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HEALTH & SAFETY Companies which fail to prioritise workplace


safety could face significant reputational and commercial risks. The HSE is responsible for regulatory enforcement that can see substantial fines, and in extreme cases prison, levied on companies and their directors. Measures required under the Act include taking


steps to control slip and trip risks as well as exposure to hazardous materials. One such recommendation by the HSE is cleaning up spills promptly to minimise the risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals and to reduce the risk of slips. Companies typically use blue paper roll or


single use wipes and rags to absorb and mop up spilled liquids or clean machine parts. However, any blue roll or rags which are used for this application then potentially become classed as hazardous waste which then requires suitable management and disposal. To ensure compliance with legal regulations,


businesses producing hazardous waste in the UK - including contaminated wipes - have a specific ‘duty of care’ concerning that waste and must classify, separate and store any waste safely before it is disposed of by an authorised hazardous wastes contractor.


Storing contaminated wipeS Contaminated wipes may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or pose a fire risk, depending on the fluid they have been used to wipe up. To minimise risk to worker health and


safety, they should be stored in a tightly closable container made of resistant material such as metal or special plastic (high- molecular, low-pressure polyethylene) before being disposed of.


alternativeS With companies facing increased pressure to attain high standards of health and safety, the practice of an alternative strategy to disposable paper towels and rags has emerged. Today, full-service contract third-party


suppliers are delivering high quality reusable, absorbent industrial wipes to customers, along with robust storage containers that keep contaminated wipes secure until collection. Because the wipes are delivered on a pre- agreed rotation, they are always to hand, so spills may be rapidly addressed to reduce the risks of exposure to chemicals and slipping causing injury. The reusable service system also removes the significant burden of hazardous waste disposal from the company, reducing overall costs as well as mitigating potential health and safety fines. Even small changes to a typical maintenance


regime in plant and manufacturing facilities can yield considerable benefits helping protect employee health and well-being and aiding health and safety compliance.


SM&E22_AD_Design-Solutions_2022-23_195Wx135H_ADVERT-Grey.qxp_08112022 08/11/2022 10:43 Page 1


Mewa Textil-Management www.mewa.co.uk


FARNBOROUGH | Hants | GU14 6TQ 7th | 8th


| 9th FEBRUARY


9.30am - 4.30pm (3.30pm close Thurs)


Where Industry and Innovation converge


Over 600 national and international suppliers come together to exhibit at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre this February for Southern Manufacturing and Electronics (inc AutoAero) 2023. Meet the power behind UK manufacturing industry and see live demonstrations and new product launches of machine tools & tooling, electronics, factory & process automation, packaging & handling, labelling & marking, 3D print technology, test & measurement, materials, composites & adhesives, rapid prototyping, ICT, drives & controls and laboratory equipment.


Free industry seminar programme online @ www.industrysouth.co.uk


The exhibition is free to attend, free to park and easy to get to. Doors open at 9.30am on Tuesday 7th February.


PRE-REGISTER TODAY for your Fast Track Entry Badge, Preview Magazine and Event Catalogue at


www.industrysouth.co.uk


FREE SEMINARS


FREE PARKING


AUTOMATION • DEFENCE ELECTRONICS • AUTOSPORT MARINE • AEROSPACE


TRANSPORTATION • PACKAGING ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING


R&D • ENERGY • LOGISTICS • FOOD & DRINK


SMART MANUFACTURING • SPACE ENGINEERING ELECTRICAL & MECHANICAL ENGINEERING MEDICAL • COMPOSITES • CONSTRUCTION


SOUTHERN MANUFACTURING & ELECTRONICS is an ETES event organised by European Trade & Exhibition Services Ltd


Tel 01784 880890 · email philv@etes.co.uk


IndusTrIal CoMplIanCe | oCToBer/noVeMBer 2022 23


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