Health and Safety

Smoking Ban

By the end of 2007, smoking in enclosed working areas will be banned.
This will include company cars and vans that are shared by two or more employees.
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New Fire Regulations Guidance

On 1st October 2006 the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order will come into force so risk assesmants will need to be carried out.
The intention of the Order is to simplify the legislation.
Full guidance can be downloaded from web-site: http://www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1162103
A short guide is availbale on:http://www.communities.gov.uk/pub/384/EntryLevelGuideAshortguidetomakingyourpremisesssafefromfire id1500384.pd
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Workplace Health

  www.workplacehealthconnect.co.uk gives small/ medium sized businesses guidance on common health problems such as stress and back problems.
The advice is also available on 08456096006.
In addition there are free workplace visits in Greater London, The North East, NORTH WEST, West Midlands and South Wales
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Environmental Alerts

There is af ree website to help small/medium businesses access information to environmental matters.
Free email updates are easily set up by going to the website and ticking the ares of interest.
To register visit www.netregs.gov.uk
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Maximum Working Temperature

There is no Law determining the maximum temperature for workplaces.  The TUC is seeking enforceable temperatures of 30C for sedentary work and 27C for strenuous work.
The Workplace Website has a hotweather advice sheet to download at: www.workplacelaw.net/my/download.php?download  id=423
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Disposable Cigarette Lighters

From 11March 2007 all disposable cigarette lighters must be child resistant.   Lighters that would appeala to a child, shaped to look like a toy, will be banned.  Existing stocks can be sold off as long as they were on the market before 11 March 2007.
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COSHH

The Health and Safety Executive has on-line assistance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations
at www.coshh-essentials.org.uk
There is also a website: www.hse.gov.uk/coshh from which useful documents can be downloaded or printed e.g. ‘A brief guide to COSHH’

Health and Safety

Executive have published two new guides: ’Staff Training’ and ’Company Directors and Health and Safety’
FREE copies from HSE Tel: 01787 881165 and www.hsebooks.co.uk

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Passive Smoking

The Health and Safety Executive have published a booklet giving guidance to employers on how to prevent passive smoking in the workplace.
Available from HSE Bookline Fax: 01787 313995

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Accident Books

All business’s accident books must be revised to bring them into line with the Data Protection Act before the 31st December 2003.
Health and Safety approved Accident Books can be obtained from Maher (Booksellers) Call 0800 083 3434

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Asbestos

The Health and Safety Executive has published a leaflet giving details of the new asbestos regulations.
The leaflet can be downloaded from www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/asbindex.htm

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Working with VDU’s

The Health and Safety Executive have published a new edition of their guidance book ‘Working with VDU’s’ 
Contact number: 08701 545500

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New Posters - First Aid

The Health and Safety Executive has produced two new posters to assist qualified first aiders until professional help arrives. The posters are ‘Basic advice on first aid at work’ and ‘Electric shock first aid procedures.’
They will act as memory prompts and should be displayed in areas of greatest hazards.
They are obtainable from: HSE Books - price £7.50 each - Tel: 01787 881 1165 or Fax: 01787 313995
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