Questions and Answers

The first UK REACH deadline of 27 October 2023 is for substances over 1000 tonnes per annum and those that are: carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction (CMRs) — 1 tonne or more per year; very toxic to aquatic organisms (acute or chronic) — 100 tonnes or more per year; candidate list substances (at 31 December 2020). How can I determine if my substances meet that criteria?

Do I need to test a contractor’s electrical tools and equipment if they’re using them on my premises?

We have a property with wooden window frames that we wish to repaint. Our facilities management team has suggested that the frames may be coated with lead-based paint that would need to be removed. How can we determine if there is lead-based paint and what precautions should we be taking?

The wife of a member of staff is expecting a baby and my member of staff has indicated he would like to take shared parental leave. What does this entail?

What were the findings of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) provider collaboration review, exploring how services worked together to support children and young people’s mental health during the pandemic?

I cannot open my workplace, do I have to pay my employees?

A refugee has applied for a nurse’s position in our organisation. What are their rights and which pre-employment checks are needed?

A trade union safety rep has raised concern over the building’s air conditioning system, stating that it could be spreading the Covid-19 virus. Is this the case and what should we be doing to reduce the risk?

My organisation wishes to develop a campaign to help embed appropriate behaviours in relation to the control of virus transmission in the workplace. What should we consider in such a campaign?

I have been asked to review our emergency planning arrangements in light of the current pandemic situation. Are there any changes I need to make to existing procedures?