Keywords
Citation
(2002), "Free Internet tool for control of workplace chemicals", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 49 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.2002.12849eaf.004
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2002, MCB UP Limited
Free Internet tool for control of workplace chemicals
Free Internet tool for control of workplace chemicalsKeywords: Internet, Chemicals, Health and safety
The UK's Health & Safety Executive (HSE) recently launched "Electronic COSHH Essentials" – an Internet tool to help prevent the harmful effects of working with chemicals by providing advice to limit exposure.
The initiative – "Electronic COSHH Essentials" – is a free Internet package that anyone can use.
Employers, safety representatives or employees can log on to www.coshh-essentials. org.uk and work out what needs to be done to control chemicals.
Thousands of people every year are made ill from working with chemicals. Illnesses can include asthma, dermatitis or in some cases even cancer. These illnesses can be avoided, provided that people working with the chemicals take appropriate measures to limit exposures, which sometimes can be as simple a matter as providing sufficient ventilation.
Speaking at the launch, Dr Alan Whitehead MP, Minister responsible for health and safety at work, said, "I wanted to be here to launch this innovative product that can make a real impact on workers' health. My congratulations to all concerned in its creation, and I hope that people will take the message away with them that 'Electronic COSHH Essentials' is an important tool for the future of workplace chemicals control."
John Monks, General Secretary of the TUC, who also spoke at the event, said, "There is nowhere to hide from chemicals at work. Machinists use them, hairdressers use them, printers use them and farmers use them. But they must use them safely. Unions welcome anything that makes it simpler to work safely, and COSHH Essentials is certainly that."
People who attended the launch of "Electronic COSHH Essentials" were able to see a big-screen demonstration of the package, as well as pose a number of pertinent questions to HSE and to the firms who piloted the system.
Further details are available from: HSE. Tel: +44 (0) 8701 545500.