Health and Safety Executive Health and Safety Executive Review of Approved Codes of Practice Janice Martin DERMATITIS – and you!

Background In his report Reclaiming health and safety for all Professor Lofstedt reported that overall a wide range of stakeholders supported the principles of ACoPs and saw them as a vital part of the system, forming a key link between goal setting legislation and guidance. He also said they could be simplified to make it easier for employers to understand and meet the legal obligations and so reduce the risks of over- compliance The Professor recommended that HSE should review all its ACoPs to address a range of issues highlighted in his review

Aims of the review The overall aim is to make it easier for employers to understand and meet their legal obligations undertake any actions required to ensure they are the best way of providing authoritative practical guidance on achieving compliance with the law make it easier for duty holders to understand and meet their legal obligations.

Key Objectives for the review Clarify the purpose of ACoPs and the relationship between regulations, ACoPs and the guidance Ensure they are the best way of fulfilling the purpose originally intended Influence HSE and key stakeholder attitude towards ACoPs so that effective ACoPs are produced where they are needed

Timescales Internal review – completed by 28 March Now waiting for Board approval. External consultation on proposed rationalisation - June 2012 to Sept 2012 Work to revise ACoPs – mid 2012 to early 2013 Consultation on revised ACoPs – Mid 2013 Approval of revised ACoPs by Board Approval of final revised ACoPs by the Minister

Tell us what you think L143 Work with materials containing asbestos L127 The management of asbestos in non-domestic premises As key stakeholders, we want your views as soon as possible

Tell us what you think Is the ACoP material and associated guidance presented in the most appropriate way for the audience? Does it provide a clear and understandable guide to what the law requires? Is it suitable for the audience for which it is written? Should the guidance material be included?

Tell us what you think Could the ACoP be merged with other ACoPs or guidance? Are both guidance and ACoP necessary in the same document? Could it be presented differently e.g. other media channels? Could the material be future proofed so updates could be managed better without the need for consultation on revisions

Tell us what you think Are the standards to be achieved up to date? Does the ACoP support good practice, or does it stray too far beyond the directive? Please do not wait for the formal consultation period Contact me at: