Electric shocks do not always cause lasting injury but, in certain circumstances, can result in death, known as electrocution. However, you can take precautions when working with or near electricity and electrical equipment to significantly reduce the risk of injury to yourself and others.

Electricity is identified as a serious workplace hazard when working on and in the vicinity of live parts of electrical installations and systems. National statistics demonstrate fatalities or injuries in fires and explosions caused directly by electricity.

Electrical hazards 

The main hazards of working with electricity are:

• Electric Shock and Burns: The human body will conduct electricity in specific situations. An example of a situation is one in which direct body contact is made with an electrically energised part whilst similar contact is made simultaneously with another conductive surface that is maintained at a different electrical potential; a current will flow, entering the body at one contact point, traversing the body, and then exiting at the other contact point, usually the ground. The effect of "electric shock" is the physiological reaction or injury that occurs when an electric current passes through the human body. It can result in a range of effects, from mild tingling sensations to severe injury or even death, depending on the voltage, current, duration of exposure, and the path the current takes through the body. Electric shocks can cause burns, muscle contractions, cardiac disturbances, and other health issues. Each year, many persons suffer pain, injuries, and death from such electric shocks.
• Electrical Arc Flash: Often referred to as electric arcing, can occur because of a short circuit caused by unsafe working practices if a conductive object gets too close to a high-amp current source or by equipment failure (e.g., while opening or closing disconnects). The arc can heat the air to temperatures as high as 19,000℃ and vaporise metal in the equipment. The arc flash can cause severe skin burns from direct heat exposure or igniting clothing. Arc flash can generate intense heat, which, even for a short time, can cause deep-seated and slow-healing burns. The intense ultraviolet radiation from an electric arc can also cause damage to the eyes. 
• Arc-blast Impacts: The heating of the air and vaporisation of metal creates a pressure wave that could cause injuries, including damaging hearing, cause memory loss (from concussion) and eye damage. Flying metal parts are also a hazard.
• Fire: from faulty electrical equipment or installations

Most electrical accidents occur because people are working on or near equipment that is:

1. Thought to be safe without voltage but with current. 
2. It is known to be live, but those involved do not have adequate training or appropriate equipment to prevent injury, or they have not taken sufficient precautions.

Electric shocks can also lead to other types of injury, for example, by causing a fall when working from ladders or scaffolds.

Risk assessment

Equipment must be appropriately designed, constructed, installed, and maintained so that it does not present a risk of electric shock, burns, fire, or explosion when properly used. Many equipment-specific standards include safety-related requirements, which, if followed, will ensure that the electrical risks are adequately controlled.

The situation must be assessed before working on or near equipment.

• Using robust and properly insulated tools (see BS EN 60900).
• Providing and using correct personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce the risk of contact with live parts or earth, e.g., insulating gloves (see BS EN 60903) and insulating matting (see BS EN 61111). If there is a risk of burns from arcing or flashover that cannot be avoided, consider using adequately rated, thermally insulating, flame-resistant PPE (including face/eye protection) arc flash protective clothing. PPE should be frequently inspected and replaced if damaged. Requirements relating to PPE are covered by the Personal Protective Equipment at Work (Amendment) Regulations 2022.

PPE inspection and maintenance 

Regular inspection and maintenance of PPE is essential to reduce the risk of accidents. Manufacturers state guidance on establishing effective maintenance regimes, considering the type and use of equipment.

The HSG85 document "Electricity at Work: Safe Working Practices" (Third Edition) serves as a comprehensive guide for ensuring electrical safety in the workplace. It covers a broad range of topics, including legal obligations, risk assessment, safe systems of work, competence and training, equipment maintenance, emergency procedures, and continuous improvement. Employers and individuals responsible for electrical safety should refer to the full document for detailed and specific guidance tailored to their circumstances.

British Safety Industry Federation 

Tel: +44 (0)1442 248744

Web: www.bsif.co.uk

CONSTRUCTION, MANUFACTURING and engineering workers often face high levels of noise exposure on a daily basis. Excessive noise can impair concentration and focus, potentially increasing the risk of workplace accidents. It can also lead to permanent noise-induced hearing loss and even deafness.

