NEWS IN BRIEF...
August 1st 2007 The inadequacy of COSHH Data Sheets
For some time now, the BSIF has been seeking to ensure that the details within materials data-sheets provide more specific information for users of hazardous chemicals. The main areas where BSIF members believe that these data sheets should be improved relate to the nature of suitable protective equipment for personnel in contact with these chemicals and information on the ways in which spills and emergencies should be handled.
The enactment of the REACH Directive within the UK has
developed the view that while there is broad recognition of the BSIF's position, these issues will be solved ‘in due course’. The problem appears to be that ‘in due course’ is likely to be as late as 2018, the final registration date for chemicals under the REACH Directive. The BSIF believes that worker safety and the sensible handling of spills should not wait 11 years.
Informal discussion are currently taking place with HSE specialists to find an interim solution to the provision of more informative materials data sheets as soon as possible, in the context that they should be compatible with the requirements of REACH when this element of the COSHH regulations is superseded.
Urgent need for a Generic Competence Standard for Safety Professionals
While there are standards to define the competence of safety professionals written into a few codes of practice which relate to specific activities, the BSIF has been seeking to assist the creation of a generic competence standard to define the performance criteria against which safety professionals should comply, for application across the breadth of industry.
There is little doubt that the absence of such a standard, with the responsibilities to select and deploy competent personnel firmly placed on the employers, is a recipe for confusion. There will often be a series of inconclusive judgemental arguments in advance of any risk assessment conclusions. In such circumstances it is often the quickest and cheapest route to a solution that is used, irrespective of the consequences.
When someone is hurt, delays are then experienced in handling compensation claims through the courts. Both parties will provide expert witnesses, each with their own diametrically opposed opinions, and it does not assist the court when there is a lack of a generic standard to attest to the competence of the people providing this expert information.
Much progress has been made over recent months and there now appears to be a general understanding and agreement with the BSIF's position within some government departments. "We hope that we shall be able to move more quickly now, towards the publication of a generic competence standard for safety professionals," said a BSIF spokesman.
BSIF supports merger between the HSC and HSE
In responding to the broad consultation by the HSC regarding its proposed merger with the HSE, the BSIF, together with many other responders, was keen to ensure that the current processes to select Commissioners and their ‘independence’ would be preserved within the new structure. Assurances have now been received by the BSIF that this will indeed be the case and the current consultation by the DWP setting out how the merger will be affected specifically covers these principles. Let’s hope that there are no slips between cup and lip. More articles from British Safety Industry Federation: | 
