Duty to Manage series | 8. Provide information to anyone who might disturb asbestos
Key steps to sharing your asbestos management plan with employees and contractors
The presence of asbestos in buildings poses significant health risks, making effective communication about its management crucial for safety. As a duty holder, it is your responsibility to ensure that everyone who might disturb ACMs is fully informed about your asbestos management plan. This includes employees, contractors, maintenance workers, and even emergency services. Here's how you can ensure that the right people have the right information to safely manage asbestos risks.
1. Share your plan with site or building managers
The asbestos management plan should be readily accessible at the specific site it relates to. Make sure that site or building managers are familiar with the plan and understand their responsibility to share it with anyone working in the premises. This ensures that all workers, including temporary staff and contractors, are aware of the potential hazards.
2. Communicate with workers and contractors
Before any work begins that might disturb the fabric of the building, workers must be informed about the asbestos management plan. This includes detailing where ACMs are located, their condition, and the safe working practices that must be followed. Communication should happen early in the process, ideally when asking for quotes or during the initial planning stages of any work.
3. Information to include in your communication
Your communication should provide comprehensive information including:
The location and condition of ACMs, typically found in the asbestos register and site plan.
Safe working arrangements such as permits-to-work or specific incident procedures.
Liaison and coordination practices during the work, ensuring all parties are informed of any changes or discoveries.
4. Special considerations for those who are unlikely to disturb the building fabric
For individuals in the building who are unlikely to disturb asbestos but still need to be aware of its presence, such as teachers in schools, it is important to inform them about the specific locations of ACMs in the areas they use. They should also be instructed on what to do in the event of accidental damage or disturbance of asbestos.
5. Utilizing resources and tools
To assist in the communication of your asbestos management plan, consider utilizing resources such as HSE’s worker’s guide to asbestos safety and example asbestos management plan. These resources provide valuable guidance on creating an effective communication plan and can be adapted to suit the specific needs of your site.
Legal and safety obligations
Remember, the communication of your asbestos management plan is not just a best practice; it is a legal requirement under health and safety laws. Ensuring that everyone who might come into contact with or disturb asbestos is properly informed is crucial for preventing exposure and maintaining a safe working environment.
Please contact us if you require any additional information.