Health and Safety
Executive
Nickel and its inorganic
compounds: Health hazards and
precautionary measures
Guidance Note EH60
This is a free-to-download, web-friendly version of EH60
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This guidance draws attention to the possible health hazards which could result
from exposure to nickel and its inorganic compounds.
It gives advice on the precautions you may need to take to prevent or adequately
control exposure as required by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
Regulations 1994 (COSHH).
The guidance is aimed more specifically at employers and managers although
employees and health and safety professionals will also find it useful.
HSE Books
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©Crown copyright 1997
ISBN 978 0 7176 1341 0
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This guidance is issued by the Health and Safety Executive. Following the guidance
is not compulsory and you are free to take other action. But if you do follow the
guidance you will normally be doing enough to comply with the law. Health and
safety inspectors seek to secure compliance with the law and may refer to this
guidance as illustrating good practice.
Nickel and its inorganic compounds: Health hazards and precautionary measures
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Contents
Introduction 4
Occurrence, properties and use 4
Effects on health 6
Assessment 6
Prevention and control of exposure 7
Control of exposure 8
Maintenance, examination and testing of control measures 10
Monitoring exposure 10
Health surveillance 11
Notification of reportable disease 12
Information, instruction and training 12
Safety representatives 13
Emergency procedures 13
Appendix: Sources of further information 14
Further information 16
This guidance is issued by the Health and Safety Executive. Following the
guidance is not compulsory and you are free to take other action. But if you
do follow the guidance you will normally be doing enough to comply with
the law. Health and safety inspectors seek to secure compliance with the
law and may refer to this guidance as illustrating good practice.
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Introduction
1 This Guidance Note draws attention to the possible health hazards which
could result from exposure to nickel and its inorganic compounds. It gives advice
on the precautions that may be needed to prevent or adequately control exposure
as required by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1994
(COSHH) 1.
2 The Guidance Note is particularly aimed at employers and managers. Other
groups, such as employees and health and safety professionals, will also find it
useful. Read this guidance in conjunction with the Approved Codes of Practice
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (the general COSHH ACOP) 2 and
Control of Carcinogenic Substances (the Carcinogens ACOP) 2, together with the
other literature referred to later and in the Appendix.
Occurrence, properties and use
3 Nickel (Ni) is found in mineral ores in combination with arsenic, cobalt,
iron, oxygen, silicon and sulphur and often in association with copper. Valuable
by-products include platinum metals, gold, silver, selenium and tellurium. The
important ores are the sulphides, silicates and oxides. The sulphide ores are
smelted to produce a high grade matte from which nickel oxide is obtained by
roasting. The only UK refinery produces nickel from the oxide by the carbonyl
process.
4 Nickel is a silvery-grey transition metal which is hard, malleable and ductile
and of high lustre. It reacts very slowly with water but will dissolve in dilute mineral
acids.
5 Inorganic nickel compounds can be divided into three types: nickel carbonyl,
soluble nickel compounds and insoluble nickel compounds. Nickel carbonyl
Ni(CO)4, is a liquid with a boiling point of 43°C and decomposes at temperatures
above about 60°C at normal atmospheric pressure. Its only important use and
occurrence is as an intermediary in the refining of nickel. The main soluble
compounds of nickel are the chloride, sulphate and sulphamate which are used
for electroplating and electroforming of nickel. Of the important insoluble nickel
compounds, nickel sulphides and the monoxide are intermediaries in nickel refining.
Nickel oxide is sometimes used as a nickel source for alloy steel production and
in enamelling. Nickel oxides are formed during the welding and casting of nickelcontaining alloys.
6 Nickel and some of its compounds are classified under the Chemicals (Hazard
Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 1994 (CHIP 2). The specified
classifications and associated risk phrases for various forms of nickel, are set out in
Table 1.
7 However, bear in mind that other forms of nickel not listed in Table 1 or in
the Approved Supply List 19 (one of the documents supporting CHIP), are also
hazardous. For example, nickel chloride has similar health effects to nickel sulphate.
When there is an entry in the Approved Supply List, the classification must be
used. When there is no entry, suppliers have to classify the substance themselves
in accordance with the criteria set out in the CHIP Regulations.
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Table 1
Substance
Classification
Risk phrases
Nickel
Carcinogenic
category 3
R40
R43
Possible risk of irreversible effects
May cause sensitisation by skin contact
Nickel tetracarbonyl Carcinogenic
category 3
R11
R26
R40
Highly flammable
Very toxic by inhalation
Possible risk of irreversible effects
Toxic to
reproduction
category 2
R61
May cause harm to the unborn child
Nickel monoxide
Nickel dioxide
Dinickel trioxide
Nickel sulphide
Nickel subsulphide
Carcinogenic
category 1
R49
R43
May cause cancer by inhalation
May cause sensitisation by skin contact
Nickel dihydroxide
Carcinogenic
category 3
R20/22
R40
R43
Harmful by inhalation and if swallowed
Possible risk of irreversible effects
May cause sensitisation by skin contact
Nickel sulphate
Carcinogenic
category 3
R22
R40
R42/43
Harmful if swallowed
Possible risk of irreversible effects
May cause sensitisation by inhalation
and skin contact
Nickel carbonate
Carcinogenic
category 3
R22
R40
R43
Harmful if swallowed
Possible risk of irreversible effects
May cause sensitisation by skin contact
8 Nickel tetracarbonyl, nickel monoxide, nickel dioxide, dinickel trioxide, nickel
sulphide and nickel subsulphide may not be sold to the general public and
labels on containers of these substances must have an additional safety phrase
‘Restricted to professional users’. There is a general prohibition on the use of nickel
in costume jewellery and other articles which may come into contact with the skin.
9 The major use of metallic nickel is in the manufacture of a wide range of alloys,
the most important of which are iron-chromium-nickel such as stainless steel,
nickel-copper and nickel-chrome. Nickel alloys are used in numerous industries and
processes including the manufacture of chemical process equipment, food process
equipment, heater elements, coins, magnets, batteries, bimetallic strips and in the
aerospace and automotive industries. There are over 3000 alloys of nickel.
10 Nickel and nickel compounds are also used in:
n
n
n
n
n
the production of welding rods;
the production of the electrodes for nickel-cadmium secondary batteries;
the production of catalysts;
the electroplating industry; and
pigments for paint, pottery, glass and polymers.
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Effects on health
11 The main health concerns relate to breathing in or having skin contact with
various forms of nickel.
12 When inhaled as a vapour, nickel carbonyl can produce immediate or delayed
lung damage and also effects on the nervous system, and the consequences of
such an exposure can be fatal within a period of hours to a few days.
13 Inhaling air containing nickel has also produced some cases of occupational
asthma. It appears to be the more water-soluble nickel compounds that have
produced most of these cases.
14 Breathing in air containing certain nickel compounds over long periods raises
concern about cancer. It is clear that employment in the nickel refining industry
in the past has produced an increased risk of contracting cancers of the nose
and lung. Increases in rates of cancer have occurred in both carbonylation and
electrolytic refining. The cancer effect is due to long-term exposure to one or more
forms of airborne nickel. However, it is not certain which form(s) of nickel were
responsible for the cancers.
15 Studies of cancer incidence in other industries involving exposure to nickel,
such as alloy production, electroplating and welding, have also been conducted.
However, it is not possible to conclude whether or not there is a higher risk of
cancer because of nickel exposure in these industries.
16 Skin contact with nickel and inorganic nickel compounds can cause skin
sensitisation. Nickel is a potent skin sensitiser and many people exposed
occupationally and/or non-occupationally to various forms of nickel have developed
allergic dermatitis. Nickel compounds coming into contact with the eyes can cause
eye irritation.
Assessment
17 You must not carry out any work which may expose your employees to nickel
and its compounds unless you have made a suitable and sufficient assessment
of the risks to health caused by the work and taken the necessary steps to meet
the other requirements of the COSHH Regulations. The HSE booklet A step by
step guide to COSHH assessment 3 describes in general terms the procedures
to be followed in making an assessment. The COSHH general ACOP 2 also gives
guidance.
