Storing and Handling Ammonium Nitrate Safely: A Quick Guide
Introduction This article is a quick guide based on the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) document titled "Storing and Handling Ammonium Nitrate" (INDG230 Reprinted 11/04 C30). The original document provides in-depth information about the safe storage and handling procedures for ammonium nitrate. This guide condenses the key points into an easy-to-understand format. What is Ammonium Nitrate? Ammonium nitrate is primarily used as a fertiliser, available as prills (small spheres) or granules. It's not combustible in itself, but as an oxidising agent, it can assist other materials to burn, even without air. Under certain conditions like heat, confinement, or severe shock, it can explode. The risk of fire or explosion increases if ammonium nitrate is mixed with combustible or incompatible materials....
COSHH Regulations: A Quick Guide
Introduction This article is a quick guide to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) document titled "Working with substances hazardous to health: A brief guide to COSHH" (INDG136, revised 10/12). The original document is a comprehensive guide on how to control hazardous substances at work to prevent ill health, in compliance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002. This article breaks down the key points from the document into an easy-to-understand format. Why is this guide important? Every year, thousands of workers are made ill by hazardous substances, leading to diseases like asthma, cancer, and dermatitis. These illnesses cost industries, society, and individuals millions of pounds each year. Therefore, employers are responsible for taking effective measures...
Maintaining Portable Electric Equipment Safely in Low Risk Environments
Introduction This guide provides a simplified version of the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) document titled "Maintaining portable electric equipment in low-risk environments" (INDG236 rev3), which was published in September 2013. The original document provides crucial information on the precautions necessary to prevent danger from portable or movable electrical equipment in low-risk environments such as offices, shops, and parts of hotels and residential care homes. What Does the Law Say? The law mandates the maintenance of electrical equipment if it can cause danger, but it does not specify how or how often this should be done. The level of maintenance required depends on the risk of an item becoming faulty and how the equipment is constructed. Factors to consider include:...
Keeping Lone Workers Safe: A Quick Guide for Employers
Introduction This article is a simple, easy-to-understand guide based on the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) document titled "Protecting lone workers: How to manage the risks of working alone" (Document INDG73(rev4)). It aims to summarise the key points and provide you with the essential information you need to know about this topic. The original document can be found on the HSE's official website. Who are Lone Workers? Lone workers are individuals who work by themselves without close or direct supervision. They can be found in all sectors and their roles may include: Working alone at a fixed base (e.g., in shops, petrol stations, factories, warehouses, or leisure centres) Working separately from others on the same premises or outside normal working...
First Aid at Work: Quick Guide and FAQs
Introduction This blog post is a simple guide to understanding the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) document INDG214(rev2), "First Aid at Work: Your Questions Answered". This leaflet provides basic information about first-aid provision at work, targeting employers in small and medium-sized workplaces. Here, we break down the key points from this document into an easy-to-understand format. What is First Aid at Work? First aid at work involves immediate attention given to individuals who suffer injuries or fall ill at work, regardless of whether the cause is work-related or not. This provision can save lives and prevent minor injuries from escalating into major ones. What Do Employers Need to Do? The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide:...
A Quick Guide to RIDDOR Regulations
Introduction In this article, we will be providing a quick guide to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR) as detailed in the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) document INDG453(rev1). The HSE is a UK government agency responsible for regulating and enforcing workplace health, safety and welfare. What is RIDDOR? RIDDOR is a UK law that requires employers and people in control of work premises to report and keep records of certain work-related accidents, diseases and dangerous occurrences. These include: Work-related accidents which cause death or certain serious injuries; Diagnosed cases of certain industrial diseases; and Certain ‘dangerous occurrences’ (incidents with the potential to cause harm). RIDDOR 2013 Changes From 1 October 2013, RIDDOR 2013 introduced...
Managing Hand Arm Vibration Safety at Work: Quick Guide
Introduction In this article, we will be summarising the key points from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) document titled "Hand-arm vibration - A guide for employees". This guide is also known as leaflet INDG296(rev2) and was published in June 2014. The original document is a handy pocket card aimed at individuals who use handheld powered work equipment or workpieces that vibrate while being processed by powered machinery. This includes tools such as pedestal grinders. Understanding Hand-arm Vibration Hand-arm vibration is the transmission of vibration into your hands and arms when using vibrating equipment. It can lead to conditions like Hand-arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). What is Hand-arm Vibration Syndrome? HAVS is a condition that: Affects...
Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR): Overview
Introduction This article provides a simplified overview of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR), a document published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under the code INDG370(rev1). The document outlines the necessary steps employers must take to protect their employees from fire and explosion risks in the workplace. This guide will highlight the key points and requirements of the DSEAR. What is a Dangerous Substance? A dangerous substance is any substance used or present at work that could cause harm to people as a result of a fire, explosion, or similar incident if not properly controlled. These substances can be found in nearly all workplaces and include solvents, paints, varnishes, flammable gases, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG),...
Preventing Slips and Trips at Work: A Quick Guide
Introduction This blog post provides a concise summary of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) document titled "Preventing slips and trips at work: A brief guide" (INDG225(rev2)). This guide is intended to help employers understand and prevent the most common cause of injury in the workplace: slips and trips. The solutions presented in the original document are often simple and low-cost. What Does The Law Say? The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSW Act) requires employers to ensure the health and safety of all employees and anyone who may be affected by their work, as far as is reasonably practicable. This includes taking steps to control slip and trip risks. Employees also have a responsibility not to...
Managing Upper Limb Disorders in the Workplace
Introduction This article is a quick guide to the HSE document titled "Managing Upper Limb Disorders in the Workplace" (01/20 INDG171(rev3)). The original document, published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), provides comprehensive information on how employers can protect their workers from upper limb disorders (ULDs) in the workplace. This guide distils the key points from the document into a simpler, more digestible format. What are Upper Limb Disorders (ULDs)? ULDs include aches and pains in the shoulders, arms, wrists, hands, fingers, and neck. They are common across a range of industries and jobs, including assembly lines, construction, meat or poultry processing, and work with computers. They can be caused or worsened by work. What does the law say?...
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER): An Overview
Introduction This article provides a simple, easy-to-understand guide to the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) document on the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). The original document, leaflet INDG291(rev1), outlines the requirements of PUWER and provides guidance for employers on how to ensure the safety of their employees in the workplace. This article summarises the key points from the original document, making them accessible for interested readers. What Equipment is Covered by the Regulations? PUWER covers any equipment used by an employee at work. This can range from basic tools like hammers, knives and lifting equipment, to more complex machinery like hoists, power presses and motor vehicles. If you allow employees to provide their own equipment, it...
Noise at Work: A Quick Quide for Workers
Introduction This article is a quick guide to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) document titled "Noise: Don't lose your hearing!" (Document code: INDG363(rev2)). The original document provides valuable information on the dangers of excessive noise at the workplace and the responsibilities of both employers and employees to prevent hearing damage. This guide simplifies the key points of the original document for easy understanding. The Problem with Noise Noise is a part of everyday life but excessive noise can cause permanent and disabling hearing damage. This damage can manifest as progressive hearing loss over time, sudden damage from extremely loud noises, or tinnitus (permanent ringing in the ears). By the time you notice, it's probably too late. However, your hearing...
Lifting Equipment at Work Regulations (LOLER): an Overview
Introduction This article provides a simplified overview of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) as detailed in the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) document INDG290(rev1). This guide is designed to help employers understand their responsibilities under LOLER and how to protect their employees in the workplace. It's also useful for employees and their representatives. What equipment is covered by the Regulations? LOLER covers any equipment used at work for lifting or lowering loads, including attachments used for anchoring, fixing, or supporting it. Examples of equipment covered by LOLER include cranes, forklift trucks, lifts, hoists, mobile elevating work platforms, and vehicle inspection platform hoists. Lifting accessories such as chains, slings, and eyebolts are also covered. If employees provide...
A Quick Guide to Storing Small Chemical Products Safely
Introduction This blog post provides a simplified guide to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) document titled 'Storing Chemical SR24 Products (small scale)'. The original document offers comprehensive information on how employers, self-employed individuals, and franchisees can comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) to protect workers' health. Key Guidelines for Safe Storage of Chemicals Ensure that only trained workers have access to stored chemical products. The storage area should be kept locked. Provide good washing facilities. Maintain good ventilation in the storage area, with 5-10 air changes per hour and a through draught. Keep a spill clean-up kit nearby. Segregate chemicals that might react together and contain spills from burst containers. Never decant concentrate...
Using Electric Batteries Safely at Work: A Quick Guide
Using Electric Batteries Safely At Work: A Quick Guide to HSE INDG139 Every year, at least 25 people are seriously injured when using batteries at work. This article is a quick guide to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) document INDG139 on using electric storage batteries safely. The original document provides a basic introduction to working safely with batteries and minimising the risks involved. Work Safely with Batteries: Do's and Don'ts When working with or near batteries, and also when moving or handling them, remember to: Wear gloves and suitable eye protection, preferably goggles or a visor. Wear a plastic apron and suitable boots when handling battery chemicals such as sulphuric acid or potassium hydroxide. Empty your pockets of any...
Working in the Sun Safely: A Quick Guide for Workers
This article is a simple guide to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) document titled "Keep your top on - Health risks from working in the sun", also known as INDG147. This document offers advice for outdoor workers from the Health and Safety Executive and the Health Departments in England, Scotland and Wales. The original document can be found at https://books.hse.gov.uk/ and carries the ISBN number 9780717667215. Who is this document for? This document is primarily aimed at outdoor workers such as those working on farms, building sites, and in waste collection. These individuals are more likely to be at risk if their work results in exposure to direct sunlight for long periods. What are the risks? Skin cancer is...
Workplace Transport Safety: A Quick Guide
Workplace Transport Safety: A Quick Guide Based on the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) leaflet INDG199(rev2), this article provides a simplified overview of workplace transport safety. This guide is particularly useful for managers, operators, and safety representatives. Introduction Every year, over 5000 accidents involving transport occur in the workplace, with approximately 50 resulting in fatalities. The main causes of injury include people falling off vehicles or being struck or crushed by them. This guide aims to help reduce the chances of such accidents happening. What is Workplace Transport? Workplace transport refers to any activity involving vehicles used in a workplace. This excludes vehicles driven on public roads, except when the vehicle is being loaded or unloaded on a public road...
Manual Handling at Work Regulations: A Quick Guide
Understanding Manual Handling at Work: A Quick Guide In this article, we simplify the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) document "Manual Handling at Work: A Brief Guide" (01/20 INDG143(rev4)) into an easy-to-understand guide. The original document provides essential information for employers about the risks of manual handling tasks and how to protect their workforce. What is Manual Handling? Manual handling involves transporting or supporting a load by hand or bodily force. This includes lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, moving or carrying a load. A load can be a movable object like a box or package, a person or an animal, or something being pushed or pulled, such as a roll cage or pallet truck. The Problem with Manual Handling Manual handling...
Executive Summary of other-respiratory-diseases-statistics-2023
Executive Summary of the HSE Report on Work-Related Respiratory Disease Statistics in Great Britain, 2023 This article provides an executive summary of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) report on work-related respiratory disease statistics in Great Britain. The report, published on 22nd November 2023, offers an in-depth analysis of the various respiratory diseases, excluding asbestos-related disease, asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and pneumoconiosis. This summary will highlight key findings from the report, focusing on specific facts and statistics. 1. Average of 7 New Cases of Occupational Extrinsic Allergic Alveolitis Annually Over the Last Decade According to the HSE report, there has been an average of 7 new cases of occupational Extrinsic Allergic Alveolitis (EAA) assessed for Industrial Injuries Disablement...
A Quick Guide to Working Safely With Pressure Systems
Introduction This article is a simplified guide to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) document titled "Pressure Systems: A Brief Guide to Safety", coded INDG261(rev2). The original document, published in November 2012, provides essential information on the safety measures required when working with systems or equipment that contain a liquid or gas under pressure. This article will cover the key points from the document in a format that is easy to understand. Understanding Pressure Systems Pressure systems and equipment, such as boilers, compressed air systems, and heat exchangers, can pose significant risks if they fail. Failure can result in serious injury, death, and property damage. The primary causes of incidents include poor equipment design, inadequate maintenance, unsafe work systems, operator...