C020:06 01 August 2006

HSC announces proposals for work at height Amendment regulations consultation

Today, the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) launches a 13-week consultation on a proposal to amend the current Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR) to include those who are paid to lead or train climbing and caving activities in the adventure activity sector.

The proposed amendments apply only to people working in the sector and do not affect sport or leisure climbing or caving.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has worked closely with the adventure activity sector to produce sector specific guidance to assist those affected by the proposed changes. The guidance and draft regulation amendments are contained in the consultation document, “Proposal for Work at Height (Amendment) Regulations” (CD204), which can be downloaded from www.hse.gov.uk/consult/condocs/cd204.htm

Comments on the consultation should be sent to Gloria Birchall, Falls Programme, HSE, Rose Court, 2 Southwark Bridge, London, SE1 9HS. (wah.adventure-manager@consultations.hse.gov.uk) to arrive no later than 31 October 2006.

Note to Editors

1. The WAHR came into effect on 6 April 2005, and consolidate all previous legal requirements concerning work at height and generally implement the Temporary Work at Height Directive (TWAHD) 2001/45/EC. Currently the regulations do not include those who are paid to lead or teach others in climbing and caving activities. Adoption of the proposed amendment will complete Great Britain’s implementation of TWAHD.

2 Further information on the WAHR can be found on www.hse.gov.uk/falls/wahradventure.htm

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