HSE News

摘要

HSE-commissioned research has found "variable" effectiveness of exposure controls at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that import, reprocess and repackage chemical carcinogens and asthmagens. Although visits by Health and Safety Laboratory researchers to 10 companies found examples of good practice, they also revealed deficiencies at all but one SME in: assessments under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002; engineering controls (Local Exhaust Ventilation - LEV); or personal protective equipment (PPE). The researchers made recommendations for improvements to management systems or exposure control at all but one site. These included: improvements to LEV systems; the introduction of health surveillance programmes; and improvements to PPE programmes, including ensuring the introduction of fit testing for, and routine maintenance of, respiratory protective equipment.