Mr. McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) how many safety consultants are currently in operation in the United Kingdom; [38061]
(2) what qualifications are required and what BSI standard is to be achieved before a person is recognised as a safety consultant; [38062]
(3) what type of training, and for what duration, is required before a person is recognised as a safety consultant; [38063]
(4) if safety consultants operating in British industry are required to register with the Health and Safety Executive. [38064]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordThe Health and Safety Executive has no information on the numbers of safety consultants. Safety consultants are not required to register with HSE or to have any specific qualifications or undergo any particular type or duration of training. While there are a range of qualifications in health and safety, including National and Scottish Vocational Qualifications in Occupational Health and Safety Practice, there is no British Standard. HSE has published a free booklet, "Selecting a health and safety consultancy", which helps business to find competent consultants.