Working Group on Action to Control Chemicals (WATCH)
WATCH no longer meet
WATCH is a Government Scientific Advisory Committee and is the scientific and technical subcommittee of HSC's Advisory Committee on Toxic Substances (ACTS).
This information is a record of previous WATCH meetings available from The National Archive. You will be directed to The National Archive if you follow any of the links listed in this table.
Agendas, papers and minutes
18 October 2012
20 June 2012
21 February 2012
25 October 2011
- Agenda 25/10/2011
- Solvent Red (dye used in non-destructive testing of metal components – Stuart Wilkinson from Keystone will update the Committee on the supply chain and use situation for products containing Solvent Red.
- Burden of occupational cancer in the UKLong Latency Health Risks in Foundries Project - background and current standing of the project
- Dustiness of flour dust – Gareth Evans of HSL will give a presentation on the factors affecting the dustiness of flour dust
- Asbestos: Further work on measurement/monitoring
- Low toxicity dust:
Electronic consultation of papers relating to Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive – members' views on the processPublic Consultation on proposed changes to the Asbestos Regulations
- WATCH-2011-10
Asbestos: finalisation and confirmation of the position statement of WATCH following the Oct 2010 meeting and subsequent e-mail consultation
Metalworking fluids (MWFs) and respiratory disease: presentation from David Neadle, chairman of the UK Lubricants Association (UKLA) MWF Product Stewardship Group, on the chemical formulation of MWFs – plus update on the overall programme of work on this issue.
Burden of occupational cancer in UK and the HSE/UK cancer/carcinogens intervention programme
- Asbestos : Chairman's cover letter.
- Annex 1 : WATCH position from October 2008 (with post-meeting clearance by correspondence)
- Annex 2: Assessment of the 7 points agreed by WATCH as meriting attention (cover paper, paragraph 9, bullet points) by Andy Darnton, HSE
- Annex 3: Contribution from a WATCH member following the February 2010 WATCH meeting
- Annex 4: Update of published asbestos concentrations in buildings under normal use and occupation. (By G.Burdett, HSL)
- Annex 5: COC Guidance on risk assessment for carcinogenicity
- Finkelstein etal 2010 - Malignant Mesothelioma Among Employees of a Connecticut Factory that Manufactured Friction Materials Using Chrysotile Asbestos.
- D Mirabelli et al 2008 - Excess of mesotheliomas after exposure to chrysotile in Balangero, Italy
- Pira et al 2009 - Mortality from cancer and other causes in the Balangero cohort of chrysotile asbestos miners
- Loomis et al 2009 - Lung Cancer Mortality and Fiber Exposures among North Carolina Asbestos Textile Workers
- Dement et al 2009 - Estimates of historical exposures by phase contrast and transmission electron microscopy in North Carolina USA asbestos textile plants.
- Asbestos : Additional note from Andy Darnton on Chrysotile exposure.
- Asbestos : Progress on the action plan from November 2009 WATCH meeting. WATCH/2010/1
- Annex 1: The risks of lung cancer and mesothelioma from relatively low-level exposures to different forms of asbestos.
- Annex 2: A response from HSE's Asbestos policy Unit to the report from WATCH Secretariat dated 26 November 2009.
- Annex 3: Update of published asbestos concentrations in buildings under normal use and occupation.
- Welding: Reducing the risk of ill health from Welding Fume WATCH/2010/2
- Secretary's Report WATCH/SecReport/2010/1
- Asbestos : Refinement of a control banding approach to control of asbestos exposure situations WATCH/2009/5
- Annex 1: Model for exposure, control and risk banding assessment for work with asbestos.
- Annex 2: Conclusion, following drafting by committee members
- Further update on activities relating to past WATCH papers: Metal Working Fluids
- Secretary's Report WATCH/SecReport/2009/3
- Asbestos: Progress towards developing a control banding approach to control of asbestos exposure situations - WATCH/2009/3
- Further update on activities relating to past WATCH papers: Azo dye penetrants
- The potential for WATCH contribution to consultation processes - a first example - WATCH/2009/4
- Annex 1: IGHRC Concept note for a workshop on: Descriptive vs. Quantitative Risk Assessment of Genotoxic Carcinogens
- Secretary's Report - WATCH/SecReport/2009/2
- Asbestos – Initial thoughts on a control banding approach to risk control WATCH/2009/1
- Update on activities relating to past WATCH papers
- Azo dye penetrants
- Metal Working Fluids
- Welding Fume and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – Updated paper WATCH/2009/2
- Annex 1 - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema. Report by the Industrial Injuries Council in accordance with Section 171 of the Social Sceurity Administration Act 1992 reviewing the proescription of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Cm7253. ISBN 978-0-10-172532-3. November 2007.
