Legal changes to COSHH and work at height

New regulations on hazardous substances and work at height came into force on 6 April.

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (SI 2005 No 735) consolidate previous legislation on working at height and implement the European Temporary Work at Height Directive concerning requirements for the use of equipment in work at height. They apply to all work at height where there is a risk of a fall liable to cause injury - but do not cover caving or climbing for sport, recreation, team-building or similar activities.

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (SI 2004 No 3386), or COSHH, replace the two occupational exposure limits with a single workplace exposure limit. A new edition of the accompanying code of practice, EH40/2005, is available from HSE Books; call 01787 881165.

Copies of the regulations are available on the Stationary Office website at www.hmso.gov.uk