HSE Annual Science Review 2022

Annual Science Review 2022

HSE Annual Science Review 2022

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Contents

03 Foreword

04 Guest foreword

05 Awards, achievements, honours and events

13 Meet the staff

21 Case studies (see right)

49 References and publications

21 Case studies | Building back better

22 COVID-OUT: investigating workplace outbreaks of COVID-19

23 Simulating workplace transmission of the COVID-19 virus

24 Improving COVID-19 risk mitigation measures linked to the role of delivery drivers

25 A human cough simulator for assessing face shield protection against COVID-19 droplets

26 COVID-19 guidance for healthcare settings: a publication timeline supporting HSE’s investigation work

27 Initial recommendations for guidelines on return to work after long COVID

28 Preliminary identification of potential serious incident scenarios for high-rise buildings

29 Supporting a safe transition to hydrogen in the gas network: human factors

30 Supporting a safe transition to hydrogen in the gas network: experimental and modelling evidence informing the Winlaton trial

31 Enabling a transition to hydrogen in the gas network: HSE assessment of GSMR exemption request for Winlaton trial

32 Case studies | Protecting people and places

32 Replace, reduce and refine regulatory fish acute toxicity tests

33 Identifying and evaluating non-animal test methods for hazard classification

34 How much pesticide do we eat? Collaborative working to update food consumption risk assessment models

35 Using health and safety data – the construction risk and treatment library project

36 Promotion of the use of leading indicators of health and safety performance on construction projects

37 A multi-centre European human biomonitoring study of occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium

38 Engaging with stakeholders about work-related violence and aggression

39 Occupational exposure to nicotine during manufacture of vaping products

40 Cavitation erosion of engine crankcases41 Enabling the licensing of explosives storage

underground in mines42 Diesel fuel leaks – when can they ignite?43 Supporting the safe use and exploitation of advanced

materials44 The future of health and safety in advanced

manufacturing45 Developing a framework for socioeconomic impact

data management in India46 Safety challenges at sea – evidence review of causal

factors47 Contributing to new NHS national standards of

cleanliness48 Understanding asbestos exposures to workers in the

licensed asbestos removal industry


03

Foreword

Professor Andrew CurranChief Scientific Adviser and Director of Research

THIS IS THE second of our Annual Science Reviews which describes work that has been completed by HSE’s scientists and engineers during a continuing global pandemic. During this difficult period, our leadership of ‘PROTECT’ (one of the UK’s National Core Studies for COVID1) has helped to coordinate activities across more than 20 collaborating organisations and some 200 scientists, engineers and clinicians.

Our focus has been on providing data on the real-world consequences of the pandemic to help deliver practical solutions based on the best available evidence. I was particularly pleased to be able to see the enormous breadth of this programme at our first face-to-face conference held in Manchester in November. The event provided all those attending with the opportunity to meet colleagues in ‘3D’ rather than a virtual meeting room. It was particularly pleasing to meet early years researchers and see their thirst for knowledge and experiences that can only be gained by talking to other researchers in person.

However, our review for 2021 also demonstrates how we have continued to support our

policy and regulatory activities in other important areas of focus: supporting the delivery of a safe net-zero economy, providing public assurance of safety, understanding the health consequences of workplace exposures and the use of data analytics to provide unique insights from the wealth of data we generate as Great Britain’s regulator for health and safety.

We have also continued to carry out forensic incident investigation, having ensured that our science and research facility in Buxton is COVID-secure. In 2021, these investigations included: the Liverpool mast climbing incident (May); the Colchester mirror fatality (July); the Fudstock fairground ride incident (August); the Leamington Spa polyurethane fire (August); and the Ayr gas explosion (October). In all these tragedies, individuals sadly lost their lives or were seriously injured.

We have continued to work effectively with others across government and the wider UK science system. This includes the formal relationships we have, such as the Thomas Ashton Institute with the University of Manchester. This relationship is supporting PhDs with HSE staff and a wide range of collaborative

projects. This includes work with the Diamond Light Source (the UK’s national synchrotron science facility, located at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire), facilitated through the Thomas Ashton Institute. This has enabled us to use the facility to image systems as diverse as accidental loading of explosives and the detection of SARS-CoV-2 particles in large droplets produced by a cough simulator.

This mix of activities has helped to ensure that not only could HSE’s response to the pandemic be informed by the best available evidence, but also to provide information that could help our organisation ‘build back better’ in those areas where evidence was needed to help HSE be an enabling regulator while securing justice against those who breach the law. As Chief Scientific Adviser, I’m extremely proud that our scientists, engineers, analysts and clinicians have continued to deliver a world-class programme of work which is aligned to the policy and regulatory needs of HSE to protect people and places, and which helps ensure that Great Britain is one of the safest places to work anywhere in the world.


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Guest foreword

Kate HaireDeputy Director, Regulation, International and Major Hazards Policy Branch

THIS YEAR, THE highlights for me are not just the fantastic benefits of science in our Science Review, but how we have worked hard to forge the relationships that are a foundation for success.

It has been a challenging year, not just because of complex policy issues, but also the complex physical environment. We have recruited significantly to the policy community and had to bring new colleagues up to speed with technical topics, new skills, and new relationships. Undertaking this remotely means we have not had the usual opportunities for forging relationships.

But there have been notable successes, with scientific colleagues jointly running knowledge events to promote the core attributes to help policy and science work effectively. I am extremely grateful for all this effort and engagement.

Our Annual Policy Conference went ahead remotely in the summer and was an overwhelming success. The core theme was promoting awareness of how the industry and business landscape has changed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Foresight colleagues in our Chief Scientific Adviser’s Office were instrumental in helping shape a thought-provoking and reflective event. It is important that we continue to build the skills and knowledge that allow us to keep pace with challenges which may present policy concerns.

The policy makers’ role is to understand the problem, distil scientific advice and evidence, and make a recommendation for action. It is important to be impartial and open, to enquire and establish evidence, develop a plan, and engage and lead others through to conclusion. Forging effective multi-

disciplinary teams means taking time to develop mutual understanding, while having clear communication and effective engagement. I believe we do this extremely well through effective co-operation.

In a nutshell: HSE scientists and policy makers work together to explore new ground; understand what works; why it works; the possible consequences; what will work best; and provide assurance and continuity. We are privileged to have fantastic scientific capability on our metaphorical doorstep, working together to turn ‘maybe’ into ‘reality’, as evidenced by the work summarised in this Science Review.


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Awards, achievements, honours and events


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Awards, achievements, honours & events

Awards, achievements, honours and events

HSE Chief Scientific Adviser’s Office staff Paul Willgoss, Anne Marie Grey, Alison Richards and Jo Harris-Roberts are members of the COVID SAGE Secretariat team and were recognised in the Civil Service ‘Policy and Evidence’ Award.2

In May 2021, Chris Keen became President-elect of the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS).3 BOHS is the Chartered Society for worker health protection. Chris becomes part of the executive committee of BOHS and will assume the role of President of the Society

in 2022. She has worked for HSE since 1986 and has been involved in occupational hygiene-related work for over 30 years. Previously, she has led the BOHS Breathe Freely in Construction campaign and was elected onto the BOHS Board of Trustees in 2019.

Sarabjit Purewal was elected as a Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) in October of last year. Sarabjit is a principal specialist inspector in our Chemicals, Explosives and Microbiological Hazards Division.

Julianna Berrie, a toxicologist in our Chemicals Regulation Division, has been included on the UK Register of Toxicologists (UKRT) and EUROTOX Register of Toxicologists.4-5 This achievement recognises her experience, commitment to continuing professional development and engagement in the field of toxicology. The UKRT is sponsored by the Royal Society of Biology and British Toxicology Society.

Samantha Hall was awarded Chartered Physicist Status by the Institute of Physics after submitting evidence of her scientific research, professional development and sustained experience at a responsible level since joining the Exposure Assessment and Control Team in 2014.

Richard Goff was awarded Chartered Chemist status by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). The RSC states: ‘The award of chartered status recognises the well-developed skills, knowledge and professionalism of those working within the chemical sciences’.

Stewart Robertson, HM Principal Specialist Inspector of Radiation, has been invited to take on the role

of radiation protection adviser for the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland, building on work already carried out for HSE.

HSE radiation specialists continue to play a pivotal role in health and safety of fusion technology for energy production as part of the Net Zero agenda, which informed the development of a BEIS Green Paper,6 as well as explaining Great

Chris Keen Sarabjit Purewal Samantha Hall


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Britain’s approach to regulation to the Regulatory Horizons Council (who advise government on the regulatory implications of technological innovation) as well as a number of international fora.

HSE’s COVID-19 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Technical Team received the Peter Isaac Award from the BOHS.7 Working with the Department of Health and Social Care and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, they developed coronavirus-specific essential technical requirements for new high-volume manufacture of PPE devices. Over 900 enquires have been processed, enabling the supply of billions of items of PPE. The team also identified items not meeting the required standards, resulting in 1.5 million ineffective respirators being quarantined and preventing 25 million KN95 respirators entering the supply chain. The PPE Team received the award for ‘an outstanding initiative that has contributed to the reduction of ill health at work’. This is a prestigious honour awarded for the dedication and commitment of a rapidly assembled multidisciplinary team who delivered at pace to draw up

standards, facilitate the rapid supply of PPE, conduct research, inform policy making and foster innovation to protect healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.8

Joseph Isimite, a process safety specialist inspector, has been appointed the Institute of Chemical Engineers’ (IChemE) representative in the European Federation of Chemical Engineering Working Party on Loss Prevention and Safety Promotion

in the Process Industries. Joseph will act as IChemE’s European-level representative at a group which has the aim of sharing both theoretical and practical knowledge among the loss prevention community and chemical and process industries worldwide. Joseph’s appointment will hopefully help HSE to extend its reach and further influence global health and safety standards, as well as providing the organisation with useful intelligence on emerging global trends.

Steve Critchlow, from our Mechanical Engineering Team, obtained an MSc with distinction in Gas Engineering and Management from Salford University.

In early 2021, Dr Chris Barber was appointed an Honorary Reader within the Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care at the University of Manchester, and appointed Chair of the British Thoracic Society Position Statement Group on Air Quality and Lung Health.

Stuart Hawksworth, Head of HSE’s Centre for Energy and Major Hazards, has been made a visiting professor at Ulster

University in recognition of his long-standing leadership contribution in the hydrogen safety arena, bringing together industry, academia and government.

The Discovering Safety Construction Risk Library has won Health and Safety Software of the Year 2021 at the Construction Computing Magazine awards.9 HSE colleagues collaborated with Manchester University, Atkins and 3D Repo to create the SafetiBase Risk Treatment Tool, which aims to develop a way of using visualisation and modelling to eliminate safety risks in construction. The new tool integrates health and safety information into visualisation software and building information management (BIM) tools, to support designers and planners to mitigate the risks that would otherwise appear on-site (see case study ‘Using health and safety data - the construction risk and treatment library project’ on page 35).

New guidance of the use of composite repairs has been published.10 This guidance is the result of several years’ work by HSE’s Energy Division, Science Division and Chemicals, Explosives

The COVID-19 PPE Technical Team received the Peter Isaac award


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and Microbiological Hazards Division to improve the management of the use of composite repairs to process equipment. It followed the identification of an issue by frontline specialist inspectors and was a collaboration between HSE Science Division and industry. The project received funding from the offshore, onshore chemicals, gas transmission/distribution and nuclear sectors, and involved companies involved in the design, manufacture, supply and application of such repairs. The guidance promotes the safe and responsible use of composite repairs to maintain the integrity of ageing equipment.

Peter Stacey, Andrew Simpson and Susan Hambling co-authored a paper on the measurement of wood dust within construction dust samples in The Annals of Workplace Exposures and Health.11 It was the most viewed article from the journal in 2020/21 (4750 times since publication). The paper details a new method to measure the amount of wood dust within a mixture of different construction dusts, as well as present personal worker exposures to both wood and mineral dusts from carpenters working on new

build construction sites. Prior to this work, the total inhalable dust was measured gravimetrically, so many historical exposure results for wood dust on construction sites would have been overestimated.

Paul Bradley, an offshore regulatory inspector, has continued his involvement with the United States National Academy of Science, as a member of the technical committee working on Risk Management in the Gulf of Mexico post-Deepwater Horizon disaster.

PROTECT COVID-19 Conference on transmission and environment On 17-18 November, researchers from across the PROTECT COVID-19 National Core Study on transmission and environment, including numerous HSE scientists, came together at the University of Manchester for the programme’s first conference. On day one, they discussed the progress made to date in understanding transmission

of the COVID-19 virus, and the evidence gaps that remain to be filled. On day two, evidence from PROTECT research was presented in several livestreamed plenary sessions. The conference was attended by 100 people, with a further 140 joining online. Catch up by watching the session recordings via the conference web page12 and see the case studies on pages 22 and 23.

Peter Stacey

PROTECT COVID-19 Conference on transmission and environment


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HSE’s ‘Safe Net Zero 2021’ virtual conference took place between 2-4 March 2021 and provided an opportunity to learn about the evolving work that is helping to safely deploy hydrogen as an energy vector as part of the UK’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions and become ‘net zero’ by 2050. The event attracted over 5200 registrations from nearly 70 countries, probably the largest safety-focused conference on hydrogen that has been held to date. The event is available to watch online.13

HSE Science Division staff contributed to the virtual dissemination workshop on the safe use of liquid hydrogen (the PRESLHY project).14 This project

is addressing knowledge gaps relating to the safe use of liquid hydrogen as an energy vector, involving collaboration with other UK and European institutions and industry. The workshop was attended by over 100 international delegates. The HSE representatives shared new knowledge in the areas of liquid hydrogen spill behaviour, and the associated electrostatic ignition risks and explosion severity, informed by experimental research carried out at HSE’s Science and Research Centre at Buxton.

In October 2021, specialists from HSE’s Microbiology and Biotechnology Unit and scientists from the HSE Science and Research Centre successfully delivered the training course

Biosafety - Working practices and managing safety at Containment Level 3 (CL3).15 Designed to complement HSE’s published guidance ‘Management and operation of microbiological containment laboratories’,16 the training attracts delegates from NHS diagnostic laboratories and academia to commercial biotechnology facilities. It enables HSE to engage and raise standards to improve major hazard risk management in these industries.

The

then Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Employment, Mims Davies, visited us in July 2021. She was given a demonstration of our cough simulator used to test face shields with respect to protection against COVID-19 transmission (see case study on page 25) and heard about our Net Zero work, in particular the safe use of hydrogen, and the hazard of flammability from fine oil jet (see case study on page 42). We also shared our national Core Study research on COVID-19 transmission (see case study on page 23).

Mims Davies’ (centre) visit to HSE’s Science and Research Centre, hosted by Karen Russ, Head of HSE’s Science Division (left) and Sarah Albon, HSE Chief Executive


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Many of HSE’s scientists and engineers gave virtual presentations at conferences and workshops with a global audience, including:

Chris Keen, Jodi Brookes and Samantha Hall gave presentations at the 4th PEROSH Research Conference, Innovative Solutions for Occupational Safety and Health, hosted by INSST in Spain. HSE is a founder member of PEROSH, the Partnership for European Research on Occupational Safety and Health, which has 14 national research institutes from the continent of Europe.17

In July 2021 John Saunders gave a presentation at a Safety and Health Engineering Partnership webinar on local exhaust ventilation to control welding fume and metalworking fluid mist.18

In July 2021, Brian Crook contributed to a National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health

(NEBOSH) webinar ‘COVID Impacts19 – Sharing Lessons Learnt from the Health and Safety Community’. The topic was ‘Testing face shields against a simulated human cough using a breathing manikin and fluorescence visualisation’. Over 600 individuals attended the webinar from a wide range of countries.

Through a collaboration on low-cost sensors between the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in the USA and HSE, JP Gorce gave a presentation entitled ‘Contextual information in support of occupational health risks monitoring’ at the Application of Real-Time Monitoring Technologies in the Workplace Symposium as part of the ISES 2021 Virtual Meeting ‘Multisector engagement for addressing emerging environmental exposure’.

