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July 22, 2024

Chemstore Expands Lithium-ion Battery Storage Range with Launch of Safe Charging and Transport Case

Chemstore, the leading expert in hazardous materials storage and a trusted specialist in lithium-ion battery safety, has introduced the BSK1 – Battery Charging and Transport Case. This innovative solution ensures the safe charging, storage, and transport of lithium-ion batteries.

The BSK-1 fire has been developed to meet the highest safety standards for lithium-ion battery storage and transport. Its unique cable gland design allows users to safely charge their batteries within the case, ensuring maximum safety and convenience. The case’s lightweight and robust construction, coupled with its easy handling, makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Key features of the BSK-1 fire protection case include:

Affordability: BSK-1 is available for less than £500 per unit
Fire-resistant interior fittings: Derived from cutting-edge fire and explosion protection technologies, including dust-free PyroBubbles cushions.
Maximum protection: The case maintains an outside temperature below 100 °C, with no emission of flames or splinters in the event of an emergency, providing top-tier protection for people and their surroundings.
High dielectric safety: Suitable for strong power tools or defective batteries, ensuring versatile use.
Tested technology: Developed according to the latest hazardous goods technology and successfully tested in real-time fire scenarios.
Capacity: Accommodates a maximum dangerous goods weight of 8 kg with inner dimensions of 520 x 320 x 245 mm.

Rising incidence of lithium-ion battery fires

There has been a significant rise in the use of lithium-ion batteries globally, driven by the growing popularity of power tools, electric vehicles, and portable electronics. However, this surge in usage has also led to a concerning rise in lithium-ion battery fires, with UK fire services attending 46% more fires linked to lithium-ion batteries in 2023 than 2022. The impact of lithium-ion battery fires can be devastating; a factory fire in South Korea in June 2024, involving exploding lithium-ion batteries tragically resulted in 22 fatalities and highlights the urgent need for reliable and safe storage solutions .

Speak to the experts

As the go-to experts for lithium-ion battery storage, Chemstore has become the preferred partner for industry leaders across multiple sectors, including construction, education, logistics and motorsport, where the demand for safe battery storage is paramount.

The BSK-1 represents the latest addition to Chemstore’s expanding range of lithium-ion battery storage solutions, which includes safety products at every stage of the process when working with lithium-ion batteries, including: –

External fire rated modules for bulk storage of batteries
Fire rated internal cabinets for storage and charging of batteries within the workplace
Range of battery storage and transport boxes for all sizes and types
Emergency response quarantine cases for critical / failing batteries

Mike Brodie, Managing Director of Chemstore, commented on the launch: “The BSK1 – Battery Charging and Transport Case is a simple yet effective solution to the increasingly common problem of safely charging, storing, and transporting lithium-ion batteries. Whether for power tools, ebike/escooter charging or defective batteries, the BSK-1 offers peace of mind that batteries are protected.”

“We are thrilled to expand our lithium-ion battery storage offering, reinforcing our commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving needs of our customers and ensure the highest safety standards.”

For more information on the BSK-1 fire protection case and other lithium-ion battery storage solutions, visit: www.chemstore.co.uk

July 22, 2024

The FPA Launches New Fire Safety Manifesto

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) is advocating for the new government to prioritise fire life safety and property protection within its built environment strategy. The FPA has unveiled six key policy statements aimed at driving these changes.

For many years, the FPA has been dedicated to reducing fire risks and enhancing safety in UK buildings. The organisation provides fire safety guidance and information to the government, industry, insurers, members, and the public.

The FPA’s mission is to protect people, property, and the environment in the UK, while fostering innovation and economic growth in the construction and property sectors without compromising fire safety. However, the reforms they propose often do not come to fruition.

With the election of a new government and the imminent release of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report, the FPA believes the obstacles to change have diminished and is urging the government to take action.

Dr. Gavin Dunn, Managing Director of the FPA, states, “The FPA is advocating for changes to fire safety and property protection in buildings. We are proud to publish our manifesto outlining six policy areas for the new government to consider. These proposals are feasible and can significantly enhance safety and wellbeing in UK properties, while also benefiting the economy.”

To achieve these goals, the FPA recommends the following six key policies:

Better Protection for Schools and Care Homes
- Mandate the installation of sprinkler systems in all new and significantly refurbished schools and care homes.
Ensure Competency of Fire Risk Assessors
- Require all fire risk assessors to be appropriately qualified and certified under a UKAS-accredited scheme, with ongoing professional development to maintain their competence.
Continue Implementing the Building Safety Act and Support the Building Safety Regulator
- Support the implementation of the Building Safety Act 2022 and its supplementary legislation, emphasising the key role of the Building Safety Regulator.
Implement the Morrell/Day Report on Construction Product Safety
- Urgently adopt initiatives to support the recommendations of the Morrell/Day Report on construction product safety.
Support the Safe Transition to Net Zero
- Develop policies and guidance for the transition to net zero, focusing on new energy technologies and low-carbon construction techniques that impact fire safety and property resilience.
Support Planning System Reforms with Data-Driven Fire Protection Measures
- Utilise data to effectively target fire protection measures, particularly in high-risk buildings and those far from fire and rescue services, as part of planning system reforms.

