The HSE are making a particular effort to carry out as many spot checks and inspections as possible during the Coronavirus pandemic with a particular focus on making sure that workplaces are Covid-secure. In order to do this they have announced that in addition to their normal inspectors they are using approved providers to carry out the spot check calls … Read More
GAS DETECTOR SAFETY ALERT
Sampling tubes are sometimes used to extend the reach of gas detection devices and/or to allow detection at an increased distance from the user. Following a recent incident where a gas detector failed to detect the presence of a flammable vapour the HSE have released a safety alert highlighting the risk of misleading gas detection readings associated with the use … Read More
CHEMICALS AND NORTHERN IRELAND POST BREXIT
The Northern Ireland Protocol was introduced as part of the Withdrawal Agreement between the UK and the EU, to avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland, whilst ensuring that the UK, including Northern Ireland, could leave the EU as a whole. Therefore, it included a number of special provisions which apply only in Northern Ireland from 1 January … Read More
TIGHTENING RESTRICTIONS ON MOBILE PHONE USE AT THE WHEEL
Driving a vehicle is one of the most hazardous activities that many people carry out and it is important that drivers are able to concentrate on the task in hand. As such the use of hand-held mobile phones while driving has been prohibited in the UK for many years. However since the legislation was introduced, technology has progressed leading to … Read More
SOUNDING THE LOCKDOWN ALARM (NOT COVID-19)
For clarity we will start with a quick note that this is not another article about Coronavirus. It is common for properties to be fitted with fire alarm systems to alert people to a fire and to inform them to evacuate the building. There are a number of different types of alarm system that can be installed depending on the … Read More
FEBRUARY DEADLINE ANNOUNCED FOR OLD TYRES
We have previously reported on Government plans to improve road safety by making it illegal to fit tyres aged 10 years or older to the front wheels of lorries, buses and coaches and to any wheels of minibuses. The Government recently announced that these measures will come into force from February 2021. From that date, it will become illegal to … Read More
SMOKE ALARMS FOR BOATS
The Fire Industries Association (FIA) has published a brief guidance document on the fitting of smoke alarms on boats. This guide is aimed at for boats up to 24 metres used for leisure, hire or residential purposes and covers such issues as types, where they should be located and how many should be fitted. The guide can be downloaded from … Read More
NEW FIRE SAFETY GUIDANCE FOR HOLES IN WALLS etc
Walls, floors and ceilings play an important role in containing and slowing the spread of fire in buildings and are an important factor in managing risk and allowing people to escape safely in an emergency. The compartmentation of buildings provided by properly constructed walls, floors and ceilings helps contain fire for a certain amount of time in the area of … Read More
HIGHWAY CODE CONSULTATION LAUNCHED
The Department for Transport has launched a consultation on proposed changes to the Highway Code which are intended to make roads safer for pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and other vulnerable users. The main changes that are being proposed include: • introducing a hierarchy of road users. This will give greater responsibility for reducing risk to others to those road users … Read More
CHANGES TO DRIVERS’ HOURS AND TACHOGRAPH RULES
Some changes to the EU drivers’ hours and tachographs rules came into force on 20th August 2020. These changes include: • a requirement for drivers to ‘return home’ every 4 weeks, that is to their base or country of residence • a ban on taking regular weekly rest periods in the driver’s vehicle. Such rest periods must be taken in … Read More