COSHH Awareness Training

Woodworking Inspections

HSE Inspection of woodworking premises 2013/14

 

From April 2013 HSE inspectors are carrying out visits to woodworking premises, mainly to check that:

• woodworking machinery is being used correctly;
• wood dust is being controlled;
• operators and supervisors have received adequate training in the safe use of woodworking machinery and the correct use of local exhaust ventilation (LEV);
• the LEV is suitable for the job and is being used and maintained correctly.

Contact Occhnet for LEV training and LEV testing www.occhnet.co.uk

Isocyanates - Are you doing enough?

Work With Isocyanates? Are You Testing Correctly?

 

Biological monitoring for Isocyanates has become the occupational standard for those working with isocyanate-based chemicals for example throughout the motor-vehicle repair industry and surface coatings industries.

However the HSE’s recent drive on Isocyanate testing has exposed many companies not carrying out biological monitoring required by them under the COSHH regulations.

Companies found to be falling short may be issued with an Improvement Notice from the HSE which would lead to charges under the HSE Fee for Intervention scheme – if you’re unsure about your requirements towards biological monitoring please contact us for advice, we are here to help.

www.occhnet.co.uk

LOCAL EXHAUST VENTILATION ASSESSMENT TRAINING

1 Day ASSESSOR TRAINING COURSE

23^rd October 2012

Ramada Hotel, Cannock, Staffordshire WS11 0DQ

 

Course Content

This assessor training will be based on a theory workshop designed to enable the participants to carry out thorough testing and examination of LEV systems as is required COSHH. The delegates will consider design, performance, control, suitability and record keeping.

 

Theory Session

The following subject areas will be covered:

¨      Legislation – Covering the duties and responsibilities of both employer and employee.

¨      Hazardous Substances – What substances are hazardous? - Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations

¨      Basic Principles of Control

¨      Assessment Methods

¨      Information gathering - Monitoring Techniques (Face Velocity, Static Pressure, Duct Velocities, Capture Velocity etc)

¨      Evaluation of Risk – (consequences of system failure)

¨      Actions

¨      Records - Format and Presentation

¨      Review - Appropriate time scale

¨      Informing Others – Who needs to know?

¨      Knowing Your Limitations

Course Literature

Delegates will receive full course notes, which will include details of worked examples, calculations.

Optional Knowledge Check

The delegates who choose to do so will undertake a knowledge check test to demonstrate their understanding and acquired skills. This knowledge check test would be posted back to Occhnet for marking. On attaining a pass mark the delegate will be presented with a course certificate.

Skills

After attendance of this assessor course delegates will obtain the skills to undertake thorough examination and testing of LEV systems within the workplace. They will be able to carefully review information gathered to undertake:

¨      capture velocity measurements at each extraction point

¨      air flow measurements in each duct

¨      static pressure measurements at key positions

¨      identification of fan speed and rotation

                       

This 1 day course includes lunch, coffee and refreshments and will run from 9:30 – 15:30.

Delegate Rate -     £345 + VAT/ Single Booking

                                    £325 + VAT/ delegate for 3 or more bookings

Payment required on booking.

To book simply email info@occhnet.co.uk, phone or fax with your company details and number of delegates.

                             

Booking Terms – Credit Card Payment or Company order number must accompany delegate bookings in order for them to be processed. Cheques made payable to Occhnet Ltd.

Cancellation refunds will be awarded on the following scale: up to 21 days full refund, up to 14 days 50% refund, less than 14 days no refund.

Training Opportunities

Asbestos Awareness Courses - In-house, delegate Rate £95 + VAT minimum spend £285 + VAT

½ Day Introduction To Environmental Management Systems, 24th September 2012, Swansea £125 + VAT

½ Day RISK ASSESSOR TRAINING

9th October 2012, Bristol £155 + VAT

 Local Exhaust Ventilation Awareness

10th October 2012, West Midlands

£125 + VAT

COSHH Assessor Course

6th November2012, Worcestershire

£375 + VAT

Local Exhaust Ventilation Assessor Training

Local Exhaust Ventilation Thorough Inspection and Test

24th July 2012

Holiday Inn Express, Swansea,

M4 Junction 43

Course Content

This assessor training will be based on a theory workshop designed to enable the participants to carry out thorough testing and examination of LEV systems as is required COSHH.

Legislation – Covering the duties and responsibilities of both employer and employee.

Hazardous Substances – What substances do we need to control

Basic Principles of Control

Assessment Methods

Information gathering - Testing Techniques (Face Velocity, Static Pressure, Duct Velocities, Capture Velocity etc)

Evaluation of Risk – (consequences of system failure)

Actions

Records - Format and Presentation

Review - Appropriate time scale

Informing Others – Training requirements

Optional Knowledge Check

The delegates who choose to do so will undertake a knowledge check test to demonstrate their understanding and acquired skills. This knowledge check test would be posted back to Occhnet for marking. On attaining a pass mark the delegate will be presented with a course certificate.

