Review of all Approved Codes of Practice

The Löftstedt review recommended that the HSE should review all of its 52 approved codes of practice (ACOPs) and the government agreed. The HSE consulted on proposals to revise, consolidate or withdraw 15 ACOPs by the end of 2013, and to make minor revisions (or no changes) to a further 15 by 2014. The withdrawn ACOPs are to be replaced with new targeted straight forward guidance focusing on compliance. The HSE has also sought views on a proposal to limit all ACOP documents to a maximum length of 32 pages, other than in exceptional circumstances.

The following ACOPs have been revised, consolidated or withdrawn:

• Dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres (ACOPs L134-138) which have been consolidated;

• Legionella (ACOP L8) has been revised;

• Asbestos (ACOPs L127, L143) have been consolidated;

• Gas safety (ACOPs L56, COP20) ACOP L56 has been revised and ACOP COP20 withdrawn;

• Hazardous substances (ACOP L5) has been revised;

• Workplaces (ACOP L24) has been revised;

• Management of health and safety (ACOP L21) has been withdrawn;

• Agriculture (ACOP L116) has been withdrawn;

• Pipelines (ACOP L81) has been withdrawn and replaced with guidance.

Of the proposals to make minor amendments or no changes to the ACOPs below, the overall conclusion was to proceed with the revision and updating of these ACOPs, apart from Worker involvement, where it was agreed to maintain the ACOP in its current form as proposed.

• Diving (ACOPs L103-107);

• Work equipment (ACOPs L22, L112, L114);

• Lifting equipment (ACOP L113);

• Confined spaces (ACOP L101);

• Pressure systems (ACOP L122);

• Hazardous substances — pottery production (ACOP L60);

• Hazardous substances — lead (ACOP L132);

• Quarries (ACOP L118); and

• Worker involvement (ACOP L146) (no changes).

The changes proposed or already implemented are set out in the relevant Chapters throughout this booklet.