New helpline for construction companies in South East England

From 14 January 2008, a new government-backed helpline service will provide construction business owners in South East England with essential guidance on environmental law.The helpline will give construction businesses will be able to obtain guidance on how they can avoid fines and protect their business reputation. Businesses can learn about Site Waste Management Plans, how to comply with the Landfill Directive and what their duty of care is regarding site waste disposal. Site Waste Management Plans are expected to become a legal requirement in England from April 2008 and will affect all construction projects with a value greater than £250,000. If you operate a construction business based in South East England and want guidance from a team of experts on environmental legislation you will be able to call the helpline anonymously from the 14 January on 0845 601 22 33 from 9am - 5pm.

Further information is available from:http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/1934212/1934218/1934260/?version=1&lang=_e Source: www.environment-agency.gov.uk (accessed 29/01/08)

ISSUE : February 2008

Guidance on the Management of Higher Activity Radioactive Waste on Nuclear Licensed Sites

Certain types of radioactive waste produced on nuclear licensed sites need to be treated and packaged (a process referred to as conditioning?) in order to make them safe for long-term storage and disposal.SEPA and the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) jointly regulate this process on nuclear sites in Scotland. The Environment Agency (EA) and HSE regulate nuclear sites in England & Wales. All three regulators have now published the first part of revised joint guidance to the nuclear industry The management of higher activity radioactive waste on nuclear licensed sites - Part I: The regulatory process?.This guidance explains to nuclear licensees the process they should follow to obtain regulatory approval for their proposals for conditioning higher activity wastes. It replaces the original guidance that was published in 2005.An introductory document has been also published, to explain to a broader readership how radioactive waste is managed on nuclear sites: An introduction to the management of higher-level radioactive waste on nuclear licensed sites?The full text of the guidance can be accessedfrom:

The full text of the introductory document can be accessed from:C_Introduction_to_Management.pdf Higher_Activity_Radioactive_Waste.pdf Source: www.sepa.org.uk (accessed 29/01/08)

ISSUE : February 2008

UK's first auction of carbon allowances in November

The Treasury has announced the UK's first auction of carbon allowances under the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS), to be held on Wednesday 19 November 2008. The number of allowances to be auctioned was announced one month before the auction date.  The Treasury has appointed Defra to conduct the auctions, and Defra has appointed the UK Debt Management Office to act as its agent in running the auctions in Phase II.In order to place a competitive bid, participants will be required to submit their bids through an intermediary known as a Primary Participant.  The Primary Participants collect and submit the bids on behalf of participants who wish to acquire allowances at auction (known as indirect bidders) or on their own behalf.  The Environment Agency, as the administrator of the UK emissions trading registry, will transfer the required number of allowances to the successful bidders. The bidding window will be open between 08:00 and 10:00 GMT on Wednesday 19 November 2008. VAT will be chargeable on EU allowances in order to avoid any distortion of competition with existing carbon markets.

Further information about the auction is available from: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/2130736/2130738/2130919/?version=1&lang=_e and http://www.dmo.gov.uk/index.aspx?page=ETS/Introduction

Source: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/ (accessed 07/11/08)

ISSUE : November 2008

Employers' Liability Compulsory Insurance Act 1969: A guide for employers

Most employers are required by the law to insure against liability for injury or disease to their employees arising out of their employment. This guide is intended to help employers to understand what is required. It is not a legal interpretation of the Employers' Liability #Compulsory Insurance# Act and it has no formal legal status.This guide includes advice on complying with regulatory changes that came into force on 1 October 2008.

The guidance document can be accessed from: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/hse40.pdf?ebul=hsegen/13-oct-2008&cr=4

Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/ (accessed 07/11/08)

ISSUE : November 2008

New Building Regulations to Tackle Climate Change

The Government has announced that it has tightened the time for the building industry to comply with new Climate Change Regulations. The implementation date for the revised Part L Regulations has been brought forward from the spring of 2008 to April 2006 to increase their contribution to tackling climate change. All new buildings without full building plans approved by 6th April 2006 must comply with the new Part L Building Regulations from 6th April 2006, which increase the energy efficiency of new buildings by 20 per cent from April, and by 40 per cent since 2002. The revisions to Part L to be implemented in April 2006 will set maximum carbon dioxide emissions for whole buildings. This performance-based approach will offer designers the flexibility to choose solutions that best meet their needs, and that are cost-effective and practical. However, the revisions to Part L will raise performance standards to a level that will provide a strong incentive to designers to consider low and zero carbon systems. Interim versions of approved documents for Part F (ventilation) and Part L (energy efficiency) and other supporting material have been published in preparation for the changes to the Building Regulations. Further information can be found at http://www.odpm.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1130474. Source: www.odpm.gov.uk (accessed 14/03/06)

For details of JPDTraining Services please contact one of our training advisors on 01565 724200

ISSUE : March 2006

Statement of forthcoming Legislation

On 31 January 2006 Defra published a statement of forthcoming legislation. The statement sets out when in 2006 new regulations impacting businesses and the public at large will take effect. This statement is part of a cross Whitehall initiative to give businesses more certainty and allow them to plan for changes to regulatory requirements. The statement will be updated in June 2006.

The statement details amongst other things that there are amendments to the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme proposed and new Statutory Nuisance Regulations planned. Source: www.defra.gov.uk (accessed 13/02/06)

JPD with NQA offer a variety of Environmental Training Courses, for more information visit our website www.jpd.co.uk or call one of our Training Advisors on 0870 438 2573 (Taken from PLUS, January 2006)

ISSUE : February 2006

Consultation on Waste Management Licensing Exemptions

On 24th September 2006, DEFRA issued a consultation regarding the possible amendment of the Waste Management Licensing regime to include further exemptions for certain agricultural wastes. The main purpose of the proposed new exemptions is to allow certain waste recovery and disposal operations to be undertaken in relation to agricultural waste under an exemptions regime, whilst preventing abuse and ensuring protection of the environment and human health. The proposed licensing exemptions include the use of drum incinerators, waste disposal in the event of a plant health disease outbreak, the use of ash from the incineration of non-SRM pig and poultry carcasses, the use of biobeds for pesticide residues and the use of dredgings from ditch clearances.

 As previously reported (see New Controls on Agricultural Waste? in the April edition of In Touch), the Waste Management (England and Wales) Regulations 2006 came into force on 15 May 2006 with a 12 month transitional period, which allows the continuing deposit, disposal or recovery of agricultural waste for a period of 12 months starting from 15 May 2006 provided these activities were: a) being carried out before this date; b) do not contravene the Landfill Directive; and c) do not cause pollution of the Environment or harm to human health. Responses to the consultation should be received by 15th December 2006.

Further information can be obtained from http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/wasteman-agri/index.htm Source: www.defra.gov.uk (accessed 03/10/06)

ISSUE : October 2006

Guidance for managing sustainable development

BSI has published a draft new British Standard BS 8900 Guidance for managing sustainable development. BS 8900 is designed to help organizations to develop an approach to sustainable development that will continue to evolve and adapt to meet new and continuing challenges and demands. It offers clear practical advice with which to make a meaningful contribution to sustainable development. This new standard guides organisations towards effective management of their impact on society and the environment, along the route to enhanced organisational performance and success. Please note that this is a Draft for Public Comment. It is not a British Standard. This draft is issued to allow comments from interested parties.

The draft standard can be purchased at a price of £20, £10 BSI Subscribing Members from the BSI Customer Services department or at www.bsi-global.com/bsonline.

Source: www.edie.net (accessed 05/01/06)

ISSUE : January 2006

New Packaging Waste Recycling and Recovery Targets

On 23rd November the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Welsh Assembly announced new targets that require progressively greater proportions of packaging waste to be recycled over the next five years. The new annual targets are described in a draft Statutory Instrument yet to receive Parliamentary approval. The targets run up to 2010, and will see businesses obliged to recycle and recover increasing amounts of paper (up to 68.5% by 2010), glass (74.5%), aluminium (35.5%), steel (59.5%), plastic (25.5%) and wood packaging waste (21.5%). The overall minimum amount of recovery to be achieved through recycling remains the same between 2006 and 2010, at 92%. Defra has also confirmed a number of additional changes to the Regulations that will keep the burdens on individual businesses lower than they might otherwise be. The new changes introduced include a proposal to obligate franchisors, pub operating businesses and other businesses with similar business agreements ("licensors") for the packaging supplied to sub-threshold franchisees, licensees or tenants as part of an agreement between the two parties.

Further information can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2005/051123b.htm Source: www.defra.gov.uk (accessed 16/12/05)

ISSUE : December 2005

New VOC Regulations come into effect

The Volatile Organic Compounds in Paints, Varnishes and Vehicle Refinishing Products Regulations 2005 came into force on 1st November 2005 in England and Wales, implementing the Paints Directive (2004/42/EC) on the limitation of emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) due to the use of organic solvents in certain paints and varnishes and vehicle refinishing products. The regulations amend the Solvent Emissions Directive (SED) (1999/13/EC). The Paints Directive aims to reduce emissions of VOCs across the UK and Europe. VOCs react with sunlight to form ground level ozone (summer smog) and lower emissions resulting from this Directive will lead to improvements in air quality and public health. The Paints Directive applies a product-based approach to control emissions by setting: ¢ maximum content limits for solvents (VOCs) in decorative paints, varnishes and vehicle refinishing products, from 1st January 2007 (Phase I) more stringent limits for the maximum content limits of solvents of decorative paints and varnishes, from 1st January 2010 (Phase II). The Paints Directive repeals the requirements for vehicle refinishing under the SED. Instead, refinishers using less than a tonne of solvents per year will have to use low solvent paints that comply with the Directive. Refinishers above the threshold - operators using more than one tonne of solvent per year - will remain regulated under the Pollution Prevention and Control (England and Wales) Regulations 2000, but will benefit from simpler permitting arrangements and lower fees. Further information can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/airquality/paints-directive/index.htm

A copy of the Volatile Organic Compounds in Paints, Varnishes and Vehicle Refinishing Products Regulations 2005 (Statutory Instrument 2005 No. 2773) is available from the Office of Public Information website at: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2005/20052773.htm Source: www.defra.gov.uk (accessed 16/12/05)

ISSUE : December 2005

Revised Asbestos Regulations Consultation

The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) has published a Consultation paper containing proposals for revised asbestos Regulations and a revised Approved Code of Practice to implement amendments to the EU Asbestos Worker Protection Directive (AWPD). The draft Regulations will repeal and replace the current three sets of regulations controlling exposure to asbestos: Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 (CAW); Asbestos (Licensing) Regulations 1983 (ASLIC) and Asbestos (Prohibitions) Regulations 1992 (Prohibition Regulations). The key proposals include: amendment to the definition of asbestos to specify exactly which minerals this covers replacement of Action Level control measures minimising worker exposure change to method for fibre counting new single lower control limit changes to licensing requirements accreditation for analysts undertaking four-stage clearance certifications identification of presence as well as type of asbestos training requirements prohibition regulations. The closing date for comments is 31st January 2006.

The consultation documents can be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/consult/condocs/cd205.htm. Source: www.hse.gov.uk (accessed 16/12/05)

ISSUE : December 2005

Proposed amendments to the Packaging Regulations

Changes to the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997 will be introduced, following Parliamentary approval on 20th October 2005. The regulations apply to businesses handling over 50 tonnes of packaging each year with a turnover in excess of £2 million. Key features of the changes are as follows. Compliance costs will be more equitably distributed among businesses, because more businesses will be involved in increasing the UK's packaging waste recycling rate, thus also keeping individual recovery and recycling targets lower than they might otherwise be. Leased packaging, such as pallets and crates, will now be fully covered by the regulations, subject to Parliamentary approval. Some of the administrative and cost burdens will be eased for smaller businesses following the proposal to simplify small businesses' data requirement. New Regulations detailing the approved amendments are expected in November 2005, to come into force in January 2006. For more information on the amendments, visit: http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2005/051020c.htm

Source: www.defra.gov.uk (accessed 11/11/05) JPD with NQA offer a variety of Environmental Management courses, for more information visit our website www.jpd.co.uk or call one of our training advisors on 0870 438 2573.