- Annex 2 : Table giving the prevalence ratios for COPD for the top ten standard occupational classification 1990 minor (2 digit) groups based on the HSE analysis of health survey for England data. *Confidential*
- General committee issues :
- Potential for WATCH contribution to consultation processes (for example, papers produced by EU Directorate Generals)
- ACTS Plan of Work for 2009/10
- Secretary's Report WATCH/SecReport/2009/1
- Asbestos: The risks of mesothelioma and lung cancer in relation to relatively low-level exposures to different forms of asbestos. What statements can reliably be made about risk at different exposure levels. WATCH/2008/7
- Annex 1: The risks of mesothelioma and lung cancer in relation to relatively low-level exposures to different forms of asbestos. What statements can reliably be made about risk at different exposure levels.
- Annex 2: What statements can reliably be made about risk at different exposure levels? - Comments received on the pre meeting paper
- WATCH 2008 - Presentation 1
- Presentation 2
- Welding Fume and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) WATCH/2008/8
- Annex 1 : Table giving the prevalence ratios for COPD for the top ten standard occupational classification 1990 minor (2 digit) groups based on the HSE analysis of health survey for England data.
- ECHA website - Voluntary risk assessment reports
- Lead : Current Regulatory Position WATCH/2008/9
- Annex 1 : "General aspects" from the ESR RAR
- Annex 2 : SCOEL/SUM/83 final (2002)
- Annex 3 : Menke et al., 2006
- Annex 4 : Extract from the ESR RAR relating to national legislation in the EU for lead.
- Annex 5 : Summary of the occupational exposure data from the ESR RAR
- A Safe Guide to Handling and Disposal of Manufactured Nanomaterials WATCH/2008/10
- Annex 1 : BSI Published Document PD 6699-2:2007 Nanotechnologies – Part 2: Guide to safe handling and disposal of manufactured nanomaterials. ICS 13.100; 71.100.99
- Annex 2 : Short summary on the fibre measurement issues raised by BSI Published Document PD 6699-2:2007 Guide to safe handling and disposal of manufactured nanomaterials.
- Azo dye penetrants - update
- Secretary's Report WATCH/SecReport/2008/3
- Isocyanic Acid : potential for respiratory sensitisation and irritation WATCH/2008/4
- WATCH/2008/4 Annex 1 Isocyanates included in Annex I of Directive 67/548/EEC (list of harmonised classifications and labelling for substances or groups of substances, which are legally binding within the EU).
- WATCH/2008/4 Annex 2 Assessment of the potential for isocyanic acid and other monoisocyanates to cause respiratory irritation and sensitisation. Uses, occurrence and occupational exposure to monoisocyantes
- WATCH/2008/4 Annex 1 Isocyanates included in Annex I of Directive 67/548/EEC (list of harmonised classifications and labelling for substances or groups of substances, which are legally binding within the EU).
- Asbestos :The risks of lung cancer and mesothelioma from relatively low-level exposures of different forms of asbestos – Progressing Approaches 1 &2 WATCH /2008/5
- Poultry Dust : A control Approach WATCH /2008/6
- Annex 1 – HSE Research Report RR370 - The Baseline Incidence of Occupational Health in Agriculture in Great Britain
- Annex 2 – Disease Reduction – Respiratory Disease in Agriculture – Project Initiation Document and Project Plan
- Annex 3 - Definition of Poultry Dust
- Annex 4 – HSL Sampling Report OH2008/09 'Exposure to dust and bioaersols in poultry farming; summary observations and data'
- Annex 5 – Statement of Evidence – Poultry Dust – Evidence of Health Hazards/Risks
- Annex 6 – Benchmark Standard for Controlling Exposure to 'Poultry Dust'
- Matters arising / Secretary's report WATCH/SecReport/2008/2
- Terms of reference WATCH/2008/7
- The use of CI Solvent Red 164 as a penetrant dye in the detection of cracks in metal components WATCH/2008/1
- Proposal for a BMGV for Chlorobenzene WATCH/2008/2
- Risks of lung cancer and mesothelioma from relatively low-level exposures to different forms of asbestos - Proposal for progressing this issue
- Secretary's Report WATCH/SecReport/2008/1
- The risks of lung cancer and mesothelioma from relatively low-level exposures to different forms of asbestos WATCH/2007/8
- Annex 1 – Hodgson JT and Darnton A (2000). The Quantitative Risks of Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer in Relation to Asbestos Exposure. Ann. occup. Hyg., Vol. 44, No.8, pp. 565-601.
- Annex 3 - a commentary by Andrew Darnton (HSE) comparing the Hodgson & Darnton and Berman & Crump analyses
- Annex 4 - a collection of the original epidemiological studies that form the basis for the Hodgson and Darnton and Berman and Crump analyses
- Annex 5 - a commentary by Garry Burdett (HSE HSL) on the quality of the exposure data in these epidemiological studies
- Annex 6 - a summary by HSE of the insights from the available experimental animal toxicological data, including:
EH65/30, Review of Fibre Toxicology (1996), ISBN 0 7176 1205 8 - Annex 7 - a recent national case control study of mesothelioma by Peto J. et al - Draft – Confidential until published
- Comparison between the dose-response relationship for the respiratory effects of respirable coalmine dust with similar relevant data available for other poorly soluble dusts of limited cytotoxicity WATCH/2007/9
- Annex 1: Schilling et al (1988). A survey into the respiratory effects of prolonged exposure to pulverised fuel ash. Br J Ind Med 45: 810-817.
- REACH – update on activities of UKREACH CA
- Metal Working Fluids – update on progress within HSE since June meeting
- New and Emerging Issues - Horizon scanning within HSE and a review of 2 years experience within WATCH
- Globally Harmonised System for Classification and Labelling (GHS) – update on progress towards implementation and impact on current system
- Secretary's Report WATCH/SecReport//2007/3
- The risk of ill-health from low-level exposures to asbestos – further discussion about scope of project and plan for progression WATCH/2007/4
- Metal working fluids, a potential 'new and emerging issue' WATCH/2007/5
- Annex 1 – Outbreak of respiratory disease at Powertrain: emerging lessons. Health and Safety Executive: public report. April 2006
- Annex 2 - Outbreak of lung disease at Powertrain: Investigation and emerging lessons: Health and Safety Executive: Press summary. April 2006
- Annex 3 - Powertrain Occupational Respiratory Disease Outbreak: Report of Immunological Investigation: S Naylor, et al: HSL Report MU/06/01 March 2007
- Annex 4 - Robertson, W et al: Clinical investigation of an outbreak of alveolitis and asthma in a car engine manufacturing plant. Thorax Published Online First, 15 May 2007
- Annex 5 - The role of fluid constituents and contaminants in causing respiratory disease at Powertrain Limited: How respiratory health may be affected by exposure. Summary document prepared for HSE investigation team.
- Annex 6 - Working safely with metalworking fluids: a guide for employees: INDG365 (rev1) 03/06: Published by the Health and Safety Executive
- Annex 7 - Criteria for a recommended standard occupational exposure to metalworking fluids: US Department of Health & Human Services, Public Health Services, Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. NIOSH (January, 1998)
- Annex 8 - Dilger S, Fluri A, Sonntag HG (2005). Bacterial contaminaion of preserved and non-preserved metal working fluids. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, 208: 467-476
- Chemical mixtures – review by IGHRC WATCH/2007/6
- Annex 1 - Chemical Mixtures: A Framework for Assessing Risks, IGHRC draft document, version 6.0, April 2007
- Annex 2 - Cover note to accompany IGHRC draft document
- Recycling, a potential 'new and emerging issue' WATCH 2007/7
- Annex 1 – Report to Horizon Scanning Intelligence Group – recycling – draft advance copy for WATCH members
- Annex 2 – Comments from a WATCH/COPI member on HSE's Horizon Scanning Unit's report
- Annex 3 – HSE Horizon Scanning Intelligence Group short report, SR005, September 2006
- Annex 4 – Presentation by Paul Harvey, HM Principal Inspector, HSE, Policy Group (waste and recycling), made to WATCH on 22 February 2007
- Annex 5 – Extract from draft minutes of WATCH meeting on 22 February 2007
- Annex 6 – HSE's waste and recycling webpage
- Secretary's Report WATCH/SecReport//2007/2
- How to progress the identified "emerging issue" of reviewing appropriate levels of control and associated terminology for "nuisance dusts" WATCH/2007/1
- Annex 1 - Coal mine dust as a benchmark for standards for other poorly soluble dusts, Partial Position Report, Prepared by Institute of Occupational Medicine for the Health and Safety Executive, Research Report 470, 2006
- Annex 2 - Soutar CA, Hurley JF, Miller BG, Cowie HA, Buchanan D (2004). Dust concentrations and respiratory risks in coal miners : key risk estimates from the British Pneumoconiosis Field Research. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 61: 477-481
- Annex 3 - Cowie HA, Miller BG, Rawbone RG, Soutar CA (2006). Dust related risks of clinically relevant lung functional deficits. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 63: 320-325
- Annex 4 - Assessment of the commissioned IOM Position Paper on coal mine dust as a benchmark for standards for other poorly soluble dusts
- Annex 5 - Prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in non–smokers
- Annex 6 - Current occupational exposure limits for a number of individual dusts
- Extra material: excerpts from COSHH regulations and EH40/2005 workplace exposure limits relating to low toxicity dusts
- The risk of ill-health from low-level exposures to asbestos – exploring what can (and can't) be reliably discerned about the dose-response relationships involved in "low level exposure" – initial discussion about scope of project and best means of its progression WATCH/2007/2
- Annex 1 - Hodgson JT and Darnton A (2000). The quantitative risks of mesothelioma and lung cancer in relation to asbestos exposure. Annals of Occupational Hygiene, 44: 565-601
- Towards a modern exposure intelligence strategy WATCH/2007/3
- Secretary's report WATCH/SecReport/2007/1
- REACH Competent Authority. WATCH/2006/12
- Secretary's Report for 8 th meeting.WATCH/SecReport/2006/3
- COSHH 2002 (as amended)- Communicating the changes. WATCH/2006/6
- Cancer Disease Reduction Programme- nature and extent of use of, and occupational exposure to, chemical carcinogens in the UK. WATCH/2006/7
- Derivation of DNELs and risk characterisation of non-threshold effects under REACH. WATCH/2006/8
- Annex 1 - EU Preliminary Technical Guidance Document
- Annex 2 - Specific guidance on mutagens
- Annex 3 - Specific guidance on carcinogens
- Annex 4 - HSE paper on genotoxic carcinogens submitted to EU EDG, September 2006
- Annex 5- Gold et al (2003) Comparison of cancer risk estimates on a variety of risk assessment methodologies. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology 37: 45-53 (not available electronically)
- Annex 6- Kroes et al. (2004) Structure-based thresholds of toxicological concern (TTC): guidance for application to substances present at low levels in the diet. Food and Chemical Toxicology 42: 65-83 (not available electronically)
- New and Emerging Issues 2006. WATCH/2006/9
- Nanotechnology- Occupational Health Aspects WATCH /2006/10
- Improvements in Exposure Data Assessment WATCH 2006/11
- Asbestos in textured decorative coatings WATCH/2006/1
- Annex 1 –Airborne fibre releases during the removal of textured coatings from domestic premises
- Annex 2 – Airborne fibre concentration during the removal of asbestos containing textured decorative paints and plasters
- Annex 3 – Hogdson and Darnton (2000) The quantitative risks of mesothelioma and lung cancer in relation to asbestos exposure. Ann. Occup. Hyg. 44(8): 565-601
- Annex 4a – Annex D(A) from the HSC consultation document Proposals for Revised Asbestos Regulations and ACOP
- Annex 4b – Annex E(i) from the HSC consultation document Proposals for Revised Asbestos Regulations and ACOP
- Annex 5 - HSC consultation document Proposals for Revised Asbestos Regulations and ACOP
- Annex 6 – Robin Howie Associates: Assessment of HSC's proposal for treatment of textured decorative coatings containing asbestos
- Asbestos exposure from use of drawing pins in schools WATCH/2006/2
- Epidemiological evidence of respiratory ill health in construction workers WATCH/2006/3
- Introduction to the Cancer Disease Reduction Programme
- Isocyanates Biological Monitoring WATCH/2005/13
- Colour Discrimination WATCH/2005/14
- Annex 1 – not available electronically
- Annex 2 – Extract from minutes of May 2005 WATCH meeting
- Annex 3 – May 2005 WATCH paper
- Annex 4 – Summary of the ESR hazard assessment for styrene
- Priorities in addressing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) WATCH/2005/15
- Annex 1 – Prioritisation matrix
- Annex 2 – Occupational Respiratory diseases – Review of HSE's strategy
- Annex 3 – COPD evidence base, intervention and evaluation plans
- Annex 4 – not available electronically
- Dermal Absorption WATCH/2005/16
- Annex 1 - not available electronically
- Annex 2 - not available electronically
- Annex 3 – Interpretation of dermal absorption in the EC TGD on risk assessment
- Cidex-OPA WATCH/2005/17
- Annex 1 – September 2002 WATCH paper
- Annex 2 – not available electronically
- Annex 3 – Cidex-OPA – Episodes of anaphylaxis
- Annex 4 – not available electronically
- Annex 5 – not available electronically
- IGHRC WATCH/2005/18
- Annex 1 – not available electronically
- Annex 2 – Cover note to accompany draft guidance
- Disease Reduction Programme –
Skin disease WATCH/2005/10
- Annex 1 – Occupational skin disease in hairdressers and barbers
- Annex 2 – Generic Outcome Relationship Map
- Annex 3 –not available electronically
- Styrene WATCH/2005/11
- Annex 1 – Summary of toxicological profile of styrene
Annex 2 –not available electronically
- Annex 1 – Summary of toxicological profile of styrene
- Evaluation of biological monitoring WATCH/2005/12
- The meaning of Indicative WATCH/2005/9
- Appendix 1 - not available electronically
- Annual report 2004-2005
- Role of WATCH WATCH/2005/1
- Nanotechnology WATCH/2005/2
- Annex 1 – Human health effects of particles intentionally produced for use in nanotechnology applications
- Appendix1 – Figure 1
- Annex 2 – Nanoparticles: an occupational hygiene review
- Annex 3 – Horizon scanning information note
Annex 4 –not available electronically - Annex 5a - Nanoscience and nanotechnologies: opportunities and uncertainties. Report conclusions
- Annex 5b - Nanoscience and nanotechnologies: opportunities and uncertainties. Report recommendations.
- Portland cement WATCH/2005/3
- Annex 1 – Portland
cement hazard assessment
Annex 2 –not available electronically
- Annex 1 – Portland
cement hazard assessment
- Isocyanates biological monitoring strategy WATCH/2005/4
- Disease Reduction Programme: Skin disease – Powerpoint presentation WATCH/2005/5
- The carcinogenicity of formaldehyde
WATCH/2005/6
- Annex 1 - not available electronically
- Annex 2 – Toxicological profile of formaldehyde
- Annex 3 – Summary
of the key epidemiological data used by IARC
Annex 4 & Annex 5 - not available electronically
- Identification of new and emerging issues WATCH/2004/12
- EU Limit Setting Process - powerpoint presentation - WATCH/2004/6
- COSHH Essentials - powerpoint presentation - WATCH/2004/7
- Members Terms and Conditions - WATCH/2004/8
- Circulation of papers - WATCH/2004/9
- Chromium VI Biological Monitoring Guidance Value - WATCH/2004/10
- Occupational Health Significance of Dust Induced Declines in FEV1 - WATCH/2004/11
- Diacetyl in popcorn flavourings - WATCH/2004/13
- Diacetyl - WATCH/2004/14
- Role of Scientific Committees - powerpoint presentation - WATCH/2004/1
- HSC’s Chemicals strategy - powerpoint presentation - WATCH/2004/2
- Strategy for skin disease and cancer - powerpoint presentation - WATCH/2004/3
- Strategy for occupational respiratory disease - powerpoint presentation - WATCH/2004/3
- Members terms of reference - WATCH/2004/5