Health and Safety Executive

This website uses non-intrusive cookies to improve your user experience. You can visit our cookie privacy page for more information.

Social media

Javascript is required to use HSE website social media functionality.

Public services - Frequently asked questions

These FAQs help illustrate the nature of some of the issues that HSE routinely gives advice on. The list is not exhaustive and further questions and answers my be added at a later date.

General

Does health and safety result in an overly cautious response by the emergency services?

There has been concern about how HSE will apply health and safety law to the operational circumstances of the emergency services. Because of this HSE has worked with senior police officers, fire and rescue services and other leaders to clarify how these services can strike the balance between their operational and health and safety duties. The result of this collaboration is set out in two statements of principles to help police and fire and rescue services understand how they can comply with health and safety requirements to safeguard the health and safety of the public and their own staff while providing effective emergency services.

Should schools remove all the asbestos in their buildings to prevent children's lives being put at risk?

HSE's advice remains that as long as asbestos is managed in compliance with the legal requirements and according to HSE's own published guidance there is no significant risk in leaving it in place. Asbestos which is in good condition and unlikely to be damaged is not a significant risk to health and is better left in place and managed. Asbestos which is in poor condition, or which is likely to be damaged or disturbed should be sealed, enclosed or removed.

Where can I find advice about manual handling in the health service?

Advice can be found in the guidance ‘Manual handling in the health services'.  This guidance will help everybody who plays a part in ensuing that risks from manual handling are minimised.  The guidance demonstrates the benefits of eliminating manual handling where possible, assessing remaining risks and taking steps to reduce them.

Social media

Javascript is required to use HSE website social media functionality.

Updated: 2011-12-13