From 1 September 2009 the HSE has begun its programme to make the content of previously paid for publications freely available online, through the HSE website. Details of the announcement are on HSE’s website  http://www.hse.gov.uk/news/2009/free-guidance.htm

The publications will be made available in PDF format. HSE anticipates that at 1 September, around 100 of the most popular titles will be available in a fully accessible PDF format. The remaining 150 publications will be placed on the HSE site at the same time (ie from September) as PDFs but in a non weblite format. Through a rolling programme of work from September onwards, we plan to replace the 150 PDF publications with fully accessible versions. Our aim is to complete the conversion exercise by end of March 2010.

An IRATA technician has just been given a 3 year ban for the falsification of his documents. There are plans to upgrade the security of the IRATA documents including the introduction of hologrammed ID cards.

Every continent was represented at IRATA's Technical Event and Conference held from 7-9 September at the Fire Services College in Gloucestershire. Over 135 delegates watched work demonstrations on the College's outdoor structures and speakers from SEAsia, Europe and Dubai and the HSE were amongst those presenting at the Conference.

IRATA's renowned annual report on its work around the world has been published earlier than ever this year and shows zero death, a minimal incident rate, negligible number of work hours lost through injury and all this during a year that saw a huge growth in the number of hours worked. See the Health and Safety section for the full report.

HSE doc ' Evidence-based review of the current guidance on first aid measures for suspension trauma' May 2009.

Click here for full report  

Following completion of an evidence based review of published medical literature on the effects of a fall triggering harness suspension, HSE confirms that no change should be made to the standard first aid guidance for the post recovery of a semi conscious or unconscious person in a horizontal position, even if the subject of prior harness suspension.
The sometimes quoted suggestion of recovery in a semi-recumbent or sitting position was considered to be without any sound evidence base and may prove dangerous through prolonging the lack of blood return to the brain. http://www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid/harness.htm 

This information is likely to require a change to many company procedures and training manuals. It should also be drawn to the attention of sub- contract employees.