occupational hygiene Archives - Page 3 of 4

Air sampling for exposure to solvents (toluene, xylene and similar)

If you would like to speak to one of our safety consultants or occupational hygienists about an air sampling survey for wood dusts please contact us on 01453 800100. Outsource Safety specialise in Occupational Health and Hygiene consultancy.

Xylene and toluene sampling methods

An activated charcoal badge type dosimeter was used, attached at the lapel. The badge was left exposed for a recorded period and later washed through with a solvent to extract the analyte which is then passed through a gas chromatography instrument to analyse the concentration of particular substances, in this case xylene and toluene were selected.

Xylene – Background Information

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE STANDARDS

8-HOUR TWA: 100 ppm
15-MINUTE REF. PERIOD: 150 ppm
IDENTITY AND PROPERTIES
CAS No: 1330-20-7
EEC No: 601-022-00-9
Formula: C6H4(CH3)2
Synonyms: xylol, dimethylbenzene
Saturated vapour
concentration: about 8000 ppm at 20oC
Boiling point: 137-144 oC
Conversion factor: 1 ppm = 4.34 mg.m-3 at 25oC

Xylene is an aromatic hydrocarbon with a characteristic odour, perceptible at about 1 ppm. Commercial xylene is a mixture of the three xylene isomers and may contain some ethyl benzene. It is a clear, colourless, mobile, fairly volatile fluid, which is insoluble in water and miscible in other organic solvents. Xylene is classified under the CHIP 2 Regulations (1994) as harmful, to be labelled with risk (R) phrases:

R10: FLAMMABLE
R20/21: HARMFUL BY INHALATION AND IN CONTACT WITH SKIN
R38: IRRITATING TO SKIN

OCCURRENCE AND USE

Xylene is produced mainly from crude oil in the UK, but some also arises from coking processes. It is a component of petrol and hydrocarbon solvent mixtures; and is used in chemical manufacture and as a solvent. Individual isomers are raw materials for making terephthalic acid and phthalic anhydride. It is a carrier solvent for surface coatings (e.g. paints, adhesives, pesticides) supplied for commercial and domestic use.

EXPOSURE

Many thousands of workers may be potentially exposed to xylene, with more than 10 000 user-firms in the UK. Typically, exposures to xylene vapours are controlled to below 50 ppm where xylene is used as a chemical precursor and in the manufacture and use of formulated products. Higher exposures may occur in spray-painting large items, printing, and using xylene-containing products in confined spaces; in these circumstances respiratory protective equipment is worn. Short-term exposures up to 500 ppm have been reported in machine-cleaning operations.

MEASUREMENT

Long-term monitoring is performed by pumped sampling with solvent desorption or by diffusive sampling and thermal desorption {Methods for the determination of hazardous substances MDHS 66 (Rev) MIXED HYDROCARBONS (C5 TO C10) IN AIR – LABORATORY METHOD USING POROUS POLYMER DIFFUSION SAMPLERS, THERMAL DESORPTION AND GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY ISBN 0 7176 0867 0 HSE Books (1995)} and gas chromatographic determination. Measurement of the urinary metabolite methyl hippuric acid is a suitable biological indicator of uptake.

METABOLISM

Xylene vapour is rapidly absorbed through the respiratory tract. It is also absorbed by skin contact, and penetrates many materials used for protective clothing. Over 90% of the absorbed dose is metabolised and excreted in the urine as methyl hippuric acid. A small proportion (5%) is exhaled in the breath.

HEALTH EFFECTS

Animal studies

Exposure to high concentrations of xylene has been shown to cause hearing loss and enlargement of kidneys and liver, due to high metabolic demand. Toxicity to reproduction has been observed, but only at or near levels which are maternally toxic. Xylene gave negative results in carcinogenicity and various mutagenicity tests.

Human data

Minimal eye, nose and throat irritation has been reported at levels down to 100 ppm for 30 minutes, and this can also arise with brief exposures at slightly higher levels. The principal effects known in humans are on the central nervous system. Exposure at 300 ppm affected the sense of balance, caused visual disturbances and slowed reaction-times and some effects were seen at 200 ppm; but exposure to 160 ppm over 4 hours caused no significant adverse health effects. At around 700 ppm for up to 1 hour, headache, dizziness and nausea occur. The isomeric composition of xylene is not considered an important factor in its health effects.

BASIS FOR SETTING THE LIMIT

The critical health effects are irritation and central nervous system effects. The irritant effects reported at 100 ppm appear to be minimal and this was considered to be a no-effect level. In view of these irritancy effects an occupational exposure standard was set at 100 ppm (8-hour TWA). Since irritant effects can arise with even brief exposures at higher levels a short-term OES was set at 150 ppm (15-minute reference period). The limits apply to o-, m- or p- isomers of xylene, or mixtures thereof. A ‘Skin’ notation was considered appropriate to indicate the potential for absorption by this route.

Toluene – Background Information

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE STANDARDS

8-HOUR TWA: 50 ppm
15-MINUTE REF. PERIOD: 150 ppm
NOTATION: SKIN
IDENTITY AND PROPERTIES
CAS No: 108-88-3
EEC No: 601-021-00-3
Formula: C6H5CH3
Synonyms: toluol, methyl benzene
Saturated vapour
concentration: about 30 000 ppm at 25oC
Boiling point: 110.6oC
Conversion factor: 1 ppm = 3.75 mg.m-3 at 25oC

Toluene is an aromatic hydrocarbon with the typical sweet/pungent odour of such substances and an odour threshold around 3 ppm. It is a clear, colourless, mobile, volatile liquid which is insoluble in water and miscible with most organic solvents. Toluene is classified under the CHIP 2 Regulations (1994) as highly flammable and harmful, to be labelled with risk (R) phrases:

R11: HIGHLY FLAMMABLE
R20: HARMFUL BY INHALATION

OCCURRENCE AND USE

Toluene occurs naturally in crude oils and is now produced by catalytic reforming of petroleum feedstocks. About 150 000 tonnes per annum are used in the UK. Toluene has widespread use in the production of a range of industrial chemicals, and as a solvent in adhesives, including rubber solutions, coatings and printing inks. It is a common component of many mixed petroleum hydrocarbon solvents.

EXPOSURE

A large number of workers are potentially exposed to toluene. Processes at which exposure to toluene is well-controlled are in the petrochemical sector; exposures are fairly well controlled in the footwear industry (adhesives), silk-screen printing, chemicals production, paint manufacture and decorating industries. In each case mean exposures are less than 15 ppm with more than 96 % of samples less than 100 ppm. Poorly controlled processes include rubber-coating, machine-cleaning, and general adhesives uses, where mean exposures range from 15 to 89 ppm with only around two thirds of samples less than 100 ppm. High short-term exposures can be experienced at liquid transfer points and during manual cleaning. There is a potential for domestic exposure from paint and adhesives.

MEASUREMENT

Short-term measurement can be performed by colorimetric detector tubes, and continuous monitoring is with meters, but these may not be selective for toluene. Long-term measurement is by pumped sampling onto charcoal with solvent desorption, {Methods for the determination of hazardous substances MDHS 36 (Rev) TOLUENE IN AIR – LABORATORY METHOD USING PUMPED CHARCOAL ADSORPTION TUBES, SOLVENT DESORPTION AND GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY ISBN 0 11 885960 9 HSE Books (1990)} or diffusive sampling with thermal or solvent desorption, {Methods for the determination of hazardous substances MDHS 40 (Rev) TOLUENE IN AIR – LABORATORY METHOD USING PUMPED POROUS POLYMER ADSORBENT TUBES, THERMAL DESORPTION AND GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY ISBN 0 11 885961 7 HSE Books (1990)} and gas chromatographic determination. Biological assessment of toluene exposure is by measuring blood-toluene at the shift-end.

METABOLISM

Toluene is readily absorbed by the respiratory tract, and is also absorbed through the skin. It is rapidly distributed, accumulating to some extent in fat and also the liver, brain and lung. Some toluene is exhaled: otherwise it is metabolised to hippuric acid and o-cresol, which are excreted in urine over an extended period.

HEALTH EFFECTS

Animal studies

Inhalation studies showed narcosis at 10 000 ppm, following central nervous system effects. In repeated studies at high exposures, kidney and liver damage occurred, with no effects at 200 ppm. It is difficult to form firm conclusions on findings that exposure to toluene may cause hearing or eyesight impairment.

IN VIVO and IN VITRO studies show toluene is unlikely to be carcinogenic or mutagenic. Toluene only showed teratogenic effects at high doses.

Human data

The principal effects are on the central nervous system with impaired reaction times and vigilance reported for exposures to 200 or 240 ppm for 3 to 7 hours, and dizziness, headache and fatigue reported following exposure at 50 to 100 ppm for 4 to 8 hours. Although longer term effects on the central nervous system have been claimed, there is no substantive evidence that they occur following repeated exposures between 50 and 200 ppm. Toluene vapour is irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract, with no effects being reported at 80 ppm. The liquid irritates the skin. There are no data on carcinogenic effects in humans.

BASIS FOR SETTING THE LIMIT

The critical health effect is upon the central nervous system. A level could be identified which was unlikely to be injurious to employees, and an occupational exposure standard was set at 50 ppm (8-hour TWA) on this basis. However, this implies a need to introduce improvements in control in some industry sectors. A short-term OES was set at 150 ppm (15-minute reference period) which would minimise short-term effects such as irritation. A ‘Skin’ notation was considered appropriate.

Posted by Roger Hart

Benzene in cars and other vehicles

We have completed this guidance in response to the recent spate of emails which have raised serious concerns about the levels of benzene which can building up within cars and other vehicles left in hot weather. In common with most of these types of emails there is an element of truth to this statement but what is the true story? Read on to find out.

Starting with the basics, it’s true that benzene is a toxic chemical known to produce a variety of ill health effects, including anaemia and cancer (specifically leukaemia) in humans. Benzene occurs naturally (typically as a component of crude oil) and you’ll also find it used in a range of products as a solvent (plastics, synthetic fibres, dyes, glues, detergents and drugs). It’s also a constituent of tobacco smoke and it present in petrol and petrol exhaust fumes.

Low levels of benzene are often present in outdoor air due to vehicles exhausts and industrial emissions. Vapours containing measurable levels of benzene are emitted by household products such as glues, paints, and furniture wax as products ‘gas off’. Due to this effect even higher levels of benzene can sometimes be found indoors, especially in new buildings with new fixtures and fittings.

Benzene in cars

Given the evidence above we have to conclude that dashboards, door panels, seats, and other interior components do emit benzene, as claimed in the email. In most cars these items will be made from plastics, synthetic fabrics and glues, some of which will have been manufactured using benzene may therefore “off-gas” trace amounts of benzene, particularly under hot conditions.

Scientific research

Most published studies where benzene levels have been measured inside vehicles have been done under typical driving conditions, i.e. in traffic. While such studies have found that benzene levels can significantly exceed those outside the vehicle and could pose a human health hazard, this is mainly attributed to the presence of exhaust fumes from other traffic.

Also, the amounts of benzene actually detected by researchers were significant but were far lower than the amounts that have been stated in these emails. A 2006 study reported in-vehicle benzene levels from exhaust fumes ranging from .013 mg to .56 mg per cubic meter — a far cry from the 400 mg to 4,000 mg reported.

Benzene levels in parked cars

In the one study found that took measurements of benzene levels inside parked cars with their engines turned off, the results were more benign. Toxicologists took samples of the air inside both a new and a used vehicle, under simulated hot-sunlight conditions, measuring the levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including C3- and C4-alkylbenzenes, and exposing human and animal cells to the samples to determine their toxicity. Despite the detectable presence of VOCs (a total of 10.9 mg per cubic meter in the new car and 1.2 mg per cubic meter in the old car), no toxic effects were observed. Apart from noting the slight possibility that allergy-prone individuals might find their condition exacerbated by exposure to such compounds, the study concluded there is “no apparent health hazard of parked motor vehicle indoor air.”

When in doubt, ventilate

Despite this finding, some drivers may still be concerned about the presence of any benzene vapours inside their car, especially given the World Health Organization’s stated position that there is “no safe level of exposure” to the carcinogen. They may also worry that turning on the vehicle’s air conditioner might exacerbate their exposure to trapped toxins by recirculating contaminated air. If that’s the case, there’s no harm done — and much peace of mind to be gained — by simply opening the windows and ventilating the car before turning it on.

Posted by Roger Hart

Choosing a dust mask

We often have questions regarding which mask should be used and so thought a very quick summary here would be useful.

In general, filtering face masks used for dusts and similar can be categorised into three types all with an FFP number.

FFP1 for simple dusts such as nuisance and soft wood dusts
FFP2 for more hazardous dusts such as grinding, powder painting or respirable cystalline silica
FFP3 for hazardous dusts which also involve some vapours and gases which are hazardous to health (a good example here would be welding fumes)

One of the key failing when we review the use of face masks is how people wear them and you should, since November 2002 in fact, be testing the fit of these items to ensure they are effective – this is known as fit testing.

Many people do not fit masks well and do not even press the metal strip fixed around the nose of the mask to get a good seal – if a mask is to protect you this is essential. A second common error is keeping the mask at the point of work uncovered – perhaps on a work bench. This will allow the mask to collect exactly what it should be protecting you from and allow you to inhale it as soon as you use it! Always keep RPE in a sealed container or bag to prevent this type of contamination.

More information is supplied below on the new APF figures. These allow you, once occupational hygienists, such as ourselves, have completed an appropriate air sampling survey, to select an item of RPE which will adequately protect you and your staff from harm (see graphic to the right for more information). The APF is an allowance over which the mask will protect you;

For example; the allowable limit for hard and soft wood dusts is currently 5 mg per cubic metre. In your workplace an occupational hygienist such as one of our safety consultants may measure the dust level at 3 times this amount, 15 mg per m3. In that case you would need to seek an APF (assigned protection factor) of at least 3. This would put you in the typical 4-10 or 4-20 range.

One final point concerns the amount of time which a mask will last before requiring replacement, this can be summarised as follows;

For particulate (dusts) when breathing become more difficult the mask will be partially blocked and should be replaced
For gases and vapours the mask should be replaced when you detect ‘breakthrough’ i.e. when you can detect through smell or taste the item against which you should be protected be that a solvent or other substance.

As a general rule, disposable masks should be disposed of daily and reusable half face respirators should have their filters changed at least monthly.

If you would like to speak to an experienced occupational hygienist about this please contact us on 01453 800100

Posted by Roger Hart

Air sampling for exposure to isocyanate (MDI, TDI and similar isocyanates)

If you would like to speak to one of our safety consultants or occupational hygienists about an air sampling survey for isocyanate exposure please contact us on 01453 800100.

ISOcyanate air sampling method

The methods closely follows the recommendations of HSE MDHS 25/3 and the principle is as follows;

A measured volume of air is drawn through a glass fibre filter impregnated with 1-(2-methoxyphenyl) piperazine mounted in a sampler and attached in the breathing zone of the exposed worker. The Methylene Di-isocyanate (MDI) is held on the filter for subsequent High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis using ultraviolet and electrochemical detection. The results of this analysis, coupled with the flow rate and time period, enable the exposure levels to be quoted as milligrams per cubic metre (mg.m-3) for application to the exposure limit published in HSE Document EH40/2001.

ISOCYANATES

all (as -NCO)

MAXIMUM EXPOSURE LIMITS

8-HOUR TWA: 0.02mg.m-3

15-MINUTE REF. PERIOD: 0.07mg.m-3

NOTATION: SENSITISER

IDENTITY AND PROPERTIES

Isocyanate is the functional group (-NCO) which occurs in a number of substances and their reaction mixtures. The saturated vapour concentration at 25oC varies with the substance; refer to manufacturers data sheet.

Conversion factors:

di-isocyanate 1 ppm = 3.44mg.m-3 -NCO at 25oC

isocyanate 1 ppm = 1.72mg.m-3 -NCO at 25oC

Isocyanates react rapidly with all substances having ‘available hydrogen’. This includes alcohols, amines and amide groups in proteins. Isocyanates are soluble in many organic solvents and decompose at varying rates in water. Substances carrying the isocyanate group are not detectable by smell until many times the exposure limit (for example, TDI odour threshold is about 30 times the MEL).

OCCURRENCE AND USE

Organic isocyanates may arise from burning polyurethane. Only MDI is produced in the UK, by reacting methylene dianiline with phosgene in a closed process; other isocyanates are imported. About 60,000 tonnes per annum of isocyanates are used in the UK, of which about half is used for polyurethane foam, and the rest for surface coatings (paints, lacquers, inks, adhesives), foundry core binders and synthetic rubbers.

EXPOSURE

The number of persons who may be occupationally exposed to isocyanate is not known. In general, exposure can be minimised by using isocyanate prepolymers of low volatility. Control measures such as suitable extraction ventilation and use of airline breathing apparatus are needed where isocyanate aerosols or significant vapour concentrations may occur.

Exposures above 0.02 mg.m-3 isocyanate may be experienced in spray-painting large articles, with exposures briefly exceeding 0.06 mg.m-3, Respiratory protective equipment is required for these processes. In most foam plants, exposure is controlled to below 0.01 mg.m-3 isocyanate. Molten MDI can give rise to high exposures if the fume is not extracted.

MEASUREMENT

Methods based on air sampling through bubbler solutions and subsequent instrumental or colorimetric analysis are detailed in MDHS 25.

METABOLISM

The main exposure route is by inhalation of vapour, aerosol mist or dust. Isocyanate reacts rapidly with respiratory tract surfaces; its further metabolic fate is not known.

HEALTH EFFECTS (Human data)

The isocyanate group (-NCO) is the functional group which causes the adverse health effect. Heavy exposure has been associated with bronchitis. There have been numerous reports on asthma due to isocyanates, but the levels which can induce sensitisation are unknown although there are anecdotal reports suggesting that peak exposures may be important. Sensitised individuals may react with severe asthmatic symptoms at very low concentrations of isocyanate, in some cases below 0.02 ppm. The development of sensitisation may occur within months of exposure, or only after years of symptom-free exposure. Sensitisation may result in the development of bronchial hyper-reactivity, and the affected individual responds to non-specific stimuli such as cold air and exercise. In these individuals, recovery may not follow cessation of exposure. Health surveillance is appropriate. {EH 16 ISOCYANATES: TOXIC HAZARDS AND PRECAUTIONS ISBN 0 11 883581 5 HSE Books (1984)}

BASIS FOR SETTING THE LIMIT

The critical health effect of isocyanates is respiratory sensitisation and in the absence of dose-response data a no-adverse-effect level cannot be established. Consequently a maximum exposure limit was considered appropriate. This was set at 0.02 mg.m-3 (8-hour TWA) isocyanate, with a 15-minute reference period MEL set at 0.07 mg.m-3 isocyanate.

Posted by Roger Hart

COSHH – Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) – a guide

Introduction

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.

Posted by Roger Hart

COSHH Risk Assessments | Do they apply to your business?

Only if you use chemicals in your workplace. Things like washing up liquid and bleach don’t need assessing but your staff should still be informed of the correct way to use them.

Assessment is the responsibility of the employer. Persons preparing the assessment will need to have access to, and understand, COSHH related legislation, Codes of Practice and published guidance. They will need to be competent to carry through the work of assessment and consult with the workforce and inform them of results accordingly.

Assessment is a step-by-step approach: Identify what hazards there are then evaluate the risks to people. For significant risks, decide on the action needed to remove or reduce them to insignificant levels.

COSHH Risk Assessments | Do they apply to your business?

COSHH risk assessments need to meet the requirements of The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. So, in simple terms, your risk assessments need to be completed in ‘Sections’ ensure that you meet the requirements.

These may be broken down as follows:-

Date of assessment and review date – You should always have a review date even if the substance or method of using it isn’t going to change.
The Substance name, and a description of the process in which the substance is used.
You also need to list the hazardous properties of the substance, and any information on the possible health effects of using it.
A simple statement of the level, type and duration of exposure to the substance, and any relevant Occupational Exposure Standards should be included.
You need to show how effective is your use of the preventative and control measures that you have put into place.
If you use chemicals that could cause sensitisation or irritation to the skin, or substances that can be breathed into the lungs, or can be absorbed through the skin then some form of Health Surveillance will need to be carried out. You will need to detail the type and results of this surveillance which could take the form of questionnaires as well as biological monitoring.
If you use higher risk substances such as isocyanates or chromate based paints then the results of biological monitoring should be available for inspection by the Health & Safety Executive and it should be stated in the assessment that this is the case and you must retain these records for at least 30 years.
If you use substances in combination then the risk presented by the mixture should be stated.
Explain also how you will address the issues of Information, Instruction and Training for persons exposed.

Finally, all employees should read and understand the details of the risk assessments. All employees should receive instruction in relation to the substance involved and to the work processes in which it is used from a competent person. Employees could, for example, attend a suitable awareness course related to the substances, the hazards to which they give rise to, and the preventative and control measures necessary for their protection. The proper fitting, use and care of PPE should be included in the content of this training as should relevant emergency measures such as fire fighting, spill control, and the recognition of symptoms related to exposure and first aid measures.

A record should be kept to this effect in the personnel file for the employees concerned Instruction and training should be reviewed annually or whenever the risk changes and records re?made.

As always, if you have questions related to specific COSHH assessments please call one of our safety consultants for advice and support on 01453 800100.

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 800 100

Posted by Roger Hart

COSHH Health Surveillance

Introduction

Health surveillance is a subject which is not commonly addressed by SME organisations but one which can have an important role in managing the health and safety of your employees and also in controlling any civil liability which might arise from claims related to workplace health.

Perhaps the most common example would be audiometric testing for high noise level environments, most people know of a business which uses these tests but what about other workplace health problems such as dermatitis (shown right) and respiratory problems?

By taking a quick look through the hazard data sheets of the substances to which your staff are exposed your are likely to come across a range of products which refer to the potential for dermatitis and some which refer to skin or respiratory sensitisation (Risk Phrases R42 / R43).

The Case for Health Surveillance

Should you have identified substances which do carry these types of risks it is very likely that your risk assessments have identified the need to staff to wear gloves or other PPE or perhaps your have put in extraction systems or, best of all, eliminated or at least reduced exposure.

However, it is likely that some exposure will still occur, staff don’t always use all of the precautions which we would wish them to do as they are, after all, human. Health surveillance will give you evidence that staff who are protecting themselves remain healthy and for those who might be prone to take more chances with their health it can give an early warning of future problems, for example;

A staff member experiences skin problems which are worse during the winter months (when wind, wet and rain could put skin under additional stress). They put this down to the weather and a host of other factors when the root cause is exposure to a hazardous substance without using their gloves. You carry on assuming that all staff are working without problems when, in the background, these unprotected exposures are growing into a health problem which could result in months away from the workplace, a RIDDOR reportable workplace disease and perhaps even a civil claim. Health surveillance should have raised this issue through the completion of a simple annual questionnaire allowing you to act at an early stage.

Legal Requirements for Health Surveillance

The Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 Regulation 11 (COSHH) requires employers to implement a system of health surveillance where:

The exposure of the employee to a substance hazardous to health is such that identifiable disease or adverse health effect may be related to the exposure;
There is a reasonable likelihood that the disease or effect may occur under the particular conditions of the work;
There are valid techniques for detecting indications of the disease or effect.

When Should Health Surveillance be Applied

The best time to start is when you first employ a new member of staff. They will most likely have experience of your industry and the substances which you use but what of their previous employer? Will they have taken safety as seriously as you? This person could have received exposure to hazardous chemicals for years and so make sure they do not exhibit any symptoms of skin or respiratory sensitisation (contacting you HR advisor is recommended at this point).

How can we implement Health Surveillance

You may be surprised to hear that you are probably implanting a level of health surveillance already. If you have surveyed your staff regarding the Display Screen Equipment regulations and their comfort whilst using computers you have completed health surveillance.

Whilst it would be true to say that a questionnaire will not be appropriate in every situation it will suffice for the majority of circumstances. Once you have identified any issues you can flag those staff with concerns for further investigation but this can take the form of finding out more from them and what the causes could be before sending them to an occupational health specialist or their local GP.

What should my next steps be?

A responsible person can be trained to make basic checks such as skin inspections for first signs of redness and could, for example, be a supervisor, employee representative or a first aider.

For more complicated assessments such as medicals fitness for specific jobs, lung function tests, hearing tests etc, an Occupational Health Nurse can perform the assessment and do various examinations. Some jobs may only require the employee to fill in a questionnaire which can then be screened. This is normally done for new employees to ensure fitness for the type of post but can also be done periodically for jobs with specific hazards. For more complicated procedures, an Occupational Health Physician may be required.

Common Examples of health surveillance

Tasks	Type of surveillance
DSE Use	Vision Screening Muscular Assessment Workstation Assessment
Drivers	OH Assessment
Manual Handling work	OH Assessment or questionnaire
Noise	Hearing test if exposure at levels of 80Db or above
Vibration	Self reporting examination or questionnaire + OH examination if required
Asbestos, lead, compressed air	OH assessment
Substances Hazardous to Health: Chemicals, vapours, solvents, fumes Dusts, gases, aerosols Biological agents	Varies depending on substance: Self reporting OH assessment Respiratory function tests Skin surveillance Blood test Urine tests
Ionising Radiations	Dosimetry Personal monitoring
Laser users	Eye examination
Confined spaces – use of respirators	OH medical
Pregnant workers	OH assessment or questionnaire
Night work	OH assessment or questionnaire

Health Records

Where any health information is written such, lung function tests, records have to be kept for a minimum of 40 years, typically by the Occupational health provider.

We trust that the above provides a useful summary and food for thought but if you have further questions we here to help, just call 01453 800 100 to speak to an expert COSHH Safety Consultant to guide you through your specific requirements.

Posted by Roger Hart

Fire Safety – Assessing the means of escape

Fire risk assessment – assessing the means of escape

The range of workplaces covered by these regulations is huge and so the following information is intended as a guide to get you started on an assessment. Our advice is to get expert help from one of our experienced safety consultants conducting a fire risk assessment at your premises, please call us on 01453 800100 or contact us for more information on our safety consultancy and fire risk assessment / fire risk audit services.

Please note that in some cases, it may be necessary to provide additional means of escape or to improve the fire protection of existing escape routes. At this point you should consult the fire authority and, where necessary, your local building control officer before carrying out any alterations. The distances given below should ensure that people are able to escape within the appropriate period of time. You can of course use actual calculated escape times but should do so only after consulting a fire safety consultant with appropriate training and expertise in this field.

Fire risk categories for assessing the means of escape

In general, most workplaces can be categorised as high, normal or low risk. Examples of the type of workplace or areas within workplaces likely to fall within these categories are:

High

Where highly flammable or explosive materials are stored or used (other than in small quantities).
Where unsatisfactory structural features are present such as:
lack of fire-resisting separation;
vertical or horizontal openings through which fire, heat and smoke can spread;
long and complex escape routes created by extensive subdivision of large floor areas by partitions, or the distribution of display units in shops or machinery in factories; and
large areas of flammable or smoke-producing surfaces on either walls or ceilings.
Where permanent or temporary work activities are carried out which have the potential for fires to start and spread such as:
workshops in which highly flammable materials are used, e.g. paint spraying;
areas where the processes involve the use of naked flame, or produce excessive heat;
large kitchens in works canteens and restaurants;
refuse and waste disposal areas; and
areas where foamed plastics or upholstered furniture are stored.

or, where there is a significant risk to life in case of fire, such as where:

sleeping accommodation is provided for staff, the public or other visitors in significant numbers;
treatment or care is provided where the occupants have to rely upon the actions of limited numbers of staff for their safe evacuation;
there is a high proportion of elderly or infirm people, or people with temporary or permanent physical or mental disabilities, who need assistance to escape;
groups of people are working in isolated parts of the premises such as basements, roof spaces, cable ducts and service tunnels etc; and
large numbers of people are present relative to the size of the premises (e.g. sales at department stores) or in other circumstances where only a low level of assistance may be available in an emergency (e.g. places of entertainment and sports events).

Normal

Where any outbreak of fire is likely to remain confined or only spread slowly, allowing people to escape to a place of safety.
Where the number of people present is small and the layout of the workplace means they are likely to be able to escape to a place of safety without assistance.
Where the workplace has an effective automatic warning system, or an effective automatic fire-extinguishing, -suppression or -containment system, which may reduce the risk classification from high risk.

Low

Where there is minimal risk to people’s lives and where the risk of fire occurring is low, or the potential for fire, heat and smoke spreading is negligible.
The work you have done on assessing the risks and reducing the risk of fire occurring, together with the knowledge you have gained about the location of people at risk, should generally provide you with the information you need to establish the risk category or categories of your workplace.

General principles for escape routes

Other than in small workplaces, or from some rooms of low or normal fire risk, there should normally be alternative means of escape from all parts of the workplace. Routes which provide means of escape in one direction only (dead-end) should be avoided wherever possible as this could mean that people have to move towards a fire in order to make their escape. Escape routes should be independent of one another and arranged so that people can move away from a fire in order to make their escape and should always lead to a place of safety. Remember that they should also be wide enough for the number of occupants and should not normally reduce in width and be kept clear of obstruction at all times.

Evacuation times and length of escape routes

The aim is, from the time the fire alarm is raised, for everyone to be able to reach a place of relative safety, i.e. a storey exit (see ‘Technical terms relating to means of escape’), within the time available for escape.The time for people to reach a place of relative safety should include the time it takes them to react to a fire warning.

This will depend on a number of factors including:

what they are likely to be doing when the alarm is raised, e.g. sleeping, having a meal etc;
what they may have had to do before starting to escape, e.g. turn off machinery, help other people etc; and
their knowledge of the building and the training they have received about the routine to be followed in the event of fire.
Where necessary, you can check these by carrying out a practice drill.

To ensure that the time available for escape is reasonable, the length of the escape route from any occupied part of the workplace to the storey exit should not exceed:

Where more than one route is provided

25 metres – high-fire-risk area;
45 metres – normal-fire-risk area;
60 metres – low-fire-risk area.

Where only a single escape route is provided

12 metres – high-fire-risk area;
18 metres – normal-fire-risk area (except production areas in factories);
25 metres -low-fire-risk area.

Where the route leading to a storey exit starts in a corridor with a dead-end, then continues via a route which has an alternative, the total distance should not exceed that given above for ‘Where more than one route is provided’. However, the distances within the ‘dead-end portion’ should not exceed those given for ‘Where only a single escape route is provided’.

People with disabilities

You may need to make special arrangements for staff with disabilities, which should be developed in consultation with the staff themselves. British Standard 5588: Part 8 gives guidance and provides full information.

Premises providing residential care and/or treatment

The distances shown in the paragraphs above may not be suitable for workplaces providing residential care – you should seek specialist advice from your fire safety consultant in this situation.

Number and width of exits

There should be enough available exits, of adequate width, from every room, storey or building. The adequacy of the escape routes and doors can be assessed on the basis that:

a doorway of no less than 750 millimetres in width is suitable for up to 40 people per minute (where doors are likely to be used by wheelchair users the doorway should be at least 800 millimetres wide); and
a doorway of no less than 1 metre in width is suitable for up to 80 people per minute.
Where more than 80 people per minute are expected to use a door, the minimum doorway width should be increased by 75 millimetres for each additional group of 15 people.

For the purposes of calculating whether the existing exit doorways are suitable for the numbers using them, you should assume that the largest exit door from any part of the workplace may be unavailable for use. This means that the remaining doorways should be capable of providing a satisfactory means of escape for everyone present.

Inner rooms

You should avoid situations where the only escape route for people in an inner room is through one other room (the access room). The exception to this is where the people in the inner room can be quickly made aware of a fire in the outer one and this is not an area of high fire risk. Where there is no automatic fire detection system, it may be reasonable to provide a self-contained smoke alarm which is solely within the access room, as long as it is clearly audible within the inner room.

Corridors

Corridors should generally be a minimum of 1 metre wide (although wheelchair users will need a width of 1.2 metres and a width of 1.5 metres is preferable). The doors should be aligned with the walls of the rooms so that the floor area is effectively divided into two or more parts. To avoid having to travel long distances in corridors affected by smoke, those corridors which are more than 30 metres long (45 metres in offices and factories) should be subdivided into approximately equal parts by providing, close-fitting, self-closing fire doors.

Where a corridor only leads in one direction, or serves sleeping accommodation, it should be constructed of fire-resisting partitions and self-closing fire doors (this does not apply to toilets).

If you would like assistance with any aspect of fire risk assessment please call one of our expert fire safety consultants on 01453 800100. We can complete a comprehensive fire risk assessment / fire risk audit for your workplace, just contact us to find out more.

Posted by Roger Hart

Storage of petrol and diesel fuel in the workplace

Important: Please note that we do not provide advice on this issue unless you are a retained client under our Safety~net support scheme. if you’d like to explore the benefits of membership please contact us or request a callback.

Guidance on Storage of petrol

Many businesses store quantities of petrol fuel within the workplace. They could be for plant and equipment used on site such as lift trucks, or for maintenance needs, strimmers, lawnmowers and the like. However, you are storing a highly flammable substance and certain precautions are required but what are they?

Since the introduction of DSEAR (Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations), there are no longer any specific controls over the storage of petrol at workplace sites other than at petrol filling stations. However, you will need to follow the requirements of DSEAR as petrol is classified as a ‘dangerous substance.’

Key requirements for the safe storage of petrol

If the petrol is being stored in a place which is also a workroom then no more than 50 litres of highly flammable liquids should be stored – this is a general requirement which applies as much to thinners or any other highly flammable liquids as it does to petrol.

If the storage area is not a workroom, then DSEAR also requires, as far as is reasonably practicable, risks from ‘dangerous substances’ are controlled and to mitigate against the effects of any fire or explosion arising from these dangerous substances. This means conducting a risk assessment and recording its findings then acting on them. Identifying how you can reduce risks to a minimum – look at the storage area to ensure that:

It does not have any sources of ignition and none should be bought into the area (compressors, electrical switching)
It should be properly ventilated (large vents in doors and on one outside wall would be good practice)
It should be secure (padlocked and not able to be accessed except by authorised persons – consider arson risks also)
Refilling of equipment should preferably take place in the open air and away from sources of ignition (you could refill on hard standing outside and clear of the building – something your insurers will appreciate as well as the environment)
Care is taken to avoid spills and the consequences of a leak or spill is assessed(could a spillage leak to surface water drains – the consequences could be serious for the environment and your business)
Containers should be kept closed when not in use.

Storing diesel

There are no specific legal requirements on how to store diesel or the quantity allowed either in workplaces or domestic premises. It is not, from a health and safety point of view, a particularly hazardous substance within the meaning of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 – its vapour flash point is too high. This means that its vapour will not ignite at normal room temperatures.

That said, there are some general issues you’ll need to take into account:

no ‘hotwork’ should be performed on the vessel unless it is emptied and purged of any remaining vapour.
the drum should be positioned away from any source of direct heat.
the drum should be located in an area where there is no risk of collision with vehicles, fork-lift trucks etc. (diesel splashing onto a hot engine will probably ignite).
leaks and spills should be contained to the vicinity of the drum and mopped up quickly, to lessen the risk of slipping.
refilling and dispensing activities need to take account of manual handling issues etc.

While diesel is not a particularly dangerous substance from a health and safety point of view, it is an environmental hazard, with considerable clean-up costs if it should leak into a drain, watercourse or the soil. You may, therefore, wish to contact the Environment Agency for further information.

More good advice on safe storage of petrol

Cans and drums can provide an adequate means of storing petrol. When considering this method of storage remember to take into account the method by which the petrol will be used or disposed of and whether the use of small containers increases the overall risks and handling problems during their filling and emptying (think about manual handling). Where you need to store larger quantities than 300litres you should consider installing tanks and referring to the more detailed advice in HS(G)51. You should not store more than 50 litres of petrol within a workroom and then only when it is kept in a properly labelled metal cabinet or bin with adequate spillage retention.

Containers should, where reasonably practicable, be stored in the open air at ground level (singularly or in stacks). This enables leaks to be quickly seen and any vapours to be easily dispersed. They should not be stored on the roof of a building. Where the best option of storing containers outside is not reasonably practicable they should be kept in suitable storerooms, preferably separate buildings, specifically designed for the purpose.

Finally, remember that other activities, including filling and emptying containers, must not be carried out in the designated storage area. This is to prevent other activities that are a higher risk causing a fire, which then spreads to involve the larger quantities in storage.

Notes on application

Information should be incorporated into your Risk Assessments, Health and Safety Policy or Construction Phase Health and Safety Plan (CDM Regulations). If you have questions please post below, more information can also be found from manufacturers safety data sheet (MSDS). Don’t confuse this with COSHH Risk Assessment but you can refer to section 16 – Storage Requirements.

Contact us on 01453 800100 if you need expert help with health and safety for a fixed cost or use contact us above of the form to request a Call back

Posted by Roger Hart

Lyme disease and the risk to landscapers and construction workers

In May 2013 a petition was handed to the Department of Health demanding better diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease. You may be aware of its existence but many are not but it can present an occupational risk which affects a range of professions and trades with up to 3,000 new cases being reported each year in the UK. Lyme disease has no vaccination and can be very damaging if left untreated severe fatigue, heart problems, nerve damage and headaches.

Architects
Landscapers
Landscape architects
Environmental professionals
Highways specialists
Structural engineers
Ground workers
Arboriculture workers
Forestry workers
Farm workers
plus foragers, hikers, mountain bikers and so on

Lyme disease is spread to humans via ticks with heathland, rough grassland and woodland being the primary sources but you can still catch ticks whilst being in a garden – I removed one from my 4 year old boy just last week!

As we said, a vaccine doesn’t exist but you can reduce your chances of being bitten;

wear long sleeved trousers and shirts – even in warm weather;
If clothes are light in colour ticks can be more easily spotted and removed before they bite;
Give workers information so they can identify ticks, before they’ve fed they can be no bigger than poppy seeds, they don’t fly but they do crawl quickly after jumping onto you from a nearby branch or plant;
Get workers to check themselves after working in known tick zones (even in the harder to reach areas!);
If you are working in a known tick zone then clothes can be treated with permethrin based repellents which can kill ticks on contact. But, check first with staff and give them a choice allowing them to refer to their GP or pharmacist if required.

Tick removal

To minimize tick exposure, wear rubber boots and tuck pant legs into the boots so ticks have a hard time grabbing on, advise Mississippi State University experts. (Photo courtesy of Jerome Goddard. Used with permission.)

Perhaps the most important element of protecting your self is removing a tick correctly, we’ve summarised this below but you can also see this link for more information and to purchase a specialist tool if your staff are working in high risk areas; http://www.bada-uk.org/defence/removal/indextickremoval.php

Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upwards with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk the tick as this may leave the mouth parts embedded or cause the tick to regurgitate infective fluids.
Remove any embedded mouth parts with tweezers or a sterilised needle.
Do not squeeze or crush the body of the tick, because its fluids (saliva and gut contents) may contain infective organisms.
Do not handle the tick with bare hands, because infective agents may enter through breaks in the skin, or through mucous membranes (if you touch eyes, nostrils or mouth).
After removing the tick, disinfect the bite site and wash hands with soap and water.
Save the tick for identification in case you become ill within several weeks. Write the date of the bite in pencil on a piece of paper and put it with the tick in a sealed plastic bag and store it in a freezer.
1. DO NOT use petroleum jelly, any liquid solutions, or freeze / burn the tick, as this will stimulate it to regurgitate its stomach contents, increasing the chance of infection.

Ensure that your staff are aware of the potential risk and know what to do. Not all ticks will carry the disease but these simple precautions (and a pair of special tweezers) will protect your staff from harm.

Posted by Roger Hart

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