ARS logo Managing Asbestos - the Regulation

home | survey 1 | survey 2 | survey 3 | duty holder | examples | links | programme | FAQ |


As detailed under the Control of Asbestos  Regulations 2006  the duty holder(s), have an explicit duty to assess and manage the risk from the effects of asbestos in their premises.   The risks will vary with circumstances, ranging from normal occupation of the building  to the repair, refurbishment and demolition of the premises, and they will each need to be assessed.  This assessment will be used to produce a management plan which details and records the actions to be undertaken to manage and reduce the risks from asbestos.

The broad requirements on employers and or other duty holders are  to :

  • take reasonable steps to determine the location of materials that contain asbestos;
  • presume materials to contain asbestos, unless there are good reasons not to do so;
  • make and maintain a written record of the location of the asbestos and presumed asbestos materials;
  • monitor the condition of asbestos and presumed asbestos materials;
  • assess the risk of exposure from the asbestos and presumed asbestos materials and document the actions necessary to manage the risk; and
  • take steps to see that the actions above are carried out.

Asbestos Management Programme

In order to have an effective asbestos management programme, it is necessary to establish clear lines of responsibility for the programme's management and implementation.  A survey of the premises must be undertaken to locate and assess the ACMs (asbestos containing materials) present in the building.

The results of the survey must be recorded in an easily retrievable form, which can then be used to make an assessment and draw up a management plan.

To effectively manage the risk from ACM's, you will need to create a plan which includes the following:-

  • an up to date record of the location, condition, maintenance and removal of all ACM's on the premises;
  • repair, sealing or removal action - if there is a risk of exposure due to its condition or location;
  • maintain ACM's in a good state of repair and regularly monitor the condition of the material;
  • have arrangements and procedures in place, so that work which may disturb the materials complies with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006; and 
  • review the plan at regular intervals and make changes to the plan and arrangements if circumstances change.

 The management plan may include some or all of the following activities:-

  • clean up debris
  • repair
  • encapsulate (paint or seal)
  • enclose
  • remove
  • maintain and update log of ACM's
  • monitor condition (applies to all presumed or identified ACM's
  • restrict access / isolate
  • label or colour code
  • inform staff
  • train staff
  • define and use safe systems of work
  • operate a permit to work system.

We can also provide on going monitoring of your premises if required and help with setting up your management system.

A useful HSE document can be downloaded here . For a full copy of the statutory instrