Every water system will require regular management and maintenance to provide a safe supply and protect the health and safety of those using them. Below, SOCOTEC’s Water team explores how you can ensure the safety of your building’s water systems through the implementation of a Water Safety Plan and compliance with the new British Standard, BS 8680: 2020.…
With an estimated one in 10 workers injured on construction sites every year, it is easy to understand why the sector is renowned for having the most fatal injuries for its employees. Each construction project comes with its own unique set of challenges, as well as a working environment that is constantly changing, which means that the management of the various hazards and risks on construction sites cannot take a one-size-fits-all approach.…
Occupational hygiene consultants visit a wide range of industries, from bakeries and petroleum plants to pharmaceutical sites and foundries. In addition to production operatives, many sites also employ maintenance operatives. This group of workers often has the potential to be exposed to the highest levels and widest range of harmful physical and chemical agents in a workplace, and as a result, must be monitored closely to ensure they remain fully compliant with the appropriate legislation, guidelines and limits.…
As part of the NHS Test and Trace service, the UK Government has developed action cards to help identify and contain any potential outbreak of COVID-19 in the workplace. These can be used by owners, managers and supervisors of employees who work outdoors, including those within the construction, energy, waste management, infrastructure and rail sectors.…
Following a number of recent incidents whereby rail workers have come close to unintentionally disturbing asbestos containing materials (ACMs) within buildings and rolling stock, it is essential that sufficient information regarding the potential location of asbestos is recorded prior to any demolition, repair and refurbishment works taking place. With this in mind, it is equally important for rail workers to know what to do if an ACM is disturbed, while also being aware of the health risks associated with the inhalation of asbestos fibres.…
While protecting your workforce against COVID-19 should remain of paramount importance, employers cannot afford to let their guard down when it comes to preventing exposure to other respiratory illnesses, such as Legionnaires’ disease. Under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, employers have a duty of care to assess and control the risk of exposure to Legionella bacteria for their staff, contractors and visitors, and the HSE has confirmed that any duty holders who experience cases of Legionnaires’ disease or are the centre of an outbreak during the COVID-19 pandemic will have no exemption from prosecution.…
When it comes to construction projects requiring deep excavations, there is always a requirement for a significant movement of material, and consequently the potential for disruption to that vital layer of support. Basement construction works are often also carried out in highly and densely populated urban areas, so it is crucial that an accurate geotechnical assessment of the ground conditions and surrounding infrastructure is carried out to understand the conditions at play prior to works commencing.…
Borehole drilling is a highly cost-effective method of ground investigation, particularly when the objectives of the project are clear. Although establishing the overall distribution of materials beneath the site of interest will be common to most projects, detailed objectives will vary depending on the type of project envisaged.…
As a key accounts administrator, Nichola Hayes is instrumental to the smooth running of SOCOTEC’s Asbestos team, ensuring that the business unit consistently delivers a high standard of service to its clients. In this blog, Nicky discusses how working for SOCOTEC has broadened her level of expertise within the asbestos sector, and how effective time management and showing good initiative are considered key attributes for the role.…
The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) require employers to prevent, limit and control the harmful effects of fires, explosions, corrosion of metals and similar energy-releasing events. Dangerous substances can be found in nearly all workplaces – including the rail sector – and include solvents, paints, varnishes, flammable gases such as liquid petroleum gas (LPG), dusts from machining and shot blasting operations, pressurised gases and corrosive substances.…
