Barbour Index editor, David Denton, looks at new reports and guidance
Service industries
The 2001 HSE annual report on service industries in England, Wales and Scotland has been published. Health and safety in local authority enforced sectors: National Picture 2001 shows a decline in regulatory activity and the number of reported accident rates — but with a continuing rising trend in fatalities among the public.

HSE Books tel: 01787 881165

Dust and gas exposure
The HSE report Dust and Gas Exposure in Tunnel Construction Work discusses the health effects from exposure to dust and gas in underground construction work. Conditions such as acute bronchitis among tunnel workers and asthma and airway obstruction as a result of diesel exhaust have been reported. The report details an epidemiological study on the relationship between exposure and lung disease — American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal Vol 62, 2001

Accidents at workThe European Commission has published the results of three phases of the European Statistics on Accidents at Work (ESAW) carried out since 1990 by the Commission and other relevant parties.

European Commission ISBN: 0119868954(178598)

Emmissions trading scheme
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has published guidelines on the reporting requirements of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme.

The document offers specific and general guidance to direct participants (those entering through the financial incentive) of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme on the approach to estimating and reporting emissions.

http://www.defra.gov.uk

Chlorine gas at leisure pool
The HSE is investigating the cause of an incident involving the delivery of swimming pool disinfectant chemicals to a leisure centre in Lanarkshire. A total of 48 people were taken to accident and emergency departments in Lanarkshire following exposure to chlorine gas. SCIEH Weekly Report Vol 35, No 2001/33

Lorry loader cranes
The HSE is warning that new lorry loader cranes must be fitted with an interlocking system (or equivalent engineering solution) to prevent the crane operating without stabilisers being deployed. This is to comply with the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 1992.

The risk is from overturning while lifting heavy loads, particularly at the limits of the crane's reach. Tel: 08701 545 500 HSE Press Release E155:01