HSE Inspections 2017 (respiratory sensitisers and/or carcinogens)

According to the HSE website, here is some information about HSE inspections 2017:From January 2017 inspectors will be targeting sites that carry out metal fabrication looking at the control of exposure to welding fume and metalworking fluids.  Information on controlling the risks from these hazardous substances can be found through the inspection programme link above.

From January 2017 inspectors will be targeting sites that carry out metal fabrication looking at the control of exposure to welding fume and metalworking fluids.  Information on controlling the risks from these hazardous substances can be found through this inspection programme link for Manufacturing Sector Workplan 2016-17: Occupational asthmagens and carcinogens in manufacturing industries.

Ill health effects from exposure to respiratory sensitisers and/or carcinogens can be chronic and life-changing. Every year, many workers develop occupational asthma or occupational cancer as a result of exposures to substances in their workplace. The purpose of the HSE inspections 2017 programme is to target sectors where carcinogens and/or asthmagens are regularly used, produced or process generated to ensure the risks are properly managed and to reduce the incidence of serious health effects from exposure.

In principle, HSE inspectors will:

• assess the management arrangements for control of the risks from exposure to asthmagens and carcinogens;
• check whether a suitable and sufficient risk assessment has identified asthmagens and/or carcinogens present at the workplace;
• check whether the assessment identifies control measures to reduce exposures as low as reasonably practicable;
• Critical action: check that appropriate control measures, including extraction,  respiratory protective equipment (RPE) and other measures, to protect employees from exposure to asthmagens and/or carcinogens are in place and being used;
• check if employees potentially exposed to asthmagens and/or carcinogens have received adequate instruction and training in the health risks associated with exposure and why the correct use of equipment provided to control the risk is important;
• check if LEV systems are:
  • suitable for the purpose for which they are being used;
  • visually effective in extracting contaminant;
  • used properly by the worker;
  • supplied with a user manual and maintenance log book;
  • damaged or have weak points, including damaged ducting or use of gaffer tape to repair damage;
  • maintained and inspected by a competent person (at least every 14 months);
• check RPE is
  • appropriately selected;
  • provided with face fit testing;
  • used, maintained and stored;
• check RPE is being examined at suitable intervals; there is no specific time limit but take into account:
  • the environment the RPE is used in;
  • the manufacturer’s instructions;
  • the amount of use when setting an appropriate maintenance schedule;
• check suitable cleaning methods used;
• check if health surveillance is provided where appropriate;
• check if exposure monitoring has been carried out, and if not confirm that the decision can be justified,