Consultation on changes to Approved Codes of practice

The HSE has published a consultation on amendments to Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs).

Last year, Professor Ragnar Löfstedt, as part of his review into health and safety legislation, recommended amendments to ACOPs. Löfstedt’s general view was that they should be limited to a maximum length of just 32 pages other than in exceptional circumstances. However, he also made specific recommendations for each of the ACOPs.

Löfstedt proposed replacing the ACOP on the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 with a new range of guidance by 2013. He also proposed that 15 ACOPs be revised, consolidated or withdrawn by the end of 2013 and that a further 15 codes of practice have minor revisions by 2014.

The ACOPs that are due to be revised, consolidated or withdrawn cover dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres; legionella; asbestos; gas safety; hazardous substances; workplaces; management of health and safety; agriculture; and pipelines.

The ACOPs that won’t be changed or that will only have minor changes cover: diving; work equipment; lifting equipment; confined spaces; pressure systems; hazardous substances — pottery production; hazardous substances — lead; quarries; and worker involvement.

The consultation closes on 14 September.

The consultation document can be accessed at: http://consultations.hse.gov.uk/gf2.ti/f/16674/438181.1/PDF/-/CD241%20Complete.pdf