§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will set out the required safety standards set by the Health and Safety Executive for fencing around sewage sludge tanks.
§ Mr. NichollsSections 2 and 3 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 require an employer to ensure so far as is reasonably practicable the health, safety and welfare of his employees and the health and safety of persons not in his employment who may be affected by his work activity. These duties extend to the risks at sewage and sludge tanks.
The Health and Safety Executive has not published standards for the fencing of sewage and sludge tanks in the water industry but would expect employers, in complying with their duties under the Act, to provide adequate fencing around the tanks.