Although the use of asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, asbestos was used in many products, such as pipes, insulation, tiles and cement, especially in the 1940’s and 1960’s. Therefore asbestos containing materials can still be found in a huge number of buildings, including shops, hospitals, schools, factories and domestic properties throughout the UK.
Asbestos is a hidden danger as asbestos containing materials could be found in numerous places within an industrial or residential building, so being aware of where asbestos can be found is vital to reducing the health risks faced by workers and the public.
Under Sections 2 and 3 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 commercial clients have a duty to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees and any persons who visit their premises or may be affected by work done on their premises.
Also, property owners and managers have a legal responsibility, under the Control of Asbestos Regulation 2012 (CAR 2012), to manage asbestos in the workplace. It requires the dutyholders to identify the location and condition of asbestos in the workplace and to manage the risk to prevent harm to anyone who works on the building or to building occupants.
What clients need to know - Understanding Asbestos Surveys is available here.
Additional responsibilities are placed on clients by virtue of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015), they require clients to make suitable arrangements for managing a project, and maintaining and reviewing these arrangements throughout.
Whether you are the property owner, facilities manager, estates manager or asbestos manager learn more
Domestic Properties
We would not encourage DIY removal of asbestos products. Due to the need to assess condition and potential for fibre release when managing asbestos materials, ARCA/ATaC is unable to provide detailed advice on householders regarding domestic asbestos. However, there are some general guidelines which should be followed. An overview of this guidance, together with a download is available here.
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