Revised code of practice out for consultation

A consultation document has been issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on changes to Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) for the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and subsequent additions made in the 2002 Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulation.

However, the HSE decided against the introduction of a maximum workplace temperature, even though nine responses, including the TUC’s, raised concerns about the issue in the initial consultation.

The HSE said it had previously considered the issue of the need to introduce a maximum workplace temperature but following extensive consultation and review of research, concluded there is insufficient evidence for such a change either in the law or in the supporting ACoP. However, it did say that improved information and advice will be prepared and published along side the revised ACoP.

The draft revised ACoP and guidance accompanies the consultation document.

The proposed changes include:

• removing out-of-date duties and requirements that are superseded by new regulations;

• simplifying the language to clarify what duty holders must do to comply with the Workplace Regulations; and

• improving guidance, and referring to the most up-to-date and relevant advice.

The consultation runs from 7 May until 30 July. After that the final draft of the Acop will be prepared by the HSE. The new ACoP is due to be published by November 2013 at the latest.

The consultation documents are available at: www.hse.gov.uk/consult/condocs/cd253.htm