HSE Update: Metal Works Inspections

On 4^th May, the HSE announced that they would be inspecting fabricated metal businesses across Great Britain to check that they are managing the respiratory risks of welding fumes and metalworking fluids in-line with HSE guidance.

HSE Inspections

During the visits, duty holders will need to demonstrate they have adequate controls in place to manage the risks and protect workers from occupational lung disease. Inspectors will be looking for evidence of employers and workers knowing the risks, planning their work and using the right controls to protect workers’ health. Where there is non-compliance, an enforcement notice may be issued which might also result in prosecution. Read the full article here.

For more information on welding fume control please visit the HSE website.

For more information on metalworking fluids please visit the HSE website.

Welding Fume Control

New welding fume guidance was issued in 2019, because new scientific evidence from the International Agency for Research on Cancer found that exposure to mild steel welding fume can cause lung cancer and possibly kidney cancer in humans. All businesses undertaking any form of welding activities (albeit mild) are now expected to ensure effective engineering controls are provided and correctly used to control fume arising from those welding activities.

To download RVT’s whitepaper covering the 2019 welding fume guidance update, click here.

To view RVT’s full range of welding fume and general fume control equipment, click here.