







This project focused on understanding how workers at the Cramlington site might come into contact with various hazardous substances during their day-to-day tasks. The aim wasn’t to produce a heavy technical document but rather to get a practical feel for what people are exposed to, how those exposures happen, and what simple steps could help keep everything under control.
The assessment looked at a range of routine activities — from handling additives and using cleaning agents to working around dust and materials produced on site. What became clear fairly quickly is that most of the substances people encounter are ones they’re already familiar with and handle regularly, but that familiarity sometimes leads to small lapses in protective habits. For example, gloves weren’t always worn when they should’ve been, and storage areas were occasionally a bit more cluttered than ideal. These aren’t major failures, just the sort of everyday behaviours that can quietly creep in over time.
Another thing that stood out in the report is that the risks themselves aren’t extreme, but they do rely heavily on people using basic controls consistently — things like wearing the right PPE, keeping chemical containers sealed, and maintaining good ventilation when working with irritants or substances that can create dust. When these practices slip, even low-risk substances can become more of a problem than expected.
Overall, the project found that hazardous substances are being managed reasonably well across the site, but there’s room for strengthening everyday routines. The recommendations are practical: refresh training, tidy up storage, reinforce PPE use, and do periodic checks to make sure good habits stick. Nothing dramatic — just sensible, steady improvements that help keep everyone safe and compliant without disrupting the flow of work.
We carried out an electromagnetic fields (EMF) assessment at a facility in Blyth to evaluate the exposure levels of employees to EMFs. The goal was to ensure compliance with the Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work Regulations 2016 and to protect workers from potential health risks associated with EMF exposure.
Using specialised equipment, we measured EMF levels at various points within the facility, including control rooms, transformers, and machinery areas. Our findings showed that EMF levels were within safe limits for employees not at particular risk. For those with conditions such as implanted medical devices, we provided guidelines on maintaining safe distances from certain equipment to prevent any interference.
The results indicated no significant risks from the EMF levels measured. However, we recommended regular reviews and updates of the risk assessments, especially if there are any changes in the work environment or processes. We also advised providing ongoing training and information to employees about EMF safety, and maintaining records of risk assessments and any health surveillance conducted.
Overall, the project demonstrated our commitment to ensuring a safe working environment by thoroughly assessing EMF exposure and providing practical recommendations to minimise risks.