Nature of risk in pregnancy Does the job/course involve any of Control measures to consider the following? Work/Study with Chemicals Some chemicals are specifically toxic to the developing For low risk chemicals such as foetus. Pregnant women are forbidden by law from work disinfectants regularly used by cleaners, involving lead the risk is relatively low and usual control measures such as wearing gloves will be adequate. If more toxic substances are involved (e.g. IS&E / NPARU), the condition of the person should be taken into account in the risk assessment for the specific activity. Work/Study with micro-organisms or Some diseases such as chicken pox or German The condition of the person should be infectious materials measles pose particular risks for pregnant women, taken into account in the risk assessment these are not likely to be a risk except for those working for the specific activity. in a healthcare environment Specific control measures may be needed for those working with known microbiological hazards, GMO’s etc Vibrating equipment Whole body vibration increases the risk of back pain. Refer to H&S if this is an issue High levels of whole body vibration and being bumped about can be potentially hazardous for the baby Use of tools which cause hand arm vibration increases the risk of carpal tunnel, the risk of carpal tunnel is also increased by pregnancy Exposure to radiation Refer to H&S if this is an issue
Does the job/course involve any of the following? Nature of risk in pregnancy Control measures to consider Work/Study with Chemicals Some chemicals are specifically toxic to the developing foetus. Pregnant women are forbidden by law from work involving lead For low risk chemicals such as disinfectants regularly used by cleaners, the risk is relatively low and usual control measures such as wearing gloves will be adequate. If more toxic substances are involved (e.g. IS&E / NPARU), the condition of the person should be taken into account in the risk assessment for the specific activity. Work/Study with micro-organisms or infectious materials Some diseases such as chicken pox or German measles pose particular risks for pregnant women, these are not likely to be a risk except for those working in a healthcare environment Specific control measures may be needed for those working with known microbiological hazards, GMO’s etc The condition of the person should be taken into account in the risk assessment for the specific activity. Vibrating equipment Whole body vibration increases the risk of back pain. High levels of whole body vibration and being bumped about can be potentially hazardous for the baby Use of tools which cause hand arm vibration increases the risk of carpal tunnel, the risk of carpal tunnel is also increased by pregnancy Refer to H&S if this is an issue Exposure to radiation Refer to H&S if this is an issue
H_and_S_Guidance_2017.docx