New and proposed classification of hazardous substances – are you ready?

In our latest video, AEC’s Technical Director, Darren Evans and Senior Occupational Hygienist, David Russon give an in-depth overview on the recent HSE consultation on the ‘implementation of Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive’. In particular, they provide advice on four significant substances: respirable crystalline silica (RCS), chromium VI, refractory ceramic fibres (RCF) and hardwood dusts.

What is the HSE consultation and EU directive?

OELVs (known as WELs in the UK) are set to help protect workers from the ill-health effects of exposure to hazardous substances. In January 2018, the EU Directive ‘the implementation of Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive’ came into force and states new OELV limits are to be introduced i.e. reduced by January 2020 in all member states, with further incrementally targeted reductions in WELs for Cr (VI) and hardwood dust in several years’ time. 

In a bid to help protect workers from the effects of exposure to carcinogens and mutagens in the workplace, the HSE have circulated a consultation document which focuses on the new OELV limits and have said these will be implemented in the UK (whether Brexit happens or not), because the impact is not considered significant because:

• The changes made are not significantly lower than currently WELs, and in line with current science.
• Most of the substances are little used in the UK.
• The significant substances should already be assessed and controlled, with the WELs not exceeded.  
• As a consequence, these should not incur significant cost on industry

Revision of exposure limits 

The Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive amends 11 new and binding OELVs and amends 2 existing OELVs for carcinogenic substances. The Directive also classifies Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) as a carcinogen where it is generated as a result of a work process, such as cutting blocks or stone on construction sites.  

A full list of the substances can be viewed on page 4 https://consultations.hse.gov.uk/hse/carcinogens-mutagens-revision-of-limit-values/

By 2020, it is likely that the new OELVs limits will be expected to be reduced in all workplaces in the UK. The table below shows examples of the four significant substances that will be affected.  

Employers – Prepare for the changes now!
If you are an employer, who use or generate any of the hazardous substances on the directive list, you need to consider reviewing your existing risk assessment as well as controls and internal practices in order to continue to be compliant under the COSHH Regulations 2002.

Does your current risk assessment meet the HSE’s expectations, and are you taking the correct steps to protect your workers health?

Does previous exposure monitoring indicate control of exposures to below the new WEL? 

It is your legal duty to control workplace exposures to as low as reasonably practicable, and always below the WEL.  In order to meet the new revised WELs limits, employers should:

1. Review COSHH assessments – is it still valid?

2. Review control measures – are your controls adequate and do you have written evidence?

3. Carry out exposure monitoring to prove that your controls are providing protection.

4. Review your information and training – do your employees have the correct information and training and understand why control measures are so important to protect worker health?  

AEC can help

Our team of occupational hygienists can assist with:

• Exposure Monitoring
• COSHH assessments
• LEV Assessments
• Training 

For advice call our team Manchester 0161 872 7111, London 0203 384 6175 

The full HSE consultation document can be viewed here https://consultations.hse.gov.uk/hse/carcinogens-mutagens-revision-of-limit-values/