Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 September 2022
71. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the progress made in implementing and inspecting air quality standards in the workplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45104/22]
View answerThe Health and Safety Authority are currently drafting a Code of Practice on Indoor Air Quality following a comprehensive review of the existing provisions on workplace ventilation in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 and to establish what further measures could be considered in relation to workplace air quality.
Following Health and Safety Authority Board approval, a public consultation on the draft Code of Practice on Indoor Air Quality will commence in October. The new draft Code of Practice will contain air quality standards relevant to workplace indoor air. An amendment to the Safety, Health and Welfare (General Application) Regulations will give effect to this new Code of Practice. It is expected that the new Code of Practice and Regulations to be in place in early 2023.
The Health and Safety Authority, through its ongoing inspection programme, continues to address air quality in workplaces where this is mandated in legislation, such as exposure to hazardous substances under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Chemical Agents) Regulations 2001, Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Carcinogens) Regulations 2001, Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2006 and Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Biological Agents) Regulations 2013.
