SAFETY NEWS
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HSE DUST CAMPAIGN
Unveiling the Hidden Peril
The HSE has recently launched its ‘Dust Kills’ campaign. This initiative highlights the HSE’s dedication to improving workers’ wellbeing by addressing the health risks associated with dust exposure.
Despite its inconspicuous nature, this seemingly harmless by-product poses significant health hazards to workers and the public alike.
Dust, those tiny particles released during various activities, can be detrimental to health. Cutting, grinding, drilling, and demolishing materials like concrete, wood, metal, and masonry release these fine particles into the air, which can cause respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and even life-threatening diseases.
To combat these dangers, we need to implement protective measures and adhere to regulations. Using engineering controls such as water suppression and local exhaust ventilation, providing workers with proper face-fitted Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE), and promoting safe work practices are crucial steps. Equally important is raising awareness and providing training to ensure everyone's safety.
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ARE YOU MANAGING ASBESTOS?
A campaign ('Asbestos and You') has been recently launched by the HSE that focuses of managing asbestos at work. Asbestos related ill health is one of the main causes of work related deaths in the UK.
Despite the use of asbestos containing materials being banned in the UK in 1999, it is still present in many buildings built before this date. If disturbed, asbestos fibres can be released into the air, and any fibres inhaled can enter the lungs and cause serious diseases such as asbestos-related lung cancer, mesothelioma, pleural thickening and asbestosis. Symptoms often develop some 20-30 years later, which makes it hard to determine if ill health has been caused when first exposed.
It is therefore imperative that working with asbestos is carried out safely by trained and competent persons, ensuring safe systems of work are in place and strictly followed.
NEW FIRE LEGISLATION
Fire Safety Act 2021
The Fire Safety Act 2021 received Royal Assent on 29 April 2021 and commenced on 16 May 2022. The Act clarifies that Responsible Persons (RPs) for multi-occupied residential buildings must manage and reduce the risk of fire for the structure and external walls of the building, including cladding, balconies and windows, and entrance doors to individual flats that open into common parts.
Fire Safety (England) Regs 2022
The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 will come into force on 23 January 2023 and apply to England only, and imposes further duties on RPs managing high-rise residential buildings. This includes providing residents with fire safety information and requires formal fire door inspections to be completed by competent persons. The height of the buildings dictate the requirements
