What's New

A new study has found an association between the occupational use of disinfectants during pregnancy with increased risks for asthma and eczema in offspring at age three years.

Falkirk Council has said lessons have been learned about the health risks of legionella in empty buildings after tests at its schools showed high levels of bacteria including legionella and pseudomonas in stagnant water systems, following the initial full lockdown from Covid-19.

The Department for Environment and Rural Affairs has published guidance on how companies or individuals based in Great Britain should share data and information on the same chemical substance and jointly submit that information to the Comply with UK REACH service.

The Environmental Audit Committee has warned ministers that current government policy could see heavy industrial emitters dodge responsibilities to cut emissions.

When the Prime Minister spoke in February 2022 about “living with Covid” (see Covid restrictions will end in England on 24 February), he said that the advice for people who test positive to stay at home would be removed with effect from 1 April and replaced with new public health guidance.

A significant change will be introduced on 6 April 2022 when the Personal Protective Equipment at Work (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (SI 2022 No. 8) amend the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (PPER 1992).

The poison centre for Lichtenstein has announced that they are now connected to the poison centre portal.

The Department for Transport (DfT) is letting companies know that there are new rules for transporting goods to, through or within Europe in 2022. The rules changes are part of the UK’s deal with the EU (the Trade and Co-operation Agreement).

A draft of the proposed Merchant Shipping (Additional Safety Measures for Bulk Carriers) Regulations 2022, along with an accompanying draft Explanatory Memorandum have been published.

The Health and Safety Executive have opened a public consultation on alternatives: call for comments for Trichloroethylene (TCE) (EC: 201-167-4, CAS: 79-01-6).