Latest Regulations

The 13th revision to the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR 2006) came into force on the 13th November 2006.

Regulation 4 of CAR 2006 A duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic premises was enforced from the 21st May 2004 and requires employers and building owners to manage the risks from asbestos where it exists in buildings. As part of these requirements employers will to:

• Establish if asbestos is present in their buildings and if so where it is located. Produce a written plan to locate and manage the asbestos, or remove where necessary.
• Assume that asbestos is present unless there is evidence to prove otherwise.
• Record their findings and monitor the condition. Prepare a management plan to manage the risk from asbestos and provide information to anyone liable to come into contact with it.

How Does this Affect You?

Regulation 4 requires duty holders to assess and manage the risks associated with asbestos on your premises. The new regulation will have an impact on owners and managers of properties.

• You will be required to know if your property contains asbestos or assume that it does if no survey has been undertaken.
• You will be required to have an asbestos management plan in position.
• You will be required to provide adequate information about your asbestos to anyone liable to come into contact with it.
• You will be expected to know what the law requires of you.

If you do not manage the asbestos in your buildings you may be liable for prosecution.

What Should You Do?

If you own or are responsible for a property which is over 15/20 years old there is a likelihood that asbestos containing materials (ACMs) could be present.

You are recommended as part of your Duty to Manage undertake a survey of the building to record the presence of such materials. This is known as an asbestos register based on a minimum type 2 survey as detailed in MDHS 100. The register will serve as a management system for you to record the whereabouts and the condition of any asbestos containing materials that are present.

From the survey risk assessments will be compiled. A point score is allocated on the basis of the examination of a number of parameters. This system is based on the materials assessment algorithm as detailed in MDHS 100 - Surveying, Sampling and Assessment of Asbestos Containing Materials. This will allow you to manage your asbestos in a safe manner.

If you intend to undertake major refurbishment or indeed demolish part or all of your premises then you must undertake a type 3 survey, which is a full intrusive survey to establish the whereabouts of all ACMs prior to work commencing. A type 3 survey will not give risk assessment scores since it assumes that all asbestos will be removed as part of the works.

How Can We Help?

Central Environmental Services Limited are able to provide a comprehensive system for the asbestos on your premises.

We offer:

• To undertake all levels of surveys as defined within MDHS 100 and produce comprehensive computerised reports and registers, including electronic versions with CAD drawings.
• A follow on inspection service every six months to ensure your register is kept updated.
• A full and comprehensive range of asbestos abatement solutions.
• Professional advice on your asbestos problems and the implications on your business.

Call or e-mail us for any advice or queries that you have regarding asbestos and/or the revised CAR.