Controlling construction dusts has really hit the headlines as a requirements in recent years – and with good reason. Deaths related to dust inhalation through COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and the effects of exposure to RCS (respirable crystalline silica) are estimated to be in the thousands each year. HSE estimates that over 100 people are estimated to die every week compared to 1 person or less per week from physical risks on construction sites (falling from height and similar).
Controlling dusts is often through simple measures such as water suppression and wearing appropriate masks which have been face fit tested but there are times when you can’t use wet cutting methods – in these circumstances you’ll need to capture the dust at source. The next question is what do you use? The answer is certainly not a Henry vacuum ( as much as we like them and yes, we do have one in the office!).
Effective capture of construction dust needs something intended and designed for that purpose and capable of withstanding rough usage. Using a poorly specified extractor will simply makes things worse – much worse – by capturing the dust only to blow large amounts of the fine dust into the atmosphere for you and all around you to breathe in, not what you want to achieve and something guaranteed to get you some attention from HSE and their Fee for Intervention scheme…
Controlling exposure to construction dusts
Firstly, there is some really good information available from the HSE, primarily in the form of the CIS Sheets; Controlling construction dust with on-tool extraction CIS69 – HSE being your first port of call in this case. This gives a reasonably in-depth summary of what you need to review and consider but for the purpose of this blog we’re going to make things as simple as possible and also aim them at what we think our clients would most like to know.
Capture at source: this means having a hood on the machine connected to your extraction unit which is as close as possible to the cutting /abrading point. It should cover as much of the tool as it can reasonably cover without causing an obstruction as that will make it more effective;
Use the right extraction equipment: this means an industrial vacuum designed for the purpose, there are 3 choices (HML) High, Medium of Low and the choice you make depends on the dust created from high for work which produces hazardous dusts like respirable crystalline silica to low on dusts which are less inherently harmful with plaster and gypsum being good examples;
Remember extraction can’t capture every bit of dust: very fine dust will always find a way to escape and respirable crystalline silica dust is again a good example, it’s so fine even wet cutting won’t reduce it to a safe level and so make sure that you and those trades around you are wearing good quality, face fitted RPE to FFP3 standard. If you need face fit tests then please call us on 01453 800100 and we can arrange this through one of our Fit2Fit Face Fit testers;
Consider neighbouring trades: consider those around you and also those who might have to clean up. Don’t control all of your dust exposure at the time of cutting only to expose everyone when the area is cleaned – use wet capture or clean dust using the same class of vacuum and using the same protective equipment you used for cutting;
Make sure it’s used consistently: even short term exposure is hazardous and build up over time, a bit like noise exposure does. Small repeated exposures without adequate protection build up over a working life to serious health problems and can lead to terrible debilitating diseases like COPD and cancers, so use good practices each and every time, even for short duration work;
Make sure it’s maintained correctly before each use by:
checking it is in good working order (not damaged) before work starts;
following the method of work described in your RAMS (risk assessments / method statements);
using the equipment in the right way. Follow manufacturer’s instructions;
ensuring the captor hood is as close as possible to the work surface;
ensuring the tubing has a good connection to both the captor hood and extraction unit. Use an adaptor if needed, not tape;
emptying the extraction unit regularly. Use the correct disposable waste bags. Seal and place in the right waste container. Do not empty these bags to recycle them;
cleaning the equipment regularly (eg wipe down daily). Do not let dust build up on working parts such as internal motors and associated vents;
Once a week do a more formal look over to check the following;
damage to parts of the system such as the hood or ducting. Repair or replace straight away;
maintaining the extraction unit’s flow of air. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the airflow indicator and any built-in cleaning mechanism work properly. Replace filters when needed;
replacing worn cutting discs.
Once every 14 months have the equipment thoroughly inspected by a competent person, this is known as a Thorough Examination and Test (TExT).
You might be wondering why this post is here, if you are you’re probably not aware of the wide range of clients which we work with!
This post relates to the commercial rather than residential use of these spa’s but if you’re lucky enough to have one at home there are some good points below which are worth being aware of linked to HSE document HSG282 “Control of legionella and other infectious agents in spa-pool systems” published in January 2017.
The simple facts are that these warm agitated pools of water provide a good breeding ground for a number of harmful bacteria; folliculitis, e-coli, viral skin infections and of course legionella. Add to this the risk of droplet inhalation through agitation and the risk increases significantly.
The key risk is that water in these pools is kept at a steady 30-40oC, an ideal temperature for these bacteria to breed in, but don’t forget the other key associated risks such as;
If you’re a user of such equipment ask your hotel or operator if water is changed between rental groups as required by this guidance and check that a robust in line disinfectant feeder has been installed as you cannot rely on direct chemical dosing through tablets.
Health is becoming the central thrust of any HSE visit and with good reason, health causes a huge impact on individuals and a massive strain on our NHS. However, not all safety professionals are aware of these risks well enough to control them and that’s where expert, external, independent advice can be invaluable.
Alveolitis is a condition of the lung caused by the inhalation of the mist created by metal working fluid when machining – particularly at higher speeds.
The Hazards of Metal Working Fluids (MWF) Alveolitis
Exposure to MWF can be hazardous in several ways but dermatitis from skin contact and lung problems from inhalation are the two major issues. Biocides are often introduced into MWF’s to stop bacterial growth and this gives the clue about what can happen to the lungs when a fine mist is inhaled by workers.
Over a period of time workers may develop a number of ill health conditions including;
bronchitis;
irritation of the upper respiratory tract;
occupational asthma;
or, most seriously, extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EEA).
If you use MWF then seek to control exposure by minimising the volume and rate of delivery at the cutting point or seek to capture mist or enclose it within CNC machines. If you use a small bright torch with a focusing beam you may be able to seek where and how mist is rising from the process – we issue these torches for free to our clients so if you need one please ask – we’ve helped many businesses with this simple tool.
Health in construction is a big issue and HSE are pushing hard to get the message out to clients of all sizes that health in construction is a very high risk. The latest figures show that as many as 100 staff per week die from ill health causes through their job – and that’s just the construction sector!
Dusts in construction (RCS), their risks and how to manage them
These talks won’t just give you an understanding of the risk present, they’ll give you clear and workable advice on how to manage them through changes in working practices and tool selection, we’ll also have expert advice from Dust Control UK on what equipment you can use to clean up dusts without exposing your staff and your clients to cancer causing Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS).
We’ll update you on the free course and also put a booking link here as soon as its live on our Eventbrite page, in the meantime feel free to look at these Workers Stories from HSE to give you some useful resources to raise the issue of construction dusts with your staff and click here to see HSE’s latest Health in Construction – The Facts poster HSE;
We’ve carried out many monitoring programmes which have involved exposure to styrene vapour over the past 20 or so years. The substance is in common use and because of this businesses and their staff can sometimes become too familiar with the substance and fail to take adequate precautions.
We also have heard staff assuring us that they don’t need to use protective equipment as they have developed a tolerance or even an immunity to styrene’s effects – wouldn’t it be good if that could ever be the case…
In the case below styrene exposure simply wasn’t guarded against and although HSE Inspectors know that small businesses have pressures on them they quite rightly won’t allow this as an excuse to endanger the health of their employees.
If you need occupation health advice, air monitoring for styrene or any other safety support please speak to your retained advisor or contact us on 01453 800100 to get some sound advice.
Solar panel installer falls through fragile asbestos roof, company fined more than £20,000
Templetown Canopies Limited from Tyneside has been prosecuted over the lack of controls regarding the use of the hazardous substance styrene during the production of fibre glass door and window canopies.
Styrene exposure causes irritation to the nose, throat and lungs and neurological effect including difficulty in concentrating, drowsiness, headaches and nausea.
HSE inspected the company premises in May 2013 issued an Improvement Notice. However, the company did not take action to comply with the Notice until they moved premises in March 2015 failing to adequately control exposure of their employees to styrene.
An extraction system should also have been in place to remove the heavier than air vapours and RPE provided with the correct filters (FFP3) to protect operators.
Employees exposed to styrene vapour for almost 2 years
Templetown Canopies Limited, of Shaftsbury Avenue, South Shields, Tyne and Wear, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 7(1) of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) and was fined £8,500 and ordered to pay costs of £4,500.
Speaking after the hearing HSE Inspector Fiona McGarry said:
“Workers’ health was put at risk from exposure to styrene for a period of 22 months, even after the company had been made aware of the actions it needed to take.
Whilst HSE is sympathetic to the pressures faced by small businesses, this is simply not acceptable. Employers need to take action to ensure they are providing adequate control to protect the health of their employees.”
Having read of a recent case where a company was fined £200,000 plus £27,724 costs for a HAVS incident has made us revisit the vibration issue here in the office.
Each of us already know that the emphasis from HSE and our insurers is now firmly on health as well as safety. We reported nearly two years ago that occupational deafness has become the new whiplash with claims rocketing and payouts of well over £10,000.
Vibration monitoring and assessment
We liken HAVS to COSHH and DSEAR as one of those areas which many of us know that we should tackle head on but we often find a number of other more pressing things we need to do instead – if this is you read on or make contact with your retained consultant to have a 5 minutes chat and find out more.
The truth is that many of us have made a good attempt as assessing our vibration risks and in many cases have felt that it wasn’t quite s bad as we had feared once we had got started. However, as its something most of us don’t tackle every day that familiarity soon wears off and we find ourselves back as square one making he same old excuses. Its also worth remembering that this dates back to the 1990’s and so we have very little in the way of excuses when it comes to defending cases or demonstrating our own safety management qualities to the Board.
Although the risks are certainly real the damage takes a long time to manifest, what we have to remind ourselves of is that this, like occupational deafness, isn’t going to reverse itself and the consequences for the person can be life changing.
You have in essence two choices; complete your own assessments or call in ourselves as external experts to complete this for you. We can often work from manufacturers data and so costs are competitive and even if you do have specific processes which require vibration to work we can always monitor these individually and arrive at not just an answer in terms of exposure but also good advice on how you can control and reduce exposure.
So, don’t stick your head in the sand and hope this will go away or kid yourself that you’ll get around to it soon – if you need help contact us and if you’re too busy to be able to complete internally just ask your consultant, we’ll be glad to help out.
Welding fumes from mild steels, zintec (zinc alloys), stainless steels, brass, aluminium and phospor bronze all carry a significant risk of long term health problems if exposure is not properly controlled. As occupational hygienists and qualified safety consultants we have many years experience of carrying out air sampling surveys to determine occupational exposure to welding fumes and similar substances.
Air sampling – Welding of Galvanized (zinc coated) Products
Welding of galvanized steel is completed in a very similar way to welding of the bare steel of the same composition. The same welding processes, volts, amps, travel speed, etc. can be used with little modification when the switch is made from uncoated steel to galvanized steel, unless the zinc coating is unusually thick.The difference between welding galvanized steel and welding uncoated steel is a result of the low vaporization temperature of the zinc coating. Zinc melts at about 480°C and vaporises at about 900°C. Since steel melts at approximately 1,500 °C and the welding arc temperature is 8,300 to 11,000°C, the zinc that is near the weld is vaporised. By the time the weld pool freezes, the zinc is gone giving rise to two immediate consequences:
The vaporized zinc increases the volume of welding smoke and fumes.
The zinc at and near any welds is actually burned off by the heat of the arc, removing the protective zinc coating.
Sometimes a white dust can be seen following welds and this is typically zinc oxide, inhalation should be avoided.
Welding fumes sampling method
A measured volume of air is drawn through a membrane filter mounted in a sampler, and the mass of fume collected is determined by weighing the filter before and after sampling subject to a period of stabilisation. The difference in weight reflects the mass of the fume collected and this, coupled with the flowrate and time period, enable the fume levels to be quoted as milligrams per cubic metre (mg.m-3).
Use of welding fume data for the assessment of exposure
Compliance with Regulation 6 of the COSHH Regulations will be ensured if the occupational exposure standard for particulate welding fume does not exceed 5 mg.m3, provided exposure to other toxic constituents of the fume which have lower occupational exposure limits are adequately controlled. It follows that where the fume contains one or more toxic constituents which have lower occupational exposure limits the OES of 5 mg.m3 may no longer apply.In these circumstances the exposure to individual constituents of the welding fume may have to be quantified separately. This procedure may be simplified for purposes of assessment and, where appropriate, monitoring under the COSHH Regulations. The total weight, in mg.m3, of welding fume at which each of the components of the fume will reach its occupational exposure limit can be calculated from the consumable suppliers’ fume analysis data.
Welding Fumes- Background Information
Welding fume is a varying mixture of airborne gases and fine particles which if inhaled or swallowed may be a health risk. The degree of risk will depend on:
the composition of the fume;
the concentration of the fume; and
the duration of exposure.
The main health effects are:
(a) IRRITATION OF THE RESPIRATORY TRACT
Gases or fine particles of fume can cause dryness of the throat, tickling, coughing, tightness of the chest and difficulty in breathing.
(b) METAL FUME FEVER
Inhaling many freshly formed metallic oxides, such as those of zinc, cadmium, copper etc., may lead to acute flu-like illness termed metal fume fever. With the exception of exposure to cadmium fume serious complications are rare. The most common cause of metal fume fever is welding galvanised steel.
(c) SYSTEMIC POISONING
Systemic poisoning can result from inhaling or swallowing substances contained in welding fumes such as fluorides, hexavalent chromium, lead, barium and cadmium. The presence of these substances in the fume depends upon the welding process being used and the material being welded.
(d) LONG TERM OR CHRONIC EFFECTS
Inhaling welding fumes can lead to benign X-ray changes, referred to as siderosis. A subject of current concern is whether welders have an increased risk of developing respiratory cancer, as certain constituents of some welding fumes, such as hexavalent chromium and nickel, may be carcinogenic.
ORIGIN AND CONSTITUENTS OF FUME
To evaluate the risk to health from exposure, information is required on the sources of welding fume and gases. Usually more than 90% of particulate welding fume arises from the vaporisation of the consumable electrode or rod. The metal being welded usually dictates the welding process and the consumable used, but it does not itself contribute significantly to the particulate fume composition except at certain operations which include:
(a) welding through metallic coatings, e.g. zinc and cadmium plated materials;
(b) welding through painted surfaces such as those which contain lead compounds;
(c) removal of base metal, e.g. cutting or arc gouging.
Depending on the welding process, gases encountered during welding may be:
(a) fuel gases which are used in gas welding and cutting which on combustion will produce carbon dioxide and in some circumstances carbon monoxide;
(b) shielding gases such as argon, helium, carbon dioxide or mixtures of these gases. These gases may be toxic or asphyxiant;
(c) gases produced by the action of heat upon the welding flux or slag, such as carbon dioxide and monoxide;
(d) gases produced by the action of heat or ultraviolet radiation upon the atmosphere surrounding the welding arc. These may include nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone. Ozone may be formed at some distance from the arc, depending upon the welding process being used and the metal being welded.
FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE COMPOSITION AND CONCENTRATION OF FUMES AND GASES
The quantity and composition of welding fume and gases are influenced by a number of variables, usually dictated by the job requirements. The most important variable is the type of process: however, it does not necessarily follow that exposure to welding fume will be the same for all welders using a similar process. Therefore each welder should be assessed individually in relation to the job that is being carried out. To ensure an adequate assessment of exposure is made it is necessary to consider each of the factors which are relevant to the particular welding operation..
Gas shielded welding
Gas shielded welding uses a continuous solid wire consumable to provide filler metal and form the arc which is protected by an inert gas shield such as argon or helium (MIG (metal inert gas) welding), or an active gas shield such as carbon dioxide or mixtures of gases containing carbon dioxide or oxygen and an inert gas (MAG (metal active gas) welding). Process variables are important: the arc length increases with the current and the mode of metal transfer changes from globular to spray, with a consequent increase in emission of particles and pollutant gases. Another mode of transfer is obtained by using pulsed current conditions, the fume emission rate will depend upon the welding parameters.
Note: when welding aluminium a change to 98% argon gas can help to create cleaner welds and also reduces the generation of Ozone significantly (a respiratory irritant).
THE EFFECT OF WELDING CONSUMABLE ON CONCENTRATION AND COMPOSITION
The type of consumable used, and its chemical composition, will be dictated by the technical demands of the welding process. Various types are available. MIG consumables may consist of a solid bare wire, or copper coated wire and, in the case of FCW, a tubular wire containing flux in-fill. The type of consumable will affect not only the quantity of particulate fume produced, but also its composition.
An adequate assessment of the risk to health from exposure to welding fume needs information on the chemical constituents and their concentration in the fume. Welding fume will usually contain all the chemical elements present in the consumable, although the proportion and toxic nature will have changed as a result of physical and chemical processes which occur during welding. The most important changes concern consumables that contain chromium, such as those used in hardfacing and welding of stainless steel. Chromium metal in arc welding processes oxidises to trivalent chromium compounds but also some conversion to hexavalent chromium may occur. This is important because trivalent and hexavalent chromium have different occupational exposure limits. Trivalent chromium compounds have an OES of 0.5 mg.m3 whereas the ‘guidance value’ given in Table 4 of Guidance Note EH 40 for hexavalent chromium is ten times lower at 0.05 mg.m3. Where hexavalent chromium is present in welding fume it will therefore be the principal substance of hygiene interest.
Stainless steel MIG welding fume usually contains up to 18% chromium but only a small percentage is likely to be present as hexavalent chromium. An adequate assessment of health risk requires information on the chemical constituents and their concentrations produced from a given consumable during a specified process.
The Welding Manufacturers Association has produced a standard format for hazard data sheets for welding consumables to enable their members to comply with their legal obligations under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 Section 6. Most UK manufacturers and suppliers now provide information using this format. The hazard data sheets should include information on chemical analysis of substances of hygiene interest present in the fume produced by the consumable, the appropriate OELs, and an indication of the measures necessary to ensure adequate control.
THE EFFECT OF SURFACE TREATMENT AND PARENT METAL ON COMPOSITION
The composition of the welding consumable is of primary importance in assessment of exposure of welders to fume. In certain circumstances, however, and at specific types of welding operation the surface treatment and composition of the parent metal also need to be considered. Fume from oxygen arc cutting, and flame gouging processes and flame cutting will consist of particulates which are generally similar in composition to the parent metal. Information on the composition of the metal or alloy is important to establish the fume composition and the relevant OEL which will apply. It is likely, although no information is available, that chromium in fume from arc gouging of alloy steels will be present in the hexavalent form and the guidance value of 0.05 mg.m3 for hexavalent chromium will apply.
Surface treatment may include zinc galvanising, cadmium plating or applications of paint primers and sealers. When welding or cutting operations are carried out on coated steels additional constituents of the fume will be formed by the effect of heat on the surface coating. These may include oxides of the metal used for coating, or thermal degradation products from the primer application. Suppliers of coated steels and primer formulations have duties under HSW Act Section 6 to provide information on the composition of the material , the risks and precautions which should be taken during welding. Similarly welding directly on to steel which is coated with oil, to prevent corrosion, can give rise to smoke containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Welding or flame cutting existing steel structures or cutting metal scrap presents particular problems, as the composition of the metal alloy and any surface coating will not be known. Old structures and plant are frequently coated with paint that may contain lead, zinc, chromate or cadmium pigments, which will increase both the quantity and toxicity of the fume emission. Surfaces treated with PVC and/or chlorinated rubber coatings decompose with heat to give fume and gases containing hydrochloric acid and phosgene. In all cases of cutting and welding it is necessary as part of the assessment to determine the composition of any surface treatment, and the metal where appropriate, before work starts, to prevent or control exposure to toxic substances.
Welding certain metals can produce high concentrations of ozone. The predominant pollutant during MIG/MAG welding of aluminium and aluminium alloys is ozone, similarly significant concentrations of ozone are produced during TIG and MIG welding of stainless steel. Ozone is formed by the effect of ultraviolet radiation from the arc on atmospheric oxygen and can be produced some distance from the arc. Effective control of particulate fume emission in certain circumstances can result in significant increase of ozone generation. This is because particulate welding fume may reduce or inhibit emission of UV radiation from the arc.
JOB ASPECTS THAT AFFECT EXPOSURE TO WELDING FUMES
The type of process, size and composition of any consumable used will influence the amount of fume generated and its composition. However, the extent of exposure to welding fume is considerably influenced by the skill of the welder. Changes in current, voltage, welding angle and arc gap can significantly increase or decrease the quantity of fume generated in a given time.
Welding position
The principal welding positions are flat (downhand) horizontal, vertical and overhead. The downhand position is most commonly used and also induces the highest fume levels in the welder’s breathing zone. The welder’s posture in relation to the welding position is also important: exposures of welders in a crouching position are significantly higher than exposures of welders working in a sitting position, and exposure to fume when standing is intermediate between the crouching and sitting position. These differences reflect the proximity of the welder to the welding plume, and every effort should be made to prevent head and shoulder contact with the plume, by changes where practicable to the working position.
