Employers may be wondering if the cloud of volcanic ash, which is currently causing so much havoc for air travel throughout the UK and much of Europe, has any health implications for their employees.
Applying the basic approach to risk assessment, we need to:
- Identify any hazard
- Identify the risk of harm to safety or health of individuals
- Identify who might be affected
- Put in place appropriate measures to manage the risk
Hazard
In the case of the hazard, we already know it is particles of volcanic ash in the atmosphere.
Risks
At one level there is a risk associated with air travel, though this is probably being adequately managed by NATS, the Air Traffic Control Organisation.
At a more prosaic level, we all need to consider the potential health implications of inhaling the dust. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) currently advises that this is not a significant risk – at least not for normally healthy individuals.
The reasons for this assessment are that the ash is currently suspended too high in the atmosphere to be inhaled and, although it could be brought to earth by rainfall, this also poses low risk because the particles are not easily inhaled under wet conditions.
Who Affected
There is a possible health risk, however, should any dust that has fallen to the ground be subsequently disturbed by windy conditions. The people at risk under these conditions include anyone with an existing respiratory condition such as asthma, chronic bronchitis or emphysema.
Controls
For such people, the advice is to ensure they carry their inhalers or other medication with them, particularly when outdoors. If they suspect they are being affected by the dust – e.g. runny nose, sore throat or strong smells of sulphur or rotten eggs – then they should return indoors.
Employers who believe any of their workers may be affected would be wise to issue this advice and ensure there are no obstructions that would prevent workers from complying.
The good news is that any adverse effects are likely to be short term unless, of course, the vagaries nature decide differently!!
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