Asbestos regulations come into force

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 came into force on 13 November, receiving a cautious welcome from unions.

The regulations consolidate previous laws, stiffen control limits and impose new training requirements. But unions are concerned about a reduction in the level of enforcement with respect to work on textured coatings, and the removal of the need for such work to be licensed (see Workplace Report, January 2006).

New Heath and Safety Executive guidance on handling asbestos is available at www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos