The HSC has published a consultative document seeking comments on proposed amendments to its asbestos regulations and an Approved Code of Practice (ACoP).

The changes will adopt a risk-based approach to licensing, due to new research which reveals that the level of exposure during certain work is minimal. The proposed changes will implement revisions to the EU Asbestos Worker Protection Directive 83/477/EEC in the UK. The draft regulations include a single, tighter control limit for work with asbestos; training requirements; and a clear hierarchy of controls that should be used to reduce exposure, based on the COSHH Regulations 2004.

In practice, most work will remain under licence. However, where exposure is sporadic, of low intensity and below the control limit it will not need to be carried out by a licensed contractor.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor