HC Deb 12 March 1990 vol 169 cc130-1W
Sir Richard Body

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what arrangements exist to monitor those working in food-packaging premises for exposure to pesticides.

Mr. Nicholls

The Food and Environment Protection Act 1985, the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1988 and the general requirements of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 apply to exposure to pesticides in the food-packaging industry. Inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive are responsible for enforcing this legislation at such premises.

Sir Richard Body

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make arrangements for the routine testing of farmers and farm workers for acetinecholine levels where they regularly use pesticides in the course of their work.

Mr. Nicholls

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations apply to pesticides including those which contain anticholinesterase compounds.

Under the regulations employers of workers who are exposed to such compounds regularly during the course of their work are required to arrange routine health surveillance where appropriate.