Following an increase in the number of bus fires reported to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) an investigation was launched into reported fires between 2020 and 2022. The DVSA has published the findings of this investigation. DVSA highlight three key findings of the investigation: Although concerns have been raised about heat generated by exhaust treatment systems DVSA … Read More
New Passive Fire Protection Guidance
The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) have published a series of three Advisory Notes on topics related to passive fire protection as well as updating a previous Advisory Note. These are Advisory Notes 13, 30 and 31, with the updated Advisory Note being number 15. The first of the three Advisory Notes, number 13, covers the testing of partial … Read More
New Guidance for Goods Vehicle Operators Using Longer Semi-Trailers
Introduced as part of plans to allow the more efficient movement of goods and reduce carbon dioxide emissions as of 31st May 2023 longer semi-trailers have been allowed on British roads. Semi-trailers used by trucks can now measure up to 15.56 metres long, 2.05 metres longer than traditional standard semi-trailers. DVSA highlight that those intending to use longer semi-trailers need … Read More
The Ladder Association’s Telescopic Ladder Campaign Continues
As part of their on-going ‘Step Up to Safe Ladders’ telescopic ladder safety campaign the Ladder Association has released a second report urging the government to make regulatory changes to hold suppliers and online platforms accountable for the ladders that they sell. The report, named ‘It’s time to Step in’, follows an initial report, ‘Step up to Safe Ladders’ released … Read More
HSE Report on Fit Testing of CE Marked Ear Loop Respirators
Following the previous safety alert released April 2022 the HSE has now released specific details of research undertaken regarding the effectiveness of different styles of filtering facepiece (FFP) respirators / masks as respiratory protective equipment (RPE). In the previous safety alert the HSE warned that respirators and facemasks that rely on ear loops to hold them in place are not … Read More
DVSA Update Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness
The DVSA have updated, as of 18th April 2023, their existing guidance, originally published 22nd April 2014, about maintaining the road worthiness of commercial goods and passenger carrying vehicles. The guidance is over 100 pages long and covers a wide range of aspects of maintaining road worthiness of such vehicles including guidance on: Responsibilities for roadworthiness Daily walkaround checks Regular … Read More
Guidance on Managing Stress
Stress is defined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as ‘the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them’. Stress can affect a person’s physical and mental health and cause burnout, anxiety, and depression. Stress can be caused by factors at work such as conflicting demands, conflict at work, lack of support … Read More
Regulation deadline approaching for employees working with di-isocyanates
Under the regulations¹, from 24th August 2023, anyone whose work involves use of di-isocyanates either on their own or where the chemical is part of another substance or mixture (except for when in very low concentrations), is required to have completed specific training. Di-isocyanates can be found in many applications including, paints, adhesives, spray foams, sealants, inks and is used in … Read More
New Safety Videos for Boaters using Inland Waterways
A new set of five videos regarding the safe use of inland waterways, have been released by the Environment Agency in partnership with the Canal and River Trust. The videos each cover a different topic and are all around 5 mins in length making them a quick and easy watch. Additionally the animated format of the videos makes them accessible … Read More
Fire Safety Regulations to Come into Force 1st October 2023
As part of the third phase of the Home Office’s fire safety reform programme a series of new fire safety guidance and regulations will come into force in England on the 1st of October 2023. The new regulations follow the first two phases which were the Fire Safety Act 2021 (phase 1) and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 (phase … Read More