HSE in asbestos review

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is reviewing whether the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 are continuing to meet their objectives, remain appropriate, and are still the best means to minimise exposure to asbestos. It is seeking the views of stakeholders as part of a second post implementation review (PIR) of the regulations. In response to the first PIR, published in 2017, the TUC welcomed retention of the regulations but said the PIR report was complacent and a missed opportunity.

Unions are calling for the safe phased and planned removal of asbestos as recommended by a cross-party group of MPs in 2015. The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Occupational Safety and Health called for an asbestos eradication law requiring the removal of all remaining asbestos in Britain by 2035, and by 2028 in the case of public buildings and educational establishments.