Welding location
Equally important is the location of the welding process. In a large workshop and welding on an open structure welding fume and gases will be partially dispersed and diluted by air movement, and although exposure of the welder may be high during arcing the fume and gases do not accumulate in the working area. In a small workroom, or in a space with restricted air movement, fume from welding processes will not disperse so readily, with the resultant increase in average exposure. Work in confined spaces, such as internal welding of process plant or in ship construction, can lead to accumulation of high concentrations of particulate fume, by-product and shield gases, which do not disperse and require the use of efficient ventilation systems to ensure that exposure is adequately controlled and there is no depletion of oxygen of the working atmosphere.
Duration of exposure
Both long term and short term limits relate to the concentration averaged over a specific reference period. For most substances contained in particulate welding fume the averaging period for the occupational exposure limit is eight hours. Exposure to welding fume will be intermittent, the highest exposures occurring during the welding operation, i.e. during arcing or flame cutting. The periods between the actual welding operation should give rise to minimal exposure to fume, although this will depend upon the size of the workshop, the number of welders, their work patterns and effectiveness of control measures and general ventilation. The pattern of work, the arcing time and down time for any individual welder will vary from day to day and similarly duration of exposure and pattern of work will vary significantly between welders although they may be doing similar work. Exposure (to substances hazardous to health) should be calculated according to the approved method, which is reproduced in Appendix 1 of Guidance Note EH 40. Assessment of average exposure becomes very difficult and will require frequent sampling unless the welding operation is of a routine nature, for example production line welding of domestic boilers.
This is a question which has been raised by some clients following a spate of emails circulating on the web. Read on to find out the opinion of our experienced safety consultants and if you have questions or need more advice please call our safety consultancy on 01453 800100.
Below is a copy of the email (in italics) which started this urban myth;
Email Subject: Drinking Bottled Water Kept in Car
…a friend whose mother recently got diagnosed with breast cancer. The doctor told her women should not drink bottled water that has been left in a car. The doctor said that the heat and the plastic of the bottle have certain chemicals that can lead to breast cancer. So please be careful and do not drink that water bottle that has been left in a car and pass this on to all the women in your life.
This information is the kind we need to know and be aware and just might save us!!!!
*The heats causes toxins from the plastic to leak into the water and they have found these toxins in breast tissue. Use a stainless steel canteen or a glass bottle when you can*!
The first alarm bell which rings here and announces this email as something which may not be 100% true is the fact that all materials containing food stuffs must pass stringent tests before being put into use.
However, there is as usual an element of truth, bottles can potentially leach endocrine disruptors into the water which they contain, in this case man made chemicals which have the potential to interfere with the production of reproductive hormones in the body – not cause cancer.
Research on this subject is in its early stages and there may not be a link – more research is needed but it is a potential concern. Some chemical leaching does take place but these are at levels which are minuscule and do not pose a threat to health. Tests have shown them to always be within the limits set within the EU and US authorities. You’re greatest risk is from microbial contamination, particular in the case of still mineral waters which will not have undergone special treatment to reduce these levels.
The bottom line is that single use water bottles are known to be safe and multiple use water bottles are also safe to the best of current knowledge. Nothing is without risk but you should not be concerned by leaving water bottles in cars but you might not want to drink the warm water anyway – unless you’re very thirsty!
Notes
Some concerns have also been raised involving reusable water bottles and the leaching of bisphenol A (BPA). You may now see a number of baby bottles boasting to be BPA free. This is potentially a concern but research continues into this to establish the actual level of risk and its true effects on the human body.
DSEAR, the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations – quite a mouthful and something which very few clients have addressed to the extent that they should.
If the above is true then it might come as a further surprise to you to know (or at least be reminded) that these regulations were introduced and came into force in 2002!
Their purpose is to ensure protection against risks from fire, explosion and similar events arising from dangerous substances used or present in the workplace, and also sets a minimum requirement for the protection of your workers from fire and explosion risks linked to any dangerous substances and potentially explosive atmospheres. Think blasts, fires, burns and suffocation in terms of risks which you are protecting from.
We’ve added some general requirements of the regulations below but you might want to know more from our experts, if you would like to discuss any aspect of DSEAR feel free to call us on 01453 800100 or use the contact links at the bottom of this post.
Key requirements
Assess risks and then decide how best to reduce them;
Put in place suitable procedures/ equipment to deal with the potential for accident and emergencies;
Ensure that you supply your employees with adequate information, instruction, training and supervision;
Classify your areas into zones which must then be marked and suitably protected.
