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[November 2003]
New Codes of Practice on Working with Hazardous Substances
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK has published revised Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs) aimed at protecting workers from the risks of hazardous substances. The ACOPS reflect the new Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 and the Control of Lead (CLAW) Regulations 2002. These regulations replace the COSHH Regulations 1999 and CLAW Regulations 1998.
The new ACOPs continue to provide duty holders with comprehensive advice on how to comply with the law but are clearer than their predecessors about the status of the advice that they give. They also include information on the application of the new hierarchy of control measures necessary to deal with accidents, incidents and emergencies.
The two ACOPs have ISBN Codes 0-7176-2534-6 and 0-7176-2565-6 and both cost 10.50. They are available from HSE Books.
An amendment to the COSHH Regulations has also been made. These came into effect on 29 April 2003. Under the new Regulations, users of substances that may cause genetic damage (classified by the EU as Category 1 or 2 mutagens) will have to apply the same control measures as those required for carcinogens.
Copies of the regulations can be downloaded for free from the HMSO's web site: www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk
ENDS