 Course Fees

This 1 day course includes refreshments and will run from 9:30 – 15:00.

Delegate Rate -       £345 + VAT/ Single Booking

            £325 + VAT/ delegate for 3 or more bookings

Booking Terms – Payment must accompany delegate bookings in order for them to be processed. Cheques made payable to Occhnet Ltd.

Cancellation refunds will be awarded on the following scale; up to 21 days full refund, up to 14 days 50% refund, less than 14 days no refund.

Email Booking to info@occhnet.co.uk

Diesel Engine Exhaust Fumes and Lung Cancer

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is part of the World Health Organization (WHO), (June12, 2012) classified diesel engine exhaust as that exposure is associated with an increased risk for lung cancer. The classification is: 

Carcinogenic to Humans (Group 1), based on sufficient evidence that exposure is associated with an increased risk for lung cancer.

Potential for exposure to diesel particulate and toxic fumes exists whenever workers are in close proximity to operating diesel equipment. Where diesel vehicles and equipment are used in confined areas (e.g. within a building) there is a significant risk of exposure.

Within the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations (COSHH) Diesel Engine Exhaust Emissions are classed as a substance hazardous to health and as such it required that employers prevent or reduce workers exposure as much as is reasonably practicable.

Is your workforce significantly exposed? Do you know the level of exposure?

Occhnet can undertake occupational exposure monitoring in accordance with recognised sampling methodology in order for employers to fulfill the requirements of the UK Regulations.

Occupational exposure monitoring is undertaken to determine the level of exposure within the workplace to substances hazardous to health.

Exposure monitoring enables the employer to determine the level of risk associated with the work process and to ensure that control measures are working correctly.

We will provide guidance on appropriate monitoring requirements to ensure that employers can demonstrate compliance with the COSHH regulations.

We are professionally qualified to produce a detailed survey report giving the results of sampling, the adequacy of control measures and requirements for further controls as appropriate.

If you have any questions or would like a quotation please contact Occhnet on info@occhnet.co.uk or through the website http://www.occhnet.co.uk/

Diamond Training Deals

To Celebrate the Jubilee Occhnet are offering a 5% reduction to all course booked before 30th June 2012

 

• Asbestos Awareness Courses - In-house,  delegate Rate £95 + VAT minimum spend £285 + VAT

• ½ Day Introduction To Environmental Management Systems, 28th June 2012, Swansea £125 + VAT
• ½ Day RISK ASSESSOR TRAINING 21st August 2012, London £175 + VAT
•  Local Exhaust Ventilation Awareness 7th August 2012, West Midlands £125 + VAT

COSHH Assessor Course 14th August 2012, Worcestershire £375 + VAT

Contact Occhnet - info@occhnet.co.uk for bookings

Inspection Initiative - Are you Prepared?

REFURBISHMENT INSPECTION INITIATIVE

 

HSE Construction inspectors will be carrying out an intensive inspection initiative during February and March 2012.  These inspections will focus on the refurbishment/building site risks that make construction one of Britain’s most dangerous industries – working at height safely, good order on site, and the risks associated with the removal of asbestos.

• Falls from height remains one of the most common causes of fatalities and major injuries in the construction industry, with more than five incidents every day.
• 54% of the workers who have died in construction over the last few years were doing refurbishment, repair and maintenance jobs.

HSE will not hesitate to take action if we find poor practice that is putting the lives of workers and the public at risk.

Many incidents are completely avoidable by taking simple commonsense precautions. Find out what you can do to improve health and safety on your site before an inspector calls.

http://www.occhnet.co.uk/

JANUARY SALE !!!

JANUARY SALE - 20% OFF ALL COURSES BOOKED BEFORE 30th JANUARY 2012

Asbestos Awareness Courses - In-house, January 2012, delegate Rate £95 + VAT minimum spend £285 + VAT

½ Day Introduction To Environmental Management Systems, 18th January 2012, Swansea £125 + VAT

½ Day RISK ASSESSOR TRAINING - 24th January 2012, London £155 + VAT

 Local Exhaust Ventilation Awareness - 7th February 2012, West Midlands £125 + VAT

COSHH Assessor Course - 14th February 2012, Worcestershire £375 + VAT

Payment by Credit or Debit Card is required on Booking.

Email info@occhnet.co.uk

Farming Safety

Make a Promise Campaign

Farming is one of the most dangerous occupations in Britain. Over the past ten years there have been 455 work-related deaths on farms – that’s nearly one per person per week.

