Starting on 5th October 2020, HSE safety inspectors will launch a month-long construction inspection with a focus on respiratory dust.
29th September 2020
Dust is one of the main hazards facing site workers. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimates that 650 people die each year in the UK from silica-related diseases while 4,000 die each year of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) linked to work.
Starting on Monday 5th October, HSE Inspectors will be questioning contractors on the measures they have in place to protect workers from silica, asbestos and wood dust. Inspectors will also be looking for evidence of employers and workers knowing the risks, planning their work and using the right controls. If necessary, they will use enforcement to make sure workers are protected.
HSE’s chief inspector of construction, Sarah Jardine, said: “Around 100 times as many workers die from diseases caused or made worse by their work than are actually killed in construction accidents. Our inspection initiatives ensure that inspectors are able to speak to duty holders and visit sites to look at the kind of action businesses in the construction industry are taking right now to protect their workers’ health, particularly when it comes to exposure to dust and damage to lungs.”
RVT Group have long supported the construction industry with best practice dust control solutions, and it is our vision to achieve a world where the impact of site work on life and health is effectively zero. RVT have operated in this field for over 25 years and our BOHS qualified consultants are trusted by many of the UK’s largest construction companies.
RVT offer a wide range of dust filtration and extraction equipment to protect workers from silica dust, aspergillus spores, plasterboard dust, wood dust and many more airborne hazards. The Dustex equipment is suitable for a wide variety of construction activities; from demolition to wall chasing. The Dustex range includes mist cannons, dust extraction units, vacuums, on-tool extraction, HEPA filtration units and more. Our high-power fans can also be used to create negative pressure to stop dust migration.
During October inspections, contractors may also need to prove they have made their workplace Covid-secure to protect workers from the risk of coronavirus, following UK Government advice to increase ventilation to reduce the risk of airborne transmission.
If you have any concerns regarding your existing ventilation or filtration system, and are looking for a temporary solution to increase air changes and reduce airborne contamination, please speak to us about our Ventex ventilation solutions and HEPA filtration units.
RVT Group also offer a disinfectant spray in a 22 litre canister with a hose and spray gun. This provides a very fine mist of disinfectant that is ideal for spraying on work surfaces or on machinery.
RVT are specialists in Dust Control and Ventilation solutions. Give us a call on 0808 178 3286 to discuss your requirements or click here to submit an online enquiry.
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Source: HSE >>