The ear contains sensory ‘hair cells’ that are responsible for converting the mechanical sound vibrations into electrical signals that the brain can interpret as sound. Regular exposure to loud noise can damage these hair cells, which means they can no longer send signals to the brain and noise will not be heard. This type of hearing loss cannot be repaired - once lost, it stays lost. 

Tinnitus is another significant risk. It is a distressing condition that may include the perception of ringing, whistling, buzzing, hissing or humming, often leading to difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances and stress.

Based on Labour Force Survey data, it is estimated that around 11,000 workers in Britain had work-related hearing problems in the period from 2020/21 to 2022/23. The Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit scheme, meanwhile, recorded 85 new cases of deafness in 2022. This is based on a measured loss of more than 50 dB of hearing in both ears.

The PPE regulation (EU) 2016/425, which came into effect in 2018, recognises harmful noise as an irreversible health risk. As such, hearing protection moved from category II (intermediate PPE) to category III (complex PPE). So what action do employers need to take to keep their workers safe?

Controlling risk

Employers have a legal responsibility not to damage the hearing of their workforce. The 2005 Control of Noise at Work Regulations require them to assess the risks to employees from noise at work and take action to reduce the noise exposure that produces those risks. 

Ideally, the source of the noise should be eliminated completely. If that is not possible, employers should investigate whether the noisy process can be undertaken in a different, quieter way. If it can’t, it may be possible to limit the transmission of noise through measures such as dampening vibrating panels, fitting silencers to exhausts, acoustically screening or enclosing noisy components, or providing noise havens at workstations. Employers should also implement administrative controls including buying or hiring low-noise equipment as policy and ensuring the equipment is properly maintained.

If these measures are insufficient, hearing protection is required. Employees should receive hearing protection if noise exposure is above the lower action level of 80dB average or 135dB peak. Noise levels above 85dB average or 137dB peak represent the upper action level and require action to reduce noise exposure with a planned programme of noise control. The exposure limit values, meanwhile, are 87dB average and 140dB peak and must not be exceeded.

All employees and visitors who are required to enter noisy areas should receive suitable hearing protection along with instructions and training to ensure it is worn correctly. It should be worn at all times in the noisy area. Removing protection for just five minutes when faced with an hour of noise will reduce the protection achieved by more than half.

Selecting safe products

It is important to ensure that the hearing protection provided is suitable for the user and their work activities, and that they can use it comfortably with any other required PPE or equipment. 

Hearing protectors receive a Single Number Rating (SNR) based on the level of noise reduction they provide when fitted correctly. Choosing the correct product for the level and duration of the noise hazard is important. This will not usually be the highest level available. Users will find it uncomfortable and isolating if they use too high a level of protection - and they will be more likely to remove it. 

PPE buyers should also take care to only buy products that perform as advertised. All hearing protection must have UKCA or CE marks and comply with all relevant PPE regulations. However, British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) investigation has revealed that hearing protection on the UK market from non-BSIF Registered Safety Suppliers frequently shows failures against product claims and/or documentation. 

Registered Safety Supplier Scheme

We work hard to eliminate unsafe PPE from the market. Our Registered Safety Supplier Scheme (RSSS) was set up with the aim of tackling the threat posed by non-compliant and potentially unsafe products The RSSS was created to provide assurance to users that only compliant and correctly performing products are being supplied through a capable, educated, competent supply chain. 

We carry out tests on member products as well as non-member products. Annually, or in the event of a complaint, we will source on the open market one product from a registered member’s PPE or relevant related product offering. An accredited test laboratory will test the product to one or more clauses of the relevant standard. In the event of a product fail, the BSIF will contact the member to begin corrective measures - or ensure the product is withdrawn from the open market if required. Any member that refuses corrective action and communication can be removed from the RSSS and Trading Standards will be informed.

A Binding Declaration

Buyers can be assured that any vendor displaying the RSSS shield has signed a binding declaration that the PPE and safety equipment they offer meets the correct standards, fully complies with the regulations, and is appropriately UKCA and or CE marked.

