Farm safety under microscope

Some say they have been poisoned by organophosphates

Health and safety officers will be making unannounced visits to farmers in the Scottish Borders to ensure sheep dipping is carried out correctly.

Safety officials say that the powerful chemicals used in sheep dips can cause ill health to farmers if incorrectly used.

The visits are also being seen as a preparing the way for the reintroduction of the controversial organophosphate (OP) dips.

The Health and Safety Executive says it has evidence that proper precautions are not always being taken by sheep farmers to protect themselves against contamination.

Powerful chemicals are used in sheep dip

The autumn sheep dipping season is set to begin and inspectors will be checking protective equipment.

Organophosphates have been banned since December because of health fears, but it is thought they could be back in use by November.

Experts have given them the all-clear, provided new containers are used.

That move is likely to be opposed by groups representing farmers who believe they have been poisoned by exposure to the chemicals.

OPIN - the Organophosphate Information Network - represents about 100 people in Scotland who are reported to be suffering chronic effects from exposure to OPs.

They say nothing has been done about a 1998 Royal Colleges report which called for diagnosis and treatment centres for sufferers.

Neurological disorders

Organophosphates are the same compounds which are believed to have caused Gulf War Syndrome.

Many farmers blame exposure to them for fatigue, neurological disorders and depression.

It was revealed in 1997 that 60 sheep dippers in the Western Isles were suffering from the chronic fatigue syndrome ME - four times the national average.