Gas safety and the Löfstedt review

Following the recommendation that the HSE review all its approved codes of practice (ACOPs), it has proposed that two ACOPs on gas safety, L56, Safety in the installation and use of gas systems and appliances and COP20, Standards of training in safe gas installation, should be consolidated into a single revised ACOP (L56) to be published by the end of 2013. In addition, L81, Design, construction and installation of gas service pipes will be withdrawn and replaced with streamlined HSE web-based guidance and referrals to existing industry guidance.

In May 2013, the HSE began consulting on its proposals for a revised ACOP (L56). The key changes included the following:

• the introduction of further ACOP and guidance on the requirement for all those carrying out gas work to be adequately trained, following the withdrawal of COP20 — standards of training in safe gas installation (which will be withdrawn in November 2013);

• the removal of the majority of landlords’ guidance from regulation 36, and its replacement with a small amount of ACOP text;

• the removal of Appendix 1 technical detail; and

• minor revisions, including to the definition of gas fitting and gas.

The consultation document can be found on the HSE website at: www.hse.gov.uk/consult/condocs/cd252.htm and consultation ends on 30 July 2013.