§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what instructions are to be given to workers who use or spray Lindane—Gamma HCH or Gamma BHC—as part of their employment. [15499]
§ Mr. Oppenheim[holding answer 27 March 1995]: Work with Lindane—the common name for Gamma HCH, also known as Gamma BHC—is covered by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1994. COSHH requires employers to inform, instruct and train their employees about: the nature of the substances 617W they work with, the risks created by exposure to those substances, and the precautions to be taken. When used as a pesticide, lindane is also subject to the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986. COPR requires that pesticides are approved by Ministers. Conditions of approval and instructions for use appear on the product labels.
§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what evidence has been supplied by the London Hazards Centre to the Government about health problems and hazards to the development and functions of vital organs possibly caused by the use of Lindane—Gamma HCH or Gamma BHC; and if he will make a statement. [15492]
§ Mr. Oppenheim[holding answer 27 March 1995]: The Government are not aware of any such evidence supplied by the London Hazards Centre. The Government's armoury of controls for chemicals, including Lindane, provide adequate safeguards to protect the health of users and people who might be affected by their use.