The POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutant) Review Committee has called for interested parties to submit information on substances currently under review. Closing dates for submissions are in https://chm.pops.int/TheConvention/POPsReviewCommittee/Meetings/POPRC19/POPRC19Followup/tabid/9694/Default.aspx?utm_source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=chemicals-guidance-hse&utm_term=pops-2&utm_content=crd-10-nov-23  The substances and conditions in question are:

Chlorinated paraffins with carbon chain lengths in the range C14–17 and chlorination levels at or exceeding 45 per cent chlorine by weight Long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids, their salts and related compounds Chlorpyrifos Persistent organic pollutants in stockpiles, products and articles in use and in wastes Long-range environmental transport

HSE is inspecting manufacturing businesses which use metalworking fluids in their machining processes.  Inspections will focus on the protection of employees from exposure to fluid or mist generated by computer numerical control (CNC) machines. Specific aspects are the installation, maintenance and monitoring of local exhaust ventilation (LEV), the regular completion of fluid quality checks and the provision of routine health checks for lung and skin conditions. https://workright.campaign.gov.uk/campaigns/metalworkingfluid/?utm_source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mwf-inspections&utm_term=more-1&utm_content=mwf-18-oct-23

 

The MAIB (Marine Accident Investigation Branch) has issued a Safety Warning about servicing and certification of life rafts after one failed to inflate during an emergency. https://www.gov.uk/maib-reports/safety-warning-issued-about-servicing-and-certification-after-a-liferaft-failed-to-inflate-during-an-emergency