Carlos Sanchez (Engineering Materials) assisted in the organisation and running of a UK postgraduate conference webinar on electrochemistry organised jointly between the Society of Chemical Industry and the University of Manchester. The conference

attracted 15 presentations and 20 virtual poster sessions, with an overall number of attendees of around 120. Carlos chaired the session entitled ‘Corrosion Science and Engineering’. More information about the event, including the full programme and examples of the virtual posters, can be found online.20

Managing risk: from assessment to control. Bringing your risk assessment to life webinar – HSE hosted a free risk management webinar in collaboration with NEBOSH and Western Business Media. The webinar is now available to watch as an on-demand recording.21

The Risk and Human Factors team delivered several plenary sessions at conferences relating to musculoskeletal disorders, ergonomics and mental health awareness. At the OPEX 21 (Operational Excellence conference for environmental, health and safety professionals), they recorded a presentation on work-related stress and workplace mental health and have supported the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to launch a maritime version of HSE’s Safety Climate Tool.John Saunders

Brian Crook wearing a lab coat that has been decorated by his daughter with images of microorganisms


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Stuart Hawksworth also presented at the IPHE (International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy) safety forum covering hydrogen safety and what safety resources are available.

HSE hosted the 9th International Conference on Hydrogen Safety by the International Association for Hydrogen Safety.22 This online event brought together over 80 countries and featured over 200 presentations on hydrogen safety. It was led by the President of the International Association for Hydrogen Safety, Stuart Hawksworth.

Hydrogen: The role of engineering materials in achieving a Safe Net Zero. The webinar on 9 December 2021 shared the work HSE scientists have been doing on the effect of hydrogen on materials and infrastructure. This is important evidence needed for enabling the safe uptake of hydrogen as a vector to store and transport low-carbon energy. The delegates heard from HSE specialists about the current evidence base, knowledge gaps and emerging research requirements, and had the opportunity to pose questions to our panel of specialists.

HSE’s Chief Medical Adviser, Professor David Fishwick, was invited to speak at a wide range of national and international events. This included:

● an online session on long COVID for the Department for Work and Pensions;

● an online lecture at the prestigious US ‘Alice Hamilton Grand Round’ on issues such as COVID-19 and work – feedback included that the lecture enabled the US audience to appreciate how things differ between countries;

● a plenary talk in the Republic of Ireland at the annual National Irish Safety Organisation focusing on respirable crystalline silica, the risks to workers’ health and where future concerns lie; and

● an online seminar on long COVID for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, including discussion on the challenges that some of the

initial ideas on supporting return to work pose at sea. The seminar was well attended internationally and received positive feedback and many questions.

David can be seen in an HSE YouTube video23 giving advice for healthcare workers during the pandemic about putting on respirators.

In October, Matt Birtles, along with Hollie Stocks and Carl Whitman

(from TSO) presented a webinar on ‘Musculoskeletal disorders (managing risk and the HSE assessment tools)’ as part of Safety & Health Practitioner’s (SHP) Webinar Wednesday series. The webinar covered why musculoskeletal disorders are important, the risk management process and how to use the new digital assessment tools. This was the most popular SHP webinar in 2021 and can be viewed on demand from the SHP website.24

Matt Birtles presenting a webinar on musculoskeletal disorders with Hollie Stocks, Carl Whitman and Ian Hart


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Many HSE scientists spoke at the BOHS OH21 conference in November 2021, held in Nottingham and online. Presentations were given by Chris Keen, Gordon Smith, Parmjit Gahir, David Towler, Matt Coldwell, Joan Cooke, Marian Molloy, Duncan Smith, Mike Calcutt, Jodi Brookes, Paul Johnson, Kate Jones, Sue Hambling, David Fishwick, Sam Hall, Natalie Tinsley and Brian Crook.

In September, Canada hosted the XXII World Congress on Safety and Health at Work 2021 online. The congress brought together experts from across the world, including more than 200 speakers and delegates from more than 120 countries. Andrew Curran spoke about ‘COVID-19 and the protection of workers: Lessons from the global pandemic’. Andrew shared his perspective on occupational safety and health and the importance of using both modelled data and real-world examples to better inform decision makers in a YouTube video posted by XXII World Congress.25

At the PEROSH side event at the XXII World Congress on Safety and Health at Work, Mary Trainor, HSE’s Head of Science Impact and Quality, presented an ‘Introduction to PEROSH’, and David Fishwick, HSE’s Chief Medical Adviser, spoke on ‘Wellbeing and Work’, which can be viewed online.26

HSE scientists also presented at the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) conference Hazards 31. Their abstracts on lithium-ion cell failure, microbiologically induced pipeline corrosion and ignitability of diesel fuel mists have been published.27 28 29 30

Joan Cooke (top) and Paul Johnson presenting at OH21

HSE’s Science and Research Centre in Buxton, Derbyshire


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Meet the staff


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Meet the staff

Dr Chris BarberPrincipal Medical Adviser

CHRIS IS AN NHS respiratory consultant with a specialist interest in occupational lung disease and has been a medical adviser for HSE since 2005. His work is divided between HSE’s Science and Research Centre in Buxton and outpatient services at the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield. He is an Honorary Reader at the University of Manchester and is involved in a wide range of research projects that aim to reduce the prevalence and burden of occupational disease. Chris is a member of the HSE Metalworking Fluid Technical Working Group, and has represented HSE at PEROSH (Partnership for European Research in Occupational Safety and Health)31 research exchanges in France, Germany and Poland.

For the last five years, Chris has served as Chair for the British Thoracic Society Occupational and Environmental Specialist Advisory Group. The overarching aim of this organisation is to promote ‘better lung health for all’, and Chris has championed the needs of patients with occupational lung conditions, providing formal feedback to NHS, Public Health England (now UK Health Security Agency and Office for Health Improvement and Disparities),

the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and Royal College of Physicians consultations.

Chris also has a keen interest in education and promoting evidence-based practice. In 2020, he was invited to co-author the European Respiratory Society Monograph on occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis,32 and in 2021 he chaired an expert clinical group that has produced the new national guidance for care in occupational asthma.

Chris says: ‘Working for the NHS and HSE, two very different organisations, has its own challenges, but offers many opportunities for interesting work. My clinical role has allowed me to provide a unique perspective to HSE research and policy.’

Michael DaviesBiocides and Plant Protection Products Specialist

BEFORE JOINING HSE’S Chemicals Regulation Division (CRD), Michael completed an MSc in Environmental Science at the University of Liverpool and went on to volunteer for the Canals and Rivers Trust, where he updated databases and maps after an update to the EU Water Framework Directive.

In CRD, Michael works in the Efficacy Team. The team is responsible for ensuring biocides and plant protection products are sufficiently effective, by making sure that any claims made for the product are substantiated in scientific studies. Michael’s work has mainly been on biocides, working under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR),33 which is the legal framework that all biocides must comply with. Michael has had to develop a working knowledge of the policy dictating

the legal regulations under the framework, as well as scientifically assessing relevant studies.

Biocides span 22 product types,34 from insecticides to disinfectants to wood preservatives, so his role is incredibly varied as no two products are the same. This variety offers an insight into many different industries, and in order to better understand the sectors he regulates, he takes advantage of any training courses, conferences and other industry events to increase his knowledge. For example, attending farming demonstrations, live mosquito repellence testing and visiting disinfectant laboratories.

Michael says: ‘The variety of areas in which I’m involved keeps my role varied and interesting. One day I could be working on a mosquito repellent, then the next, a toilet bleach, and the day after, an embalming fluid. Seeing the products I have regulated on the shelves in shops is particularly fulfilling and illustrates the real-world impact of my role. This has been particularly significant during the COVID-19 pandemic, in which we authorised numerous emergency hand sanitiser products.’


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Meet the staff

Clare AthertonHM Specialist Inspector (Electrical Engineering)

CLARE STARTED HER career as an apprentice electrician in the late 1980s, continuing the family tradition in the field of engineering. She has developed a successful 30-year career across a variety of roles within electrical engineering. While working full-time, Clare has continued to develop her knowledge, graduating in 2012 with a BSc (Hons) and attaining accreditation as a Functional Safety Engineer in 2015. In 2017, she gained a Master of Engineering post-graduate degree from the Open University.

Clare joined HSE in April 2020, just at the start of lockdown, a challenging time to start a new role. After carrying out initial training, Clare volunteered to assist with COVID inspection work. This has involved COVID site inspections across a range of businesses and schools. She has further contributed by conducting site inspections for the high-risk sector inspection programme within the food and drink, and waste and recycling sectors in early 2021. Her work within the team so far has involved supporting several incident investigations, including electrical reportable incident reviews, machine control issues, and overhead power line incidents. Clare continues to provide specialist electrical safety support to the regulatory teams and local authority officers and advises on electrical issues found during site visits.

Clare says: ‘Although I joined HSE at an exceptional time, despite the restrictions, I felt welcomed and very much part of the team. The past 18 months have certainly been a challenge for all of us, and I think as an organisation we have done, and continue to do, amazing work! I joined HSE to make a difference, and I believe we really do.’

Michelle HawkinsScience and Evidence Strategy Capability Team Lead; Science Business Partner

AFTER GRADUATING from the University of Salford with a degree in Chemical Analysis, Michelle joined HSE in 2001 as a personal protective equipment scientist, working mainly in pedestrian safety on slips, trips and falls research before moving into research project management in 2011.

In 2017, Michelle joined the Chief Scientific Adviser’s Office, working in portfolio management of HSE science and evidence and supporting end-to-end governance of HSE research commissioning. Her main role is to work with HSE policymakers and inspectors to identify strategic/business needs for science and evidence, and to ensure all research is aligned to HSE’s needs. Michelle liaises closely with other science business

partners to identify shared interests across HSE and externally across government to exploit synergies when commissioning new work. For example, the team is currently developing science plans for the Building Safety Regulator Programme in collaboration with HSE’s Construction Division, academia, the Office for Product Safety and Standards and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Michelle has oversight of two science hubs – Regulatory Frameworks that are fit for the future, and the Right Intervention Strategy for the British industrial asset base. The first strives to develop our understanding of the current and future world of work to keep our regulatory framework fit for purpose. The second is working to create effective intervention strategies that enable innovation within British industry while minimising risk and improving occupational health and safety.

Michelle says: ‘I love working in the HSE Chief Scientific Adviser’s Office and initiating the commissioning of potentially lifesaving research. I really feel that what we do makes a difference.’


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Meet the staff

Biopesticide NetworkChemicals Regulation Division: Supporting biopesticide approval in the UK

THE BIO-CONTACT Network, within HSE’s Chemicals Regulation Division (CRD), is a multi-disciplined team of scientists and experts across operational policy, delivery, efficacy, toxicology, consumer/non-consumer health and the environment, evaluating applications and providing policy support for biopesticides. Biopesticides are plant protection products that are based on micro-organisms, plant extracts and semiochemicals.

The Biopesticide Scheme35 was set up to support applicants (mostly small-medium enterprises, often with limited regulatory knowledge) who are delivering a key government policy objective of significantly increasing UK authorised biopesticide products.

Biopesticides are generally niche products with complex modes of action, requiring pragmatic, proportionate regulatory approaches. Bio-contacts were identified in the CRD specialist teams to build

familiarity of biopesticides and the associated issues, data requirements and guidance documents. This specialist expertise allows the team to collaborate on resolving issues arising during evaluations and, where necessary, utilise wider expertise from colleagues across HSE. The team is heavily involved in international meetings, developing guidance and standards for biopesticide assessments (including OECD,36 EPPO,37 and industry-led conferences).

Biopesticides are increasingly important, with generally lower risk profiles to humans and the environment than conventional chemistry. Through the Biopesticide Scheme and the Network of Bio-contacts, the number of approved active substances and authorised products has significantly increased, contributing to the delivery of the government’s 2013 National Action Plan for sustainable pesticide use.

Some of the biopesticide team

Lisa Moakes Jon Chambers Samuel Bradley

Andy Massey Karen Parker John Dale


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Meet the staff

Susy Brescia

Toxicology Team Leader

SUSY HAS A degree in Biology and Human Genetics, a PhD in Occupational Toxicology and Epidemiology, and post-doctoral experience in the field of genetics and molecular epidemiology. Over her many years of experience, she has developed world-wide expertise in the area of endocrine disruption, as demonstrated by her recent publication.38 Endocrine disruptors are chemicals used, for example, in polycarbonate plastics. They can interact with the endocrine system and interfere with hormone action, and may lead to ill health.39

Since becoming the Head of the Toxicology Team in 2018, Susy has worked with passion to build and strengthen the toxicology capability of the team, increase the visibility of the toxicology resource in HSE, and engage with other toxicologists in academia, industry and other government departments. She works with other regulators, industry and academia, to develop guidance and standards for risk assessment that are applied internationally.

In co-operation with the WHO (World Health Organisation), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development,

the European Food Safety Authority and the European Chemicals Agency, she has written many technical reports on specific chemicals and various aspects of hazard and risk evaluation. Susy is also a member of the WHO/Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues responsible for establishing maximum residue levels for pesticides in food at a global level. She is registered with the British Toxicology Society, where she chairs the risk assessment speciality section.

Susy says: ‘I am proud of working for HSE and to apply my scientific skills for the benefits of society overall’.

Julie Bell (FIEHF)HM Principal Specialist Inspector Portfolio Holder for Human Factors

JULIE BECAME AN HM Specialist Inspector (Human Factors) for Chemicals, Explosives and Microbiological Hazards Division (CEMHD) in 2019. After over 20 enjoyable and challenging years working at what is now HSE’s Science and Research Centre, she moved to an operational role to have a more direct, regulatory impact on health and safety. In 2021, she was promoted to become the HSE Human Factors Portfolio Holder in CEMHD. This role means she can use her extensive knowledge of human factors developed during her time as a scientist at HSE’s Research Centre, combined with experience from the HSE Inspector Training Programme, to promote the role of human factors in the management of health, safety and wellbeing.

As Portfolio Holder, Julie leads on human factors policy, standards and guidance, which includes scoping and commissioning research, arranging specialist support, and liaising with trade bodies and institutions. The role is vitally important to the frontline: HSE inspectors need up-to-date standards and guidance, underpinned by current research that is, ideally, not only understood, but endorsed by industry. Supported by this information, HSE inspectors are better able to engage

with dutyholders, identify risk gaps and determine enforcement action.

In summary, Julie’s role in HSE is focused on supporting our human factors specialist inspectors and regulatory inspectors to ensure HSE maintains and strengthens regulatory competence and keeps pace with change.

Julie says: ‘Human factors specialist inspectors get involved in a huge range of work activities; anywhere people are involved, there is a potential for errors that can lead to health and safety implications. Most are predictable and, therefore, there are many ways to influence human safety performance. Being able to support my colleagues in their day-to-day work by digging into the research and working with my former science colleagues, is incredibly satisfying.’


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Meet the staff

Simon LawrenceSpecialist Inspector – Construction

SIMON JOINED HSE’s Construction Engineering Specialist Team in January 2021. Following an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering, Simon spent 26 years with a multidisciplinary engineering design consultancy, where he specialised in the design and safety assessment of road and rail transport infrastructure. During this time, Simon also undertook building facade and structure inspections using rope access techniques, developing his knowledge of work-at-height standards and regulations. He also chaired the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association for two years, overseeing the appointment of the Association’s first chief executive and the international expansion of its safety procedures.

Simon is a professionally qualified chartered civil engineer, with membership of both the Institution of Civil Engineers and the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation. He is an active member of the ICE Wales Cymru Committee.

Outside work, as a magistrate, Simon sat on the Cardiff Bench for over ten years and is the Chair of Governors at a Cardiff primary school.

Since joining HSE, Simon has provided advice on diverse matters including structural stability, excavation concerns and a masonry staircase failure, as well as supporting investigations into work-at-height fall arrest incidents. Participation in the Specialist Training Programme has also offered an interesting virtual experience during these COVID-19-impacted times.

Simon says: ‘I have found a challenging and fascinating role with HSE and feel that the past 26 years have provided just the initial training and preparation. Engineers and scientists have inquiring minds; this role offers constant variety and permits me to continue to ask the question “But why?” for the foreseeable future.’

Zoe GouldTrainee Work Psychologist

ZOE JOINED HSE in 2017 on a Business Administration Apprenticeship in the Health Scientific Support Team at HSE’s Science and Research Centre in Buxton. This was alongside working towards a degree in Criminology and Psychological Studies (BSc) with the Open University, graduating with a First-Class Honours Degree in 2020. When the apprenticeship was completed, Zoe was taken on in a permanent role leading on the technician and administrative side of the hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) testing service alongside various other business support functions within the Health Capability Group.

