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SAFETY NEWS
********************************************************************************** MAY 2005 HSC Consulting on CDM Changes Proposed changes aim to simplify the Regulations and to cuit down on bureaucracy. The proposed changes will also aim to clarify the duties placed upon designers.The deadline for responses is July 29th 2005. Visit www.hse.gov.uk/consult/live.htm RIDDOR Review A Discussion Document is available on the fundamental review of RIDDOR being undertaken by the HSC. The Document also considers whether work-related road traffic accidents should be made reportable under RIDDOR. Responses to the Discussion Document are required by June 30th 2005. Visit www.hse.gov.uk/consult/disdocs/riddordd.htm Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (Amendment) Regulations 2004 These Regulations came into force on April 6th 2005 and replace the previous system of Occupational Exposure Standards (OESs) and Maximum Exposure Limits (MELs) with a single type of occupational exposure limit known as a Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL). Most of the previous OESs and all of the MELs are transferred into the new system and keep their previous values.Employers should ensure that exposure is kept well within the substance's WEL. The following eight principles of good practice are also set out: 1 - Design and operate processes and activities to minimise emissions, release and spread of substances. 2 - Take into account all relevant routes of exposure when developing control measures. 3 - Control exposure by measures that are proportionate to the health risk. 4 - Choose the most effective and reliable control options which minimise the escape and spread of substances. 5 - Where adequate control of exposure cannot be achieved by other means, provide, in combination with other control measures, suitable personal protective equipment. 6 - Regularly check and review all control measures. 7 - Inform and train all employees on the hazards and risks from the substances they work with and on using the control measures. 8 - Ensure that the introduction of the control measures does not increase the overall safety risks. Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005 These Regulations came into force on April 26th 2005 and replace most of the Explosives Act 1875 and also merge 37 items of secondary legislation into a single set of regulations. Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005 From July 16th 2005 these Regulations will replace Special Waste Regulations 1996 in England and under them more waste will be classified as hazardous - for example: fluorescent light tubes, television sets and computer monitors.Legal requirements will also cover the movement of hazardous waste in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. ********************************************************************************** |