HEALTH AND SAFETY BLITZ FOR BRENT'S MOTOR VEHICLE REPAIR TRADE

HSE press release: E141:03 -21 July 2003

Continuing the London-wide inspection campaign started in Camden last month, inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Brent council paid unannounced visits to 79 motor vehicle repair businesses doing mechanical repair work and bodywork on 16 and 17 July to check health and safety standards.

In addition to carrying out inspections of the workplaces the inspection team also identified 21 new premises requiring inspection

This initiative follows on from the free motor vehicle repair safety awareness event held 20 May at the College of North West London. At the event local businesses were invited to hear presentations and take part in workshops. The event covered areas including fire and explosive risks, equipment and electrical safety, manual handling, slips and trips and falls from height. Over 30 small business managers attended the event.

Mike Gibb, principal inspector with HSE's field operations directorate, London said: "We found good standards in some premises but in many others there were significant uncontrolled risks. Inspectors issued thirteen improvement notices and six prohibition notices."

The notices were issued covering a variety of concerns. Most dealt with either the risks from spraying of isocyanate-containing paints or with damaged or defective electrical equipment, in particular pressure washers and steam cleaners. Other notices dealt with lack of edge protection for mezzanine floors, no or poor toilet facilities and inadequate rest and washing facilities.

Mike continued: "We are disappointed so many businesses do not take effective action to protect their employees from the potentially harmful effects of isocyanates. These materials are potent respiratory sensitisers. Spraying should only be carried out in properly designed booths by trained and competent people.

Suitable respiratory and personal protective equipment should also be worn. At each visit we gave businesses a new leaflet outlining the main health and safety risks in motor vehicle repair.

Charles Horsefield, head of operations in HSE's London division said: "This is one of many initiatives HSE is taking to improve working standards in London. Increasingly we are taking a strategic approach by working in partnership with local authorities and business organisations to improve health and safety standards. Poor standards of health and safety cost firms a lot of money. Our recent free woodworking safety awareness day and motor vehicle repair safety awareness event were designed to help small firms understand and comply with legal requirements and help them avoid accidents and ill health."

Notes to editors

1. HSE enforces health and safety legislation in manufacturing premises, construction work, health care, education premises and a variety of other types of business;

2. Local borough councils enforce health and safety legislation mainly in offices, shops, hotels, and catering and leisure activities.

3. This initiative contributes to the planned programme of inspections in London to take place over the year. It will to cover both specific industries and general businesses.

4. A free leaflet giving basic advice "Reducing ill health and accidents in motor vehicle repair" INDG356 is available on HSE's website http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg356.htm

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