Activities, processes and substances which come under DSEAR
Storage of highly flammable liquids, including petroleum spirit
Storage of flammable goods, such as paints, solvents, reagents
Storage, use and handling of flammable gases, including LPG
Use of flammable gases, such as acetylene, for cutting and welding
Handling and storage of waste dusts from woodworking operations
Handling and storage of flammable wastes including fuel oils
Hot work on tanks or drums that have contained flammable material
Work activities that could release naturally occurring methane
Use of flammable solvents in laboratories
Transport of flammable liquids in containers around the workplace
If you’ve got questions or need support on safety in the industrial, contracting or construction sectors please contact us for sensible and proportionate advice on 01453 800100
You may have noticed these documents floating in on top of a box of items which arrive at your premises or you may be familiar with them from past risk assessments. The truth as to why they’re there is that they’re required by law.
They are the information on which any COSHH risk assessment is based and manufacturers and suppliers are bound by law to make the information contained in them available so that we all have the information needed to decide how best to protect ourselves and others from the substances we use. They’re also useful for comparing a couple of alternative substances and choosing which one is least harmful.
What do I need to know?
One thing which we don’t need to tell you is just how much information is contained in an MSDS – this is where most people say “I must get around to looking at that sometime soon” and nothing much more happens. The truth is that you only need look for some key phrases and in just a few of the 16 sections which make up an MSDS.
Just the facts please!
Think about what questions you need answering;
What are the dangers with using this substance?
What protection do I need to use?
What if an accident occurs, what would my actions be?
What if someone spills this substance, what would I need to do?
It’s all in there…somewhere
Check through the sections, using 1-4 above, this is where you need to look;
Hazards identification – is it corrosive, irritant, harmful?
Exposure controls / personal protection – what PPE do I need to specify?
First aid measures – eye contact, skin contact and so on, its all there.
Handling and storage and disposal considerations – check these two sections for the answers you need.
I think I might give it a go!
Good for you! Bear in mind that your first one will be the hardest. Once you’ve found your feet you’ll be reviewing them in no time.
But what do I do with all this information?
You need to create a COSHH risk assessment. This need not be a lengthy document and it can be simply a part of the risk assessment you complete for a whole task. For example, if you are being exposed to solvent based paints as part of a job which involves painting there’s nothing wrong with completing an assessment which accounts for the whole process – manual handling, fire, sips and trips and so on – COSHH assessment is just a component part. In fact, it might be better way to approach it.
Never mind the quality, feel the width!
Avoid the temptation to bulk out assessments, they won’t be read by the people who use the substance. Keep you risk assessment factual and short.
I could do this but I just don’t have the time and resources
That’s why we’re here! If you need some help over the telephone just call us, there’s no charge. If you would like your consultant to visit and guide you through some of the more difficult ones please let us know as this can also be arranged. Alternatively, if you’d like a specialist from C&G to review everything for you and complete all of your risk assessments for a fixed cost we’d be happy to visit and quote you, just call us on 01453 800100 or visit our contact us page.
Right, I’ve finished. Now what do I do with all these MSDS Sheets?
Keep them on file. Every year or two its good to update them but their most important use is for when you have questions again – this could be when a work process changes. Plus, make sure they’re to hand in case of an accident so you can send a copy with the injured party to inform the medical staff of what exactly has been injected, ingested or inhaled.
Any more questions?
If you have unanswered questions please call one of our safety consultants. We’re here to help on 01453 800100.
Controlling construction dusts has really hit the headlines as a requirements in recent years – and with good reason. Deaths related to dust inhalation through COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and the effects of exposure to RCS (respirable crystalline silica) are estimated to be in the thousands each year. HSE estimates that over 100 people are estimated to die every week compared to 1 person or less per week from physical risks on construction sites (falling from height and similar).
professionals are aware of these risks well enough to control them and that’s where expert, external, independent advice can be invaluable.
Welding fumes from mild steels, zintec (zinc alloys), stainless steels, brass, aluminium and phospor bronze all carry a significant risk of long term health problems if exposure is not properly controlled. As occupational hygienists and qualified safety consultants we have many years experience of carrying out air sampling surveys to determine occupational exposure to welding fumes and similar substances.