ChemRegs Newsletter – November 2020
HSE part of new Covid-19 research programme
The HSE has been asked to lead one of seven studies as part of a national COVID-19 research programme funded by the UK government and fronted by the Government’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance.
The seven studies will examine fundamental questions such as: the levels of infection in the general population and in specific settings such as schools and nursing homes, the role of different environments in enhancing spread, and whether antibodies confer protection and for how long.
The programme will be a multi-agency response with each study lead drawing upon the best scientific knowledge and expertise available in the UK from within government and academia to help ensure these and other critical questions are answered quickly and well.
As the regulator for workplace health and safety, the HSE has been asked to lead a study addressing the transmission of COVID-19 in the environment, including in workplaces, transport and other public settings.
The study is structured around five themes, each led by a leading scientist in the field: Professor Cath Noakes (Leeds University), Allan Bennett (Public Health England), Prof Wendy Barclay (Imperial College), Prof Martie van Tongeren (University of Manchester) and Dr Yiqun Chen (HSE).
Reacting to the news, HSE’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Andrew Curran said:
“HSE is privileged to lead this programme and use our experience in workplace risk management to improve our understanding of how the virus is transmitted. We employ some of the leading scientists in workplace health and safety who are skilled in addressing complex issues such as this. We will also harness the knowledge and expertise of our counterparts in other organisations to coordinate the most effective response to answer these important questions.
“As findings emerge, they will be shared. We hope they will feed directly into effective approaches and guidance that will help improve practices in workplaces. This work will yield information on an ongoing basis, improving our understanding of what a COVID-Secure workplace looks like. When infection rates will allow sustained re-opening of the economy, working safely will be even more crucial than it is now.”
Other News
CE and UKCA Marks
A conformity mark is required for placing certain goods on the UK market. Currently this is done using the CE mark or other appropriate mark (such as the wheel marking or Pi mark).
The UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) mark is the new UK product mark for workplace products and other goods. From 1st January 2021 UKCA marking will begin to replace CE marking for goods being placed on the UK market.
CE marked workplace products will be accepted in the UK until 1st January 2022. This includes workplace goods which have been assessed by an EU-recognised notified body.
Businesses should be ready to use the UKCA mark instead of CE marking as soon as possible. From 1 January 2022 they must use the UKCA mark on workplace goods products.
Up until 31 December 2022 the UKCA mark can be placed directly on the product or on an accompanying document. From 1 January 2023 the UKCA mark must be placed directly on the product.
The UKCA mark will not be recognised for products being placed on the EU market.
HSE Podcasts for end of Transition
- The HSE is hosting a series of podcasts over the coming months to provide more information on the changes to how chemicals will be regulated from 1 January 2021. To subscribe to see the podcasts and prepare for the end of the transition period, click here.
For more information on anything in this Newsletter, please contact us at info@chemregs.co.uk