The ways in which those people have died have not changed over the years. The most common causes of death are working with vehicles, falls from height, incidents with livestock and being struck by objects such as bales. Most of the deaths could have been avoided.

To find out more about how lives are lost on British farms or to

show your support for the campaign phone: 0800 141 2805 or visit www.hse.gov.uk/makethepromise/pocketcard.pdf

Shifting the Burden

HSE will recover all of the costs it incurs following action taken helping businesses to comply where they are breaking health and safety law.

Those who comply with the law will not pay a penny as a result of an HSE inspection and there will be no fees in relation to purely technical breaches.

How is HSE planning to share more of its costs with those that create the risks?

HSE is introducing ‘fee for intervention’ for all costs of an inspection or investigation where a business is in material breach of the law.

Why should businesses have to pay for HSE involvement?
It is fair and reasonable that businesses that are found to have broken health and safety laws should pay the costs incurred by HSE in helping them to put matters right rather than the public purse.
‘Fee for intervention’ will also help create a level playing field for business. Employers who cut corners and put the workers and the public at risk should not enjoy a competitive advantage over those who invest in doing the right thing. ‘Fee for intervention’ may act as an incentive to employers who do not meet basic health and safety standards. Similar schemes are already in operation by other regulators in Britain, including the Environment Agency, Natural England and Ofwat (the Water Services Regulation Authority).

What is a ‘material breach’?
HSE is proposing to recover costs from interventions at which a material breach is found. A material breach is where, in the opinion of an HSE inspector, there has been a breach of health and safety law that requires HSE’s intervention in supporting the business in putting matters right.
For example, at its simplest, failure to properly display the health and safety law poster in an otherwise well- run firm would normally be dealt with by verbal advice, and costs would not be recovered. However, inadequate guarding of machinery, which could result in significant injury to employees, would result in costs being recovered.
What is the proposed hourly rate?

The proposed current estimate for ’fee for intervention’ is £133 per hour. If non-HSE specialist support is required to assist with HSE’s activity, the dutyholder would pay the costs of specialist support. Fees are exempt from VAT.
How will HSE collect the money owed for these fees?
HSE will invoice businesses and expect them to pay within 30 days. To assist them with cash flow and accounting arrangements, it is expected that invoices will be issued on a monthly basis as costs are incurred rather than collating all costs into one invoice issued when all work has been completed. If they do not pay, normal credit control action will then be taken, ie a series of reminders, a final reminder and then recovery through the courts.

When will these measures come into force?
The intention is ‘fee for intervention’ to be introduced from as early as April 2012.

Make sure you are complying - contact Occhnet on info@occhnet.co.uk or www.occhnet.co.uk for professional advice don't end up paying the price!

Help for Small Businesses

Accidents and ill health caused by work cost time and money. A good health and safety regime for your business ensures your hard earned profits stay in the bank and are not spent on accident or illness related problems, each time they happen.

Work accidents and ill health can be expensive. Stopping them happening can save you time and money. The smaller your business the bigger the impact will be if a member of your staff has a serious accident, or is off sick for an extended period of time. It could even put you out of business.

There are several important areas to consider if you want to reduce the cost of ill health or accidents caused by the working environment.

Come along to the free small business health & safety awareness seminar in Swansea 30^th June 2011. Contact info@occhnet.co.uk for deatials.

Occupational Exposure Assessment

Using chemicals, dusts or other hazardous substances at work can put people’s health at risk, so the law requires employers to control exposure to hazardous substances to prevent ill health. They have to protect both employees and others who may be exposed by complying with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) (as amended).

OCCHNET LTD

OCCHNET is a fully independent occupational health, safety and environmental consultancy, formed to meet the need for a professional, reliable and cost effective service to industry. It provides expert advice and practical assistance on chemical and physical hazards both in, and from, the workplace, and can offer a wide range of services and training courses to clients to help them meet their legislative requirements.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE MONITORING

OCCHNET LTD can undertake occupational exposure monitoring in accordance with recognised sampling methodology in order for employers to fulfill the requirements of the UK Regulations.

Occupational exposure monitoring is undertaken to determine the level of exposure within the workplace to substances hazardous to health and is compared with UK Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL’s).

Exposure monitoring enables the employer to determine the level of risk associated with the work process and to ensure that control measures are working correctly.

Occhnet will provide guidance on appropriate monitoring requirements to ensure that employers can demonstrate compliance with the COSHH regulations.

Occhnet is professionally qualified to produce a detailed survey report giving the results of sampling, the adequacy of control measures and requirements for further controls as appropriate.

  

 

Contact Occhnet: www.occhnet.co.uk, info@occhnet.co.uk