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Written question asked by Kirsten Oswald (Scottish National Party) on Wednesday, 23 March 2016, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 11 April 2016. It was answered by Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton (Conservative) on Monday, 11 April 2016 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Armed Forces: Trichloroethylene

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the extent to which members of the armed forces work with trichloroethylene in the line of duty and the suitability of existing health and safety arrangements when this takes place.

Answer

The assessment of exposure to hazardous chemicals, including Trichloroethylene, by Armed Forces personnel is covered by legislative requirements in the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH). These require that the employer makes a suitable and sufficient assessment of exposure to employees, and that any exposure is prevented or adequately controlled. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) fully complies with these regulations, through risk assessments of exposure to hazardous substances being undertaken at local level by the Chain of Command. This includes an assessment of the suitability of arrangements to prevent or control exposure.

The MOD is also aware that after 21 April 2016, an authorisation will be needed for continued use of Trichloroethylene and has arrangements in place to ensure compliance.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
32245
Session
2015-16
Subjects
Armed forces Safety Trichloroethylene
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk