Asbestos in Commercial and Industrial Premises

Under the 'Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012', those person(s) in control of buildings have a duty to manage the asbestos that is contained within it. These Regulations specifically require those who are in control of the premises to:

• take reasonable steps to determine the location of materials likely to contain asbestos;
• presume materials to contain asbestos, unless there are good reasons not to do so;
• make and maintain a written record of the location of the ACMs and and presumed ACMs;
• assess and monitor the condition of ACMs and presumed ACMs;
• assess the risk of exposure from ACMs and presumed ACMs and prepare a written plan of the actions and measures necessary to manage the risk (e.g. the ‘management plan’); and
• take steps to see that these actions are carried out.

You must notify us of any licensed asbestos removal work by completing a HSE ASB5 Notification Form.

No - the duty to manage is not a duty to survey, however you may find a proper asbestos survey by a competent person useful in discharging your duty.

We do not provide a service for inspecting or surveying for Asbestos.

All surveys must be carried out by a competent person and in accordance with the HSE Guidance HSG264: Asbestos; the survey guide. To carry out an asbestos survey for someone else the surveyor must have a qualification issued by the British Occupational Hygiene Society (Proficiency Module p402).

An accreditation scheme for organisations who undertake asbestos surveys has been developed by the 'United Kingdom Accreditation Service' (UKAS). Contact the UKAS Information Desk for accreditation and technical enquiries as follows:

• Website: The United Kingdom Accreditation Service

• Email: info@ukas.com

• Telephone: 01784 429 000

• Address: UKAS, 2 Pine Trees, Chertsey Lane, Staines-upon-Thames TW18 3HR

You will need to check that the individual/company have the appropriate accreditation to undertake surveys and to take samples.

The Environmental Safety and Health Team can investigate asbestos issues for commercial and industrial premises, including abandoned and derelict premises.

Where asbestos is considered to pose a risk to public health, Environmental Safety and Health will seek ownership details and then may serve an abatement notice on the owner to require any material containing asbestos cleaned up and disposed of correctly.

Where asbestos issues are not considered to pose a risk to public health, the matter may be assessed in terms of workplace health and safety in premises where health and safety matters are enforced by the local authority. Where health and safety matters are not enforced by the local authority, this would need to be referred to the Health and Safety Executive.

If you live in a council housing and are concerned, you should report it to council housing.

Or if you rent or own your own home, you should contact private sector housing.