HSE updates asbestos and noise guidance

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published a revised version of Asbestos: The Analysts’ Guide (HSG248) to take account of findings from its interventions and developments in analytical procedures and methodology. It aims to assist analysts comply with their legal obligations and should aid asbestos consultants, occupational hygienists, health and safety professionals, asbestos removal contractors, building owners and facilities managers. It provides clarification on technical and personal safety issues, particularly in relation to sampling and 4-stage clearances and contains new information on sampling soils for asbestos.

The safety enforcement body has also updated its noise exposure calculator. This helps to estimate and record workers’ exposure to noise and compare them with the exposure action and limit values in the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 as part of a noise risk assessment. It now combines the previous daily and weekly exposure calculator in one, with separate tabs to help simplify the process. It also provides advice on actions that should be taken when certain values are exceeded.

The new version of the asbestos guide and the revised calculator are available from the HSE website.

https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg248.pdf