Skip to main content

DS Risk Warning: Asbestos found in ceramic gauzes

By
Hello all,

Although this alert is more likely to involve secondary and special sector customers, it is worthy of sharing widely as it shoes despite the substance being banned from use for many years and general vigilance, we can never be complacent, just in case.

Bill


"HSE are investigating supply of metal gauze mats which contain asbestos
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been made aware that two UK laboratory supply companies have supplied schools and potentially other users with gauze mats which contain asbestos. The metal gauze mats are designed for use over Bunsen burners.

A HSE spokesperson said:

“While we assess the overall risk of exposure to be low, we have taken swift action. We have ensured that both of the supply companies concerned immediately ceased supply of the gauze mats and are overseeing arrangements to contact affected customers and provide precautionary advice on how the mats should be disposed of safely.

“We are working closely with Department for Education, education departments in Scotland and Wales as well as CLEAPSS (Consortium of Local Education Authorities for the Provision of Science Services). This will help us ensure that schools, colleges, local regulators, and others who may have supplied or purchased similar products are directed to our advice.

“We are also investigating how these particular gauze mats came into circulation. Breaches of the restrictions on the supply of asbestos are taken very seriously by HSE.”

Their full press release and advice is attached below.


Science technicians can get more details from the CLEAPSS site - most schools are members which we recommend.

-- 
Bill Crocker
Executive Director
Tech IOSH, MEPS, MRICS.

Tel: 07795 190 130
In Emergency or Critical Incident tel: 07979 425 989. 


Delegated Services is a not for profit, community interest company providing affordable, expert and comprehensive support services, in partnership with schools and community organisations.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

DS Risk Warning: UK raises terror threat level to ‘severe’ following Vienna attack

By
  Home Secretary Priti Patel has confirmed the escalation of the UK terror threat level from "substantial" to "severe" following an attack in Vienna that left at least three dead. The change means that an attack on UK soil is now deemed "highly likely". The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre has changed the UK terror threat level from substantial to severe. This is a precautionary measure and is not based on any specific threat. The potential is for UK based 'lone wolfs' to be emboldened to take action themselves which could take place anywhere in the UK. We are asked to continue to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police on 999 or the anti-terrorist hotline: 0800 789 321. If your information does not relate to an imminent threat, you can also contact MI5 . What the threat levels mean: Threat levels are designed to give a broad indication of the likelihood of a terrorist attack. LOW means an attack is highly unlikely MODERATE ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Delegated Services Risk Warning: Weather; Wind - Storm Darragh

By
  The Met Office have upgraded the warning for tomorrow as follows: Red weather warning issued  Strong and damaging winds across parts of Wales and southwest England  Saturday 0300 – 1100 Our advice changes in such circumstances to, do all you can today, but any checking approach during the day tomorrow should only be considered in extremis in the red zone and very carefully indeed risk assessed. Beware too the boundaries are changing of the zones, as more data comes in. Checks may need to wait until Sunday. NB: Many are postponing anything planned for tomorrow to allow safety at home in the red zone and extreme caution in the amber. This needs to apply to your sites. We aren't aware from our systems, at present, of any education visit/DofE activities, but obviously these need to be reconsidered. Met Office Chief Forecaster, Jason Kelly, said:  “The worst impacts from Storm Darragh will be felt as we go through the early hours of tomorrow morning and throughout Satur...
Post a Comment
Read more

Delegated Services Risk Warning: Weather; Snow and Ice

By
Hello all, I'd set the alarm early, then a picture fell off the wall, even earlier and ..... The forecast suggests there will be some more snow of varying intensity this morning, before it dies out around lunchtime and will become far brighter. It appears the motorways and major trunk roads, (Highways England) and majority of the local council gritted routes are open, albeit that in some locations there are lane restrictions. Elevation impacts on depth of snow and impact on the roads. The position on non cleared routes will vary markedly. Gritting and ploughing is ongoing and extra resources have been deployed. Public transport is running save for Bristol Airport at the moment. It is under review as the position for drivers getting in to the depots is a challenge. First Bus across the patch will issue an update at 6.30 am. However, Metro Bus is running in Bristol and routes along the main gritted routes are running. At present, therefore, I can't be of more...
Post a Comment
Read more