Health and Safety Executive

OCE Insulation - removal

Offshore COSHH Control approach R essentials Respiratory protective equipment

This information will help offshore What this sheet covers dutyholders (owners, operators and This sheet describes good practice for removing insulating materials. It contractors) to comply with the Control covers the key points you need to follow to help reduce exposure to an of Substances Hazardous to Health acceptable level, as part of your COSHH assessment. Regulations 2002 (COSHH), as amended, to This sheet does not cover work protect workers’ health. with refractory ceramic fibres (RCF) – seek specialist advice This guidance consolidates good control for work with RCF. practice and reinforces existing knowledge with additional information. The sheet also does not cover work with asbestos materials. It will help you carry out COSHH See useful links for specialist assessments, review existing assessments, advice. deliver training and in supervising activities involving substances hazardous to health. Hazards 3 Machine-made mineral fibre It is aimed at staff whose responsibilities (MMMF) can irritate the eyes, include the management of substances skin and respiratory system. hazardous to health on offshore 3 Check the asbestos register installations (eg occupational health to ensure that asbestos is not specialists, COSHH assessors, supervisors present etc). It is also useful for trade union and 3 The workplace exposure limits (WELs), for MMMF are 5 mg/m3 and employee safety representatives. 1 fibre/ml (8-hour time-weighted average (TWA)).

Following this guidance is not compulsory Access and you are free to take other action. But 3 Where possible, erect an enclosure or habitat. if you do follow this guidance, you will 3 Erect barriers and notices. normally be doing enough to comply with 3 Restrict access to authorised personnel. the law. Health and safety inspectors seek to secure compliance with the law and may Equipment and procedures refer to this guidance as illustrating good Planning practice. 3 Ensure that material for removal is free of asbestos. Also see essential information on the back 3 Reduce fibre releases from old insulation, eg ‘wet removal’ methods. of the sheet. Control equipment 3 Provide a Class H vacuum cleaner (HEPA filter) to remove dust. 3 Respiratory protective equipment is normally required. 3 Provide eyewash equipment close to the work site.

Insulation – removal OCE5 Respiratory protective equipment

Personal protective equipment (PPE) – see OCM3 3 Ensure that all items of PPE are compatible. Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) – see OCM4 3 Provide CE-marked RPE with an assigned protection factor of at least 20 for particles.

Other protective equipment 3 Provide a disposable coverall (type 5), gloves and eye protection. 3 Dispose of used coveralls before every break. Maintenance, examination and testing Examination and testing 3 Class H vacuum cleaners, used to clean up should have a technical examination to check for damage to filters, air tightness and to check the filtration efficiency. 3 Get a competent person to carry out the examination. 3 Make sure any repairs and actions identified in the annual examination are carried out.

RPE 3 Examine and test RPE thoroughly at least monthly and infrequently used RPE at least three monthly. Replace worn parts.

Records 3 Keep records of all examinations and tests for at least five years. Exposure monitoring 3 Monitoring is not normally necessary. Cleaning and housekeeping 3 Vacuum dry residues, or use wet cleaning methods. Caution: Do not use a brush or compressed air for cleaning. Never use compressed air to remove dust from clothing.

Waste 3 Bag and label MMMF waste. Personal decontamination and skin care 3 Provide warm water, mild skin cleansers, nailbrushes, and soft paper, fabric towels or hot air for drying. Avoid abrasive cleansers. 3 Tell workers to wash hands before every break. 3 Provide pre-work skin creams, which will make it easier to wash dirt from the skin, and after-work creams to replace skin oils.

Health surveillance 3 Conduct low level health surveillance for dermatitis involving skin checks by suitably trained responsible person.

Insulation – removal OCE5 Respiratory protective equipment

Training and supervision Employee checklist 3 Provide supervision – ensure that safe work procedures are followed. Is your respirator working 3 Tell workers, including maintenance workers, what the hazards and properly? Check it every risks are. time. 3 Explain the early signs of dermatitis. 3 Training includes toolbox talks on: Look for signs of leaks, n safe handling procedures; wear and damage before n how to use RPE and check that it is working; every job. n how to decontaminate effectively; and If you find any problem, n what to do if something goes wrong. get it fixed. Don’t just 3 Involve managers and supervisors in health and safety training. carry on working.

Essential information Discard single-use gloves OCE0 Advice for managers every time you take them OCM1 Confined spaces off. Discard other gloves OCM3 Personal protective equipment (PPE) at the end of the shift. OCM4 Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) Wash hands before OCM7 Health surveillance eating, drinking or using the lavatory.

Other hazards n Thermal – risk of overheating

n Musculoskeletal disorders –

manual handling awkward? heavy items in restricted places

Further information Respiratory protective equipment at work: A practical guide HSG53 (Third edition) HSE Books 2005 ISBN 978 0 7176 2904 6 www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/ hsg53.htm

BS EN 60335-2-69:2009: Household and similar electrical appliances. Safety. Particular requirements for wet and dry vacuum cleaners, including power brush, for commercial use

Workplace exposure limits EH40 www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/table1.pdf

You can find the full Offshore COSHH essentials series at www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/index.htm

This guidance was developed by representatives from the UK offshore oil and gas industry and trade unions, with HSE.

© Crown copyright 2011 Published by the Health and Safety Executive 03/11