Asbestos management: What does the law say

According to the Health and Safety Executive, asbestos-related illnesses kill around 5,000 workers each year. These figures demonstrate why management is essential.

Finding asbestos in a building you manage or own can be a worry. So what are your legal obligations when it comes to the management of it? If it is found, how can you keep yourself and colleagues safe?

Dispelling the asbestos rumours

For years builders have been using the medium as a bona fide building material. This would lead other materials to become stronger, such as concrete.

Finding asbestos isn’t dangerous. It is only if it has been disturbed that it becomes a risk to health.

So where is the risk? The risk comes from the soft and flexible fibres and when they escape into the air. If these are inhaled, they can become trapped in the body. As a result of this, it can lead to diseases such as Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer and Asbestosis.

So, finding it isn’t a problem in itself. However, once you’re aware of the possibility of it being present, you’re then under a legal obligation to manage the risks.

Who is responsible for managing risk after finding asbestos in your property?

Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos 2012 Regulations places responsibilities on the person who owns the premises. Similarly, the person with a clear responsibility to maintain and keep the premises.

Asbestos management in line with the Control of Asbestos 2012 Regulations

– Take reasonable steps to identify materials containing the asbestos in non-domestic premises. If you’re not sure, assume that it is present, until you have evidence otherwise.

– Keep an up-to-date record of the location and condition of the asbestos-containing materials (or those presumed to contain it).

– Assess the risk of those who work in the vicinity of that material. Also, those you can expect to be working in that vicinity.

– Establish a process to manage the risk from asbestos.

– Regularly review the plan and follow it. Ensure those around you are also aware of the plan and follow it.

The approach you take to the management is critical but never attempt removal yourself. If you suspect that you may have materials it in your property, contact specialists such as Rainbow Derbyshire. They will be able to conduct a full risk assessment of the site.

Rainbow Derbyshire has a specialist team trained in the removal of asbestos. From conducting an initial survey to applying for any licences and setting up exclusion zones, Rainbow will take care of removal from start to finish.

If you suspect you have asbestos-containing material, contact Rainbow Derbyshire on 01623 443109 or [email protected].