So, this week, we were helping a client who is going to be acting as Principal Contractor on a construction project, in the Derbyshire dales.

One of the services we offer to clients is helping them put together a construction phase plan which is a key requirement of the construction (Design and Management) regulations 2015. An important part of developing a construction phase plan is reviewing the pre-construction information, provided by the principal designer.

This outlines all of the pre-existing hazards that are present on a project and will usually highlight things like locations of asbestos and live services, which may cause a hazard if disturbed. However, within this particular pre-construction phase plan we came across a strange hidden hazard ….

Anthrax!

Now if you’re anything like me you are thinking, what the $&@!, Anthrax is a deadly terrorist bioweapon that will kill everyone, what’s it doing on a construction site? However, anthrax is actually more associated with farms and particularly animals.

Anthrax is a type of zoonotic bacteria meaning it which can infect animals and transfer to humans. The bacteria produces spores which remain dormant in animal secretions, hides and hair until they make contact with human skin, or are inhaled or ingested.

Once the spores become active they cause potentially fatal illness, particularly if spores are inhaled or ingested. However, the most common cause of illness is caused with contact with the skin, which is a much milder illness and can be treated readily with antibiotics.

So, apparently, back in the day, builders used to use horse hair to bind plaster to walls. If the hair used to bind the plaster, comes from an animal infected with Anthrax spores, it could infect workers on the construction site.

What the HSE says about Anthrax

Now, even the HSE, says the risk of contracting anthrax is very low and states that there are no recorded cases of the more serious pulmonary and intestinal forms of anthrax infect amongst construction workers. However that doesn’t mean there isn’t a hazard, that needs to be controlled.

So what are we going to be doing about it!

Well it all starts with a risk assessment and the HSE outlines a range of controls for controlling both harmful micro organisms and specific controls for managing potential anthrax infection.

  • People onsite will be expected to where disposable coveralls and gloves, where there is a risk of exposure. This clothing will be kept separate from personal clothing worn outside of work hours. Non-disposable overalls should be replaced when soiled and washed with detergent at a high temperature before being re-used.
  • In addition operatives will be expected to wear respiratory protective equipment (RPE) when they are removing or working around people who are removing the old plaster, to reduce the risk of inhaling the spores. This will also protect you from other risks such as  RPE will be a minimum of FFP3 standard however depending on the duration of the work air fed masks may be required.
  • To further protect against inhalation, water suppression will be used to reduce the risk of inhalation of both dust and spores.
  • Hygiene is an important control, in all circumstances but particularly when working with this hazard. The HSE state that in many cases standard site welfare facilities will be enough, which will be provided as part as the principal contractors obligations under CDM. In addition operatives onsite should:
    • wash hands and forearms before eating, drinking, smoking, using the telephone, taking medication, inserting contact lenses etc
    • avoid hand-mouth or hand-eye contact when in contaminated areas
    • dispose of all contaminated waste safely
  • Avoid contamination by taking rest and meal breaks away from the work area.
  • The last thing we want is to let spores get into open wounds, cuts or grazes. So any new cuts and grazes need to be cleaned with soap and water and covered with a waterproof dressing. In addition to this any existing cuts or grazes also need to be covered with waterproof dressings to prevent contamination. This means we will make sure first aid equipment is fully stocked.
  • Immunisation– In some cases where the risk of contracting Anthrax is higher, immunisation may be required. However given the nature of the task this shouldn’t be required in this case.
  • Finally we need to ensure adequate supervision is in place to ensure that the hazard is controlled.

In addition to putting controls in place for the workers of our client, as Principle contractor our client has a duty to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all parties onsite. In order to do that we communicate the hazards and the risk assessments through the construction phase plan and the onsite video induction, so that all parties are aware.

We will also review all risk assessments and method statements submitted by contractors, to ensure they have adequate controls in place to manage the hazards and conduct audits to ensure all controls are followed by everyone onsite.

Do you have an upcoming CDM project, which you need help with? If so, check out our CDM services or get in touch for a no obligation chat.

You may also enjoy reading: