Policies · Reference

UK Legislation Reference

The primary UK Acts, Regulations, Approved Codes of Practice and Standards under which OEC delivers its services.

About this page

This page summarises the principal UK legislation, regulations and guidance that underpin Oxford Environmental Consultants's services. It is a non-exhaustive reference only and does not constitute legal advice. For formal advice, please consult a qualified lawyer or the relevant enforcing authority.

General health and safety

  • Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 — the overarching Act imposing general duties on employers and persons in control of premises.
  • Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 — requires risk assessment and the appointment of competent persons.
  • Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 — covers ventilation, temperature, cleanliness and related workplace welfare.
  • Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) — allocates duties on construction projects.
  • Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) — controls exposure to hazardous substances, including biological agents.
  • Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR) — reporting duties for specified work-related incidents.

Asbestos

  • Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) — the primary asbestos regulation in Great Britain.
  • HSE ACoP L143 — Managing and working with asbestos.
  • HSG 227 — A comprehensive guide to managing asbestos in premises.
  • HSG 264 — Asbestos: The survey guide.
  • HSG 248 — Asbestos: The analysts' guide.

Fire safety

  • Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO 2005) — imposes duties on the Responsible Person for non-domestic premises and common parts of multi-occupied residential buildings.
  • Fire Safety Act 2021 — clarifies scope to include structure, external walls and flat entrance doors.
  • Building Safety Act 2022 — new regime for Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs), Accountable Persons and the Golden Thread.
  • Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 — imposes duties on responsible persons of multi-occupied residential buildings.
  • PAS 79-1 / PAS 79-2 — Fire risk assessment methodology.
  • BS 9991 · BS 9999 · BS 9997 — Fire safety in design & management.
  • BS 5839 · BS 5266 · BS 8214 — Fire detection, emergency lighting and fire-door assemblies.

Water hygiene

  • HSE Approved Code of Practice L8 — Legionnaires' disease: The control of legionella bacteria in water systems.
  • HSG 274 Parts 1–3 — practical control measures for cooling, hot & cold water and other risk systems.
  • BS 8580-1:2019 — Water quality risk assessments for Legionella control.
  • BS 7592:2022 — Sampling for Legionella bacteria in water systems.

Damp, mould & housing

  • Housing Act 2004 — established the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
  • Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 — right to bring proceedings for unfit housing.
  • Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 — enhanced powers for the Regulator of Social Housing; enables "Awaab's Law".
  • BS 5250:2021 — Management of moisture in buildings.
  • Approved Document F (Ventilation) — Building Regulations ventilation requirements.

Data protection & commercial

  • UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
  • Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR).
  • Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.
  • Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.
  • Limitation Act 1980.

Version: Reviewed February 2026. Next review February 2027.

This policy is maintained by Oxford Environmental Consultants Limited and forms part of our Integrated Management System certified by Citation / Atlas.