Managing hidden dangers
August 1st 2008

Unlike some safety issues where the danger is obvious, an employee's exposure to hazardous substances or physical hazards such as noise and vibration can often go undetected. Michelle Twigg takes a closer look at the regulations and initatives aimed at improving protection in these areas

With the European Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals Regulations (REACH) and the Globally Harmonised System for Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) coming into force from autumn 2008, and new scientific criteria likely to be introduced to assess hazardous properties of chemicals, toxic chemicals are constant concern for businesses in the UK.

However, there are many hazards less talked about which are just as real and potentially just as harmful.

Issues around dust, noise and vibration, all need to be addressed in strategic health and safety plans and through ongoing effective management.

EU directives It is now EU policy to continue to introduce new directives to address a wide range of occupational issues and broaden existing measures. Since 2002, the UK has transposed a number of directives to produce or amend the following legislation, including: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 2002 (COSHH) Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 The Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply)(Amendment) Regulations 2005 (CHIP 3.1) Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2006 (CAW) Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 (CLAW) Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) There are a number of issues currently undergoing negotiation within the EU, and some directives which have been agreed are ready for implementation. These include: Physical agents (optical radiation) directive Physical agents (electro-magnetic forces) directive Various amendment directives, including carcinogens and mutagens, working time and machinery The UK is proposing a new set of regulations, the Non- Ionising Radiation Regulations to incorporate the physical agents' directives into law. The amendments listed will be incorporated into existing law. This signifies a slow-down in the number of directives, and subsequent legislation, issued by the EU compared to those put forward in recent years.

Harmonised standards Efforts to harmonise standards across Europe has prompted the UK to redefine a number of personal exposure limits related to both chemical and physical agents. For example, the updated COSHH regulations make reference to Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL) which has replaced the Maximum Exposure Limit (MEL) and Occupational Exposure Standard (OES), limits that are fundamental to controlling personal exposure to hazardous substances.

In addition, action limits within the noise regulations have become tighter with the extension to industries that have previously been exempt, the most recent being the music and entertainment industry.

Furthermore, the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 came in to force and provide action and limit values for hand-arm (HAV) and whole-body vibration (WBV). Prior to this the UK followed guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) but the new regulations made the control of exposure an explicit legal requirement.

Suitable risk assessments Unlike some safety issues where the danger is obvious, an employee's exposure to hazardous substances or physical hazards such as noise and vibration can go undetected. In order to effectively manage occupational health risks, employers must undertake suitable and sufficient risk assessments which will determine the most appropriate means to prevent or control exposure to an acceptable level.

Monitoring personal exposure Quantifying personal exposure provides accurate data on which the level of risk can be determined and the most suitable risk control measures can be selected. Opting for personal exposure monitoring surveys is not always a legal requirement, and they can prove to be expensive in the short-term. Nevertheless the long-term gains of undertaking a good quality, bespoke survey will assist employers in making informed decisions regarding the control measures to put in place. For example, the noise regulations do not require monitoring, but this may become necessary if hearing protection is required, frequencies should be measured to select the correct ear defenders.

It is imperative that risk assessors are fully competent, or supported by competent advisors. This advice could be provided by a health and safety practitioner who has undergone specific training; an occupational health advisor, nurse or physician; or an occupational hygienist.

As efforts to harmonise and raise standards across Europe gain support, the EU will continue to have an impact on health and safety legislation in the UK albeit at a much slower rate than in previous years. Adopting EU directives ensures that the UK raises its game in protecting the health and safety at work by imposing increasingly tougher standards. Employers can rise to this challenge by ensuring they have competent advice and effectively manage the workplace by adopting robust risk assessment procedures to ensure that the most appropriate and efficient controls are implemented to safeguard their employees and businesses together.

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