24 Jul 2013
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) hopes a new and updated code of practice will help improve the control of legionella bacteria in water systems.
The HSE plans to publish an Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) and has released a consultative document, CD258, to give people the opportunity to comment on the text and feedback on whether it provides the necessary advice and legal clarification.
The accompanying guidance gives advice on compliance as well as information explaining legal requirements and technical information.
The newly revised ACOP gives employers and businesses advice on the requirements of law, including key pieces of legislation such as the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH).
It will be a key piece of documentation regarding the risk from exposure to legionella bacteria.
The key changes include guidance assigned ACOP status to clarify legal requirements where there is an accepted industry method of compliance.
Some of the text has been changed from ACOP to guidance status where the changes do not impact on practical compliance requirements.
There will also be simplified terminology and an emphasis on proportionality in low-risk scenarios.
Copyright Press Association 2013