Consolidated regulations will ‘minimise confusion’
A consultation has been launched on new acetylene regulations, which are designed to simplify the current safety legislation in this area.
The new regulations, referred to as the Acetylene Safety Regulations 2014 (ASR 2014), will consolidate the acetylene legislative framework and update the current legislative arrangements.
The HSE is seeking views from businesses and stakeholders throughout the eight-week consultation period. Those interested in the changes may include industry; other Government departments; third-sector groups; and individual users involved in activities such as welding.
This consolidation was one of the recommendations from Professor Löfstedt’s independent review of health and safety legislation. The creation of ASR 2014 will remove duplicate provisions in existing legislation and help minimise potential confusion.
Alongside the consolidation, the HSE will also be reviewing its guidance on acetylene use to ensure it is clear and suitable for the majority of those who use the chemical in their work.
The consultation will run until 24 September and, subject to the outcome of the consultation and ministerial approval, the regulations will come into effect in October 2014.
Head of HID major-hazard policy Peter Brown said: “The draft regulations aim to draw together all the pieces of legislation that are specific to the production, storage and use of acetylene. One single set of regulations should make it clearer and easier for businesses to identify what they need to do to protect themselves and their workers from the dangers of acetylene.”
Consolidated regulations will ‘minimise confusion’
A consultation has been launched on new acetylene regulations, which are designed to simplify the current safety legislation in this area.
Safety & Health Practitioner
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