Advice to Businesses

The Control of Asbsetos at Works Regulations 2002

The New Duty to Manage

The Control of Asbestos at Works Regulations 2002 (CAWR) introduce an explicit duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic premises. This important legislation tackles the biggest occupational health killer in the UK.

Whilst virtually all other activities involving potential exposure to asbestos have now ceased, the evidence suggests that those working in the building maintenance trades are still at considerable risk from accidental exposure to asbestos.

The duty to manage requires those in control of premises to:

• take reasonable steps to determine the location and condition of materials likely to contain asbestos;

• presume materials contain asbestos unless there is strong evidence that they do not;

• make and keep an up to date record of the location and condition of the ACMs or presumed ACMs in the premises;

• assess the risk of the likelihood of anyone being exposed to fibres from these materials;

• prepare a plan setting out how the risks from the materials are to be managed;

• take the necessary steps to put the plan into action;

• review and monitor the plan periodically; and

• provide information on the location and condition of the materials to anyone who is liable to work on or disturb them.

The new duty to manage asbestos will come fully into force on 21 May, 2004. This means that all commercial premises must have their asbestos assessment and the management protocol completed by that date. It is important to start the process now.

Before you engage the services of an asbestos consultant you should gain further details from the sources detailed below. You may find that you have the expertise to carry out your duty to manage in house.

Further advice can be gained from the following sources:

Wrexham County Borough Council, Public Protection, Health and Safety Section.
Tel: 01978 297007, 297027.

Websites: www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos

Publications

Booklets:

A short guide to Managing Asbestos in Premises.

INDG223. HSE Books Free.

Recommended.

Asbestos alert for building, maintenance, repair and refurbishment workers. Be aware of asbestos the hidden killer.

INDG188. HSE Books. Free.

Recommended.

Comprehensive Guides:

The Management of Asbestos in non-domestic premises.

Approved Code of Practice and Guidance. L127. HSE Books, ISBN 07176 23823 £9.50

Recommended to all.

Work with Asbestos which does not normally require a licence.

Approved Code of Practice and Guidance. L27. HSE Books, ISBN 07176 25621 £9.50

Recommended to all in the maintenance, repair and building trade.

Asbestos Essentials Task Manual.

Task guidance sheets for the building maintenance and allied trades. HSG210. HSE Books, ISBN 07176 18870 £8.50

Recommended to all in the maintenance, repair and building trade.

Introduction to Asbestos Essentials.

Comprehensive guidance on working with asbestos in the building maintenance and allied trades. HSG213. HSE Books, ISBN 07176 1901X £12.50

Recommended to all in these trades.

A Comprehensive guide to managing asbestos in premises.

HSG227. HSE Books, ISBN 07176 23815 £12.50

Recommended to managers of larger premises.

Work with asbestos insulation, asbestos coating and asbestos insulating board (Fourth Edition).

Approved Code of Practice and Guidance. L28. HSE Books, ISBN 07176 2563X £9.50

Recommended to managers of premises containing these materials.

HSE priced and free publications are available mail order from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 2WA.

Tel: 01787 881165. Fax: 01787 313995.

Priced publications are also available through Book Shops.