spring 2018 round-up New law scrubs out microbeads round-up From 19 June 2018, shops and retailers will not be allowed to sell rinse-off personal care products such as face scrubs and shower gels that contain microbeads. A regulatory ban on the use of microbeads in rinse-off personal care products is the first of many proposed measures to tackle the pollution caused by plastics. Anyone who supplies or offers to supply such products on or after this date will be guilty of an offence under the Environmental Protection (Microbeads) (England) Regulations 2017. Manufacturers have not been able to make products containing plastic microbeads since 9 January 2018. Instead, they have been encouraged to use alternative natural exfoliators such at nut shells, salt or sugar as these are biodegradable. Microbeads are non-biodegradable, solidplastic particles that have been used in a wide range of body-care products for their exfoliation properties. The University of Plymouth looked into the effects of micro-plastics in the marine environment, and experiments showed that organisms can ingest these plastic particles. Studies have estimated that microbeads are a minor contributor to the total amount of aquatic plastic litter, accounting for about 0.1 to 1.5 per cent. Importers and wholesalers of cosmetic products need to ensure they do not distribute products that cannot be sold legally in the UK. Any rinse-off personal care products with exfoliation properties may contain banned microbeads, so the label should be checked thoroughly. If it is still not clear, the manufacturer should be consulted. For further information, click here. Credit: Marion Wilson Image: iStock.com / PeopleImages Get hands-on with WMFS Training West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) Training delivers high-quality fire safety, first aid and manualhandling instruction to organisations in the region and nationwide. All of its courses include practical demonstrations, which help prepare businesses for real-life situations. WMFSs professional instructors hold adult teaching qualifications and have a wealth of experience in operational firefighting. Our aim Protecting people in the community and the business sector is its main priority. This has the added benefit of supporting the economic wellbeing of the West Midlands. The service trains employers/employees at all levels, to help them comply with firelegislation. Beware! There are reports, nationally, of men entering factories offering to sharpen tools and then demanding payments running into thousands of pounds for the return of valuable company equipment. Several incidents have occurred in Telford and Worcestershire. Legitimate traders do not make unsolicited visits and do not start work immediately. Be vigilant andensure only company employees gain access to buildings. If you receive one of these bogus visits, contact your local Trading Standards Service. What courses do we provide? WMFS offers everything from fire safety lectures to practical fire risk assessment, plus courses in first aid, petroleum, and manual handling. It can also supply bespoke training. Visit www.wmfs.net for a full course list. Where do our courses take place? At its training facility in Oldbury, but the WMFS can deliver courses at customers sites if required. n For advice on fire safety training, or to make a booking, email business.enquiries@wmfs.net or call 0121 380 6516. Credit: Darren Marshall Image: istock / georgeclerk WMFS Supporting Business Each borough in the West Midlands has a team responsible for ensuring that buildings comply with fire safety legislation Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The region is divided into five areas, covered by 60 inspecting officers. A fire safety manager is responsible for each area, supported by team leaders and an administration team. The fire safety department is also responsible for: enforcing petroleum legislation; giving advice in relation to open air events, and granting explosive licences. Fire engineering The WMFSs fire-engineering team deals with complex fire safety matters in proposed new buildings, to ensure they will be safe for people to occupy. This higher level of technical scrutiny supports its officers when dealing with building applications, for which they have to consult with building control bodies. Primary Authority WMFS supports the principles of Better Regulation, Better Business for All and economic growth, both locally and nationally. It is engaged in Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEP), including the Greater Birmingham and Solihull pathfinder LEP, under which it is a signatory to the Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP Charter. n If you have any queries about the implementation of the 2005 Order, or are concerned about a fire risk, contact WMFS. Credit: Darren Marshall Subscription services Does your business offer subscriptions and subscription-based services? If so, click here to ensure you are complyingwith the law. For further information, go to the Business Companion website. Credit: Nick Harrison For further information, please contact your local Trading Standards Service