Buildings constructed before 2000 very likely contain asbestos. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 place a legal duty to manage on those responsible for non-domestic premises -- and this duty is ongoing, not a one-off.
Why this matters
Operating a care home without a current asbestos survey and management plan is a criminal offence under CAR 2012. It also exposes residents, staff and contractors to serious health risk. HSE prosecutions in this area are increasing.
What to do
- 1Commission a Management Survey from a UKAS-accredited surveyor if you do not have one or if the building has changed significantly since the last survey.
- 2Produce a written asbestos management plan and review it at least annually.
- 3Share your asbestos register with every contractor before they carry out maintenance or refurbishment work -- this is a legal requirement.
- 4Do not commission a Refurbishment and Demolition Survey until immediately before any refurbishment work begins.
Primary source
HSE -- Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
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