Have your say on proposed acetylene regulations

HSE launches eight-week consultation seeking views from businesses and other stakeholders

THE Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a public consultation on new regulations that will simplify the safety legislation for acetylene.

The single set of regulations (referred to as the Acetylene Safety Regulations (ASR) 2014) cover the safety of workers and the public during the production, storage and use of acetylene.

The HSE is seeking views from businesses and stakeholders through an eight-week public consultation, which ends on 24 September 2013. Those interested in the changes may include companies and individuals involved in activities such as welding.

The consultative document and details of how to respond to the consultation are available on the HSE website at: www.hse.gov.uk/consult/condocs/cd257.htm

Peter Brown, head of HID Major Hazard Policy, said: ‘The draft regulations aim to draw together all the pieces of legislation that are specific to the production, storage and use of acetylene.

‘One single set of regulations should make it clearer and easier for businesses to identify what they need to do to protect themselves and their workers from the dangers of acetylene.’

Creating the single set of regulations, ASR 2014, will remove duplicate provisions in existing legislation and help minimize potential confusion.

The HSE will also be reviewing its guidance on acetylene use as part of the consultation process, to ensure it is clear and suitable for the majority of acetylene users.