HSE's "Clear The Air!" Campaign

The Health and Safety Executive have launched a new campaign called "Clear the Air!". The main aim of the campaign is to ensure that all construction workers know how to protect themselves against inhaling RCS.

RCS is Respirable Crystalline Silica, otherwise known as silica dust, and is thrown into the air when cutting through concrete or stone. Inhaling RCS can lead to silicosis, which in the worst cases leaves individuals housebound and reliant on bottles of oxygen to breathe.

Through the Clear the Air! campaign a number of resources are being made available to give construction workers and companies the information they need about protection. This includes a DVD, leaflets, and an online forum for further discussion.

To find out more read the HSE Clear the Air! campaign press release

Untrained staff may face prison sentences

CDM2007.org is warning that any untrained staff working in the construction and demolition industries could be risking a prison sentence if health and safety rules are breached.

The risk of serving a prison term may may come as a surprise, but will become a reality with the introduction of the Health and Safety (Offences) Act 2009 on the 16th January. With it magistrates will be able to hand out fines of up to £20,000 and up to 2 years in prison.

You can read the full story including comments from David Jones, Marketing Director of CDM2007.org, over at Demolition News.

Revision of MDHS 100

Update on a new draft by the Health and Safety Executive to revise the MDHS 100 (The Methods for the Determination of Hazardous Substances) for asbestos surveys.

*Management Surveys* (formerly type 2 survey)

A *“management”* survey is undertaken to address the risks from asbestos associated with the continued use of the building (ie normal occupancy and activities, and associated maintenance and development). This type of survey is performed to ensure that no one is harmed by the continued presence of asbestos in premises (ie ACMs remain in good condition and that no-one inadvertently disturbs ACMs during maintenance and other work). The purpose of this type of survey is to locate, as far as reasonably practicable, the presence and extent of any suspect ACMs in the building which could be damaged or disturbed during normal occupancy including foreseeable maintenance and installation. All buildings normally require a management survey as part of the on-going arrangements to manage asbestos. Management surveys will often involve minor intrusive work and some disturbance.

*Refurbishment / Demolition Surveys* (formerly type 3 survey)

There are also circumstances where a far more intrusive survey is necessary to establish the full extent and complete presence of asbestos. This type of survey is necessary prior to any refurbishment (including “minor”) or demolition work being carried out. These *“refurbishment/ demolition”* surveys will be much more intrusive and destructive compared with management surveys as their intention is to locate all the ACMs so that they can be removed before the refurbishment or demolition takes place. Refurbishment/demolition surveys are required as necessary when the needs or use of the building changes and the fabric of the building will be disturbed or complex fixed plant (eg large ovens) are to be dismantled.

Forthcoming courses update

A couple of our courses are now full including:

• Asbestos Awareness - 14 January 2009


• Contractor/Employee Responsibilities CDM Regulations 2007 - 16 January 2009

Please visit our Forthcoming Courses page for the next available course dates.

However, if you wish to book any alternative dates, please contact Harpreet on 0121 270 0865 or harpreet@demolishdismantle.co.uk

Free Event: Making Sense of Health and Safety

Free Event
Making Sense of Health & Safety

Make sure you're up to date with your duties and responsibilities FREE of charge with Making Sense of Health & Safety.

This valuable workshop will guide you through the whole range or recent changes, focusing on the issues that affect you as a business owner including:

• Key duties and responsibilities


• The implications of the recent Corporate Manslaughter legislation


• Recent increases in penalties


• Risk Assessments in 5 steps


• Preventing problems and minimising risks

Please contact Harpreet for more information on 0121 270 0865 or harpreet@demolishdismantle.co.uk