§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will extend regulations covering the storage of polyurethane furniture at the manufacturing stage to the wholesale and retail sectors; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MayhewThere are no regulations covering the storage of polyurethane furniture at the manufacturing stage. The storage of polyurethane furniture in places of work is subject to 205W sections 2 and 3 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, which oblige employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety of their employees in connection with the handling and storage of articles and to conduct their activities so as to ensure that other persons are not exposed to risk.
Guidance on the storage of products incorporating polyurethane foam is contained in a booklet "Safe use and Storage of Flexible Polyurethane Foam in Industry" published by the Health and Safety Executive. This guidance was prepared with the assistance of a working party comprising members of Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate, together with representatives of both sides of industry and other bodies with an immediate interest in the subject. The Health and Safety Commission is currently considering how best to expand the advice given in the booklet to cover storage of polyurethane furniture.