Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR)

Environmental information is exempt from the FOIA. Instead, HSE will consider such requests under the EIR. The EIR covers any recorded information that is held by a public authority in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and by UK-wide public authorities based in Scotland.  HSE is a UK-wide public authority.

What would be considered under EIR

Environmental information is likely to be anything on, about, concerning or relating to:

• the physical, biological and chemical surroundings and/ or
• conditions that affects, or is likely to affect, the environment in which a person, animal or plant lives or operates.
• examples of environmental information held by HSE include, but are not restricted to:-
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health, major hazard sites (eg Control of Major Accident Hazard sites, Offshore Installations),
• emissions (for example leaks)
• pesticides and biocides
• wind farms,
• Noise, Energy, Radiation, Asbestos
• Explosives,
• Fire

How long will it take?

Requests handled under EIR will normally be responded to within 20 working days. There is a provision to extend up to 40 working days in more complex cases and for public interest considerations.

Futher information

Guidance is available on the following topics:

• how to make a request
• how much your request will cost
• discosure decisions
• frequently asked questions about access to information