Sometimes you just feel that something isn’t right, you can’t explain exactly why but you have that feeling, your subconscious is telling you to look a little more closely or probe a bit deeper. We think there is a case for intuition in safety and here’s why.
I read an interesting article recently by Dr Travis Bradberry. It discusses the role the subconscious has in guiding our actions and asks us to use these feelings more to guide us in our decision-making, it contains an interesting quote;
“Intuition will tell the thinking mind where to look next.” – Jonas Salk
In a study by the Salk Institute participants were asked to play a card game by pulling cards from two different decks, unknown to them the decks were rigged. Its took around 50 cards for these participants to realise something was unequal and about 80 cards to realise what the actual difference was.
However, after just 10 cards most players starting to sweat slightly on their palms before pulling a card from the ‘losing’ deck, at about the same time they started subconsciously favouring the ‘winning’ deck.
The above study serves to demonstrate the power of intuition, something which comes from the primitive brain and which served us well in days where danger was all around us, and something which we should, perhaps, be happier to rely on more often in our modern lives.
Is there a case for intuition in safety?
If you remain unconvinced why not try a little game, stare intently at the back of someone’s head in the office or walking down a corridor. Perhaps you’re sat across a table or hall from someone you know at lunch. The wait and see how long it takes them to raise their head and search for the person looking at them, it might not work every time but I think you’ll be surprised at how often it does (and if you do know them don’t forget to at least nod a hello!).
So next time you’re completing a safety tour, audit or inspection don’t be afraid to slow down and listen to your gut feeling, it might lead you in the right direction.
About: Roger Hart is Managing Director of Outsource Safety Ltd, a consultancy specialising in ISO9001, ISO14001 and ISO45001 Management Systems. The company employs 10 staff and works for hundreds of retained clients across the UK in all sectors from Defence and Aerospace to Education, Additve Manufacture and Museums with a specialism in the contracting, construction and renewables sectors, www.outsource-safety.co.uk
Contact us on 01453 800 100 if you need expert help with health and safety for a fixed cost or use our contact us page.
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.”
The news is full of Brexit and the likelihood is that your sick of hearing about it!
In that case sorry, but I couldn’t resist responding to a few clients who have raised questions on how it might affect safety laws and regulation over the coming months and years.
In truth I think most people are agreed that its impact will be minimal, the UK has always been a leader in global safety and our progress with HS(G)65 and BS8800 leading into OHSAS18001 has cemented this. However, there are a few areas which we might see some movement in as we move into a more independent regulatory stance…
Oh, and Brexit has already been used in a legal defence! More on that below.
Brexit and Safety Legislation
As we said we do feel that there are some areas which may be affected by Brexit and these are the three key areas where we feel a change may occur;
CDM 2015 (application to domestic projects)
Working Time Directive (extension of opt outs)
REACH regulations
I think the most likely and the most impactful of these three will be the CDM Regulations 2015. The truth is that application of these regulations to the domestic sector was largely forced upon us by the EU, we’ve never applied HASAWA to domestic situations and were reluctant to do so at the time of the first mobile sites Directive in 1994.
Our subsequent failure to incorporate the domestic element of the European Directive into UK CDM Legislation is telling and is a good example of the UK not ‘gold plating’ EU Directives. It also aligns with the governments red tape push and is an area where smaller builders and tradesmen could return to a position where they have less H&S legislative burden (as some might put it).
Will this actually happen? Its very hard to say as so much remains unanswered at this stage but as we approach an election in 2020 its not unlikely – so watch this space.
Brexit used as defence in HSE Prosecution
Hard to believe but Brexit has already made its first appearance as part of the defence in a prosecution by HSE with Stone Superstore Ltd pleading that the fine sought by the prosecution of £250,000 for the death of one of their employees who will killed in an accident involving an overturned fork lift truck in 2010.
Claiming that the company would be struggling financially post Brexit the judge agreed to reduce the fine imposing a £40,000 instead.
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
Despite HSE insisting that its Fee for Intervention (HSE FFI) scheme is not intended to plug the hole in its finances caused by the reduction of its government grant recent figures show a 13% decline in enforcement notices (improvement notices and prohibition notices). At the same time a 26% increase in the charges made under FFI has been made against the construction sector with fees from April 2015 to March 2016 reaching a record £4.22m
Some may be rightly concerned whilst others may be grateful to avoid having an enforcement notice issued against their business and the subsequent need to admit this to their client base (as its presence in the HSE Hall of Shame).
Whatever your particular viewpoint it does show that Fee For Intervention is on the increase and that construction and contracting businesses are being targeted. As you will probably be aware all FFI is ‘in the Inspectors opinion’ and so good practice is important and base legal compliance may not be enough to protect you from fines.
As always, if you need more advice please contact your retained consultant.
Notices of Contravention (HSE FFI)
HSE issue invoices following a written Notice of Contravention sent to duty holders regarding ‘material breaches’ of the law found by HSE inspectors, HSE invoice data for the last three full year invoice is as follows:
April 2013 – March 2014 – 6960 invoices issued with a total value of £2,545,474. The average value of invoices issued is £366.
April 2014 – March 2015 – 6075 invoices issued with a total value of £3,1116,234. This represents a 21% increase in the total value of invoices issued over the previous period. The average value of invoices issued is £513 representing a 29% increase.
April 2015 – March 2016 – 6990 invoices issued with a total value of £4,220,972. This represents a 26% increase in the total value of invoices issued over the previous period. The average value of invoices issued is £604 representing 15% increase.
Enforcement Notices (HSE FFI)
Over the same period which shows that the number of enforcement notices issued in the construction sector has fallen.
April 2013 – March 2014 – the database shows 3625 prohibition and improvement notices issued by HSE construction teams.
April 2014 – March 2015 – the database shows 3244 prohibition and improvement notices issued by HSE construction teams. This represents a 11% fall in the number of notices issued.
April 2015 – March 2016 – the database shows 2713 prohibition and improvement notices issued by HSE construction teams. This represents a 13% fall in the number of notices issued. Comment
The data suggest that the HSE Notice of Contravention and consequent inspection fee forms an increasingly important mechanism for HSE in securing compliance and improved standards of health and safety in the construction sector.
This is occurring at a time when use of formal Enforcement Notices (improvement and prohibition) is declining in the sector.
Many clients who have members of the public visiting their premises have acted in good faith to put in place socket protectors (think schools, medical practices, car showrooms and similar).
You’re probably thinking that its a good idea and we would have been inclined to agree but research findings over recent years have led to their withdrawal, culminating in a Dept of Health Alert issued today which advises their removal in all NHS premises.
Why should I remove my socket protectors?
Children will be children and many games are based inserting blocks, sticks and cylinders into various sized holes. We’re all aware of the risk of a child picking up a pen, screwdriver, hair clip or similar and then inserting it into a socket – that’s probably why you purchased socket inserts in the first place.
However, were you aware that sockets produced since 1947 should have an internal shutter mechanism which prevents access to the live and neutral pins until the earth pin (top centre) activates the shutter to expose them. IET members have argued that there have been no cases of children being harmed from sockets that have been left uncovered since a new generation of sockets were introduced in 1990.
Now consider this scenario, a child picks up a socket insert and places it in the socket upside down – both live and neutral are now exposed. Also consider the fact that there is no British Standard for these inserts and their manufacturing tolerance is not always suitable – this leads to broken / damaged sockets and an even higher risk.
What should I do?
We have to agree with the findings of the safety alert, these inserts can cause more harm than good, our advice is that if you have them you remove them today.
Notes; don’t forget to still manage your risk but checking on the location and condition of your sockets and removing any appliance plugged into sockets which isn’t in use.
A six year jail sentence under gross negligence manslaughter, a fine of £400,000 and £55,000 costs hit Allan Thomson, director of demolition firm, Building & Dismantling Contractors Ltd. The firm who subcontracted this work to them, C Smith & Sons (Rochdale) Ltd, were also fined for breaching both the CDM Regulations and Work at Height Regulations, Director Michael Smith was jailed for eight months, fined £90,000 and ordered to pay £45,000 court costs.
Two of Mr Thomson’s workers fell from the roof they were dismantling on the same day, one suffered life changing injuries and the second person died from major head trauma.
The chain of events which led to these tragic accidents are scarcely believable, read on below to find out more.
Originally C Smith & Sons (Rochdale) Ltd were contracted to carry out demolition of some buildings in Stockport in 2014, this work was then subcontracted to Building & Dismantling Contractors Ltd.
A method known as remote demolition was selected which meant minimal risk to staff as it was to be carried out using machinery. However, after winning the control Mr Smith decided to dismantle the building piece by piece requiring work at height to remove roofing sheets prior to the structure being dismantled – this work being subcontracted to Allan Thompson of Building & Dismantling Contractors Ltd.
Repeated failures
In January four men employed by Building and Dismantling Contractors Ltd travelled to Stockport to carry out the task of taking the roof apart piece by piece including a 47-year-old man who would sustain life-changing injuries and 42-year-old Scott Harrower, who died as a result of the negligence of Thomson.
The roof comprised corrugated steel sheets and plastic skylights. The skylights had deteriorated over time and had subsequently been covered with corrugated steel sheets in a bid to repair this damage.
On 20 January 2014, Mr Harrower stepped on a skylight but somehow managed to prevent himself falling 30ft to the concrete floor below. Despite this very serious “near miss” the men returned to continue their work the next day.
At just after 9am on Tuesday 21 January 2014, one of the group fell through a skylight to the concrete floor below, fracturing his spine, pelvis, right leg, heel and wrist.
Ambulance and police attended the scene which was “deemed to be an accident” and after advice was given regarding the obligation to inform HSE the police officers left the scene.
Near miss turns into fatal fall
Despite their colleague suffering these horrific injuries, the workmen men were ordered to return to the roof just hours later. At 4pm Scott Harrower, the same person who had almost fallen the previous day, fell through another skylight to the concrete below suffering catastrophic head injuries which led to his death.
Detective Chief Inspector Richard Eales commented:
“It is clear from the evidence that both Smith and Thomson saw an opportunity to make a quick profit without any thought for the workers they sent on to the roof, and as a direct result of that greed Scott died and another man suffered life-changing injuries.
