Following a process of extensive consultation, HSE has updated the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) covering safety in the installation and use of gas systems and appliances (L56).
The ACOP was among several that the HSE board agreed would be revised, consolidated or withdrawn in line with a recommendation by Professor Ragnar Löfstedt in his report ‘Reclaiming health and safety for all’.
Following consultations in June 2012 and May 2013, the revised content was agreed by both the HSE board and the minister of state with responsibility for health and safety.
The Regulations deal with the safe installation, maintenance and use of gas systems, including gas fittings and appliances mainly in domestic and commercial premises.
They affect a wide range of people, from those installing, servicing, maintaining or repairing gas appliances and other gas fittings, to suppliers and users of gas.
The significant revisions made include:
- details of the requirement for all those carrying out gas work to be adequately trained;
- the removal of the guidance for landlords, with detailed guidance now available on the HSE website;
- an update of the material on the requirements for appliances and flues;
- clarification of the definition of gas fitting and gas work;
- revisions to reflect concerns around flues in voids and update guidance to reflect the introduction of smart meters.
The revised ACOP can be found here Approved Code of practice and Guidance forth edition 2013