The new accreditation scheme for safety consultants will be officially announced in the next few weeks by the HSE, which will run it in the initial stages.

The scheme will be open to UK consultants only, so in-house health and safety managers, advisors, etc. and consultants based abroad will not be eligible to register. There will be an annual fee to join, though this will be to cover administrative costs only, and so is unlikely to be prohibitive. The register will also initially be open only to those providing safety, rather than health-related advice.

Stakeholders in the profession have been calling for an accreditation scheme for some time and its development has been accelerated by the current government review into health and safety being undertaken by Lord Young of Graffham.

The set-up of the scheme is based on the outcome of the feasibility study carried out earlier this year by IOSH and the CIEH, the lead institutions in the consortium of stakeholder groups in the scheme, which also includes RoSPA, the British Safety Council, the IIRSM, the BSIF and the British Occupational Hygiene Society. This consortium will eventually take over the running of the scheme via the establishment of a company limited by guarantee.

Chartered members of IOSH and the CIEH who work as consultants providing safety advice will be able to join the scheme, and it was agreed that fellows of other relevant institutions will also be eligible. Once it has been launched, IOSH’s own register of safety consultants will cease operating.

Said the Institution’s chief executive, Rob Strange: “We see the scheme as setting the standard for competent, qualified and experienced health and safety consultants, and helping to restore confidence in health and safety.

“It is vital that businesses looking for help – often small firms – get sound, proportionate advice on health and safety, and that they have confidence in those advising them. Research shows that there is support from both bona-fide consultants and small businesses for this sort of scheme.”

However, there is some confusion over the difference between accreditation and chartered membership, with 63 per cent of respondents to SHPonline’s current poll on the issue believing there is no need for the former when the latter is already available.

IOSH’s head of professional affairs, Hazel Harvey, explained: “Chartered membership is recognised by the Privy Council as an appropriate designation for someone with a degree-level qualification, and who has been assessed on their skills and experience. It’s not just available to consultants but to all who reach those standards. Accreditation means belonging to a register for which there are set criteria, but it does not have any formal recognition.”

The HSE and other stakeholders have been clear that the main aim of the scheme is to ensure that all businesses, especially SMEs, receive proportionate and sound safety advice from practitioners that have demonstrably reached a good level of qualification. Asked whether it really would make that much difference to firms who are struggling in the recession and so may be likely to choose suppliers based on cost rather than qualifications, Hazel Harvey said: “If an unregistered consultant is charging much less per hour than a registered one, small businesses do sometimes have to compromise on quality.”

The register is due to be launched early next year and it will be publicly accessible and searchable via a bespoke website.

To purchase or make enquires email us or call 0870 4866454

List Price (Basic Model): £281

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Available in a manual or automatic version.

The Qfit™ Respirator Fit Tester is a pump driven nebuliser for Bitrex® and Saccharin to qualitatively fit test the  respirators. It speeds up the testing process and reduces the likelyhood of error when compared with standard nebulisers.

At the push of a button, the Qfit™ fit tester generates the test agent with a pump driven nebuliser using pre-filled cartridges. This eliminates repetitive stress disorders, the nuisance of handling and refilling solutions (and the associated leakages) and reduces error rate.

The Qfit™ Automatic Fit Tester uses a built-in timing sequence to automatically execute the fit test protocol and can be operated in either a handheld or remote mode.

The QFit Basic comes with all the equipment requried for qualitative fit testing whilst the Deluxe version has extra equipment to make the testing process even easier.

Features & Benefits:

• The only HSE 282/28 compliant automated nebuliser for BITREX® and Saccharin
• Easy, accurate and repeatable  
• Reduces work by > 95% thus saving time and money
• Eliminates repetitive stress disorders assocaited with standard nebulisers
• No mess or handling of solutions with pre-filled cartridges
• Light weight, portable, battery operated
• Generates a consistent test agent with pump driven nebuliser
• Significantly reduces clogging of Saccharin solution

Kit Includes:

• Qfit Powered Nebuliser with rechargeable battery
•  AC UK power supply
• 2 x elbow with extension tube
•  Fit Test Hood
• 1 x combo box of Bitrex Sensitivity & Test Cartridges (enough for up to 32 tests)
• 1 x combo box of Saccharin Sensitivity & Test Cartridges (enough for up to 32 tests)
• User Manual
• Quick Start Card
• One Year Warranty

To purchase or make enquires email us or call 0870 4866454

List Price (Basic Model): £399

.

Available in a manual or automatic version.

The Qfit™ Respirator Fit Tester is a pump driven nebuliser for Bitrex® and Saccharin to qualitatively fit test the  respirators. It speeds up the testing process and reduces the likelyhood of error when compared with standard nebulisers.

At the push of a button, the Qfit™ fit tester generates the test agent with a pump driven nebuliser using pre-filled cartridges. This eliminates repetitive stress disorders, the nuisance of handling and refilling solutions (and the associated leakages) and reduces error rate.

The Qfit™ Automatic Fit Tester uses a built-in timing sequence to automatically execute the fit test protocol and can be operated in either a handheld or remote mode.

The QFit Deluxe includes a remote hand nebuliser meaning you can leave the nebuliser on the desk whilst testing instead of holding it. This can be of great benefit if carry out testign for prolonged periods. Also included is a Carry Case for the kit and a Hood Case  (see full Kit List below).

Features & Benefits:

• The only HSE 282/28 compliant automated nebuliser for BITREX® and Saccharin
• Easy, accurate and repeatable  
• Reduces work by > 95% thus saving time and money
• Eliminates repetitive stress disorders assocaited with standard nebulisers
• No mess or handling of solutions with pre-filled cartridges
• Light weight, portable, battery operated
• Generates a consistent test agent with pump driven nebuliser
• Significantly reduces clogging of Saccharin solution

Kit Includes:

• Qfit Powered Nebuliser with rechargeable battery
•  AC UK power supply
• 2 x elbow with extension tube
•  Fit Test Hood
• 1 x combo box of Bitrex Sensitivity & Test Cartridges (enough for up to 32 tests)
• 1 x combo box of Saccharin Sensitivity & Test Cartridges (enough for up to 32 tests)
• User Manual
• Quick Start Card
• One Year Warranty

Extra Deluxe Kit

• 1 x Carry Case
• 1 x Hood Case
• Remote Hand Nebuliser
• Qfit interactive instructional CD

Moldex Qualitative Fit Test Kit (Bitrex) for disposable and reusable half mask respirators

The kit contains all of the contents necessary to conduct a qualitative fit test for disposable and reusable respirators. The HSE requires that anyone who wears a respirator needs to be face fit tested beforehand.  The Moldex Bitrex Fit Test Kit meets the requirements established by HSE Document 282/28.  Bitrex challenge agent has a bitter taste that indicates breakthrough in respirator fit.

Includes:
Head and shoulder cover
Two nebulisers
6 phials of sensitivity solution
6 phials of test solution
Fit test CD

Several employees of the Health Protection Agency were exposed to the risk of infection of E.coli O157 in an incident in October 2007 as they worked at the Center for Infections in Colindale.

An amount of the bacteria spilled onto the floor of the site waste discard facility as it was being disposed of.
Investigation disclosed that the HPA had failed to assess the risks involved in the transfer and disposal process of the Hazard Group 3 waste. It had not properly trained employees involved in this work to ensure it was carried out in accordance with standard operating procedures, and some of the equipment was identified as defective 18 months prior but no action was taken to rectify this.
HPA was fined £25,000 plus £20,166 costs

The number of people killed at work in Britain fell to a record low of 151 in 2009/2010 – down from 178 the previous year, and 31 per cent lower than the average figure for the last five years.

In what could be seen as a message to the new government and its advisor Lord Young, who is currently carrying out a review of health and safety, HSE chair Judith Hackitt said the reduction means “continuing to strive to drive these numbers down further – not getting complacent about what we’ve collectively achieved, and recognising the new challenges as we emerge from the recession”.

The provisional figures cover the period between 1 April 2009 and 31 March 2010 and reveal that agriculture was the most dangerous industry. It recorded a massive 52-per-cent increase in fatalities, with 38 workers losing their lives on farms last year compared with the record low of 25 deaths in 2008/09.

The National Farmers’ Union is to call for an industry coalition to address the situation. Speaking yesterday, NFU president Peter Kendall said: “The NFU notes the latest workplace fatality statistics with considerable sadness, as there is a tragic story that sits behind each one of the numbers. Any fatal accident or serious injury has a devastating impact on the families and businesses involved.

“In the coming months, we will establish an industry coalition with our partners and through a concerted effort will look to spread the health and safety message. We have already started to remind our members to take care but, as harvest gets underway, we will step this up and continue to support the HSE’s efforts to minimise farm deaths.”

The construction industry – traditionally on a par with agriculture as the most dangerous sector – saw a significant fall in the number of deaths on sites last year. A total of 41 fatal injuries was recorded, down from 52 deaths the previous year and way below the average for the last five years of 66.

Alan Ritchie, general secretary of construction union UCATT, said: “The reduction in construction deaths is good news. Yet it must never be forgotten that each death is an individual tragedy.”

Manufacturing improved also, with 24 fatalities in 2009/2010 compared with 33 the previous year. In the services sector, 42 workers died – 20 fewer than in 2008/09, and 30 fewer than the five-year average of 72. Steve Pointer, head of health and safety policy at EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, commented: “”We are encouraged that the number of fatalities in manufacturing fell to an all time low of 24. Many directors, managers, employee representatives and health and safety advisors throughout manufacturing deserve credit for their sustained hard work in difficult economic times.



“These figures are welcome but there is no room for complacency. As the industry continues to recover from recession, good, practical management of risk is even more important.”

While the HSE emphasised the contribution of “good practice, leadership and employee engagement” in the record low figures it was also pragmatic about the reasons for the improved performance, acknowledging that the recession has resulted in lower levels of activity in some sectors and a decrease in the number of new, inexperienced recruits.

The Executive would not explicitly comment on any likely effect the statistics may have on Lord Young’s ongoing review but it agreed that now is not the time to ease off the throttle. A spokesperson told SHP: “Of course this is a welcome reduction in the number of work-related deaths but the evidence on economic cycles shows that while there are fewer fatalities during recessions, as we move into recovery the injury rate will rise. We cannot be complacent – we don’t want to be talking this time next year about an increase in fatalities, so we need to be extra vigilant, not less so, for when the recovery happens.”

Alan Ritchie was more forthright, saying Lord Young’s review could lead to a weakening of safety standards. He added: “Prior to the General Election the Conservatives proposed introducing private safety audits. Once a company had obtained an audit, HSE inspectors would be barred from sites unless an emergency occurred. In construction, an emergency is likely to mean a worker being killed or maimed.
 


“The challenge for everyone concerned about safety is to ensure that the number of deaths in construction continues to be reduced as the industry recovers and activity increases. Rather than looking to reduce safety provisions the Government should be ensuring workers are safe by increasing the number of inspections and enforcement activity.”

More information on the statistics can be found at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/fatals.htm

The HSE commissioned the study to produce specific estimates of Britain’s occupational cancer burden to help develop practical measures to tackle the problem. Until now, the HSE has been relying on US data produced by Doll and Peto in 1981, which put the figure at 4% of all US cancer deaths, with an uncertainty range of 2% to 8%.

In the British research, 5.3% (8023) of cancer deaths in 2005 — 8.2% for men and 2.3% for women — were attributable to the occupational carcinogens considered in the study. Attributable estimates for total cancer registrations are 13,694 (4%): 10,074 for men (5.7%) and 3620 (2.1%) for women.

The main measure of the cancer burden is the proportion of cases that would not have occurred in the absence of exposure (the attributable fraction or AF), which the researchers then used to estimate numbers.

AFs by cancer site range from less than 0.01% to 95% overall.

The most important cancer sites for occupational attribution for men are the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma (97%), sinonasal (46%), lung (21.1%), and bladder (7.1%).

For women, they are mesothelioma (83%) sinonasal (20.1%), lung (5.3%), and breast (4.6%).

Lung cancer contributes the largest number of attributable deaths for both men and women followed, for men, by mesothelioma, bladder, oesophageal and stomach cancers, and for women, by breast cancer, mesothelioma, bladder and oesophageal cancers.

Industries or occupations with high cancer registrations include: construction; metalworking; personal and household services; mining; land transport; printing and publishing; retail, hotels and restaurants; public administration and defence; farming; and several manufacturing sectors.

Many carcinogenic exposures in the workplace affect multiple cancer sites.

Asbestos contributes the most both to total attributable deaths and registrations (larynx, lung, mesothelioma, stomach). Others making a major contribution include arsenic (lung), diesel engine exhaust (bladder, lung), and dioxins (lung).

The project was carried out by Imperial College London in collaboration with the Institute of Environment and Health, the Health and Safety Laboratory (the HSE’s research arm) and the Institute of Occupational Medicine.

On balance, the researchers believe their estimates are likely to be conservative and they acknowledge several sources of uncertainty, including exclusion of other potential carcinogenic agents and inaccurate or approximate data.

New statistics published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show there has been a significant reduction in the number of people killed, injured or suffering work related illness from April 2008 to March 2009.

The figures, published in the HSE’s Health and Safety Statistics 2008/091, show that across England, Scotland and Wales, the number of people estimated to be suffering from work-related ill health fell by 79,000 in 2008/09 to 1.2 million and as a result three million fewer working days were lost to ill health in 2008/09 – a total of 24.6 million.

However over the past year 2156 people died of mesothelioma and thousands more of other occupational cancers and lung diseases2. David Hall, Chairman for the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) comments: “Each year thousands of people die from work-related diseases and although this is often due to exposure to dangerous substances in the past, many workers are still potentially at risk of respiratory disease. In addition further research indicates that an estimated 50% of all employees requiring respiratory protection does not achieve the correct level of protection.”

As the safety industry’s leading trade body, one of the core aims of the BSIF is to help improve safety and health in the work place. In cooperation with the HSE, ARCA and other industry stakeholders, the BSIF has developed a competency scheme – the Fit2Fit Fit Test Providers Accreditation Scheme, with the aim of significantly reducing the incidence of occupational respiratory injury by substantially increasing the correct fitting of RPE. This scheme is designed to confirm the competency of any person performing facepiece fit testing by passing an industry recognised exam, demonstrating that they have a thorough knowledge of the HSE guidance on fit testing and that they know how to fit test in practical circumstances.

David continues: “By creating a nationally recognised accreditation scheme with ‘professional’ standing, employers who select appropriate, accredited Fit2Fit personnel to fit test their employees with respiratory protection will mitigate liability in the event of an incident. Most importantly, of course, it will play a part in reducing respiratory disease in the workplace.”

As part of the British Safety Industry Federation’s (BSIF) established relationship with the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), a joint initiative “Clean air? Take Care!” was laucnhed on the 18th March 2010.

This respiratory campaign aims to help reduce occupational respiratory disease by raising awareness of the issues that surround it.

In recent research it was established that 5.5 million workers are exposed to respiratory hazards in the workplace. Of these, approximately 50% wear respiratory protective equipment (RPE) and of this group, only 50% wear equipment that is correctly selected and fitted. This means that only 25% of those at risk are adequately protected: it is likely that the remaining 75% could experience a resulting degree of ill health during their lifetime.

Employees have a right to be aware of the potential dangers that they face in their workplace and to be given the opportunity to protect themselves adequately; employers have a legal obligation to ensure that their workforce is protected as far as is practical.

The “Clean air? Take care!” campaign will increase awareness, highlight the problems and promote sensible solutions to respiratory protection in the workplace. Through a range of national activities and educational seminars, RPE users, employers, fit testers and advisors will be targeted with simple information on the correct selection, deployment, use, maintenance and storage of RPE

To purchase or enquire about this item please email us - or call 0870 4866454 for an immediate response 

Guide Price: £5,200 - contact us for up to date prices & promotions

The Portacount^® Pro Respirator Fit Tester is the easy way to reliably fit test tight-fitting respirators (except P1).

It eliminates many of the issues associated with qualitative fit test methods (see Comparison leaflet below). No other fit tester can quantitatively fit test as most types of respirators – gas masks, SCBAs, respirators and disposables. If the mask requires fit testing, count on the Portacount Pro fit tester to provide the fastest and easiest HSE accepted fit test method.

RPFI Test Method Comparison

Features and Benefits

• Simple and easy to use
• Quicker fit testing time compared to qualitative testing
• Supplied Fit Test software automates the test and stores results automatically
• Software has ‘problem solving’ funtion so reason for a failed test (i.e. where and why a mask is leaking) can be found and eliminated
• Optional stand alone operation (no computer required)
• Allows fit testing with employee’s own mask
• Color touch screen lets you operate the instrument with a touch of your finger or stylus
• Use with external computer to generate reports and print fit test cards
• Measures fit factors greater than 10,000
• Computes respirator fit factor using microscopic particles in ambient air
• Optional Card Printer allows you to print employee fit test cards

Applications

• Quantitave respirator fit testing (QNFT)
• Disposable filtering-facepiece fit testing for Series 100, 99, P3 and HEPA masks
• Half mask fit testing
• Full-face mask fit testing
• Gas mask fit testing
• PAPR mask fit testing
• SCBA mask fit testing

Included Items

• Carrying case
• AC adapter
• Alcohol supply (enough for approximately 240 hours of operation)
• FitPro™ Fit Test Software on CD
• Operation and Service Manual
• USB computer interface cable

To purchase or enquire about this item please email us - or call 0870 4866454 for an immediate response