Resources

Substances That Can Cause Occupational Asthma (HSE)

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) maintains a comprehensive list of substances known to cause occupational asthma in UK workplaces. Occupational asthma is one of the most common work-related respiratory diseases and can develop following exposure to certain dusts, fumes, …

INDG136 – Working with Substances Hazardous to Health: A Brief Guide to COSHH

Working with Substances Hazardous to Health: A Brief Guide to COSHH INDG136 is HSE’s introductory guide to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations. It explains how employers can identify hazardous substances, assess exposure risks and implement practical …

New and Existing Engineering Control Systems – Local Exhaust Ventilation (HSE G406)

HSE Guidance Note G406 provides practical advice on the selection, installation, commissioning, maintenance and ongoing management of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) systems used to control exposure to hazardous airborne contaminants. The guidance explains the fundamental principles of effective engineering controls …

Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) – Approved Code of Practice and Guidance (L138)

L138 is the Health and Safety Executive’s Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) and guidance supporting the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR). The publication provides practical guidance on identifying, assessing and controlling the risks of fire, explosion and …

Explosive Atmospheres – Classification of Hazardous Areas (Zoning) and Selection of Equipment.

Area Classification for Explosive Atmospheres (HSE) The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides guidance on the classification of hazardous areas where flammable gases, vapours, mists or dusts may create an explosive atmosphere. Area classification is a fundamental element of DSEAR …

HSE RR683 – Effective Control of Gas Shielded Arc Welding Fume

This HSE Research Report examines whether Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) can effectively control exposure to gas-shielded arc welding fume without compromising weld quality. The research was commissioned after inspectors found that LEV systems were often left unused because welders believed …

BOHS “Good Practice Guide for Consultants”

This BOHS guide sets out good practice expectations for organisations providing occupational hygiene consultancy services, including sole traders, SMEs and larger consultancies. It covers competence, supervision, insurance, ethics, survey design, report writing, quality assurance and quality control.  The guide is …

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

Manufacturing Sector Work Plan 2021–22: Occupational Lung Disease (OLD) Caused by Asthmagens and Carcinogens in the Fabricated Metal Sector Sector: Fabricated Metal Manufacturing Topics: Metalworking Fluids (MWF), Welding Fume, Occupational Lung Disease, LEV, COSHH, Health Surveillance Status: Historical HSE Work …

APPG Report – “Improving Silicosis Outcomes in the UK”

This parliamentary report examines the continuing problem of silicosis and respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure in the UK, concluding that the disease remains significantly under-recognised despite being entirely preventable. The report highlights that approximately 600,000 UK workers are exposed to …

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 …