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

Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 - Regulation Change

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 [1] came into force on 6 April 2012, updating previous asbestos regulations to take account of the European Commission's view that the UK had not fully implemented the EU Directive on exposure to asbestos (Directive 2009/148/EC).

From 6 April 2012, some non-licensed work needs to be notified to the relevant enforcing authority.

From 6 April 2012, brief written records should be kept of non-licensed work, which has to be notified e.g. copy of the notification with a list of workers on the job, plus the level of likely exposure of those workers to asbestos. This does not require air monitoring on every job, if an estimate of degree of exposure can be made based on experience of similar past tasks or published guidance.

By April 2015, all workers/self employed doing notifiable non-licensed work with asbestos must be under health surveillance by a Doctor. Workers who are already under health surveillance for licensed work need not have another medical examination for non-licensed work. BUT medicals for notifiable non-licensed work are not acceptable for those doing licensed work.

Some modernisation of language and changes to reflect other legislation, e.g. the prohibition section has been removed, as the prohibition of supply and use of asbestos is now covered by REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals Regulations 2006).

Medical Surveillance

By 30 April 2015, all workers carrying out NNLW will need to have had a medical examination. Examinations will then need to be repeated at least every 3 years, as long as the worker continues to do NNLW. After April 2015, workers carrying out NNLW for the first time will have to have an examination before they can start such work:

• Medical examinations must include an examination of the chest and a lung function test;
• They need to be carried out by a licensed medical practitioner, e.g. a GP;
• Those workers already under surveillance via a licensed contractor and in possession of a valid certificate do not need to have the NNLW medical;
• Medical examinations should be carried out in work time at the employers' expense;
• The fee should be agreed with the doctor before the examination is carried out- HSE can accept no responsibility for remuneration matters;
• The doctor must issue a certificate to confirm the examination has taken place and on what date. The employer needs to keep this certificate for 4 years.

For further information or Asbestos Awareness Courses contact Occhnet http://www.occhnet.co.uk/

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR) Change – 6 April 2012

From 6 April 2012, subject to Parliamentary approval, RIDDOR’s over three day injury reporting requirement will change. From then the trigger point will increase from over three days’ to over seven days’ incapacitation (not counting the day on which the accident happened).

Incapacitation means that the worker is absent or is unable to do work that they would reasonably be expected to do as part of their normal work.

However, under EU law, employers and others with responsibilities under RIDDOR must still keep a record of all over three day injuries – if the employer keeps an accident book, then this record will be enough.

The deadline by which the over seven day injury must be reported will increase to 15 days from the day of the accident.

More information please contact http://www.occhnet.co.uk/

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

Asbestos Awareness Training - BOGOF Offer!!!! November Bookings

ASBESTOS

AWARENESS SHORT COURSE

                         

Course Content

ASBESTOS – THE HIDDEN KILLER

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 requires the mandatory training of anyone who is involved in disturbing the fabric of a building.

This includes maintenance workers and others who may come into contact with or who may disturb asbestos as well as those involved in asbestos removal work.

The training which complies with HSE requirements and covers the following:

·         Why is it dangerous?

·         Where can you find asbestos?

·         What does asbestos look like?

·         Am I at risk?

·         Non Licensed Work with asbestos – what is allowed

·         What precautions need to be taken

Asbestos is the single greatest cause of work-related deaths in the UK.  The awareness session with provide health and safety information on the dangers and management of asbestos in the workplace.

Delegates will receive practical advice on how to remain compliant with the legislation.

Facilities Required

As this is an in-house course, a suitable training room, multimedia projector (power point), flipchart and refreshments for the delegates and trainer will be required.

Course Fees

The course will provide the mandatory Asbestos Safety Awareness Training for members of staff; the session is expected to last approximately 1 ½ to 2 hrs.

November Deal!!! Delegate Rate £95 + VAT

Buy One Get One Free - Minimum spend £285 + VAT 

Book 3 - Get 3 Free!

Book 4 - Get 4 Free!

Booking Terms – Payment must accompany delegate bookings in order for them to be processed. Credit/Debit Card Facilitites Available

Booking - info@occhnet.co.uk