Proposals for changes to the COSHH, DSEAR and Legionella Approved Codes of Practice (ACoP)

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched three consultations on changes to the content of Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs).

Changes to the ACOPs Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) (L134-138), Control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH) (L5) and The control of legionella bacteria in water systems (L8) have been developed by HSE and industry stakeholders.

Following an initial consultation in June 2012, it was agreed by the HSE board that a number of ACOPs would be revised, consolidated or withdrawn in line with the recommendation by Professor Ragnar Löfstedt in his report ‘Reclaiming health and safety for all’. The proposed changes make it easier for employers to understand and meet their legal obligations and so reduce the risks of over compliance. Legal responsibilities to protect workers' health and safety are not altered by any changes to ACOPs.

The revised drafts are now subject to a 12-week consultation ending on 23 August 2013. Dependent on the outcome of the consultations and ministerial approval, the revised ACOPs will be published by the end of the year.

Consultative documents and draft versions of the revised ACOPs are available online at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/consult/live.htm