Have your say in health & safety

Safety Dialogue – the exciting new zone at the 2013 Health & Safety regional events – will
provide visitors with a rare opportunity to network, gain practical advice, and debate
topical issues with the industry’s leading experts

New to the 2013 Health & Safety
regional events, Safety
Dialogue presents two unique
concepts for visitor interaction. The
zone, which is sponsored by 3M and
launches at Health & Safety South, will
complement the existing educational
programme by hosting a debate on the
complexities of face fit testing and the
challenges of achieving the correct fit. A
panel of thought leaders in respiratory
protection will steer discussions and
invite the audience to share their views
and experiences.

The second aspect of Safety Dialogue will
give visitors the chance to meet their local
Safety Group and attend an informative
workshop on the charity’s campaign ‘Health
Risks at Work’, which is aimed at helping
small businesses manage common health
risks. Safety Groups UK will also be looking
for campaign ‘champions’ from among its
members to lead their local group.

Fit-testing panel debate The complexities and confusion
surrounding face fit testing are exactly
why the organisers have chosen this to be
the first subject up for discussion at Safety
Dialogue’s inaugural panel debate.

If you want to know why so many face
pieces are incorrectly fitted, or you have a
concern related to RPE selection, then
come along and ask the panel of wellrespected
experts in respiratory
protection. The panellists include:
Mike Clayton – Senior Scientist, PPE
Team, Engineering & Personal Safety
Unit, HSL
Alan McArthur – Technical Services
Engineer, 3M Personal Safety
Frank Angear – General Manager, BSIF
(British Safety Industry Federation)
Entry is free but spaces are limited. To
take part, sign up at
www.healthandsafetyevents.co.uk but be
prepared to participate in the debate:
delegates should come armed with
questions and a willingness to share their
experiences with the panel. The session
will begin with an assessment of the
audience’s knowledge and experience,
asking for example ‘how many are aware
and understand the requirements for fit
testing?’ and ‘what sort of problems do
you face that affect compliance?’
The panel will move on to review the
Fit2Fit RPE Test Providers Accreditation
Scheme, which is designed to confirm the
competency of any person performing
face piece fit testing. The debate will also
discuss the application of legislation,
clarifying where and when fit testing
requirements apply; as well as the current
levels of awareness and access to
information. Delegates will not only be
given the chance to ask questions, but the
opportunity to shape policy by providing
suggestions for the imminent revision to
HSE guidance on fit testing.

As panellist Frank Angear says: “Fit
testing is a requirement for those who use
respirators at work, but is the information
and support needed to ensure it’s done
and done correctly, readily available and
easy to follow? Do you offer an accredited
fit testing service to others? You can learn
more and influence the manufacturers
and regulators at this panel debate.”

Learn about Safety Groups UK Safety Groups UK have been a popular
presence at previous Health & Safety
regional events but 2013 will see this
move up a gear as the registered charity
occupies the new Safety Dialogue zone.

Established in 1947, the organisation is
the co-ordinating body for the network of
local Occupational Health and Safety
Groups located throughout the UK. Its
mission is to ensure that the groups are
key players in the UK health and safety
system and in the delivery of UK health
and safety strategy. Membership of Safety
Groups UK is open to all health and safety
groups irrespective of their title, so stop by
the Safety Dialogue zone to find out more
about joining, or even leading your local
group as a ‘Champion’ of the ‘Health Risks
at Work’ initiative.

You can also attend a workshop about
the initiative which is being actively
promoted across England, Wales, and
Northern Ireland following its successful
development and piloting in Scotland.

Safety Groups UK is committed to raising
awareness of workplace health issues and
changing behaviour among small firms,
and ‘Health Risks at Work’ will play a key
role in helping to achieve this.

Safety Dialogue will take place at:
Health & Safety South on 12-13
March, Sandown Park, Esher;
Health & Safety Scotland on 17-18
April, SECC, Glasgow;
Health & Safety North on 9-10
October, The Bolton Arena, Bolton