HL Deb 10 May 2004 vol 661 cc6-7WA
Lord Berkeley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why the Health and Safety Commission believes that its draft regulations Proposals for Work at Height Regulations to implement European Council Directive 2001/45/EC, requiring those engaged in mountaineering and similar activities to use double ropes, prepare written risk assessments and clearly indicate danger areas, will improve overall safety. [HL2528]

Baroness Hollis of Heigham

The proposals for work at height regulations do not require those at work who are engaged in mountaineering and similar activities to use double ropes or to prepare written risk assessments. The regulations will require persons at work to clearly indicate danger areas but this is no more than climbers and cavers do already when following national governing body guidelines.

Lord Berkeley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will exempt outdoor sports such as maintaineering, caving, hill walking, abseiling, rock climbing and sailing from the scope of draft regulations Proposals for Work at Height Regulations implementing European Council Directive 2001/45/EC. [HL2529]

Baroness Hollis of Heigham

Sports, such as mountaineering, caving. hill walking, abseiling, rock climbing and sailing, are not within the scope of the draft regulations. Those employed as instructors or trainers in these activities would be covered by the draft proposals.