Regulations

Asbestos in the workplace

Regulation 4 “Duty to Manage”

• The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006, requires the following:

“all non-domestic property owners, those who lease and are responsible for maintenance, are required to manage Asbestos in properties.”

• This means that whoever has control of a building has a Legal duty to manage the Asbestos in their building(s). The duty holder has to take reasonable steps to find out if there are materials containing Asbestos in their premises and if so, how much, where they are and in what condition they are in. An Asbestos Survey is the best way to ascertain this information.

Did you know asbestos can be found here?

Asbestos Pipe Insulation	Asbestos Wall and Ceiling Cladding as well as textured coatings	Asbestos Soffits, Under-cloaks and Fascia boards

As a consequence of the serious health risks posed by asbestos, a wealth of specific Regulations, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006, Approved Code of Practice and Guidance Notes have been generated to try and reduce the risk to persons who may be directly or indirectly, exposed to asbestos fibres. These regulations regarding health and safety, and specifically asbestos, place a number of duties onto clients, contractors and those with maintenance and management responsibilities, to safe guard their employees and the publics’ health and safety.

Properties built pre-1990 could very well contain Asbestos due to its high use in the construction and building industries. Properties built since the end of the 1990’s are unlikely to contain Asbestos, although it is not unheard of. However properties constructed after 2000 are very unlikely to contain Asbestos anywhere in the building.

REMEMBER: It is important to identify all accessible Asbestos containing materials as required within the “Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2006”. Although these regulations do not at present apply to domestic properties, the risks are identical. Avoid disturbing or damaging Asbestos materials in a good condition. Avoid creating Asbestos dust. Avoid breathing in Asbestos dust. If you have damaged or deteriorating Asbestos materials in your home or work place then SEEK ADVICE. IF IN ANY DOUBT - SEEK ADVICE!