AM I THE DUTY HOLDER/ DO MY PREMISES COME UNDER THE LEGISLATION?
If you own, manage or occupy a non domestic building you are the Duty Holder. As such have a legal responsibility to manage the risks associated with all Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs). Included in this legislation are all common areas within rented or private accommodation.

WHY DO I NEED AN ASBESTOS SURVEY?
With the introduction in 2002 of Regulation 4 to the Control of Asbestos at work Regulations it became a requirement for the owners, users, or those responsible for maintenance or repair of buildings to manage the risk from exposure to Asbestos. By having an asbestos survey you will prevent the risk of unnecessarily exposing employees, contractual workers and the general public to any (ACMs) that may be present within your premises.

ASBESTOS REGISTER
The Asbestos Register will highlight the presence of asbestos within your premises; the location, the type of asbestos and its condition. The purpose of the register is to provide information to assist the Duty Holder in the management of all (ACMs) found within the premises and anyone intending to carry out work on the building. The Asbestos Register will also demonstrate to the Duty Holder any materials which, upon visual inspection, may look similar to asbestos, but after laboratory analysis have returned an analysis of “No Asbestos Detected”, will eliminate confusion and concern over materials that may have previously been thought to contain asbestos.

DID YOU KNOW?
Asbestos is the biggest occupational health killer in the UK.

According to the HSE there are currently 3000-4000 people dying each year from asbestos related diseases. The HSE estimate this figure will rise to 10000 by 2010.

Asbestos becomes a problem when it is disturbed and releases fibres. When these microscopic fibres which can be up to 2000 times thinner than a human hair, are released into the atmosphere and inhaled they can become lodged deep within the lining of the lungs and in some cases work their way through the lung lining.

Asbestos related diseases can take from approximately. 15 – 60 years to develop. There are three main conditions associated with exposure to asbestos. These are nearly always industrial diseases.

Asbestosis: This is scaring (fibrosis) of the lung tissues, usually a disease contracted by exposure to asbestos dust.

Lung cancer: People who get asbestosis may also develop bronchial cancer, although lung cancer is not necessarily preceded by asbestosis. Smoking greatly increases the risk.

Mesothelioma: This form of cancer affects the membranous linings of the chest and abdomen and can take between 15 – 60 years to develop. It is usually associated with exposure to blue asbestos. It is currently estimated that up to one in 100 men now in their 50’s will die of mesothelioma.

Although now illegal in the building and construction industry asbestos was in the past used in large quantities in both the construction and refurbishment of buildings. Today, much of this can still be found and if in good condition and undisturbed poses little threat. The only time this can become a threat or health hazard is if the asbestos is in poor condition or disturbed thus releasing fibre particles into the atmosphere which could then be inhaled.

If you come across something during construction or maintenance work which you think may be asbestos or contain asbestos you should stop all work immediately and contact a company who deals with asbestos who will be able to advise you.