For sites with high levels of hazardous substances and dangerous chemicals, the new Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations came into force on 1^st June 2015. This is the introduction of the European Directive known as Seveso 111 in the UK. The main change involves the move from the CHIP (Chemicals – Hazard Information and Packaging to Supply) classification to the new CLP (Classification Labelling and Packaging) standards, which introduces the GHS (Globally Harmonised System).

The reclassification involves converting the substance inventories from the old to the new classification, as well as involving new additions such as pyrophoric solids and liquids, and flammable aerosols. These cover petrochemical, pharmaceutical, agrochemical, nuclear and explosives for on-shore sites.

In addition, all COMAH sites must make certain information about their sites and hazards in an electronic format for public access. This should include prevention policies, emergency plans, and methods of warning the public in the event of a major incident.

Label Source supplies a comprehensive range of GHS signs and GHS tapes, as well as hazard warning signs for chemicals and dangerous substances, which can assist in your risk assessment and training requirements. These signs can form an important component in the prevention of major accidents, and in limiting the effects if any such incident occurs.

Under PUWER (Provision and use of work equipment regulations 1998) all such equipment, including machinery, tools, plant and appliances, should be suitable and safe for use, should have been inspected and maintained, should have correct protective devices, and be operated by adequately trained staff.

The dangers and hazards relating to operating this equipment should be clearly identified, and our range of safety labels and signs can be used for this purpose. These health and safety risks can include from pinch, crush, trap and entanglement hazards, operating temperatures such as hot surfaces, or high or low ambient temperatures, chemical dangers (eg corrosive or toxic), and various other risks from electricity, flammability, lasers, radiation, and biological hazards.

In addition Label Source supply a wide variety of bespoke printed labels and signs incorporating combinations of safety symbols and custom text. For further information please contact us.

Slips, trips and falls are all too common in the modern workplace. The Health and Safety Executive has stated that they are "the single most common cause of major injury in UK workplaces", and that's not a not difficult claim to believe; not only can the fall itself result in severe injuries, it can lead to even more serious accidents if, for example, the victim falls into a piece of machinery or another hazard.

Here are some more statistics from the HSE:

• In 2013/14, slips, trips and falls were to blame for 29% of fatal workplace injuries
• Slips, trips and falls were responsible for 57% of all major/specified injuries to workers in 2013/14
• Over this period, a total of roughly 1.5 million working days were lost due to slips, trips and falls.

(Note that the phrase 'slips, trips and falls' covers a variety of different incidents, ranging from slipping on a wet floor or tripping over a loose floorboard to falling from height.)

So how can I prevent slips, trips and falls in my workplace?

We're glad you asked! With so many UK workers getting injured (or worse) by slips, trips and falls, employers need to everything they can to minimise the risk of a serious accident occurring. Here are some things that you can do to protect your employees:

• Use the correct hazard warning signs to make people aware of any potential risks (such as slippery surfaces, sudden drops, or trip hazards)
   
• Keep an eye out for any obstacles that could cause someone to trip over; common examples include bins, furniture, cables/wires, and desk drawers that have been left open
   
• Clean up any spills ASAP to prevent slips
   
• Always use a wet floor sign when cleaning is in progress
   
• If your employees are working at height, ensure that they are using the correct fall prevention equipment
   
• Train your staff to work safely and avoid slips, trips and falls (for example, do your employees know how to safely use a ladder?)

Visit our Slips, Trips & Falls department for more information and to purchase fall prevention signs for your workplace.

The construction industry is getting to grips with The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM), which came into force on the 6^th April 2015. The aim is to improve the health and safety record within the construction sector, thus leading to a reduction in the number of accidents, and as a consequence less serious injuries and fatalities.

The regulations have a very wide remit, and the intention is to streamline the construction process between designers, main contractors and sub-contractors, so that there are less ‘grey areas’ of responsibility and clear lines of demarkation, with the promotion of health, safety and welfare. This includes the managing of risk, with emphasis on the co-ordination of work, suitable appropriate training, use of suitable skilled staff and the means of communication.

The remit of these regulations cover the planning, management, monitoring and co-ordination  in construction and building refurbishment of commercial, industrial, retail and domestic projects,  including site preparation and demolition. It includes the following aspects;

Fall from heights, including use of ladders, platforms, scaffolding, towers, and fragile roofs.

The use of support systems to prevent collapse of excavations or building structures.

Exposure to airborne particles and fumes, with inhalation of dust, lime, lead , asbestos or from vehicle diesel exhaust.

Electrical hazards from electrical systems in buildings, overhead or buried power lines.

Slips, trips and falls on uneven surfaces, alterations in levels, trailing wires, obstacles or wet or slippery floor surfaces.

Fire hazards for the safe storage of combustible materials and control of sources of ignition, including fire training on escape routes, assembly or muster points, or the location of fire fighting equipment.

Safe operation of cranes.

Safe operation of mobile plant and vehicles, including excavators, mobile work platforms, dumper trucks and road vehicles.

Site traffic control, and the prevention of entry to unauthorised persons, including the general public, and in particular children. Also, this covers car parking, site speed restrictions, and deliveries.

Housekeeping of materials storage, and management of waste (skips, wheelie bins, chutes).

Control of hazardous substances and dangerous chemicals.

Protection against physical hazards, such as noise, vibration through use of power tools, manual handling and repetitive strain.

Employee welfare, such as toilet, wash, rest facilities, and first aid.

Label Source can assist you in meeting your obligations by supplying health and safety labels and signs to the latest legislation for CDM applications, to highlight operational dangers and hazards, prohibited activities, mandatory actions (including the use of personal protective equipment supplied), and safe operating conditions. These can be used in your induction and training activities for site specific activities, so that all employees are suited to their roles in a safe working environment. Also see our ranges of tapes and barrier mesh for use on building sites and work excavations.

In order to prevent workplace injury or death to operators, or damage to equipment mechanisms, use our safe condition range of emergency cut off labels and signs to clearly identify shut off points. Prompt action can minimise effects of accidents (such as entanglement or crush injuries) or destruction of machinery, by manually shutting down power to motors or valves. These cut off points can be activated to shut off electricity, gas or supply of fuel to operating equipment.

Our identification products have been used in a variety of industries to mark emergency cut off controls on industrial machinery, presses, heavy lifting equipment, fuel pumps, conveyors and escalators. Also, ranges of hazard warning signs are available, to inform machine users of operating dangers, and signs for shut off controls for supply of electricity, water and gas.