Occupational Hygiene

IMechE “ALARP for Engineers” a Technical Safety Guide

The IMechE’s Safety and Reliability Group created this document, and it was initially published in 2021. Following feedback from key stakeholders, the report has since been revised and reissued. The IMechE Safety and Reliability Group promotes the development of safety …

HSE – “Effective Control of Gas Shielded Arc Welding Fume” RR 683

HSE inspectors have noted that, although Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) was often available for controlling exposure bto inert gas shielded welding fume, it frequently remained unused, due, partly to claims by welders that the LEV was responsible for removing shielding …

BOHS “Good Practice Guide for Consultants”

This guidance aims to assist those offering Occupational Hygiene consultancy to translate their individual competence into a high quality Occupational Hygiene consultancy service, raising standards in the process. Although aimed at Occupational Hygienists the parallels work for LEV Specialists too. …

HSE Workplan 2021-22 Occupational Lung Disease in “Fabricated Metal Sector”

HSE’s Inspection plan for Fabricated Metal Sector (Metal Working Fluid Exposure Risks). While the dates have passed – this is likely still to be (mostly) HSE’s intentions and views on the health risks and control mitigations for the sector. Incredibly …

APPG Report – “Improving Silicosis Outcomes in the UK”

That initial Report from APPG was in response to the concerns within industry about the disproportionate effect of dust on workers’ respiratory health and in particular, respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and the impact on their lives. The intention of the …

Evolution of PM2.5 Measurements and Standards in the U.S.

National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) were first established in the United States to protect public health and welfare, and the concept has been adopted in China and many other countries. For particulate matter (PM), the NAAQS indicator evolved from …

BS EN 689 2018 “Measuring Exposure by Inhalation to Chemical Agents”

BS EN 689 is an international standard that covers the measurement of exposure by inhalation to chemical agents. BS EN 689 discusses workplace exposure in compliance with occupational exposure limit values. It specifies a strategy to perform representative measurements of exposure by inhalation to …

HSE/UKLA “Good Practice Guide for Safe Handling and Disposal of Metalworking Fluids”

This revised publication from UKLA/HSE on good practice for safe handling and disposal of metalworking fluid (MWF) provides a guide on how to maintain MWF to prevent ill-health in machine workshops. It has been prepared by a panel of experts …

Offshore Guide OCE3 “Painting by Spraying”

This HSE Offshore series guidance note describes good practice for mixing and spraying solvent-based paint.  But note – it does not apply to water-based paint. It covers the key points you need to follow to help reduce exposure to an …

Guidance on Dust Control & Health Surveillance in Bakeries

Excellent document published by the Federation of Bakers in August 2020. This guidance addresses one of the more significant OH risks in the industry; respiratory exposure to flour and other ingredient dusts. Since its last revision in 2008 the well-known …