Neals Notes December 2000
HSE Publishes Contract Research on Gas Flue Testing.
The HSE has just published three contract research reports on flue testing of gas appliances. These studies by the Building Research Establishment had three basic aims.
1. To identify the safety implications arising from the increased efficiency of open flued, natural draught appliances, particularly in relation to external flues.
2. To identify safety critical roof and building geometries for flue terminations.
3. To identify any potential benefits of extractive flue terminals. Copies can be ordered from HSE Books on 01787 881165 or Fax 01787 313995
An updated Barrier Cream!
Derma Shield is an established skin protectant from Benchmark Technologies of Cwmbran which has passed extensive tests with the NHS, the RAF and many other leading industrial companies. In future it is to be marketed as an Updated Barrier Cream to act as an aid in preventing dermatitis at work. Occupational dermatitis is one of the most widespread causes of work related ill health in the UK and has no respect for any industry as it is equally rampant in construction, hairdressing, chemical, printing and the garage industries. Many of those who have been using greasy and scented creams for their skin problems such as psoriasis and severe cracks have found that non-greasy Derma Shield is the answer. Indeed one user had suffered from hard skin on the foot which constantly cracked right across the sole causing considerable pain and discomfort and had cost a small fortune in unsuccessful remedies. After a week applying Derma Shield, there was a marked improvement and subsequently the crack disappeared totally.
Much of this expense ad pain can be controlled by regular use of Derma Shield is the claim of satisfied users. It is much more than a pre-work or after-work cream and should not to be thought of as just a barrier cream says Benchmark Technology's MD Peter Friswell. It is in fact a unique skin protectant agent which helps the skin's natural defences without affecting its intrinsic ability to breathe and perspire. It won't dry the skin out and won't leave the skin stripped of its natural oil at the end of the day. Sense of touch is not affected and Derma Shield does not even feel greasy when applied. After application, the grease, grime and grit of the day simply slip away with a soap and water wash.
Benchmark Technologies can be contacted on 01633 877569 or Fax 01633 865282
If you would like a free sample of this skin protectant ring Peter Friswell and mention "Neal's Notes on the Web"
Risk Assessment Documents - exposure to Chemicals.
Three new risk assessment documents in the EH72 series have been produced by the HSE. These are added to the eleven existing documents to cover Bromochloromethane, Methyl Cyanoacrylate and Ethyl Cyanoacrylate and Chlorine Dioxide. The first substance is commonly used as a degreasing solvent, an explosion suppression agent and in laboratory research, the cyanoacrylates in instant bond adhesives ( and fingerprinting) while the third chemical finds applications as a biocide in legionella control, surgical equipment sterlising, water treatment and fruit and vegetable processing. They are £10 each from HSE Books on 01787 881165 or Fax 1787 313995.
Work-related Stress..and how we all suffer!
The HSE has started a publicity drive to raise employer's awareness of the need to tackle work-related stress which is thought to be costing UK PLC between £3.7 and £3.8b per year at 1995-1996 prices and also costing around 6.7 million lost working days. At Business Seminars throughout the UK the International Stress Management Association and Royal Sun Alliance are distributing a pack which details how people can manage stress in their lives. The HSE has contrubuted to this pack with information for employers which tells organisations what they can do to prevent stress and describes some of the facts and fictions about work related stress. The information also covers the causes of stress and its consequences. All this information is based on recent research into the subject. Copies of the pack can be obtained from Royal and Sun Alliance on 0161 621 1543. Ask for Deb Jones. Or Fax on 0161 621 1201.
Social Drug Testing in Your Premises.
Have you ever wondered if that man in packing is on drugs or even affected by the weekend's "hit"? I have found a brand new method of checking personnel for being under the influence of drugs through a simple urine test. The products in the DrugScreen and Drugcheck ranges from Drug Detection Devices in the States are very simple to use and give you all the information you need to take immediate action within five minutes. In this way the "man in packing" can be relieved of his duties, sent for a further examination at an outside agency and you can be sure that your company's safety record is not wrecked by drug-influenced behaviour.
My favourite test kit in the range is the Drugcheck test cup which can be used to test for marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, methampetamine and opiates. The result of each test is indicated, independently of each other, on strips while another thermal strip is used to indicate if the urine has been recently produced. No chance of substitution here. Each test strip is graduated to read negative, confirm or re-test for each of the drugs being monitored through a rose-pink band.
These drug test cups have a shelf life of eighteen months and are sensitive to SAMHSA standards as well as recommended levels. The big advantage is that there is no need for instrumentation.
If you are interested in this range of products, give me, Neal, a ring on 020 8653 6666 or you can fax me on 020 8659 5418
What you Should Know About First Aid
Is the latest publication in the Hefti PLC range of very useful A5 booklets for issue to all staff members. It covers choking, tells what to do if a patient is not breathing, covers heart attacks, fractures, Bleeding, shock, eye injuries, electric shock, burns, heatstroke, exposure to chemicals and how to contact the emergency services with the greatest effectiveness. It includes a wealth of valuable hints all presented in an easily read and assimilated manner. And, the back page is devoted to a first aid knowledge quiz to reinforce the safety message. There is also a training verification form which could be most useful in establishing that Duty of Care has been partly carried out.
Price for an order of 25 to 49 copies comes out at less than £1 per copy. There is a comprehensive discount structure for greater quantities. It is also possible to personalise the Guides you issue to staff with your own company name and logo etc
Hefti PLC, Tel 01628 623 621 Fax 01628 623 618 E-Mail Info@heftiplc.com
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