ISSUE : December 2005

Amendments to the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme Regulations

The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) and National Emissions Inventory Regulations 2005 were laid before Parliament on 19th October and enter into force on 13th November 2005. These Regulations transpose Directive 2004/101/EC, establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the European Community. Part 2 of the Regulations amends the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme Regulations 2005 ("the ETS Regulations") to permit holders of accounts in the UK emissions trading registry to hold certain types of Certified Emissions Reductions (CERs) and Emissions Reduction Units (ERUs) in their registry accounts (regulation 26(17) of the ETS Regulations). It also allows people with obligations to surrender allowances under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, subject to specified limitations, to use certain types of CERs and ERUs as well as allowances towards complying with those obligations (regulation 27A of the ETS Regulations). It also extends the power that the Secretary of State and other bodies have under the ETS Regulations to require people to supply information (regulation 35(4)-(5) of the ETS Regulations). Part 3 of the Regulations establishes an application procedure by which a person may apply to the Secretary of State for approval of one of the project activities established under the Kyoto Protocol or for authorisation to participate in the project activity (regulation 5).

 The full text of the Amendment can be accessed from: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2005/20052903.htm Source: www.opsi.gov.uk (accessed 11/11/05)

ISSUE : December 2005

Consultation on fees for Local Authority pollution control regimes

The Environmental Protection Act 1990 and Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999 provide for the setting of fees and charges for Local Air Pollution Control (LAPC), Local Air - Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (LA-IPPC), and Local Air Pollution Prevention and Control (LAPPC) at levels that will recover costs of local authorities of implementing the system. This consultation relates to the LAPC, LAPPC and LA-IPPC fees and charges in England. The National Assembly for Wales will be consulting separately on these charges. It is proposed that the fees and charges for the two local air pollution control (LAPC/LAPPC) and local authority integrated pollution prevention and control (LA-IPPC) regimes for 2006/7 are increased by 2.5% over current levels. Defra is also proposing a change to the way in which the fees and charges are addressed, using the current risk based inspection methodology as the template. The proposed option for addressing changes to fees and charges takes into account non-inspection related work, the current risk based methodology, the number of hours spent regulating low, medium and high risk installations and average salaries of enforcing officers. This year's fees and charges and the proposed fees and charges for 2006/7 are detailed in the Regulatory Impact Assessment document, available from the following website: http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/localauth-plantfees06-07/index.htm

The closing date for responses is 23rd December 2005. Source: www.defra.gov.uk (accessed 11/11/05)

ISSUE : December 2005

Noise Directive Consultation

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has invited comments on the transposition of amendments to the Noise Directive into UK law. The Directive sets maximum limits on sound power levels for 57 types of outdoor equipment. A two-tier system has been adopted to stream the maximum permissible sound emissions into UK law: stage one having come into force on 3rd January 2002; stage two set to come into force on 3rd January 2006 with the introduction of new regulations. Ahead of stage two, the DTI is seeking views on how certain products can continue to be used and placed on the market by maintaining stage one limits. Equipment includes: walk-behind vibratory rollers; vibratory plates (>3kW); dozers (steel tracked); loaders (steel tracked) > 55Kw; combustion- engine driven counterbalanced lift trucks; compacting screed paver finishers; hand-held internal combustion engine concrete breakers and picks and single engine mobile cranes. The Consultation ends on 23rd November 2005. Any parties wishing to comment on how the amendments can be transposed should visit the following site: http://www.dti.gov.uk/consultations/files/publication-1548.pdf

Source: www.dti.gov.uk (accessed 11/11/05) JPD with NQA offer a variety of Health & Safety courses, for more information visit our website www.jpd.co.uk or call one of our training advisors on 0870 438 2573.

ISSUE : December 2005

New measures to combat fly-tipping

A range of measures concerning fly-tipping and abandoned vehicles came into force on 18 October 2005, under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, which received Royal Assent on 7 April 2005. The first raft of measures came into force in June 2005, and included new powers to deal with litter and nuisance parking. The powers also included fines of up to £50,000 and 5 years in prison for those found guilty of fly-tipping. The new laws under the 2005 Act give local authorities and the Environment Agency enhanced powers to recover costs from the offenders. The second raft of the Act’s measures mean: landowners and occupiers who have had to clear fly-tipped waste can also recover costs local authorities have more effective investigatory powers to catch fly-tippers local authorities have the power to remove abandoned cars from the streets immediately rather than giving 24 hours notice. Further information is available on the Defra website at: www.defra.gsi.gov.uk/environment/localenv/leqbill/index.htm.

 The text of the Act is available at: www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2005/20050016.htm. Draft guidance on all the measures listed above was published on 10th October, 2005. The consultation period on the draft guidance runs until 2 January, 2006. See: www.defra.gov.uk/news/2005/051010d.htm. Source: www.defra.gov.uk (accessed 11/11/05)

ISSUE : December 2005

Duty of Care now applies to householders

A regime to ensure householders are covered by Duty of Care obligations regarding waste will come into force on 21st November 2005. The Waste (Household Waste Duty of Care) (England and Wales) Regulations 2005 were laid before Parliament on 18th October, and will ensure UK compliance with the Waste Framework Directive. In keeping with Duty of Care Regulations, it will become an offence for householders to pass on waste to an unauthorised person. A maximum fine of £5,000 may be imposed on prosecuted offenders. The move aims to crack down on fly-tipping, and was proposed three years ago by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). This regulation ensures that householders are not excluded from normal Duty of Care waste obligations.

The new Regulations are available from the Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI) website: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2005/20052900.htm. Source: www.opsi.gov.uk (accessed 11/11/05)

ISSUE : December 2005

HSE publishes new guides to improve ladder safety

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published new free guides to help raise awareness of the risks associated with ladder use and to give advice on how to use ladders safely. The guides are aimed at all users of ladders and their employers and have been published as part of HSE’s campaign to reduce falls from height. Last year 13 people died from falls while working on a ladder, and more than 1200 people suffered major injuries. HSE’s guidance builds on the Work at Height Regulations 2005, which came into force on 6 April, and comprises: Safe use of ladders and stepladders - an employers’ guide A toolbox talk on leaning ladder and stepladder safety, for employers giving refresher training to ladder users Top tips for ladder and stepladder safety, a pocket card for workers, giving key messages on ladder use These are available on the HSE website at: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg402.pdf, www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg403.pdf and www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg405.pdf

The publication of this guidance coincides with Ladders Week?, a nationwide initiative to promote the safe use of ladders. Running from 14th - 18th November, the initiative includes a week of events when HSE inspectors will work with ladder users and their employers, look at the current use of ladders and suggest sensible measures to improve safety. Source: www.hse.gov.uk (accessed 11/11/05) JPD with NQA offer a variety of Health & Safety courses, for more information visit our website www.jpd.co.uk or call one of our training advisors on 0870 438 2573.

ISSUE : December 2005

Guidance on the use of Tower Scaffolds

The HSE has published Construction Information Sheet No 10 (Revision 4)?, aimed at users of mobile access towers (also known as tower scaffolds or towers). It will also help those who select and specify such equipment. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require an assessment to be undertaken before starting any work at height. If the assessment confirms that there is no alternative to working at height, then suitable work equipment should be selected, taking into account the nature of the work. Mobile access towers are widely used and can provide an effective and safe means of gaining access to work at height. However, inappropriate erection and misuse of towers are the cause of numerous accidents each year.

The guidance is available from the following website: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/cis10.pdf Source: www.hse.gov.uk (accessed 11/11/05)

ISSUE : December 2005

Consultation on waste management licensing exemptions

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has issued a consultation relating to proposed amendments to the Waste Management Licensing Regulations. The amendment aims to restrict the number of exemptions? to the current Waste Management Licensing regime, in order to fully implement the EC Hazardous Waste Directive. Exemptions from waste management licensing are set out in Schedule 3 of the Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994 (as amended). The exemptions under review are principally those which cover hazardous waste, although where these exemptions include non-hazardous wastes they are also addressed. Article 3(1) of the Hazardous Waste Directive does not allow the provision of an exemption relating to the disposal of hazardous waste, but only for recovery. Disposal and recovery operations are defined in Annexes IIA and IIB of the Directive. The Directive requires detailed rules to be drawn up for exemptions that relate to the recovery of hazardous waste.

In common with exemptions relating to the disposal or recovery of non-hazardous waste, any exemptions relating to the recovery of hazardous waste shall be registered with the Environment Agency. The consultation includes the following proposed amendments. Burning waste as fuel - It is proposed to remove the exemption relating to the storage of waste oil and its use as fuel. Burning of waste oil as fuel in specified types of engine - It is proposed to remove this exemption entirely. Storage of waste in a secure place - Conditions included in the proposed revised exemption for non-hazardous waste remain unchanged, and the proposed revised exemption still covers storage of waste solvents and refrigerants (excluding CFCs as they have to be destroyed under European law).

The proposed exemption does not extend to the storage of waste electrical or electronic equipment (WEEE), including fluorescent tubes, as these wastes are proposed to be included in separate exemptions implementing the WEEE Directive. Storage of waste in secure containers - The revised exemption includes all the existing wastes (including certain waste oil), except construction waste, tyres, waste mammalian protein and tallow; none of which are subject to separate collection at recycling banks and the like. A new requirement has been added such that oil storage tanks should be sited at least 10 metres from any freshwater or coastal waste or 50 metres from a well or borehole. Storage of returned goods that are waste.

This exemption would have mostly been used for the return of WEEE, batteries and hypodermic needles (sharps). As exemptions for the storage of WEEE are being proposed in a separate consultation, and batteries and sharps are covered under the previous exemption (Storage of waste in secure containers), it is proposed this exemption be withdrawn. Many hazardous wastes have a market value if collected in sufficient quantities. The Government's intention is to have in place a regulatory framework that encourages the existence of sufficient sites to facilitate their collection and storage pending recovery.

This review intends to maintain the benefits of existing exemptions in the light of newly hazardous wastes while making the exemptions compliant with European legislation. Some sites handling hazardous waste will have to apply for a licence due to the changes, but they will be allowed to operate under their existing registered exemptions for up to six months after the regulations come into force. The closing date for consultee responses is 16th December 2005. For more information please visit http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/hazwaste/index.htm Source: www.defra.gov.uk (accessed 12/10/05)

ISSUE : December 2005

Updated guidance notice on climate change levy

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have published updated guidance on the Climate Change Levy (CCL). The guidance cancels and replaces Notice CCL 1/1 March 2002. The new Notice CCL1/1 (September 2005) contains additional information relating to the registration implications for relief recipients. To recap, the levy is chargeable on the industrial and commercial supply of taxable commodities for lighting, heating and power by consumers in Industry, Commerce, Agriculture, Public administration and Other services. The levy does not apply to taxable commodities used by domestic consumers, or by charities for non-business use.

The new guidance notes can be accessed at: http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageLibrary_UpdatesContent&id=SHOW_ALLUPDATES_CCL Source: www.hmrc.gov.uk (accessed 12/10/05)

ISSUE : December 2005

DEFRA state the benefits of EMS

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has released a position statement on how the Government thinks an EMS can not only help an organisation understand its impact on the environment but also stimulate sustainable practices and ensure they comply with legislation. The statement recommends adopting a recognised national or international scheme such as ISO 14001 and ensuring it is independently audited. The document also commends the use of BS 8555, the new phased approach to EMS, as an excellent way of ‘enhancing value and assurance’ through your supply chain.

