Update regarding HSE Myth Busting Challenge Panel, HSE Fee\'s for intervention and Electro magnetic fields directive (EMF)

1. BRITISH CONSTRUCTIONAL STEELWORK ASSOCIATION LIMITED
HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE (HSE) MYTH BUSTING CHALLENGE
PANEL
The Myth Busting Challenge Panel has commented on 28 cases so far and a few more are yet to be
made public.
As a result we have already seen a very clear statement from the HSE on how often PAT testing
should be carried out, this was due to the over enthusiastic application by some testing providers.
• H&S used to withhold payments by contractors (tarmac uneven)
• Irons removed from holiday homes
• Fruit chopping at festivals
• Risk Assessment to make tea at school fete
• Blu Tack cannot be used because it shatters glass!
The web link for further information is: http://www.hse.gov.uk/myth/index.htm
HSE FEES FOR INTERVENTION (FFI)
Trade Associations asked the HSE to consider excluding the application of FFI where material
breaches are discovered as part of joint industry/HSE commissioned research visits to sites.
“HSE values the work that it does in partnership with industry to research health and safety
risks and controls and believes that FFI will have very limited practical application to such
visits. Furthermore, it would be difficult to justify the application of FFI to one duty holder
but not to another for an equivalent breach based on the purpose of the visit. Therefore HSE
proposes not to exclude research visits from the scope of FFI”.
Trade Associations have expressed their disappointment at this and have informed the HSE that this
just makes it more difficult to encourage companies to work with the HSE by opening their doors to
them.
ELECTRO MAGNETIC FIELDS DIRECTIVE (EMF)
The EMF Directive is now planned to be transposed into UK Regulations in April 2014, BCSA is
attending an update on the progress of the details is taking place in July 2012.
Peter Walker
Health, Safety and Training Manager
E Mail: pete.walker@steelconstruction.org
Tel: 01325 366 328
Mob: 07970 463 420
Web: www.steelconstruction.org