Duty to Manage series | 1. Understanding your duty to manage asbestos: A guide for property owners and managers
Welcome to our comprehensive blog series where we delve into the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) guidance on the Duty to Manage asbestos in buildings. Through this series, we aim to equip you with the knowledge and steps necessary to navigate the complexities of asbestos management effectively. From understanding whether you have the duty to manage asbestos, to identifying its presence in your building, arranging surveys, and assessing risks, we've got you covered.
We will also guide you through creating and monitoring your asbestos management plan, implementing it, and ensuring that anyone who might disturb asbestos is well-informed. Join us as we explore each critical aspect of this process, providing you with actionable advice to manage asbestos safely and comply with regulations.
Understanding your duty to manage asbestos: A guide for property owners and managers
Asbestos, a material once popular for its insulating and fire-resistant properties, now poses significant health risks, leading to stringent regulations on its management. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) outlines clear guidelines for managing asbestos in non-domestic premises, including industrial, commercial, and public buildings, as well as in the 'common parts' of multi-occupancy domestic premises. Navigating these responsibilities can be complex, but understanding your role is crucial to maintaining a safe environment for occupants and workers alike.
Who holds the duty?
The duty to manage asbestos falls on the shoulders of those who have control over the maintenance and repair of non-domestic premises. This can include building owners, landlords, and even tenants, depending on the specifics of tenancy agreements or contracts. In multi-occupied buildings, this duty may be shared or fall solely on the owner for common parts, while tenants manage their individual spaces.
In cases where there is no clear agreement, the person or organization with control of the premises, often the owner, is responsible. Public buildings and schools have specific guidelines, with duty holders ranging from employers in hospitals to local authorities or academy trusts in schools.
The role of Assured Safety Management
Understanding your responsibilities is the first step; the next is ensuring compliance. This is where Assured Safety Management steps in. Specializing in UKAS accredited asbestos surveys, we offer comprehensive services to identify the presence of asbestos within your premises. Our expert team, equipped with the latest technology and in-depth knowledge of current regulations, provides detailed surveys that form the foundation of your asbestos management plan.
Contact us to find out more.
Why asbestos surveys are critical
An asbestos survey is not just a legal requirement; it's a cornerstone of effective asbestos management, ensuring the safety of everyone who interacts with your premises. These surveys help in:
Identifying Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs): Early detection is key to preventing exposure and planning for safe removal or management.
Creating an Asbestos Management Plan: Detailed findings from the survey inform your tailored plan, outlining how to manage or remove ACMs safely.
Ensuring Legal Compliance: With the HSE's stringent regulations, a professional survey helps demonstrate your commitment to safety and legal obligations.
Collaborative efforts for compliance
The duty to manage asbestos requires collaboration among all parties involved in a property, from owners to tenants and managing agents. While the legal obligation cannot be transferred, working with a knowledgeable partner like Assured Safety Management can ease the burden, ensuring that all aspects of asbestos management are handled professionally and in accordance with HSE guidelines.
For more information on managing asbestos and ensuring your property complies with current regulations, visit the HSE's official website: https://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/duty/check.htm.
Assured Safety Management is here to guide you through the complexities of asbestos surveys and management plans, ensuring your premises are safe, compliant, and secure.
Contact us today to learn how we can assist in fulfilling your duty to manage asbestos effectively.