Six Approved Codes of Practice have recently been re-issued, which apply to premises/facilities management. All six feature legal duties and while ACoPs are not legally binding in themselves they do have a special legal status in that in a court case they can be used as evidence of good practice and if you have failed to comply with the guidance which they contain you would then have to prove that the steps which you took provided an equivalent or better standard of protection. Therefore, while not legally binding – it does make sense to understand it and make sure that you are doing sufficient to be judged as complying!
All the documents are available free on the HSE website: www.hse.gov.uk
| Ref: | TITLE | You need to read this if you …. |
| L8 | Legionnaires disease. The control of legionella bacteria in water systems | Are responsible for premises with any kind of water system |
| L5 | Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) | Use or create any hazardous substances in your organisation eg for cleaning |
| L24 | Workplace health, safety and welfare | Are responsible generally for any work premises of any sort |
| L138 | Dangerous substances and Explosive Atmospheres | Use or handle flammable liquids, gases or dusts in your organisation |
| L56 | Safety in the installation and use of gas systems and appliances | Have gas heating or other gas fired appliances in your premises – especially if you are responsible for their maintenance |
| L143 | Managing and working with asbestos | Are responsible for buildings of any sort unless you are certain there is no asbestos present. |