The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a campaign targeting manufacturing companies, including brick, tile and stone firms, where materials that contain silica are used.
The inspections started this week (3 October). They will check whether employers and workers know the risks involved when dealing with silica. They will also ensure that businesses have control measures in place to protect respiratory health.
Foundries and companies making kitchen worktops will also be subject to inspections.
Risks from RCS
The HSE warned that prolonged exposure to airborne particles of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) can lead to life-changing respiratory conditions. These include silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer.
It has recently refreshed its silica guidance for brick and tile manufacturing, stonework and foundries.
Silica is a natural substance found in most stone, rocks, sand, quartz and clay. Silica particles are produced during many manufacturing tasks involving these materials.
Employers’ legal duties
Employers have a legal duty to put in place suitable arrangements to manage health and safety. Also to ensure they comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH).
Inspectors will be looking for evidence that businesses have put in place effective measures, such as local exhaust ventilation (LEV) and water suppression. And, where appropriate, use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE), to reduce workers’ exposure to the RCS. If any health and safety breaches are discovered, HSE will take enforcement action to ensure workers’ health is protected.
HSE’s head of manufacturing, David Butter, said: “It’s hugely important for manufacturing businesses where workers use materials that contain silica to act now to ensure they comply with the law and protect their workers from the risks of devastating lung disease.
“Businesses should take note that that good ventilation in the workplace and protective equipment are just some of the measures they need in place to protect the respiratory health of workers.
“Ahead of our autumn/winter inspection campaign, we want employers and workers to make sure they are aware of the risks associated with the activities they do. For example, brick and tile manufacture, foundry workers and stoneworkers where they cut and shape bricks, tiles and stone that can create RCS dust that could be breathed in.
“To assist them we have refreshed our guidance. In addition, we have committed to providing dutyholders with regular updates, information and advice through our ebulletin.”
