Asbestos Awareness for Building Owners
12th July 2021
In 1999, the UK banned asbestos due to increased lung-related diseases in those working with the substance. Currently, over 50 countries prohibit the use of asbestos, but it's still commonly used in some countries.
In the UK, any building or material manufactured or refurbished before the year 2000 may contain asbestos. It is legally mandatory for those responsible for properties to have an asbestos management plan in place, and a survey is an essential first step in compiling this plan.
The most recent asbestos legislation – the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 – states that you have a duty of care to mitigate the risk of exposure to asbestos to anyone who is working at or visiting the property.
What you need to do as the duty holder according to the HSE?
- Find out if asbestos is present
- Make a record of the location, type and condition of the asbestos
- Assess the risk of anyone being exposed to the asbestos
- Prepare a plan on how to manage these risks
- Put the plan into action, monitor it and keep it up to date
- Provide this information to anyone who might work on or disturb the asbestos
For more information about Abestos compliance visit the HSE website - www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/building-owner.htm