Sheep dip safety survey in NW England

DIPPING CONTRACTORS in Cumbria and Lancashire are being asked to take part in a health check survey being organised by the Health and Safety Executive to monitor the impact of using sheep dips, including those based on organophosphates.

The HSE stresses that all results from the check will remain anonymous.

Operators whose methods of work lead to excessive exposure will receive advice on how to improve their dipping procedures although the main reason for the check is to gather a broad-base of data on the health risks to contractors.

HSE inspector Liz Evans, based at Preston, said extensive guidance had already been given to farmers about how to use sheep dips safely.

“But there has been concern for many years about the effects of dipping chemicals on human health and although we hope farmers have heeded our advice we are now focussing on contractors,” said Liz Evans.

The HSE fears that contractors may not have taken up the advice given to farmers and may be even more at risk through the protracted length of time they are dipping sheep during the autumn.

Samples will be taken from contractors at the start and at the end of a day from people working with sheep dip and these will be analysed by the Health and Safety Laboratory – a branch of the HSE.