In 2019, Zoe joined the Biohazards Team as a scientific technician in microbiology, assisting in various roles from routine microbiological sample analysis, to DNA extraction of metalworking fluids, to COVID decontamination projects. Despite the interesting work in the microbiology team, Zoe’s passion remained in psychology, leading her to start a Psychology MSc and subsequently moving to the Human Factors Team. Here, her career as a psychologist has begun with involvement in a variety of different projects, including those relating to workplace safety culture and work-related stress.

Since joining HSE, Zoe has become involved with numerous different initiatives within the organisation, including the People Matters Forum and HSE Social Mobility Network. She has recently taken on the role of Equal Opportunities Representative for the Prospect Union. Alongside these support roles, Zoe has successfully implemented and leads on an Equipment Donation Scheme within HSE’s Science and Research Centre through collaboration with Dr Maina at the University of Sussex to donate scientific equipment to a newly established teaching laboratory at Yobe State University, Nigeria.40


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Meet the staff

Engineering Materials Technical Team

THE ENGINEERING MATERIALS team at HSE’s Science and Research Centre in Buxton sets out to understand the many ways in which materials can fail in service and future prevention of these failures. When materials are used in safety-critical applications, it is paramount to understand the required properties, how the material may degrade by mechanisms such as fatigue, corrosion, wear or impact, and how the resulting degradation can affect the integrity of the material and ultimately the structure itself.

The team comprises members with significant experience in the manufacturing industry, those who have undertaken PhD or post-doctoral research, or joined straight from their first degree. All have a background in materials or metallurgy. Materials encountered range from steel and concrete, to light alloys such as aluminium, through to polymers, composites, glass, wood and even surgical gown PPE materials during the coronavirus pandemic.

Recent investigations28 41 have involved mobile cranes, pressure vessels, pipelines used to transport natural gas and petrochemicals,

and fairground rides. The team uses techniques such as chemical analysis to identify material type, optical microscopy to understand the microstructure of the material, and scanning electron microscopy to explore the three-dimensional features present on fractures. The team works with colleagues in the Mechanical Engineering Team to provide an understanding of how forces and material properties in combination can determine the performance of components

and structures, establish how a structure has failed and learn lessons for the future.

Team members also work on research projects for external customers, industry consortia42 and HSE itself, largely focused on new materials challenges. In the field of inspection, the use of remote methods such as drones is increasing. Team members are working with industry on a series of trials using these new technologies

to assess their reliability for correctly identifying degradation in high-hazard installations. In the area of Net Zero, members are working with other HSE Science teams on several projects aimed at assessing the suitability of the UK’s natural gas network for repurposing for hydrogen transport.43 44 This requires an understanding of aspects such as embrittlement in metals and permeation in polymers to assess any net change in risk associated with hydrogen.

(Left to right) Marianne Loo-Morrey, Michael Brown, Aneta Nemcova, Keith Birkitt, Adam Bannister, Lynne Jones, Carlos Sanchez and George Alliott. Missing from the photo is Charlotte Stones.


20

Meet the staff

Kenneth NwokoHealth Group Analytical Scientist

KEN JOINED HSE in June 2021 as an Analytical Scientist in the Biological Monitoring Team at HSE’s Science and Research Centre in Buxton. Prior to that, he worked in industry as a project scientist to develop validated analytical methods for the safe delivery of electronic nicotine devices (vapes and e-liquids) to consumers, and then as an analytical chemist, in the area of analytical method development.

Ken graduated with a degree in Biochemistry from the Imo State University, Nigeria and a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Aberdeen in 2019. His PhD thesis, funded by the University of Aberdeen’s Elphinstone Scholarship, focused on the development of analytical methods to investigate the physico-chemical properties of natural and engineered metal-containing nanomaterials in non-aqueous matrices and their potential to cause harm in living organisms.

Since joining HSE, Ken has expanded his knowledge in the area of biological monitoring as a tool for assessing workers’ exposure to harmful chemicals. His day-to-day role involves routine measurement of clients’ samples and conducting

research to develop a more specific method to analyse diisocyanates. These are a group of highly reactive low molecular weight compounds that can cause occupational asthma among workers in industries including construction and manufacturing (polyurethane foam, paint, elastomers, coatings, and adhesives).

Ken says: ‘I am excited about the opportunity to work among a team of highly experienced scientists in a world-leading research centre, and look forward to using my work to make a meaningful contribution to HSE’s goal of improving the occupational health and safety of workers in Great Britain’.


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Case studies


22

Case studies

BuildingBackBetter

COVID-OUT: investigating workplace outbreaks of COVID-19

THROUGHOUT THE COVID-19 pandemic, outbreaks of the virus have occurred in numerous different types of workplace. In order to control and prevent such outbreaks, a greater understanding of their causes and common risk factors was required.

To this end, the COVID-OUT study was established as part of the larger PROTECT (Partnership for Research in Occupational, Transport and Environmental

COVID Transmission) National Core Study on transmission and environment. Led by HSE scientists – in partnership with the UK Health Security Agency (formerly Public Health England), the University of Manchester and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine – the COVID-OUT team conducted rapid on-the-ground investigations of workplace COVID-19 outbreaks, as well as comprehensive analysis of outbreak data collected by public health and regulatory bodies.

Working alongside active public health outbreak investigations, COVID-OUT researchers collected additional data including COVID-19 swabs and antibody tests, surface wipe samples, questionnaires and observations on workers’ activities, commuting routes, ventilation, hygiene and risk management practices.

The COVID-OUT study included investigations of outbreaks in a variety of workplaces, from an initial focus on manufacturing plants, distribution centres and warehouses, to an increased emphasis on office environments as the UK unlocked.

What were the benefits?

By improving our understanding of virus transmission routes, COVID-OUT research has informed more effective control strategies. The data collected was also fed into virus transmission models developed by other teams within the PROTECT study, helping to inform the UK government’s pandemic response. Participating workplaces have also benefited directly from tailored risk assessments and practical recommendations to help prevent transmission of the COVID-19 virus.

The collaborations established, both with HSE inspectors and data systems, and externally with partners such as the UK Health Security Agency, the

Office for National Statistics and the Joint Biosecurity Centre, will also have legacy benefits for future pandemic preparedness.

More information

• PROTECT COVID-19 National Core Study website: Theme 1: Outbreak investigations45

• The COVID-OUT study protocol: COVID-19 outbreak investigation to understand workplace SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the United Kingdom46

• COVID-OUT recruitment leaflet for study participants47

• COVID-19 outbreak rates and infection attack rates associated with the workplace: a descriptive epidemiological study48

Funding source The PROTECT National Core Project is funded by HM Treasury and managed by HSE

PROTECT COVID-OUT promotional material


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Case studies

BuildingBackBetter

Simulating workplace transmission of the COVID-19 virus

AS THE UK emerged from lockdown and an increasing proportion of the workforce began to return to physical workplaces, there was a pressing need to ensure this return could be managed safely without significantly increasing transmission of the COVID-19 virus.

In order for HSE to advise government and businesses on how this could be done, an increased understanding of the dynamics of workplace transmission and the effectiveness of various control measures was required. One of the projects undertaken by HSE scientists, as

part of the PROTECT (Partnership for Research in Occupational, Transport and Environmental COVID Transmission) National Core Study, involved the development of an agent-based mathematical simulation. Within this, workers are modelled as individual ‘agents’ whose behaviours and characteristics influence the transmission of the virus between them.

By integrating data from various sources (including studies on worker contact patterns, transmission rates, and progression of the viral infection within individuals), the model can predict the relative effects of various combinations of control measures (social distancing, face coverings etc) on the likely rate of COVID-19 virus transmission.

The model provides insights that can be used to risk assess and inform return-to-workplace policies, as well as to monitor the impact of community virus transmission on the likelihood of workplace COVID-19 outbreaks throughout the remainder of the pandemic.


The development of this model enabled a range of different policy options for controlling the COVID-19 virus in different types of workplace and at different stages of the pandemic to be tested out, with the results presented to a range of UK government networks including departmental Chief Scientific Advisers.

More information

• PROTECT COVID-19 National Core Study website: Theme 2: Transmission modelling49

• The 14th UK and Ireland Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Society Meeting: abstract book (page 26)50

Funding source The PROTECT National Core Project is funded by HM Treasury and managed by HSE


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Case studies

BuildingBackBetter

Improving COVID-19 risk mitigation measures linked to the role of delivery drivers

THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC has prompted an increase in online orders and home deliveries in the UK. By delivering food and other necessary goods to households during this unprecedented time, delivery workers are playing a critical role in supporting public health and safety.

To investigate how the home delivery sector has contributed to controlling the impact of the pandemic, HSE and the UK Health Security Agency (formerly Public Health England), supported collaborative research led by the University of Manchester.

Multi-disciplinary HSE experts included those with policy responsibility for vulnerable workers and the gig economy, and transport and logistics, as well as scientists specialising in the areas of social research and disease transmission and control.

Data and information were collected from some of the main transport and logistics sector companies. This included the volume, geographic and demographic patterns of home deliveries, and details on virus transmission risk mitigation measures. Data was inputted into

epidemiological models. Modelling included the impact of infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, such as regular workplace testing and fixed pairing of drivers. The qualitative research highlighted potential barriers to effective implementation of IPC measures.


Benefits include improved understanding of risk mitigation measures in the delivery supply chain, and the barriers to implementing them. The findings provide essential information to support development of recommendations to improve responses to future disease outbreaks.

More information

• Risk factors associated with respiratory infectious disease-related presenteeism: a rapid review51

Funding sourceUK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the Department of Health and Social Care through the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and HSE


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Case studies

BuildingBackBetter

A human cough simulator for assessing face shield protection against COVID-19 droplets

DURING THE COVID-19 pandemic, personal and respiratory protective equipment (PPE and RPE) has been vital in the strategy to control exposure to SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Face shields are used in healthcare, industry and by the public to provide splash protection or additional protection for masks/RPE. There has been a presumed protection against droplets in the context of COVID-19. Face shields for use at work are designed and tested to BS EN166:200252 or equivalent standards and designs subjected to ‘surrogate’ splash tests. However, products are not assessed for protection from droplets generated by coughing.

Scientists and engineers at HSE’s Science and Research Centre conducted a study along with the World Health Organisation, the University of East Anglia and Public Health England (now UK Health Security Agency and Office for Health Improvement and Disparities) and other collaborators to assess the level of wearer protection afforded by face shields against such droplets in different head orientations.

HSE engineers and aerosol scientists designed and engineered a human cough simulator that provided a standardised cough challenge to different face shield designs.

None of the face shields tested totally eliminated exposure. There

were differences in the level of protection afforded by each that was influenced by the head orientation. This was often associated with specific design features, eg brow or chin gaps resulting in breaches if the head was tilted forwards or backwards respectively.

Full list of collaborators: Norwich Medical School, UEA, UK, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria, Escola de Emfermagem, University of Sao Paulo Brazil, Stanford University, USA, UK Public Health Rapid Support Team, UK Health Security Agency (formerly Public Health England), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK Health and Safety Executive and Colorado University Anschutz, USA


• The protectiveness of different face shields against simulated cough droplets was determined, including how this was affected by various factors.

• An appropriate method was developed for use in resource-limited settings.

• The cough simulator has been used to investigate other infection control scenarios.

More information

• Latest published paper Protectiveness of face shields, goggles and safety glasses against droplets from a simulated human cough53

The Human Cough Simulator in the HSE Science and Research Centre laboratory


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Case studies

BuildingBackBetter

COVID-19 guidance for healthcare settings: a publication timeline supporting HSE’s investigation work

DURING THE COVID-19 pandemic, deaths from infection have included staff working in hospitals, primary care and social healthcare settings. HSE Field Operations Division (FOD)

is responsible for investigating these deaths to determine what role workplace circumstances may have contributed towards exposure to this virus.

For the investigations, HSE needed to establish what guidance was available to dutyholders to inform actions they took to protect employees. FOD faced a challenge in doing this; from March 2020, healthcare COVID-19 guidance issued by the UK Health Security Agency (formerly Public Health England) and other government departments changed regularly, sometimes on a daily basis. This means investigation teams had to establish at what point in time a particular version of guidance had been available to dutyholders.

FOD approached HSE biohazards scientists for technical assistance to establish an accurate publication timeline of the guidance. A framework was developed to collate the essential COVID-19 guidance, eg infection control measures to protect healthcare employees. The work required use of the National Archives responsible for collating content changes to GOV.UK websites. A searchable dataset was created and is available to the investigation teams.


This collaboration between HSE and other government departments provided valuable insight into the rapid evolution of COVID guidance for healthcare workers. It demonstrated that during an emerging pandemic, the organisation of published guidance could be improved to help dutyholders apply the best measures to protect their employees.

More information

• GOV.UK website: COVID-19: guidance for health professionals. Information on COVID-19, including guidance on the assessment and management of suspected UK cases54


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Case studies

BuildingBackBetter

Initial recommendations for guidelines on return to work after long COVID

SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE about COVID-19 is vital to inform decision making by HSE, across government, and healthcare and other professionals involved in the national response to the pandemic. Long COVID is specifically the illness that affects people who have symptoms for at least 12 weeks after the onset of infection. Given the relatively limited knowledge about the interface between long COVID and work, HSE commissioned a study, done with contributions from an international expert group, to consider the scientific evidence.

The work summarised the evidence in the published scientific literature to 8 March 2021 on the impact of long COVID on work, the workplace, and return to work interventions. The researchers identified only seven published studies, which highlighted the global lack of evidence. The symptoms with the greatest impact on work and return to work appear to be fatigue, cognitive dysfunction such as difficulty concentrating and memory loss, and changes in taste and smell. In addition, this limited evidence suggests that a significant

proportion of people with long COVID experience depression and anxiety. Potentially transferable evidence on interventions for other illnesses

where some symptoms are similar, such as myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), was also reviewed.


Based on their evidence summary, the researchers made initial recommendations for guidelines to facilitate people with long COVID to return to work. These guidelines are in line with existing Faculty for Occupational Medicine guidance55 56 and HSE information.57

Professor David Fishwick, HSE’s Chief Medical Adviser, says: ‘Drawing together the evidence base is really important to define the best way forward for workers suffering from long COVID, in order to best help them feel better and return to work healthy’.

More information

• Return to work after long COVID: Evidence at 8th March 202158


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Case studies

BuildingBackBetter

Preliminary identification of potential serious incident scenarios for high-rise buildings

THE GRENFELL TOWER disaster, on 14 June 2017, killed 72 people and injured more than 70 others. The subsequent Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety concluded that the UK building safety system is inadequate and recommended a new regulatory framework. A Joint

Regulators’ Group, including HSE, is assisting in the transition to this proposed framework.

HSE specialists carried out research for the Joint Regulators’ Group to identify a preliminary set of representative serious incident scenarios for high-rise residential

buildings, and potential control measures. They reviewed the literature on high-rise building incidents, and the regulation of major rail and industrial incidents, and conducted workshops to extract critical knowledge from sector representatives. The research team used their experience in safety case regimes, risk management, building construction and fire to structure the process, and ranked the effectiveness of potential control measures. They considered rapidly escalating events requiring immediate large-scale emergency response.

The research identified ten preliminary representative serious incident scenarios. Potential control measures identified for consideration include:

● establishing a safety regime based on assessment of serious incident scenarios;

● development of an initial safety narrative for each building, including near-miss incident recording and guidance for dutyholders;

● strong and committed leadership from dutyholders, the wider sector, and the future regulator.


The preliminary serious incident scenarios and potential control measures have been published59 and are being used to inform the development of a risk framework for the proposed new safety case regime.

More information

• HSE Research Report: High-rise residential buildings: Preliminary serious incident scenarios and potential control measures60

Funding sourceDepartment for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, DLUHC


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Case studies

BuildingBackBetter

Supporting a safe transition to hydrogen in the gas network: human factors

THE UK IS COMMITTED to reaching Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050. One of the main contributors to carbon dioxide emissions is the burning of fossil fuels in domestic and commercial fuel supplies. Hydrogen is a ‘vector’ that can be used to store and release energy produced from low-carbon sources. One option is to use the existing UK natural gas network which provides heating and cooking for millions of homes and businesses.

The H21 programme, led by Northern Gas Networks (NGN) and funded by Ofgem, is tackling the challenges of converting the UK gas networks to carry 100% hydrogen. The aim is to provide the safety-critical evidence required to demonstrate that the existing gas network can safely transport hydrogen in the future. HSE scientists carried out research commissioned by NGN to provide evidence on human factors that influence the safety performance of operatives of the hydrogen gas network. This evidence is important for the safe design of the workplace or system to avoid or minimise incompatibilities and smooth the transition.

HSE human factors specialists:

● reviewed incidents and audits involving natural gas;

● consulted experts to identify potential safety implications associated with use of hydrogen in the gas grid;

● consulted a range of NGN operatives and team leaders about their safety-critical work with natural gas;

● identified and considered a scenario involving natural gas and the applicability of a relevant procedure for working with hydrogen in the gas network.


The evidence from this research has led to increased awareness, understanding and identification for NGN of the human factors which influence the safety performance of operatives. This included potential sources of error and new ways of working for operatives in the transition to hydrogen in the gas network.

The research also provided scientific evidence to use in promoting the continued safe design of work, including the design of the workplace, equipment and training programmes.

The research involvement of the workforce identified

insightful improvements to safety practices. This has helped NGN understand how to prime the work environment to make it easier for operatives to adopt safe practices during (and beyond) the transition to hydrogen.

More information

• GOV.UK website: Ten point plan for a green industrial revolution. Building back better, supporting green jobs, and accelerating our path to net zero61

• Northern Gas Networks website: H21 North of England - national launch62

Funding sourceNorthern Gas Networks (NGN)


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Case studies

BuildingBackBetter

Supporting a safe transition to hydrogen in the gas network: experimental and modelling evidence informing the Winlaton trial

THE HYDEPLOY PROJECT aims to demonstrate that using 20% hydrogen blends in the existing natural gas network is a safe and greener alternative to 100% natural gas. The approach is demonstration trials of hydrogen blends supplied to homes in the existing gas network. The first trial at Keele University was completed in 2021. In the same year, a second trial began for 668 homes in Winlaton.

HSE’s Science Division scientists and engineers have had a pivotal role within HyDeploy in developing the scientific evidence base across the key hazard areas of fire, explosion, carbon monoxide exposure and materials compatibility. A multi-disciplinary team with specialists in engineering materials, explosive atmospheres, fire safety, fluid dynamics, and measurement and control sciences has developed and assessed technical findings to determine whether the use of hydrogen blended gas in the gas network is as safe as natural gas.

As part of this work, unique facilities have been created at HSE’s laboratory and used to undertake world-leading experimental studies. The indoor ventilation laboratory has been used to quantify how gas leaks stratify. This is being used to validate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) mathematical models of flammable gas accumulation. A replica of a domestic dwelling has been built and used in a series of 47 leak and explosion tests. The findings on the consequences of potential gas explosions have been quantified for use in risk assessment.


In HyDeploy, HSE scientific specialists are collaborating in research with the energy industry. Their research is instrumental in providing evidence to underpin the repurposing of the natural gas network in line with meeting the government’s Net Zero targets. The knowledge and experience gained through their research is enabling industry to develop a robust safety approach to ensure safe operation of hydrogen blends in the gas network. This scientific evidence is also informing HSE’s regulatory activities.

More information

• HyDeploy website: Hydrogen is vital to tackling climate change63

Funding sourceHyDeploy Consortium (Ofgem, Cadent and Northern Gas Networks)CFD predictions of external ventilation flowlines (left) and internal gas release stratification (right)


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Case studies

BuildingBackBetter

Enabling a transition to hydrogen in the gas network: HSE assessment of GSMR exemption request for Winlaton trial

THE UK’S NATURAL gas network is regulated via the Gas Safety (Management) Regulations 1996 (GSMR). HSE may grant an exemption from GSMR requirements, providing the dutyholder can demonstrate that the risks arising from the operation are adequately controlled and an exemption certificate can be issued without compromising safety standards.

In 2020, Northern Gas Networks (NGN) requested a GSMR exemption to facilitate a one-year blended gas trial. NGN proposed to inject up to 20% hydrogen into a section of the natural gas network, near the village of Winlaton in Gateshead.

A multi-disciplinary assessment team of HSE regulatory and technical specialists, divorced from the HSE Science Division research team informing the trial, collaborated to review NGN’s exemption submission.

Key areas of HSE assessment included:

● the hydrogen injection unit; ● material compatibility

under trial conditions; ● house-to-house testing of

appliances etc and leak testing; ● gas quality and flammability/

explosion risks; ● call-out procedures for NGN

and Gas Safe engineers.

The HSE assessment team reviewed over 40 sizeable reports and raised 229 questions or challenges. Bilateral meetings took place, to discuss complex topics. NGN’s responses were assessed against GSMR requirements and either accepted or challenged further until, once fully resolved, an exemption certificate was issued.


The thorough, yet flexible, approach taken by the assessment team enabled HSE to support the common goal of striving towards net zero emissions, while ensuring that safety standards were not compromised during the blended gas trial.

More information

• HSE publication: L80 A guide to the Gas Safety (Management) Regulations 1996, Guidance on Regulations Second edition, 200764

• HSE Energy Division publication: Gas Safety Management Regulations 1996, Safety Case Assessment Manual, Guidance on the assessment and inspection of GSMR Safety Cases Version 7.1, November 201765

• HyDeploy website63

Hydrogen Grid Entry Unit (photograph courtesy of Progressive Energy Ltd/NGN)


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Case studies

ProtectingPeopleand Places

Replace, reduce and refine regulatory fish acute toxicity tests

WHEN EITHER ASSESSING the risk of chemicals to fish or determining how chemical and associated products should be classified and labelled, toxicity studies using fish are carried out by the applicant and assessed by HSE. Between 2015 and 2017, approximately 190,000 procedures were performed on fish in the United Kingdom. For example, a standard toxicity study – the fish early life stage test (OECD 210) – requires a minimum of 480 fish individuals.

In line with UK government policy, the Ecotoxicology Team of the HSE Chemicals Regulation Division always ensure that any studies required by the UK regulator and conducted by applicants are kept to a minimum, especially when it comes to requesting studies on vertebrates. Both the underlying GB pesticide and biocide legislations state that vertebrate testing should be undertaken ‘as a last resort’. To this end, the Ecotoxicology

Team have been actively involved with the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs). As a result of this, a range of papers have been produced by the NC3Rs, including contributions from HSE, aimed at trying to reduce the number of vertebrate studies. The latest of these is entitled ‘Key opportunities to replace, reduce, and refine regulatory fish acute toxicity tests’.66


This work outlines opportunities where the 3Rs (Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research) principles can be applied and, as a result, potentially reduce the number of fish used in regulatory testing carried out by the applicant. It is expected that when regulatory authorities review their legislation and requirements for fish testing, this work will result in a reduction in the number of vertebrate studies requested.

More information

• Journal paper: Key opportunities to replace, reduce, and refine regulatory fish acute toxicity tests66

Zebra fish are routinely used in vertebrate studies, and this work will reduce the number used


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Case studies


Identifying and evaluating non-animal test methods for hazard classification

WITHIN HSE’S CHEMICALS Regulation Division is the head of the UK delegation for the United Nations Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (UN GHS). As part of this

role, we co-chair the informal working group of scientists on Non-Animal Test Methods with the Netherlands. The group’s aim is to work through chapters of the GHS ‘purple book’67 about various hazard classes to:

● identify and evaluate available non-animal test methods validated internationally that could be used for hazard classification;

● assess if new or amended classification criteria are needed to facilitate the use of non-animal test methods;

● (where relevant) develop an integrated or tiered evaluation approach, taking account of all relevant scientific information and a combination of methods for hazard classification;

● prepare draft amendments to the GHS text to facilitate hazard classification using non-animal test methods.

UN GHS is implemented in Great Britain via the Classification, Labelling and Packaging regulations and guidance (CLP).68 This, along with the new GHS 10th edition to be published in 2023, will include a revised chapter on serious eye damage/eye irritation which takes account of non-animal methods and associated clarifications to tiered approaches for classification.


This scientific work helps to embed non-animal testing within the global approach to classification and labelling of substances. The development of tiered approaches helps those classifying to use these new non-animal methods, as well as helping the interpretation of existing data they hold, to classify a substance. The correct classification enables the correct precautions and decisions to be made when using the substance. This aims to reduce the amount of animal testing by applicants required while helping to protect human health.

More information

• Details on the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) of classification and labelling of chemicals are available on the HSE website69 and from the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) website.70 Also, the GB CLP Regulation.68


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Case studies


How much pesticide do we eat? Collaborative working to update food consumption risk assessment models

PESTICIDES ARE NECESSARY for the protection of agricultural crops from pests, weeds and diseases, ensuring a sufficient and secure supply of food for the population. Low levels of pesticide residues can occur in purchased food items. It is important to ensure these levels do not lead to harmful effects in humans. HSE regulatory scientists carry out pre-registration assessments of pesticides and monitoring of pesticide residues in foods, assessing the potential health risks.

Risk assessment models are used by applicants and HSE regulatory scientists to estimate the potential intake of pesticides in the population. These intake values are compared to toxicological reference values. It is important that these models remain relevant, including:

● the amount and type of food consumed by the UK population, including information about sub-groups that may have different consumption patterns or be considered more vulnerable (eg children);

● the science of risk assessment;

● the effects of food processing on the intake of pesticides, for a range of food and processing types.

This project developed software tools, to use UK dietary consumption data (National Diet and Nutrition Survey)71 and transform it to update the HSE risk assessment models.

The project involved collaboration between HSE and Fera Science, evolving from collaboration with the Food Standards Agency, making full use of data across government departments.


The software improves efficiency and has been designed to enable updates as new data on UK diets becomes available, ensuring the risk assessment models can be kept up to date and provide a robust assessment of pesticide exposure.

Funding sourceDEFRA


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Case studies


Using health and safety data – the construction risk and treatment library project

THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY has a rate of fatal incidents four times worse than that of industry as a whole, and figures show that improvements in occupational health have plateaued. Significant health and safety improvements can be made in the design phase of a project before construction work even begins. Discovering Safety is

a programme of work funded by Lloyd’s Register Foundation and delivered by HSE that is exploring how this can be achieved.

HSE construction specialist inspectors and data analysts are exploring how digital design can improve outcomes. Working with the University of Manchester, we created

a data framework to describe ‘risk scenarios’. Each scenario might lead to an incident or ill-health exposure during construction or subsequent maintenance and use. The framework includes a library of short ‘treatment prompts’, each matched to a scenario, which point to a potential solution. This helps designers to better foresee health and safety issues and enables the training of inexperienced designers in risk identification and treatment.

Working with software developer, 3D Repo, and the open source SafetiBase software, a prototype tool was created to demonstrate this. Designers working on a 3D model identify risk points in the model and tag them. The prototype then provides a list of matched treatment prompts.

A second project on Discovering Safety is looking to develop tools to help serve up useful health and safety risk treatment intelligence once site works have started (see page 36). Together, the two projects aim to lay the data foundations for better, evidence-based risk control over the entire lifecycle of construction projects.


The prototype demonstrates that it is possible and practical for building designers to identify and design out or enable effective control of potential risks to the health and safety of workers early in the building design process. Designers using digital models generate better options to eliminate, reduce or control risks in the design studio, before any money is invested in construction activity.

More information

• YouTube Discovering Safety video: Construction risks. Risk library use case72

• Journal article: Digital information technologies for prevention through design (PtD): a literature review and directions for future research73

Funding sourceLloyd’s Register Foundation


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Case studies


Promotion of the use of leading indicators of health and safety performance on construction projects

COLLECTION OF ROUTINE data around leading indicators of health and safety is an essential first step in being able to adopt a more proactive approach to managing health and safety.

However, for the construction industry on major projects, this poses many challenges.

Firstly, the delivery landscape on major projects is typically very complex, with many parties contributing to construction of the asset, and with a vested interest when construction is completed.

In response to this, Discovering Safety, a programme of work funded by Lloyd’s Register Foundation and delivered by HSE’s Analytics and Data Capability Group, undertook a project in 2020, in partnership with the University of Manchester’s Thomas Ashton Institute and the commercial organisation Wood Group.

The aim of the work was to develop a framework for the effective use of leading indicators of health and safety performance on large construction projects.

HSE, the University of Manchester and Wood Group project delivery team worked with representatives from the construction industry, in both the UK and Ireland, to develop the framework and then promote its use on projects.

The framework developed is equipping projects with the capacity to use their routine health and safety datasets

more intelligently and adopt more proactive, data-driven approaches to managing risks.

A sister project on Discovering Safety is looking to develop tools to help serve up useful health and safety risk treatment intelligence to designers tasked with mitigating risks at the design stage of projects, before site works have commenced.


Ultimately, by providing a steer to industry about the key information requirements for measuring the health and safety performance of a build project over its lifecycle, the outputs of the work will support more effective building safety management.

More information

• HSE Solutions YouTube video: Discovering Safety technical showcase - leading indicators74

• Discovering Safety website75

• UK.GOV website: Building a safer future. An independent review of building regulations and fire safety: final report76

Funding sourceLloyd’s Register Foundation


37

Case studies


A multi-centre European human biomonitoring study of occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE to hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) can cause a range of ill-health effects such as dermal irritation, allergic contact dermatitis, ulceration of the nasal mucosa, occupational asthma and nasal, sinus and lung cancer.

The Human Biomonitoring for Europe (HBM4EU) initiative explored occupational exposure to Cr(VI) to provide new European-relevant data across nine countries, in addition to evaluating the usefulness of different biomarkers.

The study involved 399 workers occupationally exposed to Cr(VI) via three industry sectors; chromium plating, surface treatment (painting or spraying) and stainless-steel welding. Urine samples were collected as the primary biomonitoring method, alongside red blood cell (RBC) and exhaled breath condensate (EBC) measurements. Personal air samples, hand wipes and contextual information via a worker questionnaire were also collected.

Overall results show the highest internal exposures are related to the chrome plating industry. The association between dermal exposure and internal dose was significant in the all worker group, emphasising the role of biomonitoring beside air measurements to assess Cr(VI) exposure. Welding processes were largely compliant with the proposed revised exposure limit. The EBC and RBC results were more specific biomarkers and may provide valuable information over different exposure timescales.


The HBM4EU Cr(VI) study enabled the pooling of exposure data through harmonised sampling, giving a stronger dataset than a single country could produce. It has published three peer-reviewed papers,77 78 79 with more in development. The collection and analysis of exhaled breath condensate was based on the methodology developed and published by HSE, and helps further improve its scientific understanding.

More information

• The HBM4EU website80

Funding sourceHSE and European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme


38

Case studies


Engaging with stakeholders about work-related violence and aggression

WORK-RELATED VIOLENCE and aggression can negatively impact physical and mental health. It can affect any workplace and any worker, irrespective of company size, type of activity or employment relationship. However, it is a particular problem for workers who deal with members of the public. It is likely to be experienced unequally by workers in lower-skilled and lower-paid jobs, such as some workers in healthcare, retail or waste collection. Lone working can make workers more vulnerable.

There is limited evidence to demonstrate the extent of work-related violence and aggression, which HSE defines as: ‘any incident in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances relating to their work’. Many incidents are not reported to management or the police, particularly if workers accept this as part of their job. The challenge is how to improve reporting, in order to gain a better understanding of the extent of the problem.

A multi-disciplinary team undertook a literature review, workshop and interviews with cross-industry representatives. Evidence was gathered to help improve reporting, awareness and understanding of the problem. The team consisted of HSE cross-sector policy professionals and researchers from HSE and the Universities of Manchester and Sheffield.


The research enabled cross-sector learning and helped to raise awareness and understanding of the problem. The evidence is informing HSE’s work on violence and aggression. A network to facilitate continuous learning between stakeholders and improvements in prevention is being set up as part of the Thomas Ashton Institute, HSE’s collaborative partnership with the University of Manchester.

More information

• HSE website Work-related violence81

• Journal articles: ‘Work-related violence and aggression: Don’t accept it. Report it. Prevent it’82 and ‘Risk of work-related violence in England and Wales’83

• The Thomas Ashton website: Social change and inequalities84

Funding sourceThe University of Manchester, Alliance Manchester Business School’s Research Support Funding and HSE


39

Case studies


Occupational exposure to nicotine during manufacture of vaping products

NICOTINE IS A highly toxic substance which, in Great Britain, has an airborne workplace exposure limit (WEL) of just 75 parts per billion (ppb), a low concentration that is challenging to measure. A common use of nicotine is in vaping products

(e-cigarettes). Manufacture of these products may therefore present a potential risk to health through occupational exposure unless effective control measures are in place. Measurement of airborne nicotine requires a method that is

both sensitive and selective, due to the low WEL and the myriad of other compounds present in vaping products. HSE’s Analytical Chemistry Team therefore developed a measurement method (using active sampling on sorbent tubes and analysis by thermal desorption and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry). This method is capable of detecting airborne concentrations of nicotine of less than 1 ppb in a short-term 15-minute sample, an increase in sensitivity of more than 50 times compared with existing published methods.

HSE occupational hygienists visited two sites producing vaping products, containing approximately 7% nicotine, to measure airborne concentrations of nicotine and assess occupational exposure in workers involved in the manufacture of these products. The results at both sites were low, but measurable using the new method, with airborne concentrations ranging from less than 1 ppb to around 28 ppb; up to a third of the WEL.


This work is helping HSE in assessing the potential for occupational exposure to airborne nicotine. Results obtained from two site visits indicate that, although low, airborne emissions of nicotine do occur during production of vaping products, and need to be considered as part of any risk assessment of this manufacturing process.

More information

• HSE publication: Methods for the Determination of Hazardous Substances, MDHS 104. Volatile organic compounds in air: Laboratory method using sorbent tubes, solvent desorption or thermal desorption and gas chromatography85

• EH40/2005 Workplace exposure limits (4th Edition)86

The manufacture of vaping products like these may present a health risk to workers through occupational exposure to airborne nicotine


40

Case studies


Cavitation erosion of engine crankcases

LARGE DIESEL ENGINES are used by the UK’s water utilities and can require substantial amounts of money to purchase and maintain. Thames Water Limited contacted HSE with a request to investigate incidences of erosive damage of combustion engines that they own, operate and maintain. The reported erosion was associated with discrete areas inside the engine crankcase exposed to cooling water and was reported to be in the region of the crankcase and cylinder liner interfaces. Erosion that is sufficiently advanced leads to external in-service cooling water leaks, and the area affected can only be fully observed once the cylinder liners are removed, usually during scheduled maintenance. Sufficiently serious water leaks may require removal of the cylinder liner before scheduled maintenance intervals are reached, affecting overall engine availability.

Through a series of metallurgical techniques, including 3D optical scanning, the erosion was analysed and positively identified as ‘cavitation erosion’. This arises due to small bubbles or cavities forming during high-speed operation of the engine

pistons. These small bubbles only exist momentarily before violently imploding on the metal surface. It is this percussive force that erodes the material. Cavitation erosion

is a significant problem in the maintenance of engine crankcases, and is most successfully mitigated through the careful management of the fluid dynamics within the engine.


The work conducted by HSE scientists positively identified the mechanism of erosion that was causing Thames Water significant maintenance costs. This provided valuable information that could be used in discussions with the engine manufacturer, regarding reasonable and expected maintenance costs.

Funding sourceThames Water

An eroded engine crankcase


41

Case studies


Enabling the licensing of explosives storage underground in mines

HISTORICALLY, ONLY surface magazines have been licensed for explosives storage in Great Britain, for which appropriate safety distances are well characterised and understood. This was not the case for the storage of explosives underground, and HSE has had to develop a bespoke and validated process following applications being received from some mine operators for a licence to store explosives underground.

HSE’s Explosives and Mines Inspectorates worked collaboratively with HSE scientists

and the mine operators to research and develop a robust and durable approach to formalise the licensing process for the safe storage of explosives underground.

A thorough understanding of the physics of a detonation event in an underground situation was established through research of other jurisdictions around the world and a review of the available literature, combined with expert technical input on blast wave mechanics from HSE scientists. This has enabled the establishment of an appropriate

methodology to predict the attenuation of blast through an underground network of roadways.

This work identified that the risks from blast waves in tunnels are different to those in the open. Underground, the leading edge of the blast wave in a tunnel may be followed by a plug of high-speed gas corresponding to a blast wind lasting several hundred milliseconds that would result in a serious risk to mine personnel. This contrasts significantly with an above-ground open-air event, where the duration will be tens of milliseconds.


The technical understanding established by HSE’s scientists on the attenuation of blast wave overpressure in an underground setting has enabled our regulators to specify the necessary criteria to be applied for both personnel and vehicles for safe licensing of explosives storage underground in mines.

Underground storage of explosives in a room and pillar mine


42

Case studies


Diesel fuel leaks – when can they ignite?

MISTS AND SPRAYS of fluids below their flashpoint can result in jet fires, flash fires or explosions. Incidents of ignited mists causing significant damage and multiple fatalities have occurred.87 In industry, these

hazards are managed by removing or replacing equipment that might cause ignition in areas where a flammable mist might be created. However, industry guidance on the hazardous area classification needed to identify these risks is limited.

Diesel fuel is perhaps the most widely used example of such fluids and is often transferred under pressure in elevated pipework.

HSE is running MISTS2, a shared research project supported by a number of industrial partners aiming to provide experimental data on the formation and ignitability of diesel mists.

As part of MISTS2, explosive atmospheres and fire safety experts at HSE’s Science and Research Centre undertook large-scale experiments investigating the extent of ignitability in diesel mist sprayed vertically downward. Their results showed that mist generated at 5 bar gauge through a 1 mm orifice remains ignitable for over 4.75 m. Ignition resulted in propagating flash fires, with the intensity of burning decreasing with distance from the release point.

Compared to existing guidance and standards, such as the Energy Institute’s EI15 guide,88 the experiments suggest a significant increase in size of zone that might be required below a vertically oriented mist release.


The experimental results are improving our understanding of mist hazards. This will assist validation of mist dispersion and ignitability models, helping industry improve their guidance and standards to prevent fires and explosions of ignited mists such as diesel.

More information

• Conference publication: Ignitability of diesel fuel mists over a vertical distance30

• Mist fires and explosions - An incident survey87

• Energy Institute: EI 15 Model code of safe practice Part 15 Area classification for installations handling flammable fluids 4th ed88

Funding sourceHSE and a consortia of industry

Experimental team from left: Andrew Tooke, Louise O’Sullivan and Keith Tremble


43

Case studies


Supporting the safe use and exploitation of advanced materials

ADVANCED MATERIALS are critical to the future UK economy. They include engineered materials that either by processing, or the way they are made, create materials with novel functionality and properties compared to conventional materials. They may, however, present new occupational health risks for employees, safety risks for consumers, and environmental risk. These concerns need to be addressed to ensure safe and beneficial use of these novel materials.

HSE scientists responsible for research into the safe use of advanced materials (health and exposure scientists) worked with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the National Physical Laboratory, the UK Health Security Agency (formerly Public Health England) and the British Standards Institution. They held a consultative workshop with industry experts, materials scientists and standards experts.

The participants discussed developments in advanced materials, the potential for adverse health and environmental consequences, and how regulators and those developing

advanced materials should address safety concerns. The development of advanced materials on a ‘safe by design’ strategy was discussed.

They concluded that a framework for defining different advanced materials is required. However, the wide range of materials being developed could present an obstacle to practical regulation, and this

may hold back the use of these materials in manufacturing. Material technologists, manufacturers, national and international standards bodies and public bodies would like to collaborate. The objective being to develop a regulatory environment that protects employees and consumers and supports safe exploitation of this technology.


The workshop brought together technologists, manufacturers, standards bodies and public bodies. It helped HSE to understand recent developments in material science and potential future occupational health and safety risks. Collaboration with these partners will provide insight into the future regulatory environment needed to support safe use and socioeconomic benefits. This is the first step in creating a UK knowledge-sharing community for safe use of advanced materials.

More information

• Journal article: ‘A definition and categorization system for advanced materials: the foundation for risk-informed environmental health and safety testing’89


44

Case studies


The future of health and safety in advanced manufacturing

THE UK IS developing advanced manufacturing and material technologies such as robotics, 3D printing, artificial intelligence, carbon and graphene materials. These are expected to transform manufacturing but may introduce

unanticipated risks for health and safety. To understand the impact of these technologies on occupational health and safety, HSE held a consultative workshop with the UK Manufacturers' Organisation (Make UK) and its members in January 2021.

The workshop included many manufacturing businesses and was introduced by Dame Judith Hackitt (Chair of Make UK) and HSE Chair, Sarah Newton. Gareth Evans and Matt Birtles (HSE specialists in health exposures and musculoskeletal disease respectively) then gave presentations on HSE research into 3D printing and use of wearable devices and exoskeletons.

The participants concluded that collaboration is required to develop common safety standards that address future occupational health and safety needs. The impact of these new technologies on employees, and on the need for a suitably trained and skilled workforce, would need to be considered. Artificial intelligence and methods for handling ‘big data’ and managing data security were also important considerations.


The workshop involved a broad base from across the manufacturing industry and developers of technology. HSE gained a better understanding of how advanced manufacturing technologies and materials may present benefits and new challenges. Knowledge sharing between industry, technology developers, HSE and other UK regulators will be required to safely achieve the societal benefits of these new technologies. The workshop will inform HSE’s future planning of regulatory and enforcement work in manufacturing.

More information

• HSE website: ‘Health and safety in the manufacturing sector’90

• Make UK webpage91


45

Case studies


Developing a framework for socioeconomic impact data management in India

SEVERE WEATHER SUCH as flood and storm events has significant consequences in India, affecting lives, properties, livelihoods and the environment. Understanding the impacts of such events is vital for the development of disaster policies, mitigation strategies and early warning systems.

For the Weather and Climate Science for Service Partnership (WCSSP) India project, a collaborative initiative between the Met Office – supported by the UK government’s Newton Fund – and the Indian Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), HSE data management specialists led a collaboration of organisations including the British Geological Survey, the University of Exeter and King’s College London to outline a framework for collecting and managing data on natural hazard impacts and losses. The framework was informed by research into different sources of hazard impact data in India, and investigations of systems already in place for recording and responding to disaster impacts.

Engagement with in-country partners and expert stakeholders with knowledge or experience of the collection and management of impact data in India helped to inform the research, identifying key examples and providing a view of current

practices, challenges and future direction. Technical methodologies were developed to extract data from different sources including administrative reports, social media and news articles, and applied to the Kerala 2018 floods as a case study event.


The expertise of HSE data management specialists and our partners has gathered important evidence that will help users in India understand the strengths and limitations of the available data sources. The research has also highlighted opportunities for development. Firstly, the cross-cutting nature of socioeconomic impact data means organisations working in different domains can cooperate and collaborate better, and secondly, in the potential for alternative data sources, such as social and new media.

More information

• Met Office webpage: ‘WCSSP India’92

Funding sourceThe Newton Fund

Monsoon rains can devastate towns and farmland in India


46

Case studies


Safety challenges at sea – evidence review of causal factors

EVERY YEAR, A high number of workers in the maritime sector are injured, permanently disabled, or lose their lives due to occupational incidents on board ship. Limited investigations focusing on the

occupational injuries and fatalities of workers in maritime shipping and limited cross-border cooperation between stakeholders and researchers have prevented clear appreciation of the safety challenges.

Research studies and databases on occupational incidents generally focus on incident rates of direct causes and their categorisation. Questions were raised about the utility of the existing information for selection and implementation of effective control measures for the protection of workers in the industry.

HSE ergonomists undertook a review of related scientific literature with the aim of exploring the causes and causality relationships of factors associated with maritime occupational incidents and personal injury. There were two main objectives:

● to identify the existing evidence concerning both the immediate and the underlying causes of occupational incidents;

● to evaluate the utility of the studies for establishing causal links between underlying and immediate causes of incidents.


The study identified major data sources with respect to maritime occupational incidents and exposed a general low level of utility of published findings for establishing causal links between underlying and immediate causes of incidents. The results also helped identify how incident reports may be made more comprehensive and how datasets can be made more useful for selection of control measures and safety management of occupational activities in the maritime sector.

More information

• Lloyd’s Register Foundation: Evidence & Insight Centre Brief: Value of safety93

Funding sourceStrathclyde University, Lloyd’s Register Foundation grant and HSE


47

Case studies


Contributing to new NHS national standards of cleanliness

OCCUPATIONAL ASTHMA is a debilitating illness, caused by exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace. Previous HSE research has shown links between exposure to chemical cleaning products and occupational asthma and respiratory symptoms,

particularly in healthcare workers and with exposure to chlorine-based disinfectants.94 95 These disinfectants are commonly used in healthcare settings for infection prevention, but little is known about the potential for respiratory exposure during their use.

HSE health exposures scientists visited hospitals to assess the potential for respiratory exposure during the preparation and use of chemical cleaning products and disinfectants. We are working with the healthcare cleaning industry and the NHS to understand the complexities of implementing practical respiratory exposure control solutions in hospitals. Balancing infection prevention with the occupational health of cleaners is a challenge in most hospitals.

Aligning with this research, NHS Improvement and NHS England invited HSE scientists to review previous healthcare cleaning guidance.


HSE health exposures scientists contributed to the health and safety elements of the new NHS National Standards of Cleanliness for Healthcare Settings, 2021. This national guidance document is delivering our health and safety messages directly to our target audience. We are now working with the NHS Health, Safety and Wellbeing Group to further increase awareness of occupational respiratory health with healthcare cleaners.

More information

• NHS England National Standards of Healthcare Cleanliness 202196


48

Case studies


Understanding asbestos exposures to workers in the licensed asbestos removal industry

EACH YEAR IN Great Britain, around 5000 cancer deaths are attributed to asbestos, despite its import and use being banned before 1999. However, asbestos can be found in any building that was built or refurbished before 2000, and as part of ongoing risk management, asbestos-containing materials continue to be removed from buildings.

Higher-risk removal work can only be undertaken by HSE-licensed contractors, and these

workers potentially face one of the highest risks of exposure. Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations,97 exposure must be prevented or effectively controlled through a range of controls and good working practices.98 99

The aim of this research was to provide information on asbestos exposures to licensed removal workers in Great Britain and assess compliance of work practices with HSE guidance.

HSE scientists visited eight sites during 2016-2019 to monitor asbestos removal work being carried out from start to finish. Removals included asbestos insulating board, insulation and sprayed coating. The researchers monitored airborne fibre concentrations using samplers and observed the practices of the workers involved.

Participants were recruited on a voluntary basis and were fully aware of the researchers observing their work. The findings are likely to represent workers attempting to follow best practice.

Exposure of workers to asbestos within this study was lower than when similar research was last carried out in 1999 by HSE. However, the findings suggest there is still scope for improvement. Our work indicates that use of respiratory protective equipment during the set-up and dismantling of enclosures, often placed around sources of asbestos during removal work, could also further reduce exposure to HSE-licensed contractors.


This research has provided HSE with evidence on asbestos removal worker exposures and work practice, and the extent to which good working practices, preventative controls and personal protective equipment are understood and implemented. This evidence is being used to underpin HSE’s engagement with stakeholders on effective working practices in the asbestos removal industry.

