WOBO recognises the activities of the UK Health and Safety Executive, many of which may be applied in the global setting.
Face fit testing: extended ports required – Recent HSE research confirms that face fit testing of tight-fitting respiratory protective equipment (RPE) should be conducted using an extended port.
HSE has carried out research using FFP3 respirators to determine whether acceptable face fit testing can be carried out using a flush port, as opposed to an extended port.
This research identified that conducting face fit testing with a flush port may result in a false pass, which could:
- cause the wearer to be exposed to substances hazardous to their health
- harm their respiratory health
View the research report in full
HSE’s publication Guidance on respiratory protective equipment fit testing (INDG479) provides information on how the various face fit testing methods should be performed.
The research confirms that the current information is accurate. However, the guidance will be refreshed in due course to make it clear that HSE requires face fit tests to be conducted using an extended port. HSE will issue a separate ebulletin with this information.
Free webinar: Building a robust safety culture – 23 April, 10:30am
Learn how to successfully improve safety culture, watch a demonstration of HSE’s safety climate tool and participate in a live Q&A with our panel of experts. Register for the ‘Building a robust safety culture’ webinar.
Call for comments: draft Risk Profile of substances proposed as POPs – Deadline: 19 May 2025
The UK is a party to the United Nations’ Stockholm Convention on POPs, which are substances that persist in the environment, accumulate in living organisms and pose a risk to our health and the environment.
They can be transported by air, water or migratory species across international borders, reaching regions where they have never been manufactured or used.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) invites stakeholders to provide comments on the draft Risk Profile (RP) for the following substance group:
- Polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs), including mixed polybrominated/chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBCDD/Fs), a group of chemical substances proposed as POPs to the UN’s POPs Review Committee (POPRC)
- PBDD/Fs and PBCDD/Fs are being considered for inclusion in Annex C of the Stockholm Convention. While there is no evidence of intentional manufacture, these substances are unintentionally generated through thermal processes involving brominated flame retardants (BFRs), including the uncontrolled burning of waste containing BFRs such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs).
The RP provides further analysis of the data submitted in the original proposal and evaluates the recommendation to list these substances as POPs. It also outlines evidence that demonstrates how these substances meet the criteria for POP classification.
The drafting of the RP marks the second stage in the POPs review process. The draft RP will be discussed at the next POPRC meeting in Autumn 2025, with the aim of agreeing a final RP and progression to the final stage, Risk Management Evaluation.
Defra would welcome any additional information stakeholders can provide to support, challenge or expand upon the evidence presented in the draft RP.
How to comment – Submit your comments to the Defra POPs team by email.
Visit GOV.UK for further details and information on submission.
HSE launches 2025 Annual Science Review – The review illustrates how HSE uses innovative science and evidence to protect people and places.
This year the review is also accompanied by several video case studies.
Watch the first video ‘When welding goes wrong’ on YouTube.
Keep an eye out for more video case studies from our scientists, researchers and engineers that will be released on our YouTube playlist throughout the year. Visit HSE’s website to download the 2025 Annual Science Review.
The storage of flammable liquids in containers – HSE’s guidance leaflet explains the fire and explosion hazards associated with flammable liquids and will help you determine how to control the risks in your workplace.
You can download a free copy: The storage of flammable liquids in containers (HSG51).
Commission your LEV system – New webpage launched on commissioning LEV systems.
LEV helps control exposure to gas, vapour, dust, fume and mist in workplace air by extracting the clouds of contaminant at source before people breathe them in.
‘Commissioning’ is proving that the LEV system is capable of providing adequate control. As an employer, you should commission your LEV system to make sure it adequately protects people from breathing in harmful substances.
Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations, 2002 (COSHH) dutyholders must adequately control exposure to substances in the workplace that cause ill-health.
In Great Britain, occupational lung disease accounts for around 12,000 annual deaths, estimated to be linked to past exposures at work. A crucial part of our 10-year strategy ‘The HSE Strategy – protecting people and places’ is to reduce work-related ill-health, with a priority of tackling occupational lung disease.
Read our new webpage: Commission your LEV system.
Survey: Using metalworking fluids safely – Tell the United Kingdom Lubricants Association (UKLA) about the support you need to work safely.
The UKLA supports businesses in the safe handling of metalworking fluids. They are surveying users of metalworking fluids on the support you need to improve your work with metalworking fluids, keep your factory or workshop safe, and your workers healthy.
The survey should take a few minutes and is open until 16 May 2025.
Further information and guidance: