March 2020

as they apply to a variety of industry requirements: Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (SI 1999/3242) – requires a safe working environment by the application of risk assessment procedures. The Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002 (SI 2002/1144) Schedule ? refers to the design and manufacturer of respiratory protective equipment. The Work in Compressed Air Regulations 1996 (SI 1996/1656) ? these regulations deal with those aspects where the user is operating in a pressure higher than atmospheric, e.g. tunnelling. Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 (SI 2002/2677 ? also as amended by S.I. 2004 No. 3386 in respect of the term “workplace exposure limit”) ? these regulations identify the maximum exposure limits for a defined list of contaminants which may be present in a workplace atmosphere. The exposure limits are now identified by the single term “workplace exposure limit (WEL)” which encompasses both long- and short-term exposure. Related to COSHH is a reference listing published annually under the identity EH40 “Occupational Exposure Limits”. The listings are in addition to those in COSHH. Where any doubt exists as to the limits for any contaminant then this should be used as a start point. It goes without saying that only competent personnel should be involved in designing breathing air systems and preparing risk assessments. To assist employers in this complex area of Health & Safety, it is recommended that managements seek the assistance of compressed air system suppliers with specific breathing air capabilities and product ranges, who will have competent persons trained in providing and maintaining breathing air systems. +44(0)161 728 7922 starparts.sales@wilkinsonstar.com www.wilkinsonstar247.com F-TECH FUME EXTRACTION MIG WELDING TORCHES Exclusive Supplier for UK and Eire MEETING NEW HSE LEGISLATION ON TORCH & PORTABLE FUME EXTRACTION SYSTEMS * Wheel Mounted Units FOX ARMUR POCKET SPECIAL FOCUS Health & Safety–Dust & Fume Extraction