COSHH 99

The new Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1999 (COSHH '99) came into force on 25 March 1999 and revoke the COSHH Regulations 1994, as well as the 1996, 1997 and 1998 COSHH Amendment Regulations. COSHH '99 is a complete re-enactment with modifications to bring all the requirements of COSHH into one piece of legislation. The main changes introduced by COSHH '99 are set out below:
• personal protective equipment (PPE) provided by employers must comply with the Personal Protective Equipment (EC Directive) Regulations 1992; and
• HSC approval is needed for maximum exposure limits for substances which are hazardous to health. This replaces the provisions previously contained in Schedule 1 of the 1994 Regulations. A list of these maximum exposure limits and occupational exposure standards is contained in publication EH40, Occupational Exposure Limits.

The principal objectives of COSHH '99 remain the same, that is:

• all exposures to substances hazardous to health must be preceded by a suitable and sufficient risk assessment;
• the hierarchy of control measures must be implemented to eliminate or minimise exposure;
• in any event exposures must be kept below the maximum exposure limit;
• all control measures must be kept in efficient working order and in good repair with regular examination and testing; and
• health surveillance must be used to check the long-term effects on employees.

New Asbestos Guidance

Following the introduction of the new asbestos regulations which came into force on 1 February 1999 (the Control of Asbestos at Work (Amendment) Regulations 1998, and the Asbestos (Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations 1998), the HSE has issued two new Approved Codes of Practice (ACoPs) and two new guidance notes to assist employers. The main focus of the new guidance relates to asbestos cement and asbestos insulating board and gives practical advice on techniques for the safe removal of such materials. The guidance takes account of research into wet and controlled dry stripping of asbestos and the effectiveness of respiratory protective equipment. Employers should remember that removal of asbestos insulating board now requires either 14 day notification to the HSE, or the removal to be undertaken by a contractor licensed in relation to asbestos insulating board. Copies of the ACoPs and guidance notes are available from HSE books.
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