In response to the European Commission's reasoned opinion on the under implementation by the UK of Directive 83/477/EEC, on the protection of workers from the risks to exposure to asbestos at work,the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is proposing to introduce revised Control of Asbestos Regulations in order to implement the necessary provisions.
The articles which require implementation were introduced by Directive 2003/18/EC, and provide for the exemption of some types of lower risk work with asbestos from three requirements of Directive 83/477/EEC: notification of work; medical examinations; and record keeping.
The Commission's opinion states the omission of two terms in the implementing Regulations has the effect of widening the scope of the exemption, therefore allowing more types of work to be exempt from the three requirements than was intended.
The inclusion of the two terms in the revised Regulations will mean fewer types of lower risk work with asbestos will be exempt from the three requirements.
See also
For further information, refer to the:
