Asbestos

Under the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002, employers have a duty to protect any person from exposure to asbestos, whether those people are at work or not. The provisions relating to information, instruction, training and health records apply to non-employees only where those persons are on the premises where the work is being carried out.

Employers should firstly conduct a survey to identify any substance, which is, or is likely to be, asbestos.

Prepare a plan identifying the affected areas. This should include the measures to be taken to: -

manage the risk
monitor the condition of any
ensure asbestos is safely removed or maintained securely in situ
provide relevant information to those who are liable to disturb it

This plan must be reviewed and revised on a regular basis.

Checklist:
Where asbestos is identified, employers must consider: - Identification and assessment, Plan of Work, Notification, Information, Instruction and training,
Prevention or reduction of exposure, Control limits and control measures,
Accidents, incidents and emergencies, Cleanliness, Designated areas, Air monitoring and analysis, Health Records, Washing and Changing Facilities.

If in any doubt, get expert advice.

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