Approved Codes of Practice (ACOP)
Approved Codes of Practice are documents that provide practical guidance on how to comply with the law. They are approved by the Secretary of State and have a special legal status.
Legal Status: If you are prosecuted for a breach of health and safety law, and it is proved that you did not follow the relevant provisions of an ACOP, a court will find you at fault unless you can show that you complied with the law in some other way.
L-series documents (e.g., L8, L21, L22) are the official reference numbers for ACOPs published by the Health and Safety Executive.
L5: COSHH Regulations Guide
The approved code of practice and guidance for COSHH Regulations. Essential reading for employers who use, store, or handle hazardous substances including chemicals, fumes, dusts, and biological agents in the workplace.
L22: Safe Use of Work Equipment (PUWER)
The approved code of practice and guidance for the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). Covers requirements for all work equipment from hand tools to complex machinery, including guarding, maintenance, and training.
L23: Manual Handling Operations Regulations
The approved code of practice and guidance for the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992. Provides detailed guidance on assessing and reducing risks from manual handling activities including lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling.
Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations
The approved code of practice and guidance for the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. Covers fundamental workplace standards including ventilation, temperature, lighting, cleanliness, sanitary facilities, and traffic routes.
Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations
The approved code of practice and guidance for the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations. Covers the selection, provision, maintenance, and use of PPE as a last resort when other control measures cannot adequately control risk.
L26: Work with Display Screen Equipment (DSE)
The approved code of practice and guidance for the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992. Covers workstation assessment, eye tests, breaks, and equipment requirements for computer and screen-based work.
Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
The approved code of practice and guidance for the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. Essential guidance for gas work safety, covering installation, maintenance, and safe use of gas systems and appliances in domestic and commercial premises.
L64: Safety Signs and Signals Regulations
The approved code of practice and guidance for the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996. Comprehensive guidance on workplace signage requirements, including prohibition, warning, mandatory, and emergency signs.
L74: First-Aid at Work Regulations 1981
The approved code of practice and guidance for the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981. Comprehensive guidance on workplace first-aid requirements, including equipment, facilities, and trained personnel.
L101: Confined Spaces Regulations 1997
The Approved Code of Practice and guidance for the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997. Essential reading for anyone responsible for work in tanks, vessels, pits, chambers, sewers, and other confined spaces where serious injury or death can occur.
L108: Noise at Work Regulations 2005
The Approved Code of Practice and guidance for the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. Provides practical guidance on protecting workers from hearing damage caused by excessive noise exposure in the workplace.
L113: Safe Use of Lifting Equipment (LOLER)
The Approved Code of Practice and guidance for LOLER. Essential guidance for anyone using, managing, or inspecting lifting equipment including cranes, hoists, lifts, forklift trucks, and lifting accessories.
L117: Rider-Operated Lift Trucks Guide
The Approved Code of Practice and guidance for the safe operation and training of rider-operated lift truck operators. Essential for warehouses, logistics, manufacturing, and any workplace using forklift trucks and similar equipment.
L122: Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000
The Approved Code of Practice and guidance for the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000. Essential for anyone owning, operating, or maintaining pressure systems including boilers, steam systems, compressed air, and pressure vessels.
Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres (DSEAR)
The Approved Code of Practice and guidance for the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002. Essential guidance for workplaces with flammable gases, vapours, mists, dusts, or explosives that could create fire or explosion risks.
L140: Hand-Arm Vibration Control
The Approved Code of Practice and guidance for controlling hand-arm vibration at work. Essential for employers and workers using vibrating power tools, protecting against Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) and carpal tunnel syndrome.
L141: Whole-Body Vibration Control
The Approved Code of Practice and guidance for controlling whole-body vibration at work. Essential for employers and workers operating vehicles, mobile machinery, and equipment that transmits vibration through the seat or standing platform.
L143: Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
The Approved Code of Practice and guidance for the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Essential for anyone managing buildings containing asbestos or undertaking work that may disturb asbestos-containing materials.
L146: Safety Representatives Regulations 1977
The Approved Code of Practice and guidance for the Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations 1977. Essential for trade unions, employers, and safety representatives on worker representation and consultation rights.
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
The industry guidance companion to the CDM 2015 ACOP (L144). Provides practical industry-specific guidance for applying CDM requirements across different construction sectors and project types.
Understanding the Legal Weight of ACOPs
Approved Codes of Practice give practical advice on how to comply with the law. Following the guidance in an ACOP will normally be enough to demonstrate compliance with the law. However, you may use alternative methods to those set out in the Code, provided you can demonstrate that your method achieves at least an equivalent level of protection.
ACOPs have a special legal standing: if you are prosecuted for a breach of health and safety law, and it is proved that you did not follow the relevant provisions of the ACOP, you will need to show that you have complied with the law in some other way or a court will find you at fault.
Our summaries help you understand which ACOPs are relevant to your situation, but you should always refer to the official HSE publication for complete and legally binding guidance.