Harmful noise is too big a risk to take chances. Where PPE is required, UK buyers and specifiers of PPE should always look for the RSSS shield so they can be confident that products will deliver the protection that users require.

In April 2024, the BSIF released a new hearing protection campaign Just because it fits. The campaign focuses on hearing protection and making sure that the selected PPE fits and is effective when incorporating other elements of PPE such as safety helmets. 

Alan Murray is CEO of the British Safety Industry Federation

For more information: 

www.bsif.co.uk/rsss

Tel: 01442 248744

THE BRITISH Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) is urging specifiers and buyers of PPE and safety equipment to ensure they check for the BSIF Registered Suppliers shield when buying PPE and safety equipment in the year ahead. 

BSIF statistics continue to show the availability of non-compliant PPE and safety equipment is a serious problem. Between December 2021 and December 2022, the BSIF completed tests on 127 non-BSIF member products, which included checking their compliance with relevant standards and testing whether they perform as advertised. Only 18 products were fully compliant, with 108 - or 85% - failing to meet regulatory criteria. Statistics for 2023 are currently being finalised and suggest the failure rate of products from non-BSIF members remains concerningly high at around 80%.

The issue of non-compliant PPE

Elsewhere, results from tests undertaken by the Office for Product Safety and Standards released in 2023 found that 80% of products selected for testing from online marketplaces failed safety tests, with PPE featuring in OPSS product recalls. This reinforces the BSIF's concerns that there is a serious problem with the availability of potentially dangerous and non-compliant goods in the UK. 

By contrast, 86% of 387 tests carried out by the BSIF on products supplied by members of the BSIF's Registered Safety Supplier Scheme (RSSS) passed immediately. The issues around the remaining 14% were then resolved, and all 387 products are now fully compliant. 

What responsibilities do PPE and safety equipment buyers and specifiers have? Anyone in charge of buying PPE and safety equipment has a responsibility to select appropriate, certified and compliant products that meet workers' specific requirements.

A simple three-step checklist

The BSIF recommends that buyers and end users follow a simple three-step process to ensure their PPE and safety equipment is fit for purpose: 

• CHECK your supplier is a BSIF Registered Supplier. BSIF-audited suppliers are compliant, competent and trustworthy.
• SELECT appropriate, certified and approved products. Registered Safety Suppliers can support the product selection process through their competence, capability and knowledge.
• PROTECT your people, your most precious asset, and help your business to thrive.

Pledge your support

The BSIF invites you to join the growing number of public and private sector organisations who are pledging their support for the BSIF Registered Safety Supplier Scheme and declaring their commitment to checking for the Registered Safety Supplier Shield when procuring PPE and safety products. 

"Unfortunately there is a significant volume of substandard and poor quality PPE and safety products finding their way onto the market in the UK potentially leaving workers and workplaces unprotected," explained BSIF CEO Alan Murray.

"We urge anyone responsible for buying these goods to make 2024 the year they take the risk out of buying PPE and safety equipment and always check for the shield."

Find out about becoming more involved with the BSIF Registered Safety Supplier Scheme by emailing [email protected].

For more information:

www.bsif.co.uk

Tel: 01442 248744

WHEN IT comes to selecting the appropriate safety eyewear lens coatings, the process can be made straightforward by following some simple rules. 

Coatings must be appropriate to the task in hand. If unsuitable lens coatings are used there is the risk of unwanted consequences such as eye irritation, lack of compliance and confidence in PPE, low worker morale, and subsequently reduced efficiency.  

Types of lens coating 

Certain lens coatings are appropriate and effective for some jobs, but not for others. For example, coated lenses that are permanent anti-fog on both sides, scratch resistant and antistatic are particularly suitable for work in high humidity or polluted circumstances, while extreme coatings which separate anti-fog and scratch resistant lens coatings allowing them to perform at a much higher level and on the side of the lens where the coating is needed most, are ideal for work in tough and dirty environments. 

In welding, a grey-tint welding filter lens, as well as providing 100% ultraviolet and infrared protection and glare reduction, also gives perfect natural colour recognition, unlike traditional green-tinted welding lenses, which can alter colours. Correct colour vision is vital in welding tasks where safety can depend on the accurate recognition of colours in safety signs and signals in environments such as foundries, steelworks, aerospace or engineering. 

In workplace settings with a high risk of small particles, dirt and dust flying around, such as in steel making, mining or construction, highly scratch-resistant coatings are a must, preferably on both sides of the spectacle or goggle. 

In working situations such as in paper, food, textiles and refrigerated warehouses with high humidity levels and persistent condensation, permanent, hydrophilic fog-resistant coatings are essential for safe and non-interrupted effective working. 

In the past, anti-fog coatings used to wear or wash off quickly, so their permanence is a big step forward in increasing performance and life span of a product even after repeated cleaning. The modern hydrophilic coating becomes sponge-like, absorbing moisture without becoming saturated, so that the wearer does not have to take off their spectacles or goggles to clear any fog, enhancing both safety and wearer compliance.

Chemical- and biological-resistant coatings are needed for whenever chemicals are worked with, especially in medicine, food and waste management. They are also needed to protect against hazardous liquids, toxic dust, gas and vapours. 

In jobs that require frequent change from indoor to outdoor environments, a 20% silver mirror sun tint lens could be used to allow workers to see in both light environments.

Selecting the right lens coating

So how can eyewear procurers decide on the perfect lens coating for the job in hand and the relevant working conditions? Good manufacturers can assist companies in selecting the proper eyewear and lens coatings for specific work environments.  However, it should not be a difficult or daunting task and it is, in fact, very easy to make the right choice using a foolproof coatings selection system, which caters for most working conditions and industries.

The most efficient way to do this is to use a ‘spider graph’ selection chart. With this method, it is easy to plot and opt for the right coating for the right job, so eliminating wasteful trial and error, saving time and costs, and increasing efficiency.  

The method is straightforward. The workplace conditions in terms of temperature (hot, cold) are entered on the horizontal axis of the chart, the air humidity (dry, wet) is described on the diagonal axis, and the degree of dirt (dirty, clean) specified on the vertical axis. When these three points are joined to form a triangle, the largest area will indicate the appropriate lens coating for the defined area of use.

A set amount of choices is available to cover most working conditions, making the selection of the right lens coating for a particular function very simple. 

For more information:

www.bsif.co.uk

Tel: 01442 248744

THE BRITISH Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) is warning those in charge of PPE and safety product procurement to be vigilant about substandard products, as their latest non-member product tests highlight the availability of high levels of non-compliant products. 

Between December 2021 and December 2022, the BSIF completed tests on 127 non-member products which included checking their compliance with relevant standards and testing whether they perform as advertised. Only 18 (15%) of these products were fully compliant. This means 108 products (85%) failed to meet the regulatory criteria, many of which are still available and being sold to unsuspecting users.

Just a few examples of substandard products the BSIF came across for sale in 2022 include: 

• An 'indestructible safety trainer' that failed the midsole penetration test. 
• 'Cut-resistant gloves' that didn't pass the relevant cut test  
• A 'safety harness and lanyard' provided without any user instructions or documentation

The findings around non-member products are in contrast with the results of tests carried out on products supplied by BSIF Registered Safety Suppliers who are committed to only selling certified PPE and trading honestly and ethically. 

Registered Safety Supplier’s products are tested annually as part of the scheme’s audit process and if products fail to meet the test’s strict criteria any issues must be addressed and rectified immediately for member’s to remain part of the scheme. Of 387 tests completed on Registered Safety Supplier’s products between December 2021 and December 2022, 332 products (86%) passed immediately and of the 55 (14%) that initially didn’t meet the test criteria, all issues have now been resolved.

Buyers and end users can be assured that companies displaying the BSIF shield have signed a binding declaration that the PPE and safety equipment they offer meets the correct standards, fully complies with the regulations and is UKCA and or CE marked. This means that by using a Registered Safety Supplier you can be confident you will receive genuine products that are fit for purpose as well as genuine information and guidance. 
 
"Our latest findings are very concerning and reinforce the importance of only using a BSIF Registered Safety Supplier when procuring PPE and safety equipment," explained BSIF CEO, Alan Murray.

