HSE have announced details of their October Inspection Initiative, so please be aware of and prepared for the possibility of a visit. What you are doing to: control/suppress the production of dusts/fumes/gases/vapours; safely extract any dusts/fumes/gases/vapours produced; provide adequate ventilation; and protect your workers through appropriate Respiratory*/Personal Protective Equipment (R/PPE) will be of particular interest to Inspectors (*NB if the work being undertaken necessitates RPE, the filtering must be the correct type and give the correct level of protection. Remember, if the RPE is a mask that relies on a fit to the face, then the person should have been face fit tested for the mask and be clean shaven). For any hazardous substances you are using, then an up-to-date CoSHH Assessment would also be expected to be available.
Details released by the HSE are as follows:
"WHAT:
Between 7 October - 1 November, HSE will be carrying out its latest construction inspection initiative.
This will continue the focus on health, in particular the measures in place to protect workers from occupational lung disease caused by asbestos, silica, wood and other dusts when carrying out common construction tasks.
WHY:
Priority is often given to safety but thousands more workers suffer ill-health at work than are harmed by at-work accidents.
Asbestos and dust are slow killers. HSE estimates that annually there are around 8,000 work-related cancer deaths a year. The construction industry accounts for around 3,500 of these with asbestos and silica the major causes. Construction businesses and workers need to be aware of how dangerous and hazardous to someone’s health such substances can be.
HOW:
Inspectors will be looking to ensure those involved with construction projects know the risks, properly plan their work and use the right controls.
For more information see:
Where poor standards are found, enforcement action will be taken.
Follow: To keep up to date with the initiative follow HSE on Facebook (SaferSites) and Twitter using the hashtags #Dustbusters and #WorkRight.
Support: Resources are available to help you take part and show your support. Use the HSE's selfie cards and promote your good practice."
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS ANY POTENTIAL ISSUES ARISING FROM THE ABOVE, PLEASE CONTACT EITHER STEPHEN PEARSON (07913 607252) OR JOHN SNEATH (07824 514894)