A good EMS, it says, can save a company money, leading to reduced fees and charges as well as potentially making further savings by cutting waste and improving energy efficiency. The document can be accessed from: http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/business/scp/ems.pdf Source: www.defra.gov.uk (accessed 12/10/05)

ISSUE : December 2005

CHIP Regulations revised

The Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) (Amendment) Regulations (Statutory Instrument 2005 No. 2571) were laid before Parliament on 22nd September 2005 and enter into force on 31st October 2005. These Regulations amend the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2002 (S.I. 2002/1689 as amended by 2004/568). Regulation 2(2) introduces a new approved supply list, implementing in full Commission Directive 2004/73/EC (Adapting to technical progress for the 29th time Council Directive 67/548/EEC on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the classification and labelling of dangerous substances?). The approved supply list" means the document entitled "Information Approved for the Classification and Labelling of Dangerous Substances and Dangerous Preparations (Eighth Edition)" approved by the Health and Safety Commission on 26 July 2005.

Copies of the approved supply list are available from HSE Books. The full text of the amendment is available on the Office of Public Sector Information website (formerly Her Majesty’s Stationery Office) at: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2005/20052571.htm Source: www.opsi.gov.uk (accessed 12/10/05)

ISSUE : December 2005

New guidance on preventing slips and trips at work

Over a third of all major injuries reported each year are caused as a result of a slip or trip (the single most common cause of injuries at work). These cost employers over £512 million a year in lost production and other costs. Slips and trips also account for over half of all reported injuries to members of the public. Recognising the importance of slips and trips, the Health and Safety Executive and local authorities have included this topic in their programmes of work designed to achieve national targets set to improve health and safety performance.

The HSE has produced two guidance documents on this topic, available as free downloads in pdf format from the following links: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg225.pdf http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/web/slips02.pdf Source: www.hse.gov.uk (accessed 12/10/05)

ISSUE : December 2005

New guidance on hand arm vibration

The HSE has published a comprehensive guide on Hand-arm vibration (HAV). The guide, Hand-arm vibration: Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005? gives advice of what needs to be done to reduce and control the risks of HAV under the Control of Vibration Work Act 2005. The launch of the guide coincides with the first in a series of 15 noise and vibration roadshows, which started in Glasgow on 27 September. The new guide is aimed at employers, health and safety advisors, specialists and occupational health professionals. Exposure to HAV occurs in many industries, particularly where the use of power tools is extensive, such as the construction, mining and manufacturing industries. The book gives practical guidance on a number of issues including: how to do risk assessments, estimating vibration exposure and arranging health surveillance.

There are additional chapters providing technical and medical guidance for vibration technicians and medical and nursing staff. The guide, available from HSE Books, costs £13.95. Source: www.hse.gov.uk (accessed 12/10/05)

ISSUE : December 2005

Revised guidance on health and safety in food and drink manufacture

The HSE has published the third edition of its booklet covering occupational health and safety in food and drink manufacture. The booklet has been substantially revised and expanded, setting out the priority health and safety risks and providing benchmarks against which to measure performance. It also includes a management action plan. The booklet is an integral part of the joint HSE and food industry Recipe for Safety initiative, which was launched in the early 1990s following the Health and Safety Commission’s concern that injury rates in the food and drink industries were too high. HSG252: A Recipe for Safety: Occupational Health and Safety in Food and Drink Manufacture is available from HSE Books.

Source: www.hse.gov.uk (accessed 12/10/05) JPD with NQA offer a variety of Health & Safety and Food Hygiene courses, for more information visit our website www.jpd.co.uk or call one of our training advisors on 0870 438 2573.

ISSUE : December 2005

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