Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the improved health and safety to the public and workers expected to accrue from the recently introduced pressure systems and transportable gas containers regulations; and what information is being made available, in what numbers, and to whom, arising from these regulations.
§ Mr. NichollsThe following information is generally available on the regulations: 445W
The Pressure Systems and Transportable Gas Containers Regulations 1989: (S.I. 1989 No. 2169), HMSO, ISBN 0 11 098169 3, £3.40, (11,000 copies printed).Safety of Pressure Systems: Approved Code of Practice, COP 37, HMSO, ISBN 0 11 885514 X, £4.50, (6,000 copies printed and a further 10,000 copies are currently being printed).Safety of Transportable Gas Containers: Approved Code of Practice, COP 38, HMSO, ISBN 0 11 885515 8, £4.00, (9,700 copies printed).A Guide to the Pressure Systems and Transportable Gas Containers Regulations 1989: HS(R) 30, HMSO, ISBN 0 11 885516 6, £4.50, (10,000 copies printed).Safe Pressure Systems: IND(S)27(L), free (50,000 copies printed).A further free leaflet will be available later in the year giving guidance on competent persons as defined in the regulations. Copies of the free leaflets are available on request from any of the following Health and Safety Executive public inquiry points:
Broad Lane, Sheffield, S3 7HQTelephone: 0742 752539St. Hugh's House, Stanley Precinct,Trinity Road, Bootle, Merseyside L20 3QYTelephone: 051 951 4381Baynards House, 1 Chepstow Place,Westbourne Grove, London W2 4TFTelephone: 071 221 0870The other publications are obtainable through booksellers or from HMSO publications centre, PO Box 276, London SW8 5DT (Telephone: 071 873 9090).
The regulations are to be introduced over the next four years and it is therefore too early to assess their impact.