Health & Safety Update (April 2010)

New Health and Safety regulations reminder - April 2010

Notification of Conventional Tower Cranes Regulations
This requires certain information about conventional tower cranes which are assembled on site from components to be notified to the HSE following their installation or re-installation on site.

Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at work Regulations 2010
This protects workers from the risks associated with exposure to artificial optical radiation in the workplace (lasers, UV light etc)

Social Security (Medical Evidence) and Statutory Sick Pay (Medical Evidence) Amendment Regulations 2010
GPs will be required to issue those suffering from ill health with fit notes rather than sick notes. New 'fit' notes will replace the old 'sick' note system. The 'fit' notes will help employers by giving more information on the employee's medical condition.

Biocidal Products (Amendment) Regulations 2010
This concerns the implementation of a European Directive that extends by 4 years the transitional period during which 'existing' active substances used in biocidal products will be reviewed and considered for inclusion in Annex I of the Biocidal Products Directive 98/8/EC.

Docks (Amendment) Regulations 2010
This is a proposal to remove the requirement in Regulation 8(2)(f) of the Docks Regulations 1988 for a certificate confirming the safety of a vessel used to transport a person at work in dock operations to or from any working place in dock premises.

European Regulation on the Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures (CLP Regulation)
This will help suppliers and users of chemicals change from the current EU classification and labelling system to the new GHS-based system. The Regulation provides a transition period to allow a gradual migration from the existing system to the new regime. This transition period is up to 7 ½ years.