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Q
-
What
happens if we don't manufacture anything that contains asbestos on
our premises?
A
-
The
manufacture, use and importing of asbestos components is now banned
in the UK. However, the new legislation has been put in place to
protect staff, maintenance workers and other such people, from
unknowingly coming into contact with asbestos when carrying out
their work on the premises, therefore you must have a strategy in
place to manage the ACM's present within the structure of the
building.
Q
-
Do I
need an asbestos register even though I do not have any asbestos in
my building?
A
-
Yes! Every non-domestic premises built before 1999 are required to
manage the potential risks from asbestos whether there is thought to
be any present or not. Remember, materials must be strongly
presumed to be ACM's until proven otherwise. This can be achieved
in 2 ways; either by knowing that the material is wood, metal or
glass so therefore cannot be asbestos, or, through bulk sampling and
analysis.
Q
- Is an
asbestos register required for blocks of flats or social housing?
A
-The
individual flats will not need an asbestos risk assessment but the
communal areas such as corridors, lifts, stairwells and waste
disposal sections will. This is because any member of the public
has access to these areas, subsequently could come into contact with
ACM's.
Q
-
I lease
the premises we occupy from a landlord. Who is responsible for
putting the register in place?
A
-The
person who is responsible for the maintenance and the general up
keep of the building is responsible for the asbestos register.
Various situations can arise where by either a landlord or a tenant
can be held responsible. In any situation where there is confusion
it is advisable to contact your solicitor regarding the tenancy
agreement. If in doubt
contact
ourselves for more advice or information.
Q
- I
only own a small building with 5 - 6 employees, why do I need an
asbestos register?
A
-
It has already been mentioned that the register is in place to
protect any person working in, or, carrying out work on the
building. The size of the building and number of employees is
irrelevant because asbestos can be found in any building built
before 1999. |
