HSE has identified that thermites, and thermite containing articles, meeting the criteria for being classified for transport in Great Britain and the ADR area as Class 1 dangerous goods (as explosive substances and articles) are currently being transported either as non-dangerous goods or as Class 4.1 dangerous goods (flammable solids).

Duty holders must not allow thermites and thermite containing articles to be consigned or accepted for carriage by road or rail without them having been assigned an appropriate classification by the Competent Authority of a contracting party to ADR.

Thermites and thermite containing articles should be manufactured and stored in accordance with the requirements of the Explosives Regulations 2014.

HSE has uprated guidance supporting the RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences) Regulations. https://www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/?utm_source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=guidance-push&utm_term=riddor-headline&utm_content=digest-18-apr-24. The main changes to the guidance:

more direct links to guidance on types of reportable incidents improved guidance on who should and should not report under RIDDOR improved guidance on what is meant by a ‘work-related’ accident information on when an occupational disease is not reportable increased clarity on when an ‘over-7-day’ absence should be reported

However, it should be noted that document INDG453(rev1); A brief guide to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR) is still valid.

 

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has published a report on an accident which resulted in the loss of life to a deck hand who fell overboard from a fishing boat. The investigation found that: • the unwritten on board process for shooting nets was unsafe and required crew to work at height without appropriate guard rails or a safety harness and tether to protect them. • The crew were habitually wearing their lifejackets with loose waist straps and it was probable that the deckhand slipped out of his lifejacket when he fell into the water. • The lifejackets used by the crew were compliant but unsuitable for the vessel’s operation because they were not fitted with a light, personal locator beacon, crotch strap or spray hood.

https://www.gov.uk/maib-reports/fall-overboard-from-fishing-vessel-eder-sands-with-loss-of-1-life