Author: admin

WORKING WITH METALWORKING FLUID

HSE IS INSPECTING MANUFACTURING BUSINESSES THAT USE METALWORKING FLUIDS OR COOLANTS IN THEIR MACHINING PROCESSES.
Inspectors are focusing on how employers ensure workers are protected from exposure to fluid or mist generated by computer numerical control (CNC) machines and that regular health checks are in place.There are three areas where manufacturing companies, particularly smaller companies, commonly fall down on compliance:

Not having local exhaust ventilation
Not completing regular fluid quality checks
Failing to provide regular health checks for lung and skin conditions.
Exposure to metalworking fluids can cause harm to lungs and skin through inhalation or direct contact with unprotected skin; particularly hands, forearms and face. Breathing in the mist generated by machining can lead to lung diseases such as occupational asthma and occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

To reduce exposure, you need control measures in place. Read below for more information and links to advice and guidance to check your business has the correct measures in place.

INSTALL LOCAL EXHAUST VENTILATION (LEV)
The mist produced during machining is harmful to workers health when inhaled. LEV should be fitted to CNC machines where operators are exposed to mist.

If you don’t have LEV, see the guide to buying and using local exhaust ventilation for information on selecting a supplier and questions to ask them.

Clearing the air: A simple guide to buying and using local exhaust ventilation (LEV) (hse.gov.uk)

For more detail see CNC machining (MW1) (PDF)

REGULAR FLUID QUALITY CHECKS
Water-mix metalworking fluid, or white water, stays in the machine and deteriorates over time. It becomes contaminated and bacteria may start to grow. Poor fluid quality also affects the performance of the machine and the quality of the parts.

To maintain safe and effective fluids, you need to regularly check and correct concentration, pH and bacteria levels.

A visual and odour check should be done daily
Concentration, pH and dipslides should be done weekly.
The checks are simple to carry out, though you will need some basic equipment: dipslides (bacteria); incubator; refractometer (concentration); and pH paper test strips or electronic pH meter (acidity / alkalinity).

For details, see HSE COSHH MW5: Managing fluid quality

The UKLA has created the following which provide helpful advice Good Practice Guide for Safe Handling and Disposal of Metalworking Fluids and a practical series of videos with easy to follow demonstrations of the quick and simple tests that should be carried out.

Follow a manual added link
REGULAR HEALTH CHECKS
Health and safety law requires that employers have a health surveillance scheme in place when workers remain exposed to certain health risks, even after controls are in place. This is because control measures may not always be reliable, despite appropriate checking, training and maintenance.

You will need to involve an occupational health professional who has the relevant competence, skills and experience for the health risks in your business. They will help you develop your health surveillance scheme of regular checks and can train responsible persons to help deliver this where appropriate.

Find out more about Occupational Health, risk assessment and how to get the right level of support from competent occupational health professionals and providers.

For more on specific health surveillance for metalworking fluid, see HSE G402 for occupational asthma and HSE G403 for occupational dermatitis here: COSHH essentials – Metalworking fluids

Lifting -When done properly is an absolute dream to deal with!
This was taken into our second week of supporting a clients shutdown needs, and the approach shown by Ewan Stoddart Tony Williams and the Stoddarts Crane team is remarkable. From lift plans and RAMS that are clear and concise to the inclusion of CAD drawings clearly showing crane positioning along with crane and gear configuration. Even at this time of year when demand is so high the standard never drops and the prfessionalism on the phone and in person is second to none.

Clearly something is as the HSE inspector involved took enforcement action against the construction company in Glasgow recently. The sheer amount of dust present tell us the M Class extractor (in this case) just isn’t working effectively.

It is difficult to think of a situation where I can recall the management of dust is exemplary and above any further comment as it seems not to get the attention it requires.
Controlling dust falls under the scope of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations in the UK. COSHH provides a framework for managing and controlling hazardous substances, including dust, in the workplace.

We have 6 steps that might help you avoid making the same mistakes:

1 – Risk Assessment:
Identify the potential hazards associated with dust exposure, including the specific types of dust, their composition, and any associated health risks.
Assess the likelihood and extent of exposure for workers and determine appropriate control measures.
Consider factors such as the quantity of dust generated, duration of exposure, and the effectiveness of existing control measures.

2 – Control Measures:
Implement control measures that are reasonably practicable to reduce dust exposure.
Consider the hierarchy of control measures, which includes eliminating or substituting hazardous substances, implementing engineering controls, and providing personal protective equipment (PPE) as a last resort.
Prioritise engineering controls such as local exhaust ventilation (LEV), enclosures, and water suppression systems to minimise dust generation and exposure.

3 – PPE:
If dust control measures alone cannot adequately reduce exposure, provide appropriate PPE to workers.
Select suitable respiratory protective equipment (RPE) based on the identified hazards, such as dust masks or respirators.
Ensure that workers are trained in the proper use, maintenance, and storage of PPE.

4 – Monitoring and Health Surveillance:
Regularly monitor the effectiveness of control measures and adjust them as necessary.
Consider implementing health surveillance programs to monitor the health of workers exposed to hazardous dust, and provide appropriate medical examinations when necessary.

5 – Information, Instruction, and Training:
Provide workers with information about the hazards associated with dust exposure and the control measures in place.
Ensure workers receive adequate instruction and training on safe working practices, including the proper use of control measures, PPE, and hygiene measures.
Promote awareness among workers about the risks of dust exposure and the importance of reporting any issues or concerns.

6 – Documentation and Record-Keeping:
Keep records of risk assessments, control measures implemented, and monitoring results.
Maintain records of staff training and any health surveillance activities.
Regularly review and update COSHH assessments and control measures as necessary.

HSE’s work safe campaign gives further guidance here:
https://shorturl.at/hinoq

The construction industry plays a vital role in shaping the infrastructure of our societies, but it also poses inherent risks to workers. Occupational health and safety (OHS) in construction is of paramount importance, as the well-being of workers and it directly impacts project outcomes, productivity, and, most importantly, human lives.
Addressing and prioritising OHS concerns not only safeguards workers but also fosters a culture of responsibility and commitment within the construction sector.

In this article, we will explore the key challenges faced in construction OHS and highlight effective strategies to promote a safer working environment.

Identifying Occupational Hazards:
Construction sites are dynamic environments that involve numerous hazards. It is crucial to identify and assess these hazards systematically. Common hazards include falls from heights, being struck by objects, exposure to harmful substances, electrocution, and the operation of heavy machinery. Conducting comprehensive risk assessments and implementing hazard identification protocols are essential steps toward mitigating potential risks.

Developing a Safety Culture:
Creating a safety-oriented culture starts from the top-down. Employers must prioritize safety as a core value and provide resources, training, and support to their workforce. Regular safety meetings, toolbox talks, and training programs should be conducted to educate workers about potential risks and safe work practices. Emphasizing the significance of personal protective equipment (PPE) and enforcing its usage as a mandatory requirement can significantly reduce injuries and accidents.

Implementing Robust Safety Policies and Procedures:
Construction companies should establish well-defined safety policies and procedures that comply with local regulations and industry standards. These guidelines should encompass various aspects, such as working at heights, scaffolding, confined spaces, electrical safety, and emergency response plans. Regular audits and inspections can ensure adherence to these policies, identifying gaps that need improvement.

Training and Skill Development:
Providing adequate training is key to equipping construction workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their tasks safely. Training programs should cover essential areas such as hazard recognition, proper use of equipment and tools, emergency response procedures, and ergonomics. Ongoing professional development opportunities and certification programs can also enhance workers’ competence and awareness of changing safety practices.

Communication and Collaboration:
Effective communication is vital for a safe construction environment. Employers should encourage open lines of communication between workers, supervisors, and management. Workers should feel comfortable reporting hazards, near misses, and incidents without fear of reprisal. Collaborative efforts between all stakeholders, including contractors, subcontractors, and regulatory authorities, can foster a proactive safety culture.

Technology and Innovation:
The construction industry has witnessed significant advancements in technology that can revolutionise safety practices. Tools such as drones, wearables, and virtual reality simulations can assist in site inspections, monitor potential risks, and provide realistic training experiences. Building Information Modeling (BIM) enables enhanced coordination and pre-planning, reducing the likelihood of accidents during construction.

Regular Inspections and Incident Investigations:
Routine inspections are critical to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with safety standards. Regular site walkthroughs by supervisors and safety professionals help identify and rectify unsafe conditions promptly. In case of incidents, thorough investigations should be conducted to determine the root causes and implement corrective measures, preventing similar occurrences in the future.

Promoting Worker Well-being:
The construction industry’s focus on safety should extend beyond physical hazards. Companies should promote worker well-being by addressing factors such as mental health, fatigue management, and ergonomics. Encouraging work-life balance, providing access to counseling services, and facilitating rest breaks can contribute to a healthier and more engaged workforce.

Here at Ethos Safety our conclusion is this:
Occupational health and safety should be the cornerstone of the construction industry. By prioritising the well-being of workers and implementing effective strategies, we can mitigate risks, reduce accidents, and create safer construction sites. Employers, workers, regulators, and industry stakeholders must collaborate to establish a culture that values safety, embraces innovation, and continually strives for improvement. Together, we can build a future where construction activities are not only synonymous with progress but also with the highest standards of occupational health and safety.

The worst sector in the uK for Fatal Accidents at work and indeed accident frequency rate (per 100,000 workers) Is not the one you guess it would be.

When we asked for answers to this question today, pretty much everybody went for construction (although some thought Mining, Nuclear or other high hazard industries)……

Sadly Agriculture including forestry and fishing, leads this table with an incidence rate of 21 times higher than the all industry rate.
There is another terrible link here in the fact that more than a third of those killed were over 65 years of age and the youngest killed being a 9 year old boy. Unnapoligetically I’ll let that sink in for a minute or two….

The familial aspect of farming in particular means the impact of the incidents within these statistics is devastating. Families ripped apart and for the want of preventable actions that would see loved ones still with us.

I sat last year with a Principal Inspector from the HSE who spoke to me about the impact of having to go into the family home following such an incident on a farm and explain the circumstances that led to their cherished son were entirely preventable.

Everbody above that guessed contruction would be the worst sector can look at the paralells between an activity like using site transport (excavators, telehandlers, tractors , quads) in both settings.
Agricultural workers typically recieve little or no training, or at least not to the level expected in construction. The environment is not as ordered and sadly the machinery not as well maintained or provisioned with safety features.
This, leads to the tragic instances above in the infographic and the studies and guidance on the subject.

Please, if you have any input into health and safety in the agricultural sector, take a minute to step back and assess the risks involved in what you are about to do, it could (and should) save your life.

Ethos Safety has a range of guidance and solutions specifically for this sector, just get in touch for more.

Working in the Ground? Installing Drainage or Services? then this post is for you.

Too many times we see the unnaceptable practice of working in unsupported excavations where the risks just aren’t percieved to be high enough to do anything in the way of additional supports or engineered solutions.

Harking back to my original trainer on the first itteration of Temporary Works Co-Ordinator training, his words ring loudly in my mind “We Dont Let Digger Drivers Make Design Decisions” and his point was clear, those tasked work completion are not the ones that have the responsibilities to ensure the safety of such structures (and they are structures) of excavations for sevices or drainage. In defence of “digger drivers” here, their competence and skill in operating the heavy equipment used in such projects is doubtless, however the design of such structures does lie elsewhere.

This is where the role of the Temporary Works Designer and the Temporary Works Co-Ordinator and Supervisor is key.

Recently a depth of 1.2m was mentioned as being a “safe” depth to dig and install services without additional support. Is that the case? short answer? no, but lets look at where that depth came from:

Where people were called to enter an excavation (to install drainage or services) the Construction (Working Places) Regulations 1966 specified that shoring was required beyond 1.2m. This is our source of such a number. Not a lot of people even rember the 1966 regs working in construction today and its true that the depth did exist but like many things the regulations that gave us the number have long since been replaced.

The 1966 Construction (Working Places) Regulations were revoked in 1996 and the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2007 and 2015 cover it differently.
Those of us that give advice on a range of regulations are familiar with CDM, Reg22 deals specifically with excavations yet makes no reference to depth, instead it requires those in control of work to prevent danger to any person from the collapse of an excavation or any dislodging of material.

.

All too often we see reports of shallow excavations collapsing and indeed in the image above the case shows a 1mx0.6m trench causing the death of an employee with a “mere” 1500kg of soil.

Dont rely on the 1.2m rule of thumb, it wont protect you.

Get expert advice, risk assess your work and if you have to make any assumptions, assume that ground wont bear its own weight when working in excavations.
Drop us a line at the contact on this page and we can help.

Happy to have been supported through the updated BS5975:2019 Temporary Works Coordinator training this week by Target Zero.

We are now available to support procedural control of temporary works for all organisations, ensuring the stability and buildability of your projects.
Don’t let this vital area of compliance be the thing that keeps you up at night, we can help. #compliance #temporaryworks #DI #bs5975

An asbestos removal company has been convicted and its director given a prison sentence after failing to ensure the safe removal of asbestos.

Asbestos Boss Limited, also known as Asbestos Team and its director, Daniel Luke Cockcroft, advertised as a licensed asbestos removal company and removed licensable material from domestic properties throughout Great Britain.

As we let you know last week, the HSE has just launched a campaign highlighting the dangers of asbestos and has guidance on the safe working with asbestos.

You can see the individual judgements handed down by the court below:

At Manchester Magistrates’ Court on 10 March, Asbestos Boss Limited of Old Gloucester Street, London was found guilty of breaching regulations 8(1) and 11(1)(a) of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. They were also found guilty of one charge relating to the failure to comply with a prohibition notice at two separate addresses which prevented them from working with licensed asbestos materials. The company are awaiting sentence.

Company director Daniel Luke Cockcroft of Darnes Avenue, Halifax, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 37 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 in relation to the company’s failing of regulation 8(1) and 11(1)(a) of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 as well as the charge for breach of a prohibition notice. He was immediately imprisoned for 6 months and ordered to pay victim compensation.

In conversation with a client last week at the pre-construction phase of a job, where were were complaining pre-construction information or PCI, I caught myself using the term “Asbestos, Asbestos, Asbestos….” when trying to reinforce the sheer hazard of working without the correct R+D Survey and the plans for safe removal prior to demolition. Safe to say the client was only prepared to proceed in a safe manner, it really didn’t need the reiteration above but its always Item 1,2 and 3 on the list when preparing PCI for any refurbishment or demolition work.

Don’t let the circumstances above affect your and others lives beyond measure, get in touch today and see how we can protect YOUR business.

Vibration in the workplace is a significant Hazard that all employers should be reducing to a level thats as low as reasonably practicable

Working on this for a subscriber recently made us pause to think if other people found the information on how to calculate vibration magnitudes and the associated HSE “points and “trigger time” hard to come by.
Of course the best place to start is the HSE’s own resource on vibration here:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/vibration/

The link above however doesnt fully answer the question as the data on specific magnitude from each tool in use still needs to be found.
Manufacturers like Makita however do provide some excellent resources, the Vibration Calculator and Vibration Card for instance are great tools to assist:

These can be downloaded here and here and if you need any help on implementing a system to manage this hazard we can help.
Information, Instruction, Training and the role of Occupational Health Screening and Surveilance are all vital steps in the process again an area where our competent sources of advice can help you navigate a sometimes complicated and frustrating area of risk management.

Don’t hesitate to drop us a message on the contact form or email us, we are only to happy to help.