The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has released a consultation document proposing the new Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) for working with asbestos.
It has invited comments and responses (to be received no later than 30 September 2013) as part of a consultative exercise into a proposed consolidated version of its Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) for working with asbestos.
The ACOP in question is (L143) ‘work with materials containing asbestos Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006’ which incorporates the Approved Code of Practice (L127) ‘management of asbestos in non-domestic premises’.
The Löfstedt review, set up to cut out ‘unnecessary red tape’ in health and safety regulations saw ACOPs as a vital part of the system, providing a road map for the translation of legislation into guidance. The review’s author, Professor Löfsted, recommended that the HSE should review all its Approved Codes of Practice so businesses have certainty about what is planned and when changes can be anticipated.
The significant revisions and changes include:
- Information revised to reflect changes to the law on notification of certain non-licensed work with asbestos and consequent arrangements for segregation of asbestos work areas, medical examinations for employees and keeping health records;
- Information reviewed and updated to help employers understand what they need to do to provide information, instruction and training for employees;
- Revisions made to the Control of Asbestos Regulations to reflect the changes made in 2012.
The HSE suggests that it will be new users seeking advice on achieving compliance or those wishing to refresh their knowledge that will largely benefit from this revised ACOP.
