What are the regulations around asbestos?
Whilst banned in today’s construction, asbestos materials are still contained within many residential and commercial buildings pre-dating 2000. These materials are generally considered safe to be around as long as they are undisturbed and in good condition.
However, with many older buildings being modernised and refurbished, and even demolished – including in factories and larger commercial buildings – the UK has strict regulations to determine the control, removal, and persons responsible for managing and maintaining asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). This is called the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR).
Where these regulations have been ignored or not strictly adhered to, workers have potentially been exposed to asbestos dust and fibres, which has resulted in claims towards asbestos-related illnesses against those responsible for not adhering to the regulations, as well as heavy fines and, in some cases, prison terms.
What is compliance with asbestos regulations?
To answer this simply, compliance with asbestos regulations means that every non-domestic premises should have an asbestos survey Manchester completed with an asbestos report & register stating where the known asbestos is located within the premises. The asbestos identified must be maintained in a safe condition and monitored regularly for changes in condition. There will be responsibilities for the day-to-day management of asbestos and these should be regularly reviewed to ensure processes are working and the asbestos is not being disturbed.
If existing ACMs are in good condition and regularly monitored for changes in their condition, they are not likely to present a risk to persons and therefore may remain in place. It is a requirement by law to monitor and manage ACMs to ensure their condition does not deteriorate.
Within an organisation, whether a school or a large industrial or manufacturing site, there should be someone who has been designated the ‘Responsible person’ for managing asbestos and therefore under CAR, is deemed the ‘Duty holder’. The responsibilities for the day-to-day management of asbestos can be handed down to an asbestos manager, those responsible for maintenance of the premises, the caretaker etc. but everyone on the site should be looking to prevent damage to ACMs and therefore reducing any risks associated with ACMs.
If any building or maintenance work is required or planned on the premises, the responsibility to identify the location, type, and condition to assess risks, management and control falls onto the duty holder to organise an appropriate asbestos survey Manchester ahead of works commencing. These asbestos surveys must be undertaken by a professional asbestos removal company that specialises in asbestos removal services.
If you have any concerns surrounding asbestos compliance then our team at Grosvenor Asbestos Solutions. They can help guide you through the process and ensure you adhere to asbestos regulations. We have many years of experience in asbestos compliance and are well placed to give good, structured and accurate advice.
Contact the team at Grosvenor Asbestos Solutions for asbestos testing, asbestos removal Manchester, and asbestos removal Cheshire.