Smith and Thomson’s remorse did not then stretch to admitting their guilt, as both tried to hide behind their companies and refused to plead guilty to the charges levelled against them personally.
Thankfully, the jury saw through their attempts and both now can face justice for the decisions that they made, decisions that have robbed one family of a loving partner, father, and son, and another of a man’s ability to live a life untainted by severe physical injury.”
HSE Inspector Sandra Tomlinson, said:
“Falls from height, and in particular falls involving fragile roofs, are one of the main causes of work-related deaths in Britain. The risks are therefore well-known and documented, as is the guidance on how to reduce these risks.
The roof dismantling works were not properly planned or supervised and adequate precautions, such as netting, were not put in place.
This led to two men falling in separate incidents and resulted in one man suffering life-changing injuries as well as the dreadful tragedy of Mr Harrower’s death.”
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.
Driving of fork lift trucks (FLTs) on the public highway
This is a question which has been raised by some clients about using fork lift trucks or other materials handling equipment on public roads and highways. Questions have circulated about the need for registration, tax, lights and MOT – read on to find out how you might be affected If you need advice the DVLA can be contacted on 0300 790 6802, please note that we do not provide advice on this issue.
Guidance
Picture of a fork lift truck
Once a vehicle passes onto a public road (or as seen below certain other categories of “road”) further legislation will apply.
The following information has been taken from advice supplied by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and supporting Guidance V355/1.
The Road Traffic Act 1988 requires that the driver of a motor vehicle when driven on a road must hold the appropriate driving licence, and, if only provisional entitlement is held, to observe the relevant provisional licence conditions.A ‘motor vehicle’ is defined in the 1988 Act as a mechanically propelled vehicle intended or adapted for use on roads. A “road” is defined as any highway, and any other road to which the public has access.
Consequently it would be advisable in our view for an individual to hold the appropriate driving licence entitlement before using any of these vehicles on a “road”.If the fork lift truck is electrically propelled the driver would need a licence covering category L. Alternatively, if the vehicle is exempt from duty, under the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 because it is used for Agricultural, Horticultural or Forestry purposes (and its road travel does not exceed 1.5km each trip between different areas of land occupied by the same person) a category N licence would suffice. A full category B (motor car) licence gives full cover for both categories L and N.
The Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 provides that any mechanically propelled vehicle used or kept on the public road should be registered, licensed and display registration plates. A fork lift truck can also be licensed within the “works truck” taxation class. The term “Works Truck” means a goods vehicle (that is a vehicle constructed or adapted for use and used for the conveyance of goods or burden of any description) which is designed for use in private premises and used on public roads only;
i) for carrying goods between private premises and a vehicle on a road in the immediate vicinity;
or
ii) passing between one part and another or to other private premises in the immediate vicinity;
or
iii) in connection with road works at or in the immediate vicinity of the site of such works.
‘The immediate vicinity’ is a phrase that has been the subject of much debate and ultimately only the courts can decide what is considered to be the ‘immediate vicinity’. We suggest that travelling any distance on a road as qualifying in respect of registration and road tax. To register a fork lift truck you should contact your nearest Vehicle Registration Office. They will also advise you about the taxation position, depending on the form of propulsion and usage that the vehicle in question is put to.
The driver of a fork lift would not be required to hold a driving licence when driving a vehicle on private land/site to which the public has no access, although the insurers of the vehicle may have their own policy on such matters. We would therefore suggest you contact a reputable insurance company to establish whether they would issue insurance cover to a non-licence holder.”
The “Special Vehicle” tax class encompasses the following vehicles:
Mobile Crane
Mobile Pumps
Digging Machine
Road Roller
Showman’s HGV
Showman’s Haulage Special Trailer
Works Truck – The term “Works Truck” means a goods vehicle (that is a vehicle constructed or adapted for use and used for the conveyance of goods or burden of any description) which is designed for use in private premises and used on public roads only:-i) for carrying goods between private premises and a vehicle on a road in the immediate vicinity; orii) passing between one part and another or to other private premises in the immediate vicinity; oriii) in connection with road works at or in the immediate vicinity of the site of such works.
Vehicles of these descriptions weighing up to 3,500kg pay the PLG rate and tax in the PLG class. Vehicles of these descriptions over 3,500kg pay the basic HGV rate and tax in the Special Vehicles class. If these vehicles are used for purposes outside this concession, the appropriate HGV rate applies.
Exempt Vehicles ‘Limited use’ vehicles, vehicles used by a disabled person, Disabled Passenger Vehicle, Historic vehicles, National Health Service vehicles.
‘Limited Use’ applies to a vehicle used solely in connection with agriculture, horticulture or forestry and its road travel does not exceed 1.5km each trip between different areas of land occupied by the same person.
Exposure to solvents such as toluene, xylene or similar substances carries a 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 many types of solvent used in paints, glues and mastics amongst other substances.
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.
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.
ometimes you just feel that something isn’t right, you can’t explain exactly why but you have that feeling, your subconscious is telling you to look a little more closely or probe a bit deeper. We think there is a case for intuition in safety and here’s why.
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.
