The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) has published a Consultation paper containing proposals for revised asbestos Regulations and a revised Approved Code of Practice to implement amendments to the EU Asbestos Worker Protection Directive (AWPD). The draft Regulations will repeal and replace the current three sets of regulations controlling exposure to asbestos: Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 (CAW); Asbestos (Licensing) Regulations 1983 (ASLIC) and Asbestos (Prohibitions) Regulations 1992 (Prohibition Regulations).

The key proposals include:

• amendment to the definition of asbestos to specify exactly which minerals this covers
• replacement of Action Level control measures
• minimising worker exposure
• change to method for fibre counting
• new single lower control limit
• changes to licensing requirements
• accreditation for analysts undertaking four-stage clearance certifications
• identification of presence as well as type of asbestos
• training requirements
• prohibition regulations.

The closing date for comments is 31st January 2006. The consultation documents can be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/consult/condocs/cd205.htm.

Source: www.hse.gov.uk (accessed 16/12/05)

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