§ Mr. Oakesasked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what safety regulations are in force with regard to cadmium; when these regulations were last revised; and what representations he has received from his inspectors, trades unions, the medical profession and industry regarding these regulations;
(2) what safety regulations are in force with regard to mercury; when these regu- 336W lations were last reviewed; and what representations he has received from his inspectors, trades unions, the medical profession and industry regarding these regulations;
(3) what safety regulations are in force with regard to arsenic; when these regulations were last reviewed; and what representations he has received from his inspectors, trades unions, the medical profession and industry regarding these regulations;
(4) what safety regulations are in force with regard to selenium; when these regulations were last reviewed; and what representations he has received from his inspectors, trades unions, the medical profession and industry regarding these regulations;
(5) what safety regulations are in force with regard to phosphorus; when these regulations were last reviewed; and what representations he has received from his inspectors, trades unions, the medical profession and industry regarding these regulations.
§ Mr. Dudley SmithThere are no specific regulations which refer to phosphorus, mercury, arsenic, cadmium or selenium, apart from the Chemical Works Regulations, 1922, which include reference to certain compounds of phosphorus and arsenic. However, there are provisions in the Factories Act, 1961, which requires employed persons to be protected from dust or fumes likely to be injurious or offensive, prohibit the use of white phosphorus in the manufacture of matches and the partaking of food or drink in places where poisonous substances are used. In addition, the names of persons believed to be suffering from poisoning due to phosphorus, mercury, arsenic or cadmium contracted in any factory have to be notified to the Chief Inspector of Factories.
Technical Data Notes on the health and safety precautions applicable to cadmium, arsenic, mercury and phosphine have been published by H.M. Factory Inspectorate and are available free to those concerned. The hazard of selenium poisoning is minimal because it is a substance not extensively used by industry.
§ Mr. Gordon Oakesasked the Secretary of State for Employment what safety regulations are in force with regard to 337W lead; when these regulations were last reviewed; and what representations he has received from his inspectors, trades unions, the medical profession and industry regarding these regulations.
§ Mr. Dudley SmithIn addition to the general provisions in the Factories Act, 1961, including the requirement to notify cases of poisoning, there are Sections which control and, in some circumstances, prohibit the employment of women and young persons in processes involving lead.
The following regulations are in force regarding lead:
- The Electric Accumulator Regulations 1925.
- Yarn (Dyed by Lead Compounds) Heading Regulations 1907.
- Lead Compounds Manufacture Regulations 1921.
- Lead Paint (Protection against Poisoning Definition of) Order 1926.
- Lead Paint (Employment of Young Persons) Order 1927.
- Lead Processes (Medical Examinations) Regulations 1964.
- Lead Smelting and Manufacture Regulations 1911.
- Painting of Buildings with Lead Paint Regulations 1927.
- Paints and Colours Manufacture Regulations 1907.
- Tinning of Metal Hollow-ware, Iron Drums and Harness Furniture Regulations 1909.
- Vehicle Painting Regulations 1926.
- Enamelling, vitreous, of Metal or Glass Regulations 1908.
The above regulations were reviewed by my Department in 1969 following publication of the proposals for new safety, health and welfare legislation. Plans for the amalgamation of these regulations, which took into account representations from interested organisations, will be considered further in the light of the outcome of the inquiry of the Robens Committee into safety and health at work. Meanwhile I have asked my officials to review the codes of regulations under the Factories Act which deal with lead hazards and to advise me how they could better cover the changing and varied problems in this diversified industry.
§ Mr. Oakesasked the Secretary of State for Employment what safety regulations are in force with regard to thorium; when these regulations were last reviewed; and what representations he has received from his inspectors, trades unions, the medical profession and industry regarding these regulations.
§ Mr. Dudley SmithThorium is a radioactive substance and in addition to the protection afforded by the general provisions of the Factories Act, 1961, the safety, health and welfare of employed persons is covered by the Ionising Radia-338W tions (Unsealed Radioactive Substances) Regulations, 1968. These regulations came into operation in 1968 and no representations concerning them have been received.
§ Mr. Oakesasked the Secretary of State for Employment what safety regulations are in force with regard to chromium; when these regulations were last reviewed; and what representations he has received from his inspectors, trades unions, the medical profession and industry regarding these regulations.
§ Mr. Dudley SmithApart from the provisions of the Factories Act, 1961, including the requirement to notify cases of poisoning, the following regulations are in force regarding chromium:
- Chromium Plating Regulations 1931.
- Chemical Works Regulations 1922.
- The Dyeing (Use of Bichromate of Potassium or Sodium) Welfare Order 1918.
- Tanning (Two Bath Process) Welfare Order 1916.
The above regulations were reviewed by my Department in 1969 following publication of the proposals for new safety, health and welfare legislation. Plans for revocation, amalgamation and revision of these regulations, which took into account representations from interested organisations, will be considered further in the light of the outcome of the Robens Committee of Inquiry into Safety and Health at Work. The provisions in the Chromium Plating Regulations, 1931, to require periodic medical examinations are however being discussed with interested organisations in the context of the Employment Medical Advisory Service Bill now before Parliament.