§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for Employment, further to his reply of 27 February, Official Report, column 184, to the hon. Member for Ynys Môn, what tests of durability and resistance to damage are carried out on road tankers subject to the Dangerous Substances (Conveyance by Road in Road Tankers and Tank Containers) Regulations 1981 when carrying hydrofluorosilicic acid solutions in bulk.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyUnder regulation 7 of the Dangerous Substances (Conveyance by Road in Road Tankers and Tank Containers) Regulations 1981 the operator of a road tanker is required to set out a written scheme for both initial and periodic examination and testing of a carrying tank. The examination and testing must be carried out by a competent person who must certify that the tank is suitable for the purpose. The tests to be carried out are for the operator and competent person to determine, but they are likely to include a pressure test, a check that the material is compatible with the product being carried and examination for signs of cracks, corrosion and damage liable to weaken the integrity of the tank.
§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for Employment, further to his answer on 27 February, Official Report, column 184, to the hon. Member for Ynys Môn, what are the principal hazards in the event of a fire, spillage or other accident involving the carriage in bulk by road tankers subject to the Dangerous Substances (Conveyance by Road in Road Tankers and Tank Containers) Regulations 1981 of hydrofluorosilicic acid solutions.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe principal hazards are corrosivity and toxicity. The substance is toxic by absorption through the skin, inhalation or ingestion. When heated in a fire, or by reaction with water, the substance decomposes to emit toxic and corrosive fumes.
§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for Employment, further to his reply of 27 February, Official Report, column 184, to the hon. Member for Ynys Môn, what tests of durability and resistance to damage by impact or tearing are carried out on bags containing sodium fluorosilicate which are labelled in accordance with the Classification Packaging and Labelling of Dangerous Substances Regulations 1984.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleySodium fluorosilicate is imported by sea in plastic lined multilayered paper bags which have to meet the requirements of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code issued by the International Maritime Organisation. The requirements relate to waterproofing and include a drop test. They are consistent with the provisions of the Classification, Packaging and Labelling of Dangerous Substances Regulations 1984 which lay down a general prohibition against the supply or conveyance by road of a substance, to which they apply, unless it is in a package which is suitable for that purpose.
§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for Employment what are the requirements of the Health and Safety Executive with respect to protective clothing being made available to employees of statutory water undertakers who are expected to handle containers of fluoride.
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§ Mr. Peter BottomleyWater authorities' employees must be provided with protective clothing when they are involved in filling or emptying containers or bags of fluorine compounds. This consists of appropriate overalls, boots and gloves, together with respiratory protection and eye protection.