The FPA is ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to advance these pragmatic and achievable policies. These initiatives do not require new legislation, as existing powers can bring about transformative changes. By prioritising fire safety, we can protect lives, enhance the economic value of the built environment, and contribute to the overall wellbeing and prosperity of society.

You can access the full FPA manifesto here.

July 22, 2024

Female Asbestos Workers Campaign to Reduce Sexual Assault Risks

Campaigners have reported that the asbestos removal industry is finally making strides in safeguarding female workers from predatory behaviour.

Asbestos analysts, responsible for independently ensuring that asbestos has been correctly removed from buildings, have long warned that industry and regulatory policies expose them to the risk of sexual assault.

Their duties often require them to enter decontamination units to shower or change out of their overalls and back into their regular clothes. Standard decontamination units (DCUs) can be unlocked from the outside using a keypad, making unauthorised access easy.

One seasoned analyst recounted her early career experiences: “I was sexually abused and raped multiple times but felt powerless to speak out because he repeatedly told me, ‘Nobody’s going to believe you. You’re 23/24 years old, I’m a middle-aged man. I’m well respected, you were just asking for it.’”

The Female Analyst Working Group was established in 2022 to advocate for asbestos removal contractors to enhance the security of decontamination units on sites, ensuring they can be locked from the inside.

The group is also urging the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to mandate these upgrades and to permit regular clothing to be worn under overalls more frequently.

In recent weeks, three DCU manufacturers have engaged with the group to discuss redesigning their units. One manufacturer is developing a prototype that can be locked from the inside.

Colette Willoughby, chair of the Female Analyst Working Group and the National Organisation of Asbestos Consultants, stated: “Although progress in some areas has been slow, it is encouraging to see several equipment manufacturers starting to address the issue.

“Some decontamination unit manufacturers are now recognising the serious risks female analysts face. As a result, the safety of individuals while showering and changing is now being addressed.”

HSE principal specialist inspector Sam Lord commented that the agency “acknowledges the concerns raised but does not plan to amend its current safety regulations.

“We have a representative on the Female Analyst Working Group and are collaborating with them on guidelines for female analysts in this area.”

July 19, 2024

Enhancing Farm Safety to Save Lives

The statistics around farm fatalities and workplace injuries are truly sobering.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), agriculture, forestry, and fishing had a fatal injury rate last year that was 21 times higher than the national average. This sector also recorded the second-highest number of fatalities of any industry and the highest percentage of non-fatal workplace injuries, with roughly 9,000 incidents—equivalent to 3,730 per 100,000 agricultural workers.

At a recent farm safety day in Leicestershire, Phillip Smith, a senior health and safety consultant at NFU Mutual Risk Management Services, expressed concern that the actual situation might be worse than these figures suggest. He referenced an HSE paper indicating that while 95% of serious accidents in most industries are reported under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations, this figure could be as low as 17% in agriculture.

However, there are several simple measures that can be implemented on farms to improve safety, reduce these numbers, and advance the industry.

Maintenance

To comply with HSE regulations, all farm equipment should be well-maintained, serviced, and in good working condition, advised Mr. Smith. Farm managers should prioritise checking equipment that could cause serious injury if it malfunctions, such as feed mixers, straw choppers, or PTO shafts on tractors.

Using Tilly Trailer tests is recommended, and if this isn’t feasible, at least ensure the brakes are tested on-farm, referring to the manual as a minimum. Reading equipment manuals is also advised to ensure proper understanding of machinery, and staff should document this.

“Different people have different training needs,” Mr. Smith said. “Treat them like adults, provide the specific training they need, and have them sign off on it.”

Moving Vehicles

Installing convex mirrors on building corners can significantly improve visibility on farms. Additionally, using maps to mark where buildings, vehicles, and pedestrians are typically located can help. For areas where vehicles and pedestrians intersect, additional safety measures should be implemented.

Some larger businesses in the fresh produce sector with high staff numbers are already setting specific time periods for vehicle movements and timed breaks for workers to cross on foot. “Around 60% of all work-related tractor accidents occur when a vehicle is reversing,” Mr. Smith noted. Visibility behind tractors is poor, so workers should avoid being within 10 meters of a reversing vehicle.

Implementing Safe Stop practices, designed by the agricultural industry to reduce deaths, is also crucial:

Engage handbrake
Controls in neutral
Switch off engine
Remove key

Mr. Smith acknowledged some minor exceptions but emphasised that machinery must be turned off if work involves any moving parts. “You have to be pragmatic about how you work with machinery,” he stated.

Slurry Lagoons

Slurry pits and lagoons pose significant safety risks due to gases and soft, permeable surfaces. Rob Cross, a rural crime officer for Leicestershire Police, recounted an incident where a dog walker nearly drowned after falling into a slurry pit. Proper fencing, positioning lagoons away from public access, and installing covers are essential safety measures.

The Farm Safety Foundation advises staying outside of any building or store in case of an accident or collapse in a slurry store, stopping the pump, and contacting emergency services.

Children on Farms

HSE guidance states that “farms are not playgrounds,” and children should be kept away from hazardous areas like chemical stores, slurry pits, sheep dips, grain bins, and machinery. From 1st January, HSE has enforced regulations prohibiting children aged 13 and under from being on agricultural machinery.

“Having a sign indicating children on the farm is not sufficient,” Mr. Smith emphasised. “Children are not allowed in the workplace in any other industry sector.”

Insurance Claims and Fines

Proper documentation is crucial. If an insurance claim is made, the insurance company will likely request relevant documents related to the work being carried out. Without these, making a claim can be much more difficult.

Mr. Smith explained, “They will want to see an accident book entry, a signed risk assessment, a signed system of work, and a signed safety policy.” He also noted that HSE is imposing larger fines on farms, which is not surprising given the number of serious accidents in agriculture. “If there is a fatality on a farm today, it could lead to a courtroom case.”

July 18, 2024

Simplifying the New Standard for Safety Shoes

The introduction of EN ISO 20345:2022 may seem overwhelming for health & safety professionals, but there’s no need to panic, writes uvex’s Clair Weston.

Safety footwear is a crucial part of PPE. Since March 2023 safety shoes and boots have been subject to the updated EN ISO 20345:2022 standard. That has presented some cause for concern for safety professionals whose staff are still wearing footwear produced under EN ISO 20345:2011. However, there is no need to worry. Here is a simple overview of what the new standard means and the action – if any – you need to take. For further information, see our White Paper: Demystifying the new safety footwear standard: A simple guide to ENISO20345:2022

Basic requirements

Most basic requirements remain the same under the new standard. EN ISO 20345:2022 still mandates the height, ergonomics and comfort of the footwear which are crucial to ensure adequate protection, fit and overall ‘wearability’. It determines the resistance, non-toxicity and properties of the materials used in the sole and shoe/boot upper. The toe cap must also meet minimum requirements, including passing a drop test equivalent to 20kg from a height of approximately one metre.

However, the slip resistance is the most significant change and has now been added as a basic requirement for all safety footwear. Shoes/boots must meet a standard similar to the old ‘SRA’ certification with a test involving sodium lauryl sulphate on ceramic tiles. No additional markings are shown for this. However, if the footwear also passes a test with glycerol on a ceramic tile – much like the old ‘SRB’ certification – they can be marked with ‘SR’.

Additional requirements

Depending on workplace hazards, there may be additional requirements beyond the basics. Footwear that offers protection in these specific areas are marked with letter-based codes. Under the 2022 standard, the range of additional requirements has gone from 12 to 18.

Changes include the introduction of ‘LG’ to indicate heel grip for ladders. This additional certification is based on the ladder grip test that is standard for footwear intended for firefighters, although highly relevant to construction related trades.

The new footwear standard now includes resistance to hydrocarbons, indicated by an ‘FO’ marking, as an additional test for environments with hazards such as oil and petrol. Previously, ‘FO’ – resistance to fuel oil – was a basic requirement for most safety footwear, except those with an open heel (SB).

Some of the additional requirements under the 2012 standard have expanded and evolved. Under the new standard, safety footwear that protects against nail penetration is marked differently: ‘P’ is used for metallic soles tested with a 4.5 mm nail, ‘PL’ for non-metallic soles tested with a 4.5 mm nail, and ‘PS’ for non-metallic soles tested with a 3 mm nail, offering higher protection due to the smaller diameter nail’s higher pressure. This expands on the old standard, where all such footwear was simply marked with ‘P’.

The EN ISO 20345:2011 standard used ‘WRU’ for shoes/boots with water-resistant uppers, but this didn’t guarantee waterproof footwear. The 2022 standard replaces ‘WRU’ with ‘WPA,’ indicating that the footwear allows some water penetration and absorption, suitable for conditions where feet aren’t submerged. ‘WR’ is now used for truly waterproof shoes. 

Protection classes

Safety footwear is divided into different protection classes depending on the requirements fulfilled. This has become a little more complicated under the new standard. Under EN ISO 20345:2011, the protection levels were divided into six classes: SB, S1, S2, S3, S4 and S5. Now, there are eight main protection classes: SB, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6 and S7. The two new protection classes – S6 and S7 – are waterproof in the line with the new ‘WR’ certification.

In addition to the new classes, the class codes may also be followed by ‘P’, ‘L’ (or ‘PL’) and ‘S’ (or ‘PS’) to indicate additional perforation resistance in line with the ‘P’, ‘PL’ and ‘PS’ certifications.

Taking action

The new standard has brought numerous improvements, however, as with any change to standards, it also potentially makes life more complicated for those working in PPE procurement, especially until all involved are familiar with the changes. The good news is that most will not need to take any action at this stage.

While EN ISO 20345:2022 is now in place, we are still in a transition extending up to five years, allowing for a gradual integration of the new standard. Customers can therefore expect to encounter safety footwear certified under either the 2011 or 2022 standard until November 2029. During this time, manufacturers with valid certificates can still produce footwear under the 2012 standard and it is still perfectly legal to purchase them. If you bought your footwear from a reputable supplier and it has been performing effectively and well maintained, it should not need to be replaced.

You should, however, consider buying shoes produced under the 2022 standard if you carry out a new risk assessment and identify new workplace hazards that require safety footwear. You should also look to replace any safety shoes or boots that have degraded due to wear and tear.

The uvex promise

The uvex safety footwear range has been created to provide reliable protection in a wide range of industry sectors such as automotive, manufacturing, in the chemical industry, on construction sites, in service and logistics, ‘clean’ environments, as well as in outdoor workspaces such as horticulture, agriculture and forestry.

Of course, it always meets all required standards – but we also demand that little bit more from our products. We combine innovative safety footwear technologies with modern and functional design while ensuring the extra safety that our customers rightly expect from us.

If you buy from uvex, you’re already ahead of the game. When the time comes to buy new safety footwear, you can rest assured that you’ll find the right model for your needs in our range.

July 18, 2024

The EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)

The EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is a significant regulatory framework designed to enhance and standardise the sustainability reporting of companies within the European Union. It aims to provide more detailed, reliable, and comparable information on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects of business operations.

Importance of the CSRD

Enhanced Transparency and Accountability: The CSRD mandates comprehensive sustainability disclosures, enabling stakeholders to assess the sustainability performance and impacts of companies more accurately. This transparency fosters greater accountability and trust among investors, consumers, and other stakeholders.
Standardisation of Reporting: By providing uniform standards and guidelines for sustainability reporting, the CSRD ensures consistency and comparability across different companies and industries. This standardisation is crucial for investors and other stakeholders to make informed decisions based on comparable data.
Promotion of Sustainable Business Practices: The directive encourages companies to integrate sustainability into their core business strategies and operations. By requiring detailed reporting on ESG factors, the CSRD promotes long-term thinking and responsible business conduct, ultimately contributing to sustainable economic growth.
Alignment with Global Initiatives: The CSRD aligns with international sustainability frameworks, such as the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). This alignment helps to create a cohesive global approach to sustainability reporting and enhances the EU’s role as a leader in sustainable finance.

Implications for the Future

Increased Regulatory Compliance: Companies will need to invest in robust systems and processes to collect, analyse, and report sustainability data. This requirement may lead to increased compliance costs, but it will also drive improvements in data management and reporting accuracy.
Enhanced Stakeholder Engagement: The directive will facilitate better communication between companies and their stakeholders, including investors, customers, employees, and regulators. Enhanced transparency and accountability are likely to build stronger relationships and trust.
Greater Focus on ESG Performance: The CSRD will likely drive companies to prioritise ESG factors in their decision-making processes. This focus could lead to more sustainable business models, innovation in green technologies, and improved environmental and social outcomes.
Impact on Investment Decisions: With more reliable and comparable ESG data, investors will be better equipped to assess the sustainability risks and opportunities associated with their investments. This shift could lead to increased investment in sustainable businesses and projects, accelerating the transition to a greener economy.
Competitive Advantage: Companies that excel in sustainability reporting and performance may gain a competitive edge in the market. Transparency and commitment to sustainability can enhance brand reputation, attract customers, and retain talent.

The EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive is a crucial step towards more transparent, accountable, and sustainable business practices. By mandating comprehensive ESG disclosures, the CSRD will not only improve the quality of sustainability reporting but also drive positive changes in corporate behaviour and investment decisions. In the long term, this directive has the potential to significantly contribute to the EU’s sustainability goals and promote a more sustainable and resilient global economy.

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