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Health and Safety Executive cracks down on dust

The HSE will be carrying out a month length inspection initiative starting Monday 5 October.

The inspections will focus on respiratory risks and occupational lung disease; looking at the measures businesses have in place to protect their workers’ lungs from the likes of asbestos, silica and wood dust.

Inspectors will also be looking for evidence of employers and workers knowing the risks, planning their work and using the right controls.

Advice for employers on dust control

• Asbestos control - To prevent exposure to asbestos, all employers (in particular construction sites) have a legal duty under the CAR 2012, to carry out an asbestos survey to identify any asbestos containing materials before any refurbishment or demolition work can take place.
• COSHH assessment - Employers have a legal duty to assess the risk to health and to be aware of what contaminants (such as wood or flour dust) employees are exposed to and in what quantities. Is your assessment up to date?
• Exposure monitoring - You need to be able to provide written evidence to show that your control measures are working and are effective in reducing exposure?   
  If you use control measures such as an LEV system, did you know they require a thorough examination and test at least once every 14 months? Do your employees wear RPE? Is it correctly fitted, maintained and suitable for the contaminant being produced?
• Training - Has your workforce received the correct training? Are they aware of the risks in the workplace and understand how to stay safe

We can help you protect the long-term health of your employees

With over 23 years' industry experience, we recognise the importance of Occupational Hygiene, and our goal is to assist companies in reducing risk, and in doing so, protecting the health and well-being of its employees, as well as ensuring compliance with the law.

Our team of consultants can assist with:

• Exposure Monitoring
• COSHH assessments
• LEV Assessments
• Asbestos management
• Training 

Contact our team for advice aec@aec.uk.net or call  Manchester 0161 872 7111, London 0203 384 6175

For the full HSE article visit https://press.hse.gov.uk/2020/09/24/health-and-safety-executive-cracks-down-on-dust/