"The reality is that selling PPE and safety equipment comes with complex responsibilities and it can be hard for even the most diligent suppliers to keep up with the rules and regulations. That’s why at the BSIF we maintain that even though anyone can sell safety, you shouldn’t buy safety from just anyone.    

"We urge all buyers and specifiers to review their current processes and consider what assurances they have that the PPE and safety equipment they are being supplied with is fit for purpose. 

“Specifying a Registered Safety Supplier is the easiest way to ensure you are only dealing with compliant, competent and trustworthy suppliers," he concluded. 

For a full list of Registered Safety Suppliers, visit: www.registeredsafetysupplierscheme.co.uk

For more information:

www.bsif.co.uk

Tel: 01442 248744

IP&E: What is the BSIF Registered Safety Supplier Scheme? 

AM: The BSIF Registered Safety Supplier Scheme is a quality assurance scheme that helps buyers of PPE and safety equipment find suppliers they can trust. The scheme's mission is to assure users that only compliant and correctly performing products are supplied through a capable, educated, competent supply chain. All BSIF members who market PPE and safety equipment are Registered Safety Suppliers and are audited annually. 

IP&E: Why is the Registered Safety Supplier Scheme needed? 

AM: Vendors of PPE and safety products are responsible for ensuring the equipment they sell meets relevant standards, but not all equipment sellers understand these obligations, while others disregard them. A lack of market surveillance and enforcement in the UK means substandard products can find their way onto the market.

For example, the law states that PPE must be correctly tested and certified to comply with the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations, but not every supplier of PPE follows the rules.

Some items claim UKCA and/or CE approvals but, in reality, they have not been appropriately certified. In the BSIF's experience, these products often do not perform as they should, putting lives at risk and, in doing so, exposing businesses and individuals to prosecution for failing to protect staff.

IP&E: What are some examples of substandard products? 

AM: Some recent examples include safety trainers advertised as indestructible but that don't pass a basic midsole puncture test; cut-resistant gloves that fail to protect against cuts; and fall arrest equipment that lacked supporting documentation. None of these products came from a Registered Safety Supplier. 

IP&E: How does the Registered Safety Supplier Scheme help? 

AM: Buyers can be assured that any vendor displaying the BSIF Registered Safety Supplier shield has signed a binding declaration that the PPE and safety equipment they offer meets the correct standards, fully complies with the regulations and is UKCA and or CE marked. 

IP&E: What commitments do Registered Safety Suppliers make? 

AM: Registered Safety Suppliers: 

• Formally declare and commit to selling only Certified PPE  and safety products that perform to claims made
• Submit their products to random independent scheme testing 
• Maintain a company Quality Policy
• Commit to having their customer-facing staff educated and qualified in the Safe Supply Course

IP&E: What's the significance of the Safe Supply Course? 

AM: The BSIF's Safe Supply Course is a publicly recognised qualification that helps businesses that sell PPE and safety equipment to demonstrate their capability to customers. The Safe Supply Course enables customer-facing staff to develop their expertise and knowledge so they can provide specialist advice on PPE & safety equipment. 

IP&E: How does the BSIF audit Registered Safety Suppliers?

AM: The annual audit process varies depending upon the company being audited - manufacturers have a different audit process to distributors and again is different for those providing services. At its most basic, the audit assesses the quality processes and management in place for these organisations and tests or assesses products or services offered – either through laboratory testing to specific publicly available standards/test methods or by assessing/witnessing the competency of organisations to conduct the services that they offer.

IP&E: How can I find a Registered Safety Supplier? 

AM: A full list of Registered Safety Suppliers is available at: www.registeredsafetysupplierscheme.co.uk The website includes a searchable database that allows end users to look for specific products or services and/or by geographical area. Anyone can sell safety but you shouldn’t buy safety from just anyone: Always specify the shield. 

Alan Murray is CEO of the BSIF 

For more information: 

www.registeredsafetysupplierscheme.co.uk

Tel: 01442 248744

1. CHECK your supplier is BSIF Registered. BSIF audited suppliers are compliant, competent and trustworthy.
2. SELECT appropriate, certified and approved products. Registered Safety Suppliers can support the product selection process through their competence, capability and knowledge.
3. PROTECT your people, your most precious asset, and help your business to thrive.

