Duty to Manage series | 5. Effective asbestos management: Create a register and assess the risk
Streamlining asbestos management: The role of a UKAS accredited survey and the asbestos register
Asbestos management is a critical safety responsibility for any property manager or owner of buildings likely to contain asbestos. This responsibility begins with understanding exactly where asbestos is present and assessing the risk it poses. This is where Assured Safety Management, armed with its UKAS accreditation, plays a vital role in ensuring your asbestos management processes are not just compliant but effective and reliable.
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Understanding the asbestos register
An asbestos register is an essential component of an effective asbestos management plan. It should contain up-to-date information about the presence and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in your property. This includes all known and presumed ACMs, details about their type, quantity, condition, and the potential risk of fibre release and disturbance.
The register isn’t just a static document; it's dynamic and requires regular updates to reflect any changes in the condition of ACMs or changes in the building that could affect the risk of exposure.
How Assured Safety Management can help
Comprehensive asbestos surveys: Our UKAS accredited surveys provide the foundation for your asbestos register. Whether it's a management survey for ongoing occupancy or a more intrusive refurbishment/demolition survey before structural work, Assured Safety Management ensures thorough identification and documentation of all ACMs.
Risk assessment expertise: With the detailed information from our surveys, we assist in formulating robust risk assessments that consider not just the condition of the asbestos but also its accessibility, the likelihood of disturbance, and the potential impact on building occupants. This approach helps prioritize remedial actions effectively.
Ongoing support and updates: Asbestos management is an ongoing process. Assured Safety Management provides continuous support in updating your asbestos register and risk assessments based on regular inspections and any new findings. This ensures that your management plan remains current and compliant with health and safety regulations.
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Producing and updating the risk assessment
A key part of the asbestos register is the risk assessment. This assessment is crucial for prioritizing remedial action and ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to areas with the highest risk. Assured Safety Management helps in assessing the material and priority of each ACM, utilizing algorithms and our deep understanding of regulatory requirements and building operations.
Why choose a UKAS accredited provider?
Choosing a UKAS accredited provider like Assured Safety Management means you are working with a surveyor who meets the highest standards of quality and reliability in the asbestos surveying industry.
Our accreditation ensures that we perform all surveys with the utmost integrity, impartiality, and technical competence.
To view our schedule of accreditation, click here or on the UKAS Inspection logo.
Final thoughts
Navigating the complexities of asbestos management requires detailed knowledge of the materials involved and their risks. Assured Safety Management provides that expertise, ensuring your asbestos management processes are comprehensive and compliant. By maintaining a detailed and updated asbestos register and conducting thorough risk assessments, you safeguard the health of your building's occupants and meet all regulatory obligations.
For more detailed guidance on managing asbestos and complying with legal requirements, visit the HSE's official page: https://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/duty/register-and-assess-risk.htm.
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