The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published its response to the consultation on proposed changes to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
The response confirms plans to strengthen asbestos safety standards and provide greater clarity for dutyholders, contractors, analysts and survey organisations.
Key Plans Announced
The HSE has confirmed plans to:
Introduce a legal requirement to strengthen the independence and impartiality of analysts carrying out the four-stage clearance process following licensed asbestos removal work.
Continue promoting the use of accredited asbestos survey organisations and develop interventions to help dutyholders understand the critical role a quality survey plays in managing asbestos risk safely.
Develop clearer guidance on Notifiable Non-Licensed Work (NNLW) to support compliance.
Updated Guidance
To help dutyholders, contractors and analysts understand the proposed changes and what they mean in practice, the HSE has confirmed it will update key guidance documents, including:
In addition, new web-based guidance will be developed to help dutyholders appoint third-party asbestos service providers with confidence. This guidance will reflect the new requirements and expectations relating to the four-stage clearance process.
What Happens Next?
Businesses will have 12 months to prepare before the regulatory changes come into force.
While these plans are primarily relevant to organisations involved in asbestos surveying, analysis and licensed asbestos removal work, they also reinforce the importance of effective asbestos risk management and ensuring workers have appropriate information, instruction and training.
Further Information
For full details of the consultation response and the proposed changes, read the HSE announcement here.