New asbestos regulations

Regulations covering asbestos have been updated.

Following an investigation into the UK’s asbestos regulations, the European Commission concluded that they failed to fully implement the relevant directive. Specifically, the UK was found to be in breach of the European Directive on exposure to asbestos at work (Directive 2009/148/EC).

Responding to these criticisms, the government has introduced new regulations which tighten up the monitoring of work involving so-called “lower risk” asbestos handling.

The new Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, which came into force on 6 April 2012, establishes that the HSE must be notified of the carrying out of such previously designated “lower risk” work, sets out the record keeping that must occur, and ensures that workers engaged in such work are subject to medical surveillance.

The prohibition of supply and use of asbestos is now covered by REACH or the 2006 Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals Regulations to give them their full name.

For more information go to: www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/regulations.htm.