Health and safety legislation was so “conflicting and outdated” that asbestos was still listed as a counter measure to fire, a new report has found.

Occupational Health and Safety Authority CEO Mark Gauci said his investigation into the current safety legislation showed a “piecemeal approach which needs reviewing”.

This was particularly clear when it came to fire safety, where among other issues, poisonous asbestos sheets were still listed as an anti-fire precaution in public events.

He was speaking during a press conference for the publication of his investigative report as part of a one-month public consultation on health and safety at public events.

Dr Gauci said it was time the government considered a Fire Safety Act which would, among other things, establish who was ultimately responsible for tackling.

“Many think it is the Civil Protection Department which is responsible for fire safety but they do not have the legal basis to take many executive action,” he said.

This report is not the end of the line

Civil Liberties Minister Helena Dalli also attended the press conference and said the government was committed to meeting with as many stakeholders as possible during the consultation.

“This report is not the end of the line. There are many other points to consider before drafting any legislative solutions,” she said.

Dr Gauci added that the best solution would be the handing over of responsibility to one body. Whether this would be a new entity or the broadening of an existing one, would be decided after the consultation, he said.

Feedback, requests for clarification and queries can be addressed to onlineconsultations.msdc@gov.mt or to Ms Davida Flores, Director Strategy and Support, 280, Level 3, Republic Street, Valletta.