Views sought on revised ACOPs
Consultation on changes to DSEAR, COSHH and legionella Approved Codes of Practice
THE Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched three consultations on changes to the content of Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs).
Changes to the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) (L134–138), Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) (L5) and The control of legionella bacteria in water systems (L8) have been developed by the HSE and industry stakeholders.
Following an initial consultation in June 2012, it was agreed by the HSE board that a number of ACOPs would be revised, consolidated or withdrawn in line with the recommendation by Professor Ragnar Löfstedt in his report ‘Reclaiming health and safety for all’.
The HSE says the proposed changes will make it easier for employers to understand and meet their legal obligations and so reduce the risks of over-compliance. Legal responsibilities to protect workers’ health and safety are not altered by any of the changes to the ACOPs.
The revised drafts are now subject to a 12-week consultation ending on 23 August 2013. Dependent on the outcome of the consultations and ministerial approval, the revised ACOPs will be published by the end of the year.
The consultative documents and draft versions of the revised ACOPs are available online at: www.hse.gov.uk/consult/live.htm
