HSC Proposes Changes to the Occupational Exposure Limit Framework

March 28, 2002
The UK Health and Safety Commission wants to modernize and streamline the process of setting occupational exposure limits and is offering ideas for linking exposure limits to advice on good practice.

The UK Health and Safety Commission (HSC) wants to modernize and streamline the process of setting occupational exposure limits and is offering ideas for linking exposure limits to advice on good practice.

Members of the Working Group of the Health and Safety Commission''s Advisory Committee on Toxic Substances (ACTS), which includes representatives from industry, trade unions and independent experts, discussed options ranging from minor changes to the present system to more radical options. The changes have been proposed to help ensure that occupational exposure limits effectively contribute to worker protection. The group is asking for comments on its proposals.

"We want this review to start a debate on what everyone wants from occupational exposure limits," said Sandra Caldwell, chair of ACTS and director of Health Directorate. "For example, should we link occupational exposure limits to good practice advice that helps firms decide how to control chemicals? Should we change the way we set occupational exposure limits? Would firms use a free Internet database containing a list of occupational exposure limits and linked to more information?"

She added she hopes the debate will help HSC set up a "robust system of limits that will help to control hazardous substances."

The Working Group will consider the responses to the proposals as well as other research on the operation of the current system, and will make formal proposals for changes to the occupational exposure limits framework. Subject to approval by HSC, these will be published in a formal consultation document in 2003. Any changes to the regulations would not occur until 2004.

Currently, regulations require employers to:

  • Assess the risks to health from exposure to hazardous substances;
  • Prevent or adequately control exposure;
  • Ensure that control measures are used, maintained, examined and tested;
  • In some instances, monitor exposure and carry out appropriate health surveillance; and
  • Inform, instruct and train employees.

Occupational exposure limits are a key means for determining the adequacy of control measures for airborne hazardous substances.

Comments on the proposals set out in the discussion document should be sent to Sara Wassell, Health Directorate, Chemical Policy Division, Health and Safety Executive, 6SW, Rose Court, 2 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HS or e-mail [email protected]. Deadline for comments is July 31.

The full text of the discussion document can be viewed or downloaded on the HSE Web site at www.hse.gov.uk/condocs. Copies can also be obtained free of charge from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA; telephone: 01787 881165; or from www.hsebooks.co.uk

by Sandy Smith ([email protected])

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

Sponsored Recommendations

Fitting in Fast: Making a Safe Workplace for New Hires

Sept. 12, 2024
Over a third of nonfatal injuries happen to workers who have been with their current employer for less than a year.

Elevating Safety: Empowering Supervisors to Become Safety Advocates

Aug. 27, 2024
Explore the skills, knowledge and techniques that supervisors need to effectively manage the safety of their crew. This guide will examine the causes and symptoms of supervisory...

Top 10 Causes of Distracted Driving—and What They All Have in Common

Aug. 27, 2024
The results reveal the top ten causes of distracted driving, and make it clear that not all distractions are created equal.

Spotting Workplace Safety Heroes: A Guide to Identifying Your Champions

Aug. 27, 2024
No two workplace safety champions are identical. But almost every single one of them has at least one standout quality that helps them excel. Here are some of those qualities ...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!