More information

• Managing and working with asbestos: Control of Asbestos Regulations 201297

• Asbestos: The analysts’ guide98

• Asbestos: The licensed contractors’ guide99

• HSE Research Report Asbestos exposures to workers in the licensed asbestos removal industry100

Asbestos workers preparing to remove asbestos insulating board


49

References and publications

1 PROTECT COVID-19 National Core Study website. Available from: https://sites.manchester.ac.uk/covid19-national-project/

2 Civil Service Blog Team (11 March 2021) Civil Service Awards 2020: Policy and Use of Evidence Civil Service. GOV.UK. Available from: https://civilservice.blog.gov.uk/2021/03/11/civil-service-awards-2020-policy-and-use-of-evidence/

3 Chris Keen. President-Elect. Chartered Member of the Faculty of Occupational Hygiene. British Occupational Hygiene Society. Available from: https://www.bohs.org/about-us/who-we-are/detail/chris-keen/

4 Register of Toxicologists (UKRT) Royal Society of Biology. Available from: https://www.rsb.org.uk/careers-and-cpd/registers/uk-register-of-toxicologists

5 What is European Registration of Toxicologists? EUROTOX Available from: https://www.eurotox.com/ert/

6 Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (2021) Towards fusion energy. The UK government’s proposals for a regulatory framework for fusion energy. OGL (CP 541). Available from: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1032848/towards-fusion-energy-uk-government-proposals-regulatory-framework-fusion-energy.pdf

7 BOHS announces the winners of its prestigious awards for 2021. British Occupational Hygiene Society, 8 Jul 2021. Available from: https://www.bohs.org/media-resources/press-releases/detail/bohs-announces-the-winners-of-its-prestigious-awards-for-2021/

8 Baxter N, Lord S and Smith C. (2021) PPE and protective medical devices purchasers guide for Crown Procurement C-19. HSE Annual Science Review 2021, p34. Available from: https://www.hse.gov.uk/research/content/science-review-2021.pdf

9 The Health and Safety Software of the Year 2021 Award goes to… Discovering Safety, 19 Nov 21. Available from: https://www.discoveringsafety.com/news/health-and-safety-software-year-2021-award-goes

10 HSE and The Energy Institute (2021) Management of engineered composite repairs: End user good practice guidance. London: The Energy Institute. Available from: https://www.energyinst.org/

11 Stacey P, Simpson A and Hambling S. (2019) The measurement of wood in construction dust samples: A furnace based thermal gravimetric approach. Annals of Work Exposures and Health, 63(9), 1070-1080. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1093/annweh/wxz072

12 PROTECT COVID-19 Conference on Transmission and Environment. University of Manchester, 17-18 Nov 2021. Available from: https://sites.manchester.ac.uk/covid19-national-project/protect-covid-19-conference-on-transmission-and-environment/

13 Safe Net Zero 2021 - Hydrogen. HSE, 2-4 March 2021. Available from: https://safenetzero.evessiocloud.com/live/en/page/home

14 PRESLHY website. Available from: https://preslhy.eu/

15 HSE Training and Events. Solutions from HSE. Available from: https://www.hsl.gov.uk/training.aspx/

16 Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (2018) Management and operation of microbiological containment laboratories. HSE. Available from: https://www.hse.gov.uk/biosafety/management-containment-labs.pdf

17 PEROSH 2021 4th Research Conference. Book of Abstracts, 29-30 Sept 2021, Madrid, Spain. Available from: https://perosh.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Book-of-Abstracts_Madrid.pdf

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18 Saunders J. (2021) Local exhaust ventilation. Presentation presented at Follow-up Welding Fume and Metalworking Fluid webinar. Available from: http://www.shepuk.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/SHEP-2021-July-jsaunders_V2.pdf

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25 Speaker Spotlight on Andrew Curran. YouTube video posted by XXII World Congress on Safety and Health at Work, 19 Aug 2021. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-j_9sh2GLc

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27 Abbott K, Gill J and Buston J. (2021) Smoke, sparks, flames or explosions? An experimental study into how lithium-ion cell failure varies in open field. Paper presented at Hazards 31, Virtual Event, 16-18 Nov 2021. Available from: https://www.icheme.org/media/17627/hazards-31-paper-43-abbott.pdf

28 Birkitt K, Nemcova A and Chapman D. (2021) Investigation into a microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC) failure of an onshore pipeline. Paper presented at Hazards 31, Virtual Event, 16-18 Nov 2021. Available from: https://www.icheme.org/media/17631/hazards-31-paper-62-birkitt.pdf

29 Howard G, Gill J and Buston J. (2021) Experimental understanding of gas volumes and forces generated due to swelling during lithium-ion pouch cell failure. Paper presented at Hazards 31, Virtual event, 16-18 Nov 2021. Available from: https://www.icheme.org/media/17628/hazards-31-paper-44-howard.pdf

30 O’Sullivan L. (2021) Ignitability of diesel fuel mists over a vertical distance. Paper presented at Hazards 31, Virtual Event, 16-18 Nov 2021. Available from: https://www.icheme.org/media/17630/hazards-31-paper-49-osullivan.pdf

31 PEROSH website www.perosh.eu

32 Barber C and Barnes H. (2020) Occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Occupational and Environmental Lung Disease, Chapter 7, 104-124. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1183/2312508X.10034519


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38 Brescia S. (2020) Thresholds of adversity and their applicability to endocrine disrupting chemicals. Critical Reviews in Toxicology, 50(3), 213-218. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/10408444.2020.1740973

39 Health and Safety Executive (2021) Considerations of risk-based vs hazard-based approaches to endocrine disruptors’ regulation – Do thresholds of adversity exist? HSE Annual Science Review 2021, p53. Available from: https://www.hse.gov.uk/research/content/science-review-2021.pdf

40 BioRTC website. Available from: https://BioRTC.com

41 Sanchez C, Engelberg D and Loo-Morrey M. (2019) Towards understanding the effect of residual stress on atmospheric chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking of austenitic stainless steels. Paper presented at EUROCORR 2019, Seville, Spain, 9-13 Sept 2019

42 Bannister A et al. (2020) Selection and deployment of non-destructive testing for through-life integrity assurance of composite-repaired pipes. Paper presented at Hazards 30, 26-27 Nov 2020, Paper 23. Available from: https://www.icheme.org/media/16854/hazards-30-paper-23-bannister.pdf

43 Birkitt K et al. (2021) Materials aspects associated with the addition of up to 20 mol% hydrogen into an existing natural gas distribution network. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 46(23), 12290-12299. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.09.061

44 Bannister A et al. (2021) Approaches and methods to demonstrate repurposing of the UK’s local transmission system (LTS) pipelines for transportation of hydrogen. Paper presented at the International Conference on Hydrogen Safety (ICHS) 2021, 21-24 Sept 2021, ID17

45 PROTECT COVID-19 National Core Study. Theme 1: Outbreak Investigations. Available from: https://sites.manchester.ac.uk/covid19-national-project/research-themes/rapid-investigation-of-outbreaks-and-evidence-synthesis/

46 Chen Y et al. (2021) The COVID-OUT Study Protocol: COVID-19 outbreak investigation to understand workplace SARS-Cov-2 transmission in the United Kingdom. Wellcome Open Res; 6: (201). Available from: https://doi.org/10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17015.1

47 PROTECT COVID-OUT Take part in vital research to help stop COVID-19. Available from: https://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=56966

48 Chen Y et al. (2021) COVID-19 outbreak rates and infection attack rates associated with the workplace: A descriptive epidemiological study. medRxiv 2021.05.06.21256757. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021. 05.06.21256757

49 PROTECT COVID-19 National Core Study. Theme 2: Transmission Modelling. Available from: https://sites.manchester.ac.uk/covid19-national-project/research-themes/approaches-to-evaluate-environmental-transmission-mechanisms-and-controls/


52

https://echa.europa.eu/regulations/biocidal-products-regulation/legislation



https://echa.europa.eu/regulations/biocidal-products-regulation/product-types



https://www.hse.gov.uk/pesticides/pesticides-registration/applicant-guide/biopesticides-home.htm




https://www.oecd.org/

https://www.eppo.int/

https://doi.org/10.1080/10408444.2020.1740973

https://doi.org/10.1080/10408444.2020.1740973




https://BioRTC.com

https://www.icheme.org/media/16854/hazards-30-paper-23-bannister.pdf



https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.09.061


https://sites.manchester.ac.uk/covid19-national-project/research-themes/rapid-investigation-of-outbreaks-and-evidence-synthesis/





https://doi.org/10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17015.1


https://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=56966



https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.05.06.21256757

https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.05.06.21256757

https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.05.06.21256757

https://sites.manchester.ac.uk/covid19-national-project/research-themes/approaches-to-evaluate-environmental-transmission-mechanisms-and-controls/






50 Darnton L et al. (2021) An agent-based model to simulate workplace transmission of COVID-19. Paper presented at the 14th UK and Ireland Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Society Meeting, 3-4 June 2021, Abstract Book, p26. Available from: https://epidemiologysociety.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/oees-meeting-2021-abstract-book.pdf

51 Daniels S et al. (2021) Risk factors associated with respiratory infectious disease-related presenteeism: A rapid review. medRxiv 2021.04.12.21255302. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021. 04.12.21255302

52 BS EN 166:2002: Personal eye protection. Specifications. British Standards Institution, 2002. Available from: https://shop.bsigroup.com/

53 Hall S et al. Protectiveness of face shields, goggles and safety glasses against droplets from a simulated human cough. Preprint (2022)

54 COVID-19: Guidance for health professionals. Information on COVID-19, including guidance on the assessment and management of suspected UK cases. GOV.UK, 2021. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/wuhan-novel-coronavirus

55 Faculty of Occupational Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians (2021) Guidance for managers and employers on facilitating return to work of employees with long-COVID. FOM. Available from: https://www.fom.ac.uk/media-events/publications/fom-guidance

56 COVID-19 return to work guide for managers. Society of Occupational Medicine, 29 Mar 2021. Available from: https://www.som.org.uk/covid-19-return-work-guide-managers

57 Health and Safety Executive (2021) Return to work after long COVID: Evidence at 8 March 2021. HSE 2021 (ER003 Evidence Report). Available from: https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/assets/docs/return-to-work-after-long-covid.pdf

58 Return to work after long COVID: Evidence at 8th March 2021. HSE. Available from: www.hse.gov.uk/research/assets/docs/return-to-work-after-long-covid.pdf

59 Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety: Final Report. GOV.UK, 17 May 2018. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-review-of-building-regulations-and-fire-safety-final-report

60 Bettis R et al. (2021) High-rise residential buildings: Preliminary serious incident scenarios and potential control measures. HSE (RR1170). Available from: https://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr1170.pdf

61 HM Government Ten point plan for a green industrial revolution. Building back better, supporting green jobs, and accelerating our path to net zero. GOV.UK, Nov 2020. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-ten-point-plan-for-a-green-industrial-revolution

62 H21 North of England - National Launch. Northern Gas Networks. Available from: https://www.northerngasnetworks.co.uk/event/h21-launches-national/

63 Hydrogen is vital to tackling climate change. Hydeploy. Available from: https://hydeploy.co.uk/

64 A guide to the Gas Safety (Management) Regulations 1996. Guidance on Regulations. HSE 1996 (L80) Available from: https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l80.htm

65 Health and Safety Executive (2017) Energy Division Gas Safety Management Regulations 1996 Safety Case Assessment Manual. HSE V7.1. Available from: https://www.hse.gov.uk/gas/supply/gasscham/gsmrscam.pdf

66 Burden N et al. (2020) Key opportunities to replace, reduce, and refine regulatory fish acute toxicity tests. Environmental Toxicology Chemistry, 39, 2076-2089. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1002/etc.4824


53

https://epidemiologysociety.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/oees-meeting-2021-abstract-book.pdf




https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.04.12.21255302

https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.04.12.21255302

https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.04.12.21255302

https://shop.bsigroup.com/

https://shop.bsigroup.com/

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/wuhan-novel-coronavirus



https://www.fom.ac.uk/media-events/publications/fom-guidance

https://www.fom.ac.uk/media-events/publications/fom-guidance

https://www.som.org.uk/covid-19-return-work-guide-managers



https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/assets/docs/return-to-work-after-long-covid.pdf



http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/assets/docs/return-to-work-after-long-covid.pdf



https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-review-of-building-regulations-and-fire-safety-final-report





https://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr1170.pdf

https://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr1170.pdf

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-ten-point-plan-for-a-green-industrial-revolution




https://www.northerngasnetworks.co.uk/event/h21-launches-national/



https://hydeploy.co.uk/

https://hydeploy.co.uk/

https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l80.htm


https://www.hse.gov.uk/gas/supply/gasscham/gsmrscam.pdf



https://doi.org/10.1002/etc.4824

https://doi.org/10.1002/etc.4824

67 Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. UNECE, 2021, 9th ed. Available from: https://unece.org/transport/standards/transport/dangerous-goods/ghs-rev9-2021

68 Chemical classification, labelling and packaging (CLP). Obligations and duties under CLP. HSE. Available from: https://www.hse.gov.uk/chemical-classification/index.htm

69 The GB CLP Regulation. HSE. Available at: https://www.hse.gov.uk/chemical-classification/legal/clp-regulation.htm?hc_location=ufi

70 About the GHS. Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) UNECE. Available from: https://unece.org/about-ghs

71 National Diet and Nutrition Survey. Gov.UK. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-diet-and-nutrition-survey

72 Construction risks. Risk library use case. YouTube video added by Discovering Safety, 2021. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psaOrtWOrSE

73 Farghaly K et al. (2021) Digital information technologies for prevention through design (PtD): A literature review and directions for future research. Construction Innovation. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-02-2021-0027

74 Discovering safety technical showcase - Leading indicators. YouTube video added by Solutions from HSE. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj4G_NqqW2A

75 Discovering Safety website. Available from: https://www.discoveringsafety.com/

76 Building a safer future. An independent review of building regulations and fire safety: Final report. OGL, 2018. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-review-of-building-regulations-and-fire-safety-final-report

77 Galea K et al. (2021) HBM4EU Chromates Study - Reflection and lessons learnt from designing and undertaking a collaborative european biomonitoring study on occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, 234, 113725. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113725

78 Santonen T et al. (2021) HBM4EU chromates study team. HBM4EU chromates study - Overall results and recommendations for the biomonitoring of occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium. Environmental Research, 204(Pt A) 111984. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2021.111984

79 Scheepers P et al. (2021) HBM4EU occupational biomonitoring study on e-waste - Study protocol. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(24), 12987. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182412987

80 The HBM4EU website. Available from: https://www.hbm4eu.eu/

81 Work-related violence. HSE. Available from: https://www.hse.gov.uk/violence/index.htm

82 Beers H. (2021) Work-related violence and aggression: Don’t accept it. Report it. Prevent it. SHP, 16 Jun 2021. Available from: https://www.shponline.co.uk/workplace-violence/work-related-violence-and-aggression/

83 Edwards J and Buckley P. (2021) Risk of work-related violence in England and Wales. Occupational Medicine, kqab145. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqab145

84 Social change and inequalities. Thomas Ashton Institute. Available from: https://www.ashtoninstitute.ac.uk/research/social-change/


54

https://unece.org/transport/standards/transport/dangerous-goods/ghs-rev9-2021



https://www.hse.gov.uk/chemical-classification/index.htm



https://www.hse.gov.uk/chemical-classification/legal/clp-regulation.htm?hc_location=ufi




https://unece.org/about-ghs

https://unece.org/about-ghs

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-diet-and-nutrition-survey



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psaOrtWOrSE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psaOrtWOrSE

https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-02-2021-0027

https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-02-2021-0027

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj4G_NqqW2A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj4G_NqqW2A

https://www.discoveringsafety.com/

https://www.discoveringsafety.com/





https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113725


https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2021.111984

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2021.111984

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182412987


https://www.hbm4eu.eu/

https://www.hse.gov.uk/violence/index.htm

https://www.hse.gov.uk/violence/index.htm

https://www.shponline.co.uk/workplace-violence/work-related-violence-and-aggression/



https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqab145


https://www.ashtoninstitute.ac.uk/research/social-change/



85 Health and Safety Executive (2016) Methods for the Determination of Hazardous Substances, MDHS 104. Volatile organic compounds in air: Laboratory method using sorbent tubes, solvent desorption or thermal desorption and gas chromatography. HSE. Available from: https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/mdhs/pdfs/mdhs104.pdf

86 Health and Safety Executive (2020) EH40/2005 Workplace exposure limits. 4th ed. HSE. Available from: https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/eh40.htm

87 Santon R. (2009) Mist fires and explosions. An incident survey. Paper presented at Hazards XXI, 10-12 Nov 2009, Paper 54, 370-374. Available from: https://www.icheme.org/media/9551/xxi-paper-054.pdf

88 Energy Institute (2015) EI 15 Model Code of Safe Practice Part 15: Area classification for installations handling flammable fluids. 4th ed. London: Energy Institute.

89 Kennedy A et al. (2019) A definition and categorization system for advanced materials: The foundation for risk-informed environmental health and safety testing. Risk Analysis, 39(8), 1783–1795. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1111/risa.13304

90 Health and safety in the manufacturing sector. HSE. Available from: https://www.hse.gov.uk/manufacturing/index.htm

91 Your roadmap to Net Zero. Make UK. Available from: https://www.makeuk.org/

92 WCSSP India. Met Office. Available from: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/approach/collaboration/newton/cssp-india/weather-and-climate-science-for-service-partnership-india-wcssp-india

93 Lloyd’s Register Foundation. Evidence and Insight Centre Brief: Value of safety. LR Foundation, Oct 2020. Available from: https://lrfoundation.flexigrant.com/tenantfiles/52/documents/Value_of_Safety_Brief_Lloyd_s_Register_Foundation.pdf

94 Ghosh R et al. (2013) Asthma and occupation in the 1958 birth cohort. Thorax; 68(4), 365-371. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1136/thoraxjnl-2012-202151

95 Robinson E et al. (2017) A literature review of evidence on cleaning products and occupational risks for asthma. HSE, 2021 (RR1117). Available from: https://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/rr1117.htm

96 National Standards of Healthcare Cleanliness 2021. NHS, 4 May 2021. Available from: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/national-standards-of-healthcare-cleanliness-2021/

97 Health and Safety Executive (2013) Managing and working with asbestos: Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, Approved Code of Practice and Guidance. 2nd ed. HSE (L143). Available from: https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l143.htm

98 Health and Safety Executive (2021) Asbestos: The analysts’ guide. 2nd ed. HSE, (HSG248). Available at: https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg248.htm

99 Health and Safety Executive (2006) Asbestos: The licensed contractors guide, HSE, (HSG247). Available from: https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg247.htm

100 Barrowcliffe D and Davies L. (2022) Asbestos exposures to workers in the licensed asbestos removal industry. HSE, 2022. Available from: https://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/rr1176.htm


55

https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/mdhs/pdfs/mdhs104.pdf

https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/mdhs/pdfs/mdhs104.pdf

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/eh40.htm

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/eh40.htm

https://www.icheme.org/media/9551/xxi-paper-054.pdf

https://www.icheme.org/media/9551/xxi-paper-054.pdf

https://doi.org/10.1111/risa.13304

https://www.hse.gov.uk/manufacturing/index.htm

https://www.hse.gov.uk/manufacturing/index.htm

https://www.makeuk.org/

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/approach/collaboration/newton/cssp-india/weather-and-climate-science-for-service-partnership-india-wcssp-india






https://lrfoundation.flexigrant.com/tenantfiles/52/documents/Value_of_Safety_Brief_Lloyd_s_Register_Foundation.pdf





https://doi.org/10.1136/thoraxjnl-2012-202151

https://doi.org/10.1136/thoraxjnl-2012-202151

https://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/rr1117.htm


https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/national-standards-of-healthcare-cleanliness-2021/





https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg248.htm






HSE scientists are committed to making research findings accessible online at no cost to the user. We ensure open access to research papers in peer-reviewed journals and journal-like conference proceedings (provided the publisher gives this option), describing research for HSE led by our scientists.

2021 publications by our scientists are listed below. This covers: publications in research reports; peer-reviewed journals; papers in conference proceedings; conference abstracts; and articles in trade and professional magazines. For a full list of details from previous years and a list of COVID-19 reports HSE staff have contributed to, see HSE Science and Research Publications (hsl.gov.uk). HSE also commissions reports from researchers in other institutes; for a full list of research reports published by HSE, see HSE Research Report Series

Reports by HSE Scientists and Expert Committees

Batt R. Review of dense-gas dispersion for industrial regulation and emergency preparedness and response. Atmospheric Dispersion Modelling Liaison Committee Report ADMLC-R13, HSE Report FD/19/07, 2021. Available from: https://admlc.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/pe06527_admlc_dgd_review_final.pdf

Balmforth H, Beers H et al. including Corbett E. Keeping the UK building safely: A scoping study. University of Manchester 2021. Available from: https://documents.manchester.ac.uk/display.aspx?DocID=56698

Bettis R, Chaplin Z, Corbett E, Dobbin G, Garcia M, Healey N, Lekka C, Macbeth R, Rigby N, Wardman M, Wilday J, Wood L, Abeysekera I, and Cormie D. High rise residential buildings: Preliminary serious incident scenarios and potential control measures. RR1170 HSE 2021. Available from: https://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/rr1170.htm

Committees on Toxicology and Carcinogenicity (George Loizou is a member) Report of the Synthesis and Integration of Epidemiological and Toxicological Evidence Subgroup (SETE) 2021. Available from: https://doi.org/10.46756/sci.fsa.sjm598

HSE Workplace Health Expert Committee (WHEC) Evaluating interventions in work-related ill health and disease. WHEC-17 HSE 2021 Available from: https://www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/meetings/committees/whec/assets/docs/whec-17.pdf

HSE Workplace Health Expert Committee (WHEC) SARS-CoV-2: Testing and the workplace: Rapid review to 16 February 2021. HSE 2021. Available from: https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/assets/docs/testing-and-the-workplace.pdf

HSE Workplace Health Expert Committee (WHEC) Work-related suicide. WHEC-18 HSE 2021. Available from: https://www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/meetings/committees/whec/assets/docs/whec-21-work-related-suicide.pdf

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Transmission in meat processing factories: Evidence summary to 27 July 2020. ER002 Evidence Report HSE 2021. Available from: https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/assets/docs/transmission-meat-processing-factories.pdf

Scott S et al. including Gant S. Guidelines for the preparation of short-range dispersion modelling assessments for compliance with regulatory requirements: An update to the ADMLC 2004 guidance. Atmospheric Dispersion Modelling Liaison Committee Report ADMLC-R12 2021. Available from: https://www.admlc.com/model-guidelines

Publications


56

https://www.hsl.gov.uk

https://www.hsl.gov.uk

https://admlc.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/pe06527_admlc_dgd_review_final.pdf







https://doi.org/10.46756/sci.fsa.sjm598

https://doi.org/10.46756/sci.fsa.sjm598

https://www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/meetings/committees/whec/assets/docs/whec-17.pdf



https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/assets/docs/testing-and-the-workplace.pdf



https://www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/meetings/committees/whec/assets/docs/whec-21-work-related-suicide.pdf




https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/assets/docs/transmission-meat-processing-factories.pdf




https://www.admlc.com/model-guidelines

https://www.admlc.com/model-guidelines

Post-Implementation Review (PIR)

Burger M, Higgins A, Wilson R, Barnes A, Chapman S, Broughton R and Faulkner A. PIR - The Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work Regulations 2016. HSEPIR011. HSE 2021. Available from: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2016/588/pdfs/uksiod_20160588_en_001.pdf

Higgins A, Johnson N and Stewart T. PIR - Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (General Duties of Prescribed Undertakings) Regulations 2015. (2015/1583). HSE 2021. Available from: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/1583/pdfs/uksiod_20151583_en_001.pdf

Schwab C, Kim B, Wilson R, Burger M, Lloyd Davies S, Tsavalos D, Baker-Lathem H, and Hart D. PIR - Dangerous Goods in Harbour Areas Regulations 2016 (DGHAR 2016). HSEPIR013. HSE 2021. Available from: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2016/721/pdfs/uksiod_20160721_en.pdf

Publications in Peer-Reviewed Journals

Analytical Methods Committee (2021) Thermal desorption Part 2: Applications in analytical measurement. AMCTB No. 104. Analytical Methods, 13, 2345-2348. Available from: https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2021/ay/d1ay90049h

Bacon J, Butler O, Cairns W, Cavoura O, Cook J, Davidson C and Mertz-Kraus R. (2021) Atomic spectrometry update - A review of advances in environmental analysis. JAAS Journal, 36 (1), 10-55. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1039/D0JA90074E

Bailey C, Makison Booth C, Farrant J, Beswick A, Chewins J, Eimstad M, Heyerdahl F and Crook B. (2021) Validation of the decontamination of a specialist transport system for patients with high consequence infectious diseases. Microorganisms, 13 (9), 2575. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9122575

Birkitt K, Loo-Morrey M, Sanchez C and O’Sullivan L. (2021) Materials aspects associated with the addition of up to 20 Mol% hydrogen into an existing natural gas distribution network. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 46 (23), 12290-12299. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.09.061

Buttner W, Hall J, Coldrick S, Hooker P and Wischmeyer T. (2021) Hydrogen wide area monitoring of LH2 releases. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 46 (23), 12497-12510. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.08.266

Chen Y, Atchison C, Atkinson B, Barber C, Bennett A, Brickley E, Cooke J, Dabrera G, Fishwick D, Fletcher T, Graham A, Higgins H, Keen C, Morgan D, UK Covid-19 National Core Studies Consortium, Noakes C, Pearce N, Raja A, Sandys V, Stocks J, van Tongeren M, van Veldhoven K, Verma A and Curran A. (2021) The COVID-OUT Study protocol: COVID-19 outbreak Investigation to understand workplace SARS-Cov-2 transmission in the United Kingdom. Wellcome Open Research, 6, 201. Available from: https://doi.org/10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17015.1

Cockayne S, Fairhurst C, Frost G, Liddle M, Cunningham-Burley R, Zand M, Hewitt C, Illes-Smith H, Green L and Torgerson D. (2021) Slip-resistant footwear reduces slips among National Health Service workers in England: A randomised controlled trial. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 78 (7), 472-478. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/oemed-2020-106914

Cockayne S, Fairhurst C, Zand M, Frost G, Liddle M, Cunningham-Burley R, Hewitt C, Illes-Smith H, Green L, Bain E, Mogradia M and Torgerson D (2021) Slip-resistant footwear to reduce slips among health-care workers: The SSHeW RCT. Public Health Research, 9 (3), 1-150 Available from: https://doi.org/10.3310/phr09030

Fix J, et al. including Harding A-H. (2021) Gender differences in respiratory health outcomes among farming cohorts around the globe: Findings from the AGRICOH Consortium. Journal of Agromedicine, 26 (3), 97-108. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/1059924X.2020.1713274


57

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2016/588/pdfs/uksiod_20160588_en_001.pdf






https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2016/721/pdfs/uksiod_20160721_en.pdf



https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2021/ay/d1ay90049h



https://doi.org/10.1039/D0JA90074E

https://doi.org/10.1039/D0JA90074E

https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9122575








http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/oemed-2020-106914

http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/oemed-2020-106914

https://doi.org/10.3310/phr09030

https://doi.org/10.3310/phr09030

https://doi.org/10.1080/1059924X.2020.1713274

https://doi.org/10.1080/1059924X.2020.1713274

Forbes V et al. including Reed M. (2021) Mechanistic effect modeling of earthworms in the context of pesticide risk assessment: Synthesis of the FORESEE Workshop. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management, 17, 352-363. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1002/ieam.4338

Freeman A, Parker S, Noakes C, Fitzgerald S, Smyth A, Macbeth R, Spiegelhalter D and Rutter H. (2021) Expert elicitation on the relative importance of possible SARS-CoV-2 transmission routes and the effectiveness of mitigations. BMJ Open, 11 (12), e050869. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050869

Galea K, et al. including Jones K and Leese E. (2021) HBM4EU Chromates Study - Reflection and lessons learnt from designing and undertaking a collaborative European biomonitoring study on occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, 234, 113725. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113725

Gant S, Tickle G, Kelsey A and Tucker H. (2021) DRIFT dispersion model predictions for the Jack Rabbit II model inter-comparison exercise. Atmospheric Environment, 244, 117717. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2020.117717

Hall J, Hooker P and Jeffrey K. (2021) Gas detection of hydrogen/natural gas blends in the gas industry. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 46 (23), 12555-12565. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.08.200

Hanna S, Tickle G, Mazzola T and Gant S. (2021) Dense gas plume rise and touchdown for Jack Rabbit II Trial 8 chlorine field experiment. Atmospheric Environment, 260, 118551. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2021.118551

Kelly F et al. including Taft D. (2021) Fire safety and emergency evacuation guidelines for intensive care units and operating theatres: For use in the event of fire, flood, power cut, oxygen supply failure, noxious gas, structural collapse or other critical incidents: Guidelines from the Association of Anaesthetists and the Intensive Care Society. Anaesthesia, 76 (10), 1377-1391. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1111/anae.15511

Kenny L, Jones K, Cocker J, Bader M, Brodbeck T, Goen T, Hartwig A and MAK Commission (2021) Ethylenebis (dithiocarbamates) and ethylenethiourea – Determination of ethylenethiourea in urine by LCMS/MS. Biomonitoring method - translation of the German version from 2021. The MAK Collection for Occupational Health and Safety 2021, 6 (2), Doc407. Available from: https://doi.org/10.34865/bi9645e6_2or

Loizou G, McNally K, Dorne J and Hogg A. (2021) Derivation of a human in vivo benchmark dose for perfluorooctanoic acid from ToxCast in vitro concentration response data using a computational workflow for probabilistic quantitative in vitro to in vivo extrapolation. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, 630457. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.630457

McMahon M. (2021) Mask related acne: Using barrier tape with respirators may contravene safety standards. BMJ, 374 n1938. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n1938

McNally K, Goede H, Schinkel J, Gorce J-P and Warren N. (2021) The Dermal Advanced REACH Tool (dART): A Bayesian model for dermal exposure assessment. Annals of Work Exposures and Health, wxab114. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1093/annweh/wxab114

McNally K, Sams C, Hogg A, Lumen A and Loizou G. (2021) Development, testing, parameterisation and calibration of a human PBPK model for the plasticiser, di-(2-Propylheptyl) phthalate (DPHP) using in silico, In vitro and human biomonitoring data. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, 692442. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.692442

Madsen A and Crook B. (2021) Occupational exposure to fungi on recyclable paper pots and growing media and associated health effects - A review of the literature. Science of the Total Environment, 788, 147832. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147832


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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2020.117717






https://doi.org/10.1111/anae.15511

https://doi.org/10.34865/bi9645e6_2or

https://doi.org/10.34865/bi9645e6_2or

https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.630457


https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n1938

https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n1938

https://doi.org/10.1093/annweh/wxab114

https://doi.org/10.1093/annweh/wxab114



https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147832


Madsen A et al. including Crook B. (2021) Review of biological risks associated with the collection of municipal wastes. Science of the Total Environment, 791, 148287. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148287

Marcoulaki E et al. including Bard D and Evans G. (2021) Blueprint for a self-sustained european centre for service provision in safe and sustainable innovation for nanotechnology. NanoImpact, 23, 100337. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.impact.2021.100337

Mazzola T et al. including Gant S. (2021) Results of comparisons of the predictions of 17 dense gas dispersion models with observations from the Jack Rabbit II chlorine field experiment. Atmospheric Environment, 244 117887. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2020.117887

Parker G, Eastwood A, Storm M, Vitharana K, Heatwole E, Lopez-Pulliam I, Broilo R, Dickinson P, Martinez A, Rau C, and Bourne N. (2021) 4D micro-scale, phase-contrast X-ray imaging and computed tomography of HMX-based polymer-bonded explosives during thermal runaway. Combustion and Flame, 226, 478-489. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.combustflame.2020.12.025

Rutter H, Parker S, Stahl-Timmins W, Noakes C, Smyth A, Macbeth R, Fitzgerald S and Freeman A. (2021) Visualising SARS-CoV-2 transmission routes and mitigations. BMJ, 375, e065312. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2021-065312

Scheepers P, Duca R, Galea K, Godderis L, Hardy E, Knudsen L, Leese E, Louro H, Mahiout S, Ndaw S, Poels K, Porras S, Silva M, Tavares AM, Verdonck J, Viegas S, Santonen T and HBM4EU E-Waste Study Team (2021) HBM4EU occupational biomonitoring study on e-waste - Study protocol. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18 (24), 12987. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182412987

Stacey P, Hall S, Stagg S, Clegg F and Sammon C. (2021) Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction responses when measuring health-related micrometre and nanometre particle size fractions of crystalline quartz and the measurement of quartz in dust samples from the cutting and polishing of natural and artificial stones. Journal of Raman Spectroscopy, 52 (6), 1095-1107. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1002/jrs.6110

Stewart J, Phylaktou H, Andrews G, and Burns A. (2021) Evaluation of CFD simulations of transient liquid pool fire burning rates. Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries, 71, 104495. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jlp.2021.104495

Trainor M, Meeuwsen J and Bongers P. (2021) Generating health and safety knowledge for innovative and sustainable workplaces: A PEROSH perspective. European Journal of Workplace Innovation, 6 (1) Available from: https://doi.org/10.46364/ejwi.v6i1.819

Williams N, Moore A, Woods M, and Forman S. (2021) Audit of waist measurement methods during statutory diving medical assessments. Occupational Medicine, 71 (8), 331-335. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqab110

Young C, Smith D, Wafer T, and Crook B. (2021) Rapid testing and interventions to control legionella proliferation following a Legionnaires’ Disease outbreak associated with cooling towers. Microorganisms, 9 (3), 615. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9030615

Zare Jeddi M et al. including Jones K. (2021) A human biomonitoring (HBM) global registry framework: Further advancement of HBM research following FAIR principles. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, 238 113826. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113826


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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.impact.2021.100337



https://doi.org/10.1016/j.combustflame.2020.12.025

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.combustflame.2020.12.025

https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2021-065312

https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2021-065312



https://doi.org/10.1002/jrs.6110

https://doi.org/10.1002/jrs.6110

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jlp.2021.104495

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jlp.2021.104495

https://doi.org/10.46364/ejwi.v6i1.819

https://doi.org/10.46364/ejwi.v6i1.819







Conference Presentations

Abbott K, Gill J and Buston J. (2021) Smoke, sparks, flames or explosions? An experimental study into how lithium-ion cell failure varies in open field. Hazards 31, Virtual Event, 16-18 Nov 2021. Available from: https://www.icheme.org/media/17627/hazards-31-paper-43-abbott.pdf

Ahmad Z, Harding A-H, Kromhout H, Basinas I, Cherrie J, Galea K, Jones K, van Tongeren M, Vermeulen R, Fuhrimann S, Mueller W, and Povey A. (2021) O-399 urinary pesticide metabolite levels among farm workers in Malaysia: Pilot results from the IMPRESS study. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 78 Suppl 1: 28th International Symposium on Epidemiology in Occupational Health (EPIOCH 2021) A4. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/OEM-2021-EPI.10

Atkinson G. (2021) Condensed phase explosions involving hydrogen. ICHS 2021: International Conference on Hydrogen Safety, Virtual Event, 21-24 Sept 2021. Available from: https://hysafe.info/ichs2021/conference-papers-and-presentations/

Bannister A, Chaplin Z, Gant S, Spriggs C and Thompson N. (2021) Approaches and methods to demonstrate repurposing of the UK’s local transmission system (LTS) pipelines for transportation of hydrogen. ICHS 2021: International Conference on Hydrogen Safety, Virtual Event, 21-24 Sept 2021. Available from: https://hysafe.info/ichs2021/conference-papers-and-presentations/

Basinas I, Rozanova Y, Freitas A, Mcelvenny D, Keen C, Chen Y, Baldwin P, and van Tongeren M. (2021) P-293 A feasibility study for developing an occupational exposure-control intelligence system (OccECIs) for Great Britain. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 78 Suppl 1: 28th International Symposium on Epidemiology in Occupational Health (EPIOCH 2021) A98. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/OEM-2021-EPI.265

Birkitt K, Nemcova A and Chapman D. (2021) Investigation into a microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC) failure of an onshore pipleline. Hazards 31, Virtual Event, 16-18 Nov 2021. Available from: https://www.icheme.org/media/17631/hazards-31-paper-62-birkitt.pdf

Buttner W, Wischmeyer T, Hall J et al. (2021) Hydrogen wide area monitoring of LH2 releases at HSE for the PRESHLY project. ICHS 2021: International Conference on Hydrogen Safety, Virtual Event, 21-24 Sept 2021. Available from: https://hysafe.info/ichs2021/conference-papers-and-presentations/

Chang J et al. including Gant S. (2021) Jack Rabbit III Modelers Working Group: Initial model inter-comparison exercise for 2021-2022. 25th Annual George Mason University Conference on Atmospheric Transport and Dispersion Modeling, 2-4 Nov 2021. Available from: http://camp.cos.gmu.edu/

Chen Y, Keen C, Sandys V, Simpson A, and Covid-19 UK National Core Studies Consortium (2021) S-306 The role of environmental assessment in workplace COVID-19 outbreak investigation to understand SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 78, Suppl 1: 28th International Symposium on Epidemiology in Occupational Health (EPIOCH 2021) A158. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/OEM-2021-EPI.432

De Matteis S, Jarvis D, Darnton A, Consonni D, Kromhout H, Hutchings S, Sadhra S, Fishwick D, Vermeulen R, Rushton L, and Cullinan P. (2021) O-39 Lifetime occupational exposures and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) risk in the UK Biobank cohort. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 78 Suppl 1: 28th International Symposium on Epidemiology in Occupational Health (EPIOCH 2021), A46-A47. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/OEM-2021-EPI.124

El-Zahlanieh S et al. including Gant S. (2021) Demystifying mist explosion hazards. Hazards 31, Virtual Event, 16-18 Nov 2021

Gant S and Bannister A. (2021) UK perspectives on hydrogen and CO2 pipelines. PHMSA Pipeline Transportation and Emerging Fuels Research and Development Forum, 30 Nov - 2 Dec 2021, https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/meetings/MtgHome.mtg?mtg=153


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https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/meetings/MtgHome.mtg?mtg=153



Gant S. (2021) Recent work and future plans of the Atmospheric Dispersion Modelling Liaison Committee (ADMLC) 25th Annual George Mason University Conference on Atmospheric Transport and Dispersion Modeling, 2-4 Nov 2021, http://camp.cos.gmu.edu/

Gant S. (2021) Guidelines for the preparation of short-range dispersion modelling assessments for compliance with regulatory requirements: An update to the ADMLC 2004 guidance. Dispersion Modellers User Group (DMUG) online conference, 24 Feb 2021. Available from: https://iaqm.co.uk/event/dmug2021/

Garrison A and Gant S. (2021) An investigation into the change in leakage when switching from natural gas to hydrogen in the UK gas distribution network. ICHS 2021: International Conference on Hydrogen Safety, Virtual Event, 21-24 Sept 2021. Available from: https://hysafe.info/ichs2021/conference-papers-and-presentations/

Giannissi S et al. including Coldrick S. (2021) CFD simulations of large scale LH2 dispersion in open environment. ICHS 2021: International Conference on Hydrogen Safety, Virtual Event, 21-24 Sept 2021. Available from: https://hysafe.info/ichs2021/conference-papers-and-presentations/

Hall J, Hooker P, Lyons K, Coldrick S, Atkinson G, Tooke A, Royle M and Willoughby, D. (2021) Characterisation, dispersion and electrostatic hazards of liquid hydrogen for the PRESLHY project. ICHS 2021: International Conference on Hydrogen Safety, Virtual Event, 21-24 Sept 2021. Available from: https://hysafe.info/ichs2021/conference-papers-and-presentations/

Hanna S, Mazzola T, Tickle G and Gant S. (2021) Plume rise and touchdown during Jack Rabbit Trial 8. 25th Annual George Mason University Conference on Atmospheric Transport and Dispersion Modeling, 2-4 Nov 2021. Available from: http://camp.cos.gmu.edu/

Howard G, Gill J and Buston J. (2021) Experimental understanding of gas volumes and forces generated due to swelling during lithium-ion pouch cell failure. Hazards 31, Virtual Event, 16-18 Nov 2021. Available from: https://www.icheme.org/media/17628/hazards-31-paper-44-howard.pdf

Inan E, Thompson P, Yates T and Ananiadou S. (2021) HSEarch: Semantic search system for workplace accident reports. In: Advances in Information Retrieval. ECIR 2021. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 12657. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-72240-1_57

Isaac T, Mahmood S, Madgett A, Hooker P, Torrado D, Pursell M, Gant S, Kelsey A. and Lander D. (2021) Evidence base utilised to justify a hydrogen blend gas network safety case. ICHS 2021: International Conference on Hydrogen Safety, Virtual Event, 21-24 Sept 2021. Available from: https://hysafe.info/ichs2021/conference-papers-and-presentations/

Jordan T, Bernard L. Cirrone D, Coldrick S, Friedrich A, Jallais S, Kuznetsov M, Proust C, Venetsanos A and Wen, J. (2021) Results of the pre-normative research project PRESLHY for the safe use of liquid hydrogen. ICHS 2021: International Conference on Hydrogen Safety, Virtual Event, 21-24 Sept 2021. Available from: https://hysafe.info/ichs2021/conference-papers-and-presentations/

Lyons K, Atkinson G, Hooker P, Hall J, Coldrick S, Tooke A, Royle M and Willoughby D. (2021) Experimental parameters of ignited congestion experiments of liquid hydrogen in the PRESLHY project. ICHS 2021: International Conference on Hydrogen Safety, Virtual Event, 21-24 Sept 2021. Available from: https://hysafe.info/ichs2021/conference-papers-and-presentations/


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https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-72240-1_57










Mueller W, Fuhrimann S, Basinas I, Harding A-H, Jones K, Kromhout H, Mohamed H, Povey A, Mubeezi R, van Den Brenk I, van Tongeren M and Galea K. (2021) O-283 Recall ability of pesticide users in Uganda and the UK: Results from the IMPRESS study. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 78, Suppl 1: 28th International Symposium on Epidemiology in Occupational Health (EPIOCH 2021), A36-A37. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/OEM-2021-EPI.97

O’Sullivan L. (2021) Ignitability of diesel fuel mists over a vertical distance. Hazards 31, Virtual Event, 16-18 Nov 2021. Available from: https://www.icheme.org/media/17630/hazards-31-paper-49-osullivan.pdf

Pursell M, Wagstaff D, McLaughlin P, Lander D and Isaac T. (2021) Mitigation of CO poisoning hazard in malfunctioning gas appliances through use of hydrogen blended gas. ICHS 2021: International Conference on Hydrogen Safety, Virtual Event, 21-24 Sept 2021. Available from: https://hysafe.info/ichs2021/conference-papers-and-presentations

Sanchez C. (2021) Towards understanding the role of residual stresses on atmospheric chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking of austenitic and duplex stainless steels. SCI Electrochemistry Conference, University of Manchester, 10-11 June 2021. Available from: https://www.acadiate.com//ee/SCI2021/Poster_Session

Torrado D, Fletcher A, Sanderson E, Tooke A, Hooker P, Isaac T, Manson-Whitton C, Lander D and Sprigg C. (2021) Experimental study of the explosion severity of vented methane/hydrogen deflagrations. ICHS 2021: International Conference on Hydrogen Safety, Virtual Event, 21-24 Sept 2021. Available from: https://hysafe.info/ichs2021/conference-papers-and-presentations/

Walters G and Barber C. (2021) A qualitative study of the barriers facing primary healthcare professionals in identifying occupational asthma. ERS International Congress 2021, Virtual Event, 6 Sept 2021 https://www.ers-education.org/lr/show-details/?idP=251854

Venetsanos A, Ustolin F, Tolias I, Giannissi S, Momferatos G, Coldrick S, Atkinson G, Lyons K and Jallais S. (2021) Discharge modeling of large scale LH2 experiments with an engineering tool. ICHS 2021: International Conference on Hydrogen Safety, Virtual Event, 21-24 Sept 2021. Available from: https://hysafe.info/ichs2021/conference-papers-and-presentations

Wu T, Brereton P and Patel J. (2021) How to make Sell and Buy Quiet a reality in Britain. InterNoise 21, Washington, USA 1-5 Aug 2021, pp 378-387. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3397/IN-2021-1448

Book Chapters

Fishwick D and Barber C. (2021) Pulmonary effects of inhaled mineral dusts. In Patty’s Industrial Hygiene, R. Harris (Ed.). https://doi.org/10.1002/0471435139.hyg076.pub2

Trade and Professional

Bailey C. (2021) Compressed air gun use in machine workshops. Industrial Plant and Equipment, 30 Sept 2021. Available from: https://www.ipesearch.co.uk/page_1207627.asp

Beers H. (2021) Work-related violence and aggression: Don’t accept it. Report it. Prevent it. Safety and Health Practitioner. Available from: https://www.shponline.co.uk/workplace-violence/work-related-violence-and-aggression/

Gant SE, Halford A, Atkinson G, Torrado D, Hooker P, Garrison A, Kelsey A, Spriggs C, Isaac T and Oxley R (2021) Preliminary analysis of gas release and dispersion behaviour relevant to the use of hydrogen in the natural gas distribution network. FABIG Lunchtime Webinar, Wednesday 23 June 2021. Available from: https://www.fabig.com/publications-and-videos/online-lectures-webinars/

HSE (2021) Machinists’ attitudes to the use of compressed air guns. Exposure Magazine, 5, 15.


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https://www.acadiate.com//ee/SCI2021/Poster_Session

https://www.acadiate.com//ee/SCI2021/Poster_Session




https://www.ers-education.org/lr/show-details/?idP=251854

https://www.ers-education.org/lr/show-details/?idP=251854




https://doi.org/10.3397/IN-2021-1448

https://doi.org/10.3397/IN-2021-1448

https://doi.org/10.1002/0471435139.hyg076.pub2



https://www.ipesearch.co.uk/page_1207627.asp

https://www.ipesearch.co.uk/page_1207627.asp




https://www.fabig.com/publications-and-videos/online-lectures-webinars/



Smith P, Curran A and Davis L. (2021) Lessons from COVID-19 for the next pandemic: We need better data on workplace transmission. The Conversation, 9 Nov 2021. Available from: https://theconversation.com/lessons-from-covid-19-for-the-next-pandemic-we-need-better-data-on-workplace-transmission-170023

National and Official Statistics Publications 2021

Management information: Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease reports made by employers to HSE and local authorities since 10 Apr 2020. HSE 2021. (Updated monthly) Available from: https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/coronavirus/management-information.htm

Pesticide Usage Survey Report: Edible protected crops in the United Kingdom, 2019. HSE 2021. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/pesticide-usage-survey-report-edible-protected-crops-in-the-united-kingdom-2019

Fatal injuries arising from accidents at work in Great Britain: Summary for April 2020 to Dec 2020. HSE 2021. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/fatal-injuries-arising-from-accidents-at-work-in-great-britain-summary-for-april-to-december-2020

Exposure to lead in Great Britain 2019 to 2020. HSE 2021. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/exposure-to-lead-in-great-britain-2019-to-2020

Fatal injuries in the workplace in Great Britain 2020 to 2021 (year end Mar): Annual Release HSE 2021. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/fatal-injuries-in-the-workplace-in-great-britain-2020-to-2021-year-end-march-annual-release

Mesothelioma mortality in Great Britain: 1968 to 2019. HSE 2021. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/mesothelioma-mortality-in-great-britain-1968-to-2019

Fatal injuries arising from accidents at work in Great Britain: Summary for Apr to Jun 2021. HSE 2021. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/fatal-injuries-arising-from-accidents-at-work-in-great-britain-summary-for-april-to-june-2021

Pesticide usage survey report: Arable crops in the United Kingdom 2020. HSE 2021. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/pesticide-usage-survey-report-arable-crops-in-the-united-kingdom-2020

Health and safety statistics: 2020 to 2021 annual release. HSE 2021. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/health-and-safety-statistics-2020-to-2021-annual-release

Fatal injuries arising from accidents at work in Great Britain: Summary for Apr to Sept 2021 HSE 2021. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/fatal-injuries-arising-from-accidents-at-work-in-great-britain-summary-for-april-to-september-2021


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https://theconversation.com/lessons-from-covid-19-for-the-next-pandemic-we-need-better-data-on-workplace-transmission-170023




https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/coronavirus/management-information.htm



https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/pesticide-usage-survey-report-edible-protected-crops-in-the-united-kingdom-2019





https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/fatal-injuries-arising-from-accidents-at-work-in-great-britain-summary-for-april-to-december-2020





https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/exposure-to-lead-in-great-britain-2019-to-2020



https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/fatal-injuries-in-the-workplace-in-great-britain-2020-to-2021-year-end-march-annual-release





https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/mesothelioma-mortality-in-great-britain-1968-to-2019




https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/fatal-injuries-arising-from-accidents-at-work-in-great-britain-summary-for-april-to-june-2021





https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/pesticide-usage-survey-report-arable-crops-in-the-united-kingdom-2020




https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/health-and-safety-statistics-2020-to-2021-annual-release




https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/fatal-injuries-arising-from-accidents-at-work-in-great-britain-summary-for-april-to-september-2021





Annual Science Review 2022Our scientists, engineers, physicians and analysts use their extensive expertise, knowledge and capability to make a positive impact on the working world. This review uses case studies to describe the contribution their work makes to protecting people and places.© Crown copyright 2022 If you wish to reuse this information, visit www.hse.gov.uk/copyright.htm for details. Printed and published by the Health and Safety Executive 04/22

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HSE Annual Science Review 2022

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