New asbestos regulations - update

United Kingdom
25/10/2002
Download PDF

Following a debate in the House of Commons yesterday (24 October 2002) the Health and Safety Executive has today confirmed that the delayed Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 have been approved by the Minister for Work. There had been criticism in the press and by the shadow cabinet that the regulations were being introduced during the parliamentary recess without proper scrutiny.

The regulations will be laid before Parliament next week. They are therefore expected to come into force by the end of November 2002, with the exception of Regulation 4 (the duty to manage) and Regulation 20 (standards for analysis) which will not be enforced for a further 18 and 24 months respectively.

The new regulations will significantly tighten existing legislation with the aim of reducing deaths and related disease caused by the legacy of asbestos in existing non-domestic buildings. They will be of particular relevance to all businesses and professionals with any interest in property, as well as to their insurers.

Previously published details and commentary upon the new regulations can be obtained by copying and pasting or clicking on the following links: http://www.law-now.com/law-now/press.cfm?id=4627 and http://www.law-now.com/law-now/press.cfm?id=4841.

For further information please contact either Insurance and Reinsurance solicitor Simon Chandler at [email protected] or on +44 (0)117 9300 7816, Health & Safety solicitor Alison McConnell on [email protected] or on +44 (0)20 7367 2420, or Environment partner Paul Sheridan at [email protected] or on +44 (0)20 7367 2186.

Search Filters

Advanced Search

Related content