The HSE National Exposure Database--(NEDB)

Abstract

The U.K. Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) National Exposure Database (NEDB) enables the storage and selective retrieval of occupational hygiene data. These data are used to inform policy-making and standard-setting bodies, such as the Advisory Committee on Toxic Substances (ACTS), of national trends in exposure to particular substances categorized into the various industries, processes and jobs at which exposures occur. The exposure data currently held are limited to those obtained from inspections and investigations carried out by HSE specialist inspectors. Discussion is under way with industry on how the database can be extended to include validated data provided by industry so as to provide a focal point for exposure data in the U.K. The database will thereby become a valuable source of information for industry. Standardization of the way in which exposure data and qualifying information are presented will assist in fulfilling these aims. The paper describes the structure of the database, the types of information input to it and the information which can be obtained from it. Organizations wishing to establish their own exposure databases, those who may wish to contribute data, and the many who are concerned with the collection and recording of occupational hygiene data, irrespective of the methods of storage and retrieval, are encouraged to use a similar format.