Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in building materials. However, asbestos exposure can cause serious health problems, including cancer. As a result, there are now legal requirements in place for managing asbestos in buildings.
What is the duty to manage asbestos?
The duty to manage asbestos applies to anyone who owns or occupies a building. This includes landlords, building owners, and those responsible for maintenance and repair. The duty requires dutyholders to:
- Identify whether there is asbestos in the building
- Assess the risk of exposure to asbestos
- Prepare and implement a management plan to control the risk of asbestos exposure
- Review the management plan regularly
What does a management plan need to include?
A management plan should include the following information:
- A location survey of all asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in the building
- An assessment of the risk of exposure to ACMs
- A plan for managing the ACMs, such as leaving them in place, repairing them, or removing them
- Procedures for dealing with emergencies, such as accidental damage to ACMs
How can Innox help?
Innox can help you to meet your duty to manage asbestos. We offer a range of services, including:
- Asbestos surveys
- Risk assessments
- Management plan preparation
- Asbestos removal
If you are unsure about your asbestos obligations, please contact Innox for advice.
In addition to the above, here are some other tips for managing asbestos in buildings:
- Be aware of the location of any ACMs in your building
- Do not disturb or damage ACMs
- If you are unsure about whether a material contains asbestos, assume that it does and treat it accordingly
- If you need to work on ACMs, always use a licensed asbestos contractor
By following these tips, you can help to protect yourself and others from the risks of asbestos exposure.
