The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 require every duty holder with responsibility for non-domestic premises to manage the risk from asbestos. For care homes, this means having a written asbestos management plan, a current asbestos register, and a process for informing contractors before work begins.
Why this matters
The HSE's position on asbestos management is unambiguous: if you are a duty holder and you cannot produce an asbestos management plan, you are in breach. The most common failure is not the absence of a survey it is the absence of a live, maintained plan that is actually used when contractors arrive on site.
What to do
- 1If you do not have an asbestos management plan, commission one immediately a qualified P402-certified surveyor can produce one from your existing asbestos register.
- 2Ensure the plan is reviewed annually or whenever works are carried out that could affect asbestos-containing materials.
- 3Brief every contractor before they start any works the asbestos register review should be a documented step in your contractor sign-in process.
Primary source
HSE Managing Asbestos: Duty to Manage
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