Asbestos Awareness
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 is the primary legislation governing asbestos in the UK since the material was first banned in 1999. These regulations impose legal duties on duty holders, employers, and individuals involved in construction and maintenance activities. Let's examine some key aspects of UK Asbestos Legislation:
Non-compliance with UK Asbestos Legislation can result in serious legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment. It is essential for duty holders and employers to familiarise themselves with these regulations and implement appropriate measures to ensure compliance.
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Under Regulation 4, duty holders have a legal obligation to identify and manage the presence of asbestos in non-domestic premises. This includes maintaining an asbestos register, conducting risk assessments, and implementing control measures to prevent exposure.
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Regulation 5 requires duty holders to carry out an asbestos survey to assess the presence and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in their premises. An asbestos survey should be conducted by a P402 trained surveyor. The survey helps identify ACMs and determine the appropriate management actions.
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Regulation 10 highlights the importance of providing adequate information, instruction, and training to employees who may be exposed to asbestos during their work. Employers must ensure that workers who may encounter asbestos receive appropriate asbestos awareness training.
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Regulation 11 sets out the requirements for the safe removal of asbestos. Licensed contractors must be hired for work involving high-risk ACMs, while non-licensed contractors can handle lower-risk ACMs. Proper containment, decontamination, and disposal procedures must be followed during removal operations.
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Regulation 22 mandates that anyone who works on a building built before the year 2000 must be provided with information concerning the presence and location of asbestos-containing materials. This ensures the safety of contractors and others who undertake maintenance or renovation work.