HSE Changing The ACOP (L8)

The HSE are conducting a consultation - it has been called to bring about changes to the ACOP (L8), to make a clearer, more definite set of guidelines.

We found the article on the FM World website; the report reads:

The legionella Consultative Document (CD258) sets out proposals from the HSE to publish an updated Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) on Legionnaire’s disease. 

The consultation provides an opportunity to comment on whether the draft ACOP text provides legal clarification and proportionate advice in low-risk scenarios. 

Accompanying guidance provides advice on achieving compliance, information of a general nature, including explanation of the requirements of the law, specific technical information or references to further sources of information. 

The revised ACOP gives practical advice on the legal requirements of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH). It also applies to the risk from exposure to legionella bacteria and includes information of a general nature including explanation of the requirements of law. 

Interested parties can e-mail for more information: legionella.ACOPconsultation@hse.gsi.gov.uk 
Documents and comment forms can be downloaded here. 

The other two consultations concern the Control of Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 and the amended Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002.
Industry and interested parties have until 23 August to respond.

We found the article here : http://www.fm-world.co.uk/news/fm-industry-news/hse-opens-legionella-consultation/?

Legislation Update February 2013 - Changes to the ACOP (L8)

In the wake of the Legionella outbreaks earlier this year, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has released important information for users and suppliers of water treatment systems.

From 1 February 2013 it will be illegal to sell or use water treatment systems that use elemental copper in order to add copper ions to water as a biocide. It will also be illegal to supply the copper needed for their use. Action has been taken at an EU level under the Biocidal Products Directive, because no manufacturer supported the use of elemental copper for use as biocides in these systems during a review period that ended in September 2011.

Along with this information, HSE have also produced a simple FAQ document which aims to answer any questions installers have about Legionella, the control of Legionella and monitoring systems.

APHC PR and marketing manager Charlotte Murray said: “We would like to direct all installers who use water treatment systems to this new information from the HSE. We have received queries from concerned members about Legionella control and monitoring systems so this information is a welcome development.