptoms to
    look out for, safe working practices and emergency procedures
  • Defining
    safe systems of work and training managers and staff in them (in industries
    with a significant heat stress issue these should ve based on medical
    assessment and advice)

Actions that an employee can introduce to help manage working in the sun and heat include:

The HSE has produced a sun protection six-point code for workers:

  • Keep
    your top on so you do not expose unprotected areas; clothing forms a barrier to
    the suns harmful rays, especially tightly woven fabrics
  • Wear
    a hat with a brim or flap that covers the back of the neck and ears to avoid
    sunburn
  • Stay
    in the shade whenever possible, especially at lunchtime
  • Use
    a high factor sunscreen of at least factor SPF15 on exposed skin. Apply as
    directed on the product
  • Drink
    plenty of water to avoid dehydration
  • Check
    your skin regularly for unusual spots or moles that may have changed. See a
    doctor immediately if you see anything that has changed in shape, size, colour,
    or is itching or bleeding
  • Remember:
    those with pale skin, freckles, moles, a family history of skin cancer or those
    who work outdoors have increased risks of skin damage
  • Ensuring
    they behave responsibly to themselves and others to minimise pressures and
    demands
  • Reporting
    concerns to their line manager
  • Request
    welfare meetings – to have opportunities to express any concerns
  • Considering
    opportunities for counselling when recommended
  • Ensuring
    they are meaningfully involved in the stress risk assessment process
  • Seeking
    advice from Human Resources, Occupational Health, or their GP when needed
  • Being
    supportive of their colleagues as far as they are able

Written by Daniel Prosser, MSc CMIOSH OSHCR
Safety, Health and Wellbeing Professional

LinkedIn

HSE Metal Working Inspections

From October 2023 until March 2024, the HSE will be inspecting manufacturing businesses that use metalworking fluids or coolants in their machining processes.

Inspectors will be focussed on how employers are ensuring workers are protected from exposure to fluid or mist generated by computer numerical control (CNC) machines and that regular health checks are in place.

There are 3 areas where manufacturing companies, particularly smaller companies, commonly fall down on compliance:

  • Not having Local Exhaust Ventilation
    (LEV)
  • Not completing regular fluid quality
    checks
  • Not providing regular health checks
    for lung and skin conditions

Be prepared for inspection

Metalworking fluid is a hazardous substance that comes under COSHH regulations (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002).

Exposure to metalworking fluids can cause harm to lungs and skin through inhalation or direct contact with unprotected skin; particularly hands, forearms, and face. Breathing in the mist generated by machining can lead to lung diseases such as occupational asthma and occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

To reduce exposure, you need control measures in place. LEV should be fitted on CNC machines to carry away any harmful metalworking fluid mist, which is difficult to see in normal lighting.

Fluid quality should be regularly checked, focusing on concentration, pH, bacteria, and contaminants. Fluids systems can become highly contaminated with harmful bacteria.

Where there is exposure to fluid or mist, it is a legal requirement to carry out health surveillance even when preventative controls are in place. You will need to involve an occupational health professional and workers should be encouraged to report any health symptoms that occur.

Some helpful links that will provide more information include:

Written by Daniel Prosser, MSc CMISOH OSHCR
Safety, Health and Wellbeing Professional

LinkedIn