Updated from UK standards of hazardous chemicals prevention

General health and safety

The minimum standards for health and safety are those outlined in numerous pieces of statutory legislation. These include the:

• Factories Act 1961

• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992

• Management of Health and Safety at Work (Amendment) Regulations 1994

• Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992

All of these contain requirements of relevance to work with hazardous chemicals.

Asbestos (Prohibitions) Regulations 1992

Cover the prohibition of the importation, supply or new use of amphibole asbestos or products containing it.

Also prohibit the supply and use of a range of products containing chrysotile asbestos.

Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail Regulations 1996

The scope includes carriage of dangerous substances by wagons, large containers, small containers and tanks.

Cover the documentation requirements, the mode of transport, the information needs, loading/unloading, security, safety and emergency requirements with special provisions for explosives.

The carriage of temperature-controlled substances is prohibited.

Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road Regulations 1996

Cover the carriage of dangerous goods by road in bulk, in tanks and in containers.

The requirements for documentation, information, loading/unloading, and emergencies and parking are included.

Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (Driver Training) Regulations 1996:

Cover the instruction, training and certification of drivers of motor vehicles engaged in the carriage of dangerous goods.

Use of Transportable Pressure Receptacles Regulations 1996

Cover the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous goods.

The requirements for design, manufacture, modification, repair, approval, certification and marking of transportable pressure containers are included.

The role of ‘approved persons’ to comply with the regulations is explained.

Carriage of Explosives by Road Regulations 1996

Prohibit the carriage of certain explosives and hazardous chemicals.

Concerned with the carriage of explosives in vehicles used to carry passengers and carriage in bulk.

The suitability of both vehicle and container, vehicle approval, types of vehicles, and quantity limits for loads are regulated.

Cover the requirements for information, and safety and security during transit.

This includes route of carriage, parking, load integrity, equipment, precautions against fire and explosion, and the requirements in the event of accidents and emergencies.

Hazardous Chemicals Regulations 1994

Regulate the classification, provision of safety data sheets, labelling and packaging of substances and preparations dangerous for supply.

There are specific exceptions, e.g. medicines, pesticides, wastes, radioactive substances or preparations.

Confined Spaces Regulations 1997

Requirements for work in confined spaces, including avoidance of entry if reasonably practicable, provision of a safe system of work and establishment of adequate emergency arrangements.

Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 1987 (amended 1992 and 1999)

Requirements for the control of asbestos exposures at work.

Exposure is to be prevented or, if this is not reasonably practicable, reduced to the lowest level reasonably practicable by measures other than the use of respiratory protective equipment.

Control of Explosives Regulations 1991

Concerned mainly with the security of explosives and restricted substances.

Applicable to the acquisition, keeping, handling and control of explosives, e.g. blasting explosives, detonators, fuses, ammunitions, propellants, pyrotechnics and fireworks.

Control of Lead at Work Regulations 1980

Requirements for protecting the health of workers exposed to lead including lead alloys, lead compounds and lead containing substances. A risk assessment is necessary.

Provision of adequate information, instruction and training; control against exposures by measures other than the use of personal protective equipment; provision of adequate washing facilities; prohibition of eating, drinking and smoking in contaminated areas; and health surveillance are covered.

Control of Major Accident Hazard Regulations 1999

Regulate the design and operation of defined major hazard installations.

All necessary measures are required to prevent and limit the consequences of major accidents.

Operators of upper-tier sites must produce a detailed Safety Report; those of lower-tier sites must prepare a Major Accident Prevention Policy.

Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986

Prohibit the advertisement, supply, storage and use of pesticides unless they have been approved.

‘Pesticides’ includes herbicides, fungicides, wood preservatives, plant growth hormones, soil sterilants, bird or animal repellants, masonry biocides and anti-foul boat paints.

Conditions are applied to supply, storage and use.

Competence training and certification is required for commercial use in agriculture generally.