"However you are sourcing your PPE and safety equipment, checking whether your vendor is a Registered Safety Supplier is a quick and easy way of ensuring they are committed to high standards of operation and are compliant with relevant regulations," said BSIF CEO Alan Murray. "Remember, anyone can sell safety, but you wouldn't buy safety from just anyone. Always specify the shield."

To find out more about the benefits of specifying a BSIF registered supplier in your supply chain, watch the BSIF's video The BSIF Registered Safety Supplier Scheme: What you need to know when buying PPE & Safety Equipment. Or contact the BSIF today at [email protected] or by calling (0)1442 248744.

You will also be able to access free support and resources designed to improve your PPE procurement processes and to help safeguard your workforce, your business and your reputation.

For a full list of Registered Safety Suppliers, visit: www.registeredsafetysupplierscheme.co.uk

USING HAND-HELD, hand-fed or hand-guided tools or machines can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome and dupuytren’s contracture. All of these conditions are preventable but once the damage is done, it is irreversible and it is painful and disabling. An estimated five million people in Britain are regularly exposed to hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) through their work activities.

Not surprisingly, the greatest focus of risk is found in industries where there is repeated and frequent use of hand-held vibrating tools - for example, power drills, orbital sanders and angle grinders, found in sectors such as foundries, heavy steel fabrication and construction.

What is HAVS?

Hand-arm vibration comes from the transfer of vibration from powered tools and equipment to an operator’s hand, which can lead to tingling and numbness in the fingers. HAVS consists of three components: vascular damage to blood vessels; neurological damage to nerve endings; and musculoskeletal manipulation issues.

Those at particular risk are workers who regularly operate hammer action tools for more than about 15 minutes per day; or some rotary and other action tools for more than about one hour per day. The types of machines most likely to cause a risk include chainsaws, cut-off saws, jigsaws, concrete breakers, hand-held and pedestal grinders, hammer drills, powered sanders, polishers and brush cutters.

Controlling the risks from hand-arm vibration exposure

Factors affecting the level of risk from HAVS are complex and there are many which lead to a poor understanding of risk management. Nevertheless, the significant factors are; the vibration magnitude of the tool, how long the equipment is used for and how many vibration processes the worker is exposed to, as the impact of exposure is cumulative. 

The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 were introduced to better protect workers and place a clear duty on employers to ensure their staff are not exposed to excess vibration.

When the Exposure Action Value (EAV) is reached, a health surveillance programme must be implemented along with a programme of organisational and technical measures to reduce exposure to the lowest reasonably practicable levels.

Minimising exposure to vibration

Changing the way that an operator works, so that their time on the machine is reduced or removed altogether, is the ideal. If this is not possible, then it is recommended that workers be protected from HAVS through:

• using alternative non-vibrating methods
• mechanising or automating a task
• using jigs, clamps or rigs when possible
• alternating vibrating and non-vibrating work
• rotating vibrating work among several people
• using the best tools and abrasives available

The two key variables that can control exposure are the magnitude of vibration to which an individual is exposed and their time of exposure.

Magnitude of exposure can be gauged using industry-standard tri-axial transducer measuring equipment that assesses the processes vibration magnitude and tool timer equipment that shows the operator’s length of exposure - sometimes called ‘trigger time’. The exposure value can then be calculated using the HSE hand-arm vibration calculator

Simple measures to reduce hand-arm vibration

Recent innovations by the leading manufacturers in tools and abrasives are driving reductions in HAVS. For example, tools with electric or mechanical balancing systems can offer reduced magnitude compared to non-balanced tools. 

Selecting the right abrasive product for the application is also important. Using high performance, Engineered Abrasives with new mineral technology (like Precision-Shaped Grain) enables better rotational balance that helps reduce vibration, additionally removing material at a faster rate than conventional abrasive grains, further reducing trigger time. 

As the HSE advises, the best way of controlling exposure to hand-arm vibration is to find ways to eliminate or reduce exposure to vibration.  Simple changes like selecting the best tools and products, can not only provide a significant reduction in vibration exposure, but improved productivity as well. 

Theo Simon is an application engineer specialist in abrasives at 3M

For more information: 

www.bsif.co.uk

Tel: 01442 248744

THE EFFECTS of exposure can develop quickly or take years to develop, leaving workers vulnerable to asthmatic and allergic reactions and longer-term illnesses such as cancer and cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous system disorders.

While the cost to human health can be devastating, the financial costs to businesses through reduced productivity, employee absences, recruitment and compensation claims can be substantial.

Few workplaces are immune, as exposure can occur in businesses as diverse as healthcare, education, gardening, transport, office work and catering, whether from products used in the core of the company or for equipment maintenance and general cleaning.

Complying with COSHH

Under the Workplace (Health Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, employers have a legal duty to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees as far as is reasonably practicable. This includes complying with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH).

Under the COSHH Regulations 2002, employers must assess and implement measures to protect workers and those impacted by their workplace against exposures that could potentially be harmful to health. 

A risk assessment must be conducted to gather information about which substances are present or likely to be present and who could be exposed and how. The health risks must then be evaluated to determine the chance of exposure occurring, how often the exposure is likely to occur, what level of exposure could happen, and for how long. Thus, monitoring for potentially dangerous airborne hazards plays a key part in overall risk management.

Industrial hygiene methods are geared towards measuring personal exposure using personal air sampling pumps because the tried-and-tested method can quantify personal exposure and ensure compliance with regulatory limits. A sampling pump’s size, weight, connectivity, and ability to access data are key, however, flow rate stability, pulsation, and back-pressure capability must also be considered. So, when purchasing a sampling pump, what features should you look for

Safety ratings 

Many pumps are Intrinsically Safe (I.S.) rated as standard but it is worth checking that your pump’s I.S. rating is still appropriate for your facility to avoid any safety issues.

An I.S. rated pump will not cause an explosion in a flammable atmosphere, critical for workplaces with significant levels of combustible substances. In addition, consider whether the pumps will be used in a harsh environment. For example, many pumps now have Ingress Protection ratings, which means they are protected from ingress by water and dust.

Design

Size, weight and accessibility are critical design elements. Pumps should allow freedom of movement, be unobtrusive, robust and not prone to leakage. Selecting a smaller, lightweight, low flow pump (0.05-1L) for sampling vapours and gases, over a medium flow pump (1-5L) equipped with a low flow adaptor is more user-friendly for workers.

Battery life

When selecting a personal sampling pump, the battery life must be considered to maintain operation throughout the monitoring period. Lithium-Ion batteries are now starting to be used in the latest personal sampling pumps with significant advantages over traditional nickel-metal hydride and nickel-cadmium batteries.

For example, li-Ion batteries have the highest energy density, which means that you need fewer cells and can ultimately achieve a smaller, lighter pump. Li-Ion batteries also do not suffer from the 'memory effect', meaning only part of the battery charge is usable. This will avoid having to change the batteries regularly or implement a battery management procedure.

Compliance

It is vital to check that your pump meets the latest international standard for air sampling pumps. Compliance with ISO 13137 ensures accurate flow performance amongst other performance criteria, ensuring accurate sampling and meaning you will not have to repeat measurements.

Back-preassure capability 

The most significant factor to consider in the operational capabilities of your personal sampling pump is the choice of filter media. The smaller the diameter and pore size of your filter and the greater the flow rate, the greater the back-pressure exerted and the harder the motor needs to work.

Membrane filters, as opposed to standard glass fibre filters, exert more back-pressure. If you use these filters routinely, check the back-pressure capabilities specified by your pump manufacturer. Will they cope?
 
Pulsation and air flow ​

The ISO 13137:2013 standard requires that the pulsation of a personal sampling pump shall not exceed 10% of the flow rate. A pulsation measurement shows the difference in air flow between cycles; through every cycle, as the pump draws air in and expels it simultaneously, this exchange process causes an uneven flow.

A large pulsation value means that if you are using a cyclone head for collecting respirable samples, flow does not remain steady, and the size cut of the respirable fraction is affected. To combat this effect, manufacturers include pulsation dampeners, which are rubber diaphragms that act as extra reservoirs of air to smooth the flow. Ensure that the pulsation values are within specification for your chosen pump.

Most pumps control the flow of air through the pump using a 'constant flow' mechanism. As back-pressure increases, the pump detects the change and alters the flow accordingly. At the end of the sample, flow should still be within plus or minus five per cent of the calibrated flow set at the start of the measurement. A constant flow ensures that you can be confident in the volume of air sampled for your exposure calculations.

Constant pressure control 

Constant pressure control is primarily used for low-flow applications and allows the possibility of taking samples with sorbent tubes for gases and vapours. This method controls the flow rate by holding a constant pressure level in the tubing between the samplers and the pump. For many pumps, in order to do a low-flow measurement, you would purchase a separate constant-pressure controller. If you frequently undertake low-flow measurements, it is worth investing in a pump that has this built-in.

Connectivity and bluetooth

The latest generation of Bluetooth enabled pumps and flow calibrators can automate the calibration process and save valuable time, increasing confidence in the calibration results, which can be saved and/or emailed for reporting.

Pulsation, once tested in a laboratory, can now be checked in the field at the same time as a normal flow rate calibration through an airflow calibrator equipped with Bluetooth.

As advances in technology continue to develop, remote methods can avoid disturbing workers and improve the validity and reliability of sample data. It is vital that these factors, alongside the broader environmental conditions in the specific working environment, are at front of mind when purchasing new equipment.

Monitoring will help keep employees protected throughout the working day by ensuring air-sampling pumps identify hazardous amounts of fumes, dust and gases that increase the risk of long-term damage to worker health 

Alan Murray is CEO of the British Safety Industry Federation

For more information: 

www.bsif.co.uk

Tel: 01442 248744

THE PARTNERSHIP extension will also see WBM continuing to publish the annual BSIF Guide to the UK Health and Safety Industry, which last year won Commercial Partnership of the Year at the PPA Independent Publishers Awards.

Health and Safety Matters (HSM) magazine will remain the official publication of the BSIF and the only independent voice of the health and safety sector. HSM is the market-leading publication in the health and safety market and has 33,415 circulation and more than 50,000 unique monthly visitors to its website www.hsmsearch.com and more than 70,000 professionals signed up to its weekly enewsletter.

HSM will also continue to produce dedicated e-newsletters to promote the BSIF’s activities to the sector and directly to the inboxes of BSIF members. It will also be part of HSM’s range CPD-accredited webinars and digital conferences.

The BSIF will also continue to support and provide content for WBM’s other publications, which include Fire Safety Matters, Handling and Storage Solutions, Industrial Plant & Equipment, Controls Drives and Automation, Cleaning Matters and Security Matters.

In addition, the prestigious BSIF Awards will remain the focal point of the Safety and Health Excellence Awards, which will take place on 26 April 2023 at the VOX, NEC Birmingham. The Safety and Health Excellence Awards were jointly founded by WBM and BSIF in 2018 and have fast become the must-attend networking event for the health and safety sector. Last year, more than 450 attended the awards and there were in excess of 200 entries to the awards categories. 

BSIF chief executive Alan Murray comments, “I am delighted, on behalf of the BSIF membership to continue this strong relationship into the future. This partnership has been fruitful, progressive and value adding, taking our key messages right across the relevant media platforms. Good safety is a strength for businesses assisting in key areas beyond just safety, into productivity and sustainability. The BSIF WBM relationship is vital in spreading and amplifying these crucial messages.”

Western Business Media CEO Mark Sennett added: “Our partnership with the BSIF is special to us and we are extremely proud to be able to call HSM the official publication of BSIF. The Federation work tirelessly to continue to raise safety standards and nothing highlights this more than the BSIF Guide to the UK Health and Safety Industry. The Safety and Health Excellence Awards, which we launched together with BSIF, are now in their sixth year and are firmly established as the industry’s leading networking evening.

“We are excited to be working in partnership with BSIF for an additional five years. The BSIF's growing membership are hugely engaged with not only our publications but also our digital content and our awards. We look forward to continuing to provide them with the latest news and best practice from the sector to help them in the vital work that they do to keep people and premises safe."

www.bsif.co.uk