New legislation and ACOP

December 2006 saw the publication of proposals for two new Regulations, the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007 and the Carriage of Explosives Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007. The main aims of these proposals are to:

• introduce the provisions necessary to implement relevant EC legislation;
• consolidate and replace existing national legislation on these subjects;
• merge the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations (Northern Ireland) SR 2006/173 with the Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations (Northern Ireland) SR 2001/436.

The closing date for comments on these proposals is 9 February 2007.

In addition, a new Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) came into effect on 1 December 2006. The Manufacture and Storage of Explosives in Northern Ireland provides practical guidance on the requirements of the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations (Northern Ireland) SR 2006/425.