HSE launches Control of Asbestos Regulations
consultation
Health & Safety Update 19/12/2011
A consultation into The Health and Safety Executive’s proposals
to roll out revised Control of Asbestos Regulations has been
launched.
If introduced, the HSE revisions would see the regulations comply
with the European Commission's ‘reasoned opinion’ on the UK
government's actions relating to the protection of employees from
the risks of exposure to asbestos in the workplace.
The HSE has already stated that awareness training should be given
to all those staff members whose work may lead to them coming into
contact with asbestos.
Those working in the construction, maintenance and architecture
trades are noted to be at particular risk of exposure to the
harmful material.
At the beginning of this year, the health and safety body released
Asbestos: The Survey Guide (HSG 264) which outlined
asbestos-related guidance to all organisations across the
country.
Now, all those with a duty towards their employees need to ensure
that they are complicit with this new guidance. Some of the key
criteria include taking on the responsibility of checking the
competency of an asbestos surveyor, as well as developing a
management plan for the safety of workers in relation to
asbestos.
Extra guidance was also included as regards carrying out ‘invasive
surveys prior to demolition or refurbishment.’
In related news, the construction union UCATT has applauded the
HSE’s decision to repeat its ‘Hidden Killer’ campaign next
year.
First launched in 2008, the campaign aimed to alert construction
workers to the potential dangers of coming into contact with
asbestos.
Acting general secretary of UCATT, George Guy, told Build.co.uk,
“This is excellent news, the Hidden Killer campaign saves lives. A
fresh phase of the campaign is long overdue. All the feedback shows
that the campaign has been successful in educating construction
workers on the dangers of asbestos.”
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