ABSTRACT
The achievement of an understanding of the basic legal requirements can be a daunting task. However, the health and safety student should not despair because at NEBOSH National Certifi cate level they do not need to know the full history of UK health and safety legislation, the complete range of regulations made under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 or the details of the appropriate European Directives. These summaries, which are correct up to the 1 March 2006, cover those Acts and Regulations which are required for the Certifi cate student and will provide the essential foundation of know ledge. They will also cover the requirements for similar awards at Certifi cate level, like the British Safety Council’s Certifi cate in Occupational Safety and Health, and below this level, like the IOSH Managing Safely Award. Students should check the latest edition of the NEBOSH Certifi cate guide to ensure that the regulations summarized here are the latest for the course being undertaken.