HC Deb 26 July 1993 vol 229 c680W
Mr. Dafis

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make representations to the European Community advocating the adoption of measures to protect workers from exposure to methyl bromide.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

A proposal for an EC directive on the protection of workers from chemical agents, such as methyl bromide, has recently been published. A comprehensive set of legislation already exists in the United Kingdom to protect workers from hazardous substances, including methyl bromide. The United Kingdom will press for the principles of this legislation to be incorporated in any corresponding Community measure.

Mr. Dafis

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what guidance is issued by his Department regarding protection of workers handling methyl bromide.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

In 1991, the Health and Safety Executive published guidance note CS 12: "Fumigation using methyl bromide (bromomethane)".

Additional guidance is available in the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1988—COSHH—and the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986. This includes an approved code of practice which gives practical guidance on the requirements of COSHH in relation to fumigation operations.