WOBO appreciates the links provide by the UK Health and Safety Executive that may support developments within the global setting.
UK REACH Authorisation Decision – The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has published a decision on 3 applications for authorisation.
The applications are for the time-limited use of a substance of very high concern (SVHC) under UK REACH.
Applications for authorisation received by HSE, and the opinions on these, are included in our database of applications granted and in progress.
Authorisation has been granted to:
- Surface Engineering Association (Legacy Parts Consortium) for the use of chromium trioxide for the electroplating of legacy components such as for classic/vintage cars and motorcycles with the purpose of creating a coating to match the original specification and provide specific performance characteristics
- Surface Engineering Association (Sanitaryware Consortium) for the use of chromium trioxide for the electroplating of sanitaryware and plumbing components for the purpose of creating a coating to provide very specific performance characteristics
- Surface Engineering Association (Technical Consortium) for the use of chromium trioxide for the electroplating of various components with technical performance requirements.
Decisions made by the Defra Secretary of State are published on GOV.UK.
Remediation action plan: BSR update – HSE is setting up a new Remediation Enforcement Unit within BSR to quickly assess the cladding risk for those buildings registered with us.
This is part of the remediation action plan as announced by the Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner MP.
The Remediation Enforcement Unit will hold to account owners of registered higher-risk buildings (HRBs) clad with combustible aluminium composite material (ACM) and high-pressure laminate (HPL), enforcing where necessary, to ensure the remediation of unsafe cladding on HRBs. We expect the unit to be up and running by Summer 2025.
Review of Approved Document A: Structure: call for evidence – BSR has launched a call for evidence on statutory guidance supporting Part A of the Building Regulations on structural safety (Approved Document A).
The call seeks views on areas of guidance requiring increased clarity, research or further development.
This forms the first step of the detailed review, which includes a programme of work looking into potential changes to Approved Document A. We will also consult in detail on any changes.
Please share the link below with your colleagues, members and networks to help BSR gather as wide a range of views as possible on the guidance. Read more about the call for evidence
BSR webinars: practical building safety advice – We are hosting a series of webinars designed to provide practical advice and guidance on a range of building safety topics.
Recent webinars have covered making a Building Assessment Certificate application, large scale remediation and refurbishment building work and new build of HRBs and building works in HRBs for small scale residential clients.
The last of this series of webinars is covering:
- Domestic clients: building works in HRBs for small scale residential clients
Tuesday 4 March, 2.00pm to 4.00pm
All 4 of the webinars will be available on our campaign website soon. Register or find out more about BSR webinars
Working safely with display screen equipment – All employers must protect workers from the health risks of working with display screen equipment (DSE).
Incorrect use of DSE, poorly designed workstations or work environments can lead to pain in the shoulders, neck, back, arms, wrists and hands, as well as fatigue and eye strain.
Our guidance on working safely with DSE covers a range of topics including:
- workstations and assessments
- work routine and breaks
- eyesight testing
There are other resources including: our downloadable DSE workstation checklist,
In addition, our managing home workers’ health and safety webpages have guidance on what employers and workers need to know about working with DSE from home. This includes a video with basic advice on how to maintain a good posture, both at home and in the office.
Health and safety responsibilities for grid-scale battery energy storage systems – HSE has produced a new webpage that will help those with responsibilities during the life-cycle of battery energy storage systems (BESS), including designers, installers and operators, understand their duties.
Relevant legislation includes:
- Health and Safety at Work Act
- Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations
- Electricity at Work Regulations
The new webpage includes information on:
- health and safety regulations to manage health and safety risks of BESS
- signposting to other government departments for information on planning permission, environmental protection and notifying your fire and rescue service
Visit the webpage for further information: Grid-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS).