The Regulations have not changed, the associated ACoP (L24), incorporating the Regulations, has been revised to include various updates to Regulations introduced since 1992 and to make the HSE’s advice clearer.
A paragraph has been added to the Guidance to regulation 3 in an attempt to explain the duty of host employers and others in control of premises to provide a safe place of work to visiting workers.
The guidance to Regulation 4 remains much as it was but an additional item of Guidance has been added on modifications, extensions and conversions. This section explains that the point at which the regulations apply to a modification, extension or conversion, is when the premises is in use. It also covers the role of the Building Regulations.
Regulation 4A is supported by new Guidance describing how buildings should be capable of withstanding loads placed on them, including those arising from environmental causes, eg snow loads. The causes of instability are highlighted and methods of preventing instability are described.
There’s also new |Guidance for Clients of construction works, who are advised to obtain information about any design limits, safe loading etc, when taking possession of a building following the completion of modifications, extensions and conversions. They are also advised that the inspection and maintenance regime set out in the Health and Safety File for the premises should make reference to such information where it is available.