Are you aware of Asbestos regulations?

Whilst the use of Asbestos in new buildings was outlawed in the 1990’s, large amounts still remain in buildings and will do so for many decades to come.

As a rule, the occupier is responsible for the management of Asbestos and this effectively means organising a Specialist Licenced Asbestos Consultant to survey your building and produce a report. The purpose of a report is to identify the location of any Asbestos, type and risk in order to be able to manage it safely. In most cases there is little risk if the Asbestos is not disturbed, for example if it is above a suspended ceiling. However, if loose fibres of Asbestos are detected on top of ceiling tiles, from say damaged pipe lagging, then your property would need to be sealed off immediately, the Health and Safety Executive informed and a Specialist Licenced Asbestos Removal Contractor appointed for its safe removal.

Failing to have a plan to deal with Asbestos and put it into action could result in a fine of up to £20,000 or imprisonment for up to 12 months. For a serious breach, there can be an unlimited fine and/or imprisonment of up to two years.

Take a look at an article published at the beginning of the year highlighting the lack of information provided by schools and the importance as to why all schools need to be aware of the asbestos on site. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-46961752