18 Assessment of the risks should include identifying all potential sources of
exposure. This means finding out what the sources of exposure are, and how much
each source contributes to employees’ exposure. This may involve carrying out
measurements to determine personal exposure.
19 Work activities involving nickel and its compounds which require special
attention when assessing exposure include:
n
n
n
n
n
weighing, mixing and sieving operations;
furnace charging, tapping and cleaning operations;
welding and hot cutting of stainless steels and nickel alloys;
nickel plating and electroforming operations;
pickling operations;
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n
n
n
n
n
n
n
packing operations relating to nickel metal powders and compounds;
dissolving nickel compounds and spray-drying operations;
grinding, polishing or other machining operations;
welding of nickel alloys and the use of nickel consumable electrodes;
processes involving the use of nickel carbonyl;
handling and storing of nickel wastes;
maintenance of plant and equipment.
20 In making the assessment, you should pay careful attention to all aspects
of nickel handling and processing. Work carried out in confined areas or other
locations with poor ventilation could result in higher exposure.
21 In all but the simplest cases the assessment should be written down and
reviewed if circumstances change.
Prevention and control of
exposure
22 Having made an assessment of the risks from exposure to nickel and its
compounds, you must ensure that such exposure is either prevented, or if that is
not reasonably practicable, adequately controlled.
23 You need to consider the precautionary measures in the following paragraphs
in your prevention and control procedures and adapt them to suit your own
circumstances. You should make arrangements to review regularly the adequacy of
the precautions you take, particularly if the circumstances of use change or in the
light of new technical developments.
Prevention of exposure: substitution
24 As with all substances hazardous to health, you must give first priority to
preventing your employees being exposed to nickel and its compounds. This
can be achieved in a number of ways, for example by using a substitute material
or process which does not involve nickel, or by changing the method of work.
In considering substitution it is important to take account of any hazards of the
substitute material or process and balance the risks it might present against
the benefits. More guidance is given in the HSE booklet 7 steps to successful
substitution of hazardous substances 16.
Occupational exposure limits
25 The current occupational exposure standard (OES) for tetracarbonylnickel
(nickel carbonyl) is 0.1 parts per million (ppm) averaged over a 15-minute reference
period and exposure should be reduced to this standard.
26 Nickel and its inorganic compounds (excluding nickel carbonyl) have been
assigned maximum exposure limits (MELs) under COSHH. The MEL for nickel metal
and water-insoluble nickel compounds is 0.5 mg m-3 and the MEL for water-soluble
nickel compounds is 0.1 mg m-3. Both these limits are averaged over an 8 hour
period. Thus for nickel and its inorganic compounds (excluding nickel carbonyl)
exposure by inhalation should be reduced so far as is reasonably practicable and
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in any case below the MEL. Further advice is contained in Guidance Note EH40
Occupational exposure limits 4, which is updated annually.
27 For the purposes of these MELs a water-soluble nickel compound should be
regarded as any single nickel salt or nickel complex, eg nickel acetate or formate
which has a solubility greater than 10 grams per 100 ml of water at 20°C. Such
compounds are mainly used in nickel plating operations; soluble and insoluble
compounds do not commonly occur in the same process. The following table
distinguishes some of the more commercially important nickel compounds on the
basis of their solubility.
Soluble nickel compounds
Insoluble nickel compounds
Nickel
Nickel
Nickel
Nickel
Nickel
Nickel
Nickel
Nickel
Nickel
Nickel
chloride
nitrate
sulphate
sulphamate
acetate
hydroxy carbonate
dihydroxide
monoxide
sulphide
subsulphide
Control of exposure
28 Where there is exposure to a carcinogen as defined in COSHH, you must follow
the special requirements of COSHH regulations 7(3), 7(9) and the Carcinogens
ACOP. COSHH defines a carcinogen as:
n a substance which is classified in the Approved Supply List or self-classified by
suppliers under the CHIP Regulations as a category 1 or category 2 carcinogen
and hence required to be labelled with the phrases R45 ‘May cause cancer’ or
R49 ‘May cause cancer by inhalation’; or
n a substance or process listed in Schedule 8 of COSHH.
29 Thus the special requirements listed in paragraph 28 apply to nickel monoxide,
nickel dioxide, dinickel trioxide, nickel sulphide and nickel subsulphide, to any other
nickel compound self-classified by the supplier as a category 1 or 2 carcinogen,
and also to the calcining, sintering or smelting of nickel copper matte or acid
leaching or electrorefining of roasted matte.
Engineering control
30 Where it is not reasonably practicable to prevent exposure to nickel and its
compounds a combination of engineering and process controls should be used.
It is usual for manufacturers and users of nickel and its compounds to use a
combination of methods to control exposure. These methods range from total
enclosure of the process and automatic handling techniques, to partial enclosure
and local exhaust ventilation (LEV). Total enclosure or partial enclosure and the use
of LEV will be reasonably practicable in many manufacturing processes although
this may not be so in some user industries. However, certain work activities may
lead to higher potential exposures and therefore a higher standard of control may
be necessary. LEV equipment should be designed and installed so that exhausted
air is not recirculated into a workplace unless effectively filtered. Further guidance
on general methods of controlling exposure is contained in the general COSHH
ACOP 2.
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Work planning and housekeeping
31 Accumulations of dusts, wastes and offcut materials are potential sources of
exposure to nickel and its compounds. Waste and offcuts should be cleared up
frequently and care taken not to disturb dust accumulations. Suitable vacuum
cleaning methods to remove dust should be used in preference to brushing or
sweeping. If surfaces are brushed or swept then a fine mist of water should
be sprayed on the areas to be cleaned to minimise airborne dust levels. It is
particularly important to avoid creating dusts or mists of soluble nickel compounds,
as they may cause respiratory sensitisation.
Personal protective equipment
32 PPE, which includes protective clothing and respiratory protective equipment
(RPE), should only be used when all other reasonably practicable measures have
been taken but these have not, in themselves, achieved adequate control.
33 Where all other control measures do not reduce exposure to nickel and its
compounds by inhalation as low as reasonably practicable, or for nickel carbonyl,
to the OES, further control will be required by using RPE. While the installation
of, and improvements to, engineering methods may reduce exposures in some
processes, RPE may be required in addition for certain activities to adequately
control exposure to nickel. These include filling containers with kiln waste, furnace
cleaning, plasma spraying and spray-drying. It should be noted that the controlling
factor in some of these processes may be exposure to airborne chromium (VI)
compounds, which have a more stringent MEL (0.05 mg m-3) rather than the nickel
MELs.
34 The RPE selected should be suitable and in particular should fit correctly.
Employees should be properly trained in its use and supervised. The equipment
should be regularly cleaned and checked to ensure that it remains effective. Any
RPE supplied from July 1995 should be marked with a CE symbol; any RPE
supplied before that should be marked with a CE symbol or type approved by HSE
or made to a standard approved by HSE. Further guidance on the selection and
use of RPE is contained in the HSE booklet Respiratory protective equipment - a
practical guide for users 9.
Skin protection
35 Because metallic nickel and some nickel compounds can cause skin
sensitisation, skin contact should be prevented as far as is reasonably practicable.
Where this is not possible control measures will need to be introduced to minimise
skin contact. These may include:
identifying materials and/or conditions likely to cause skin rashes;
organising work to reduce contact with harmful substances;
adequate and accessible washing and hygiene facilities;
the provision and proper use of protective clothing and equipment to minimise
skin contact. Gloves should be made from materials which resist penetration by
any solvents in which nickel may be dissolved;
n a training programme for employees;
n appropriate use of skin creams.
n
n
n
n
36 It is important that skin rashes which begin to develop when working with
nickel or its compounds are reported to a doctor or occupational health nurse.
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37 Further information is contained in Guidance Note MS24 Health surveillance of
occupational skin disease 6.
Eye protection
38 Soluble and insoluble nickel compounds can be eye irritants and suitable eye
protection to protect against chemical splash or airborne dusts, as appropriate,
should be provided for, and worn by, workers who may be at risk.
Maintenance, examination and
testing of control measures
39 Employers should ensure that:
n all measures used to control exposure to nickel and its inorganic compounds
are maintained in good working order and in good repair (the manufacturer/
supplier of the plant should be able to help you with appropriate information);
n competent persons undertake frequent visual checks and periodically carry out
thorough examinations of the equipment to ensure they are being maintained
adequately;
n all local exhaust ventilation plant is thoroughly examined and tested at least
every 14 months. A record of such tests must be kept for at least five years
after the date on which they were made.
40 Further general information about LEV is contained in the HSE booklets, An
introduction to local exhaust ventilation 7. The maintenance, examination and
testing of local exhaust ventilation 8, and in the general COSHH ACOP 2.
Monitoring exposure
41 Monitoring for nickel and its inorganic compounds may be required to
demonstrate that adequate control of exposure is being maintained to the
occupational exposure limits.
42 Guidance on monitoring and its frequency, and the record-keeping required,
is given in the general COSHH ACOP 2, while detailed information and advice on
air monitoring strategies is given in Guidance Note EH 42 Monitoring strategies for
toxic substances 5. The recommended method of measurement of nickel and its
soluble and insoluble compounds is published in Nickel and inorganic compounds
of nickel in air (except nickel carbonyl) 10.
43 Nickel carbonyl is usually only used in enclosed plant where instrumental
detectors are used to alert personnel to any leaks. In addition nickel carbonyl
can be measured using a charcoal tube sampler followed by atomic absorption
spectrophotometry 20; colorimetric detection tubes are also available.
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Health surveillance
44 Exposure to nickel and its inorganic compounds can cause a number of
occupationally-related diseases and health surveillance is appropriate where such
exposure may cause, for example, occupational asthma or dermatitis. Health
surveillance is also appropriate for those workers exposed to nickel in calcining,
sintering or smelting of nickel copper matte or acid leaching or electrorefining of
roasted matte.
45 The need for health surveillance, if appropriate, must be decided as part of
the assessment. It is only likely to be appropriate in those nickel processes where
significant exposures could occur, for example in:
n
n
n
n
n
nickel refining;
nickel plating and electroforming operations;
the production and blending of nickel chemicals;
the manufacture of nickel catalysts;
any other process identified in the assessment as presenting a significant risk of
exposure.
46 Where assessment shows that health surveillance is necessary, this might need
to be carried out by a suitably qualified health professional, eg a suitably qualified
occupational physician or nurse. However, some health and safety procedures (eg
checking for skin problems) can be carried out by a responsible person who has
been properly trained. Further information is given in the general COSHH ACOP
and in the HSE booklet Health surveillance under COSHH11.
Initial health assessment
47 The initial health assessment is intended to identify employees who have a
medical history that could be aggravated by exposure to nickel and its inorganic
compounds. The assessment may, where appropriate, include a detailed
occupational and clinical history of the employee with specific reference to any skin
conditions and any upper and lower respiratory tract complaints. Such conditions
should not necessarily exclude a person from work involving exposure to nickel
and its inorganic compounds, as long as the exposure is adequately controlled.
Pre-employment or periodic skin patch testing for allergic dermatitis is to be
discouraged because of the high risk of inducing sensitivity in unaffected people.
Periodic health surveillance
48 Periodic health surveillance needs to be based on the extent of the likely
exposure and should be aimed at the early detection of the effects of excessive
exposure. The reporting of skin, respiratory symptoms and any other complaints
which the worker considers attributable to nickel or nickel compounds should be
encouraged.
Biological monitoring
49 The most common way to estimate exposure to substances in the workplace
is to measure the amount of substance in the air. This however, does not indicate
how much of a substance has been absorbed by workers. Biological monitoring is
a technique which can be used to estimate the uptake of substances by workers.
Biological monitoring involves measuring the substance in workers’ body fluids (or
breath).
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50 Measuring the amount of nickel in urine can be used to estimate recent
uptake of nickel carbonyl, soluble nickel salts and dust and fume containing nickel.
When biological monitoring is used to estimate the recent uptake of nickel in the
workplace it is important to know whether exposure is to soluble or insoluble nickel
containing compounds. For people who work with soluble nickel compounds, the
amount of nickel present in urine is a reflection of recent uptake. However, insoluble
nickel compounds can build up in the lungs and the nickel is absorbed slowly
over time. As a result, all of the nickel from this type of exposure does not appear
in body fluids immediately and a lack of increase in urinary nickel levels does not
indicate that uptake has not taken place.
51 More information on the use of biological monitoring for chemical exposures
in the workplace can be obtained in the HSE booklet Biological monitoring in the
workplace: guidance on its practical application 18 (this booklet will be published in
mid 1997).
Health records
52 Health records must be kept for each employee who is under health
surveillance. Such records are to be kept for 40 years from the date of the last
entry made in them. Each record should contain the particulars approved by HSE.
These are listed in the Appendix to the general COSHH ACOP 2.
Notification of reportable disease
53 The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations
(RIDDOR) 1995 require notification to HSE of certain diseases. Where the work is in
or about a building where nickel is produced by decomposition of a gaseous nickel
compound the following are reportable:
n cancer of a bronchus or lung;
n cancer of the nasal cavity or associated air sinuses.
54 Occupational dermatitis is reportable if the work involves exposure to any
irritant or sensitising agent, such as nickel and many of its compounds.
55 Occupational asthma is also reportable if the work involves exposure to a
sensitising agent, such as certain nickel compounds.
56 Further information is contained in the Guide to the Reporting of Injuries,
Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 14.
Information, instruction and
training
57 You must give all your employees who work with nickel and its inorganic
compounds sufficient information, instruction and training to understand the
potential problems and the necessary precautions that need to be taken. You
should provide proper supervision, particularly of new or inexperienced workers.
The training should include details of how control measures are to be used, and
employees should be told to report any obvious defects in the control measures to
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their supervisor. Where RPE is used employees should be trained to check that it
fits properly and given clear instructions about when it is to be used, how to keep it
clean and when and how to change the filter.
58 If health surveillance is carried out, employees must have access to their own
health records and any collective results of any health surveillance, as well as any
monitoring. Practical advice on this is given in the general COSHH ACOP.
59 Information, instruction and training should, in particular, enable employees to:
n understand the risks to health arising from exposure to nickel and its
compounds;
n appreciate that smoking may increase the risks of cancers and breathing
difficulties;
n use the control measures provided effectively;
n use PPE effectively where it is necessary.
60 You should issue your employees with the leaflet Nickel and you 15, together
with any relevant industry guidance.
61 Under the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply)
Regulations 1994 (CHIP2) (for hazardous substances) and Section 6 of the Health
and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (for substances and articles), manufacturers,
suppliers and importers are required to provide relevant health and safety
information with their products. Further information is given in the ACOP Safety
data sheets for substances and preparations dangerous for supply 17.
Safety representatives
62 Employers must consult safety representatives appointed by recognised trade
unions under the Safety Representatives and Safety Committee Regulations 1977.
Other employees not covered by such representatives must be consulted, either
directly or indirectly via elected representatives of employee safety, according to
the Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996. Such
consultations allow employees or their representatives to help employers develop
control measures.
Emergency procedures
63 You should consider the procedures to be followed in the event of a
serious plant failure or other incident in which a significant release of nickel or
its compounds may occur. Emergency evacuation procedures may need to be
devised and practised. The provision and maintenance of self-contained breathing
apparatus for use in emergencies may be necessary. Where 10 kg (or more) of
nickel tetracarbonyl or 1000 kg (or more) of nickel metal, oxides, carbonates or
sulphides (as powders) are, or are liable to be, present in an industrial activity and
the operation is capable of producing a major accident hazard (with the potential
for serious harm to humans and/or the environment) the top-tier requirements of
the Control of Industrial Major Accident Hazards (CIMAH) Regulations 1984, as
amended will apply. CIMAH requirements are explained in HSE guidance 12. The
top-tier requirements include the preparation of a detailed safety report by the
manufacturers concerned about the industrial activity and an on-site emergency
plan. The Local Authority for each top-tier site must also produce an off-site
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emergency plan based on hazard data supplied by the manufacturer. Further
guidance on emergency plans is contained in HSE guidance 13.
Appendix sources of further
information
COSHH Regulations and ACOPs
1 The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1994 SI 1994
No 3246 HMSO ISBN 0 11 043721 7
2 General COSHH ACOP, (including Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
Regulations 1994) and Carcinogens ACOP and Biological Agents ACOP L5 1997
HSE Books ISBN 07176 1308 9
Other COSHH guidance
3 A step by step guide to COSHH assessment HS(G) 97 1993 HSE Books
ISBN 0 11 886379 7
HSE Guidance Notes, Environmental Hygiene (EH) series
4 Occupational exposure limits EH40/97 1997 HSE Books ISBN 0 7176 1315 1
5 Monitoring strategies for toxic substances EH 42 1989 HSE Books
ISBN 0 11 8854127
HSE Guidance Notes, Medical (MS) series
6 Health surveillance of occupational skin disease MS 24 1991 HSE Books
ISBN 0 11 885583 2 (under revision)
Exhaust ventilation
7 An introduction to local exhaust ventilation HS(G)37 1993 HSE Books
ISBN 0 11 8821342
8 The maintenance, examination and testing of local exhaust ventilation HS(G)54
1990 HSE Books ISBN 0 11 8854380
Respiratory protective equipment
9 Respiratory protective equipment - A practical guide for users HS(G)53 1990
HSE Books ISBN 0 11 885522 0
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Measurement methods
10 Nickel and inorganic compounds of nickel in air (except nickel carbonyl) MDHS
42/2 1996 HSE Books ISBN 0 717610942
Health surveillance
11 Health surveillance under COSHH - Guidance for employers 1990 HSE Books
ISBN 0 7176 0491 8
Control of Industrial Major Accident Hazards Regulations (CIMAH)
12 A Guide to the Control of Industrial Major Accidents Hazards Regulations 1984
HS(R)21 (rev) 1990 HSE Books ISBN 0 11 8855794
13 The Control of Industrial Major Accidents Hazards Regulations 1984 (CIMAH):
Further guidance on emergency plans 1985 HS(G)25 1985 HSE Books
ISBN 0 11 883831 8
Other HSE publications
14 A Guide to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences
Regulations 1995 L73 1996 HSE Books ISBN 07176 1012 8
15 Nickel and you MS(A) 14 (Rev) 1997 HSE leaflet
16 7 Steps to successful substitution of hazardous substances HS(G) 110 1994
HSE Books ISBN 0717606953
17 Safety data sheets for substances and preparations dangerous for supply
Approved Code of Practice L62 (2nd edition) 1994 HSE Books ISBN 071760859 X
18 Biological monitoring in the workplace: guidance on its practical applications
HS(G) 167 1997 HSE Books ISBN 0717612791
19 Approved Supply List (3rd edition). Chemicals (Hazard Information and
Packaging for Supply) Amendment Regulations 1996 HSE Books ISBN 07176
11167
Other publications
20 National Institute of Occupational Safety. Manual of Analytical Methods, (4th
edition), DHH (NIOSH) Publication 94-113, 1994 method 6007 - Nickel Carbonyl
21 Safe use of nickel in the workplace Nickel Development Institute 1994
Further information
See Health and Safety enquiries on the last page.
Nickel and its inorganic compounds: Health hazards and precautionary measures
Page 15 of 16
Health and Safety
Executive
Further information
For information about health and safety, or to report inconsistencies or inaccuracies
in this guidance, visit www.hse.gov.uk/. You can view HSE guidance online and
order priced publications from the website. HSE priced publications are also
available from bookshops.
British Standards can be obtained in PDF or hard copy formats from
BSI: http://shop.bsigroup.com or by contacting BSI Customer Services for
hard copies only Tel: 020 8996 9001 email: [email protected].
The Stationery Office publications are available from The Stationery Office,
PO Box 29, Norwich NR3 1GN Tel: 0870 600 5522 Fax: 0870 600 5533
email: [email protected] Website: www.tsoshop.co.uk/ (They are
also available from bookshops.) Statutory Instruments can be viewed free of
charge at www.legislation.gov.uk/.
Published by HSE
04/11
Page 16 of 16