United Kingdom
Ionising radiation
The Sixth Ionising Radiation Information Sheet (IRIS6) has been published, giving further guidance under the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 on the role and training of radiation protection advisers. The guidance supplements "Work with Ionising Radiations", published in April 2000 and is aimed at radiation employers, radiation protection advisers, radiation protection supervisors, safety representatives and workers. Two further information sheets will be published shortly to complete the IRIS series.
(HSE, September 2000)
Explosive substances
The Explosive Substances (Hazard Information) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 (SI 2000 No 1646) came into force on 31 July 2000 and apply to any substance which is dangerous for supply and to which the Explosives Act (Northern Ireland) 1875 to 1970 applies. A supplier shall not supply a substance dangerous for supply unless it had been classified in accordance with the Regulations. The Regulations implement various EC Directives including many recent adaptations to technical progress of the EC Directive on the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances (67/548/EEC).
(SO, July 2000)
Safety advisers
Coming into force at the end of June, the Transport of Explosive (Safety Advisers) Regulations (Northern Ireland 2000) (SR 2000 No 171) implement EC Directive 96/35/EC on the appointment and vocational qualification of safety advisers insofar as it relates to explosives by road, rail and inland waterway. The Regulations prohibit the transport of explosives by road, railway and inland waterway by an employer unless he has appointed a safety adviser. Employers must also make arrangements for ensuring adequate co-operation between the safety advisers he appoints and must ensure that any such adviser has adequate time and means to fulfil his functions and duties. The corresponding Regulations for Great Britain are the Transport of Dangerous Goods (Safety Advisers) Regulations 1999 (SI 1999 No 257).
(SO, June 2000)
Biocidal products
The HSE has conducted a consultation exercise on options for charging the General Industry Charge (GIC) to enable the HSE to recover costs of activities under the Biocidal Products Regulations 2000. The HSE has identified three viable options through which to recover the GIC: a flat rate per company; a flat rate per product or a levy based on a percentage of product turnover. A system based on product sales turnover is seen as the most feasible and practicable option and the HSE sought views as to whether interested parties agree with this proposal.
(HSE, June 2000)
PCBs
Further to Regulations in England, Wales and Scotland, the Environmental Protection (Disposal of Polychlorinated Biphenyls and other Dangerous Substances) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 (SR 2000 No 232) are now in force in Northern Ireland. Holders of PCB-contaminated equipment are required to register such equipment with the Department of the Environment by 31 October 2000 and dispose of that equipment safely by 31 March 2001. There are some exceptions for trades or businesses concerned with the decontamination or disposal of such equipment.
(SO, July 2000)
European Union
Phthalates
Another Commission Decision has been published in the Official Journal extending the validity of Decision 99/815/EC concerning measures prohibiting the placing on the market of toys and childcare articles intended to be placed in the mouth by children under 3 years of age made of soft PVC containing certain phthalates. The Decision is now valid to 5 December 2000.
(OJ L226, 6 September 2000)
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