ASB/General/TBT-ASB-021
Duty to Manage Asbestos in Buildings
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Duty to Manage Asbestos in Buildings
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, the person responsible for maintenance of a non-domestic building has a legal duty to manage any asbestos within it. This means identifying whether asbestos is present, assessing its condition, and ensuring anyone who might disturb it is informed. Construction workers entering buildings for refurbishment, maintenance, or demolition must understand this duty and what information they should receive before starting work.
Key Hazards
Workers disturbing unknown asbestos because the management survey was not shared
Deteriorating asbestos releasing fibres into occupied building areas
Contractors starting work without checking the building asbestos register
Fatal diseases from asbestos exposure that could have been prevented by proper management
Control Measures
- Check the building's asbestos management survey and register before starting any work.
- Ask the building duty holder for the asbestos register if it is not provided during induction.
- Identify all asbestos-containing materials in the work area and their current condition assessment.
- Do not disturb any material that is identified or suspected as containing asbestos without specialist advice.
- Ensure the asbestos management plan includes procedures for your planned construction activities.
- Report any damaged or deteriorating asbestos-containing material to the building duty holder.
- Brief all operatives on the asbestos locations and condition before they enter the work area.
- Arrange a refurbishment and demolition survey if work will disturb building fabric in pre-2000 buildings.
- Keep a copy of the relevant asbestos register pages at the work location for reference.
Remember
- Always check the building asbestos register before starting any work in an existing building
- Ask the duty holder for the register if it is not provided during your site induction
- Do not disturb any material identified or suspected as containing asbestos without advice
- Report any damaged or deteriorating asbestos material to the building duty holder immediately
- A refurbishment and demolition survey is needed before disturbing building fabric in pre-2000 buildings
Applicable Legislation: Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (Regulation 4) · HSG264 (Asbestos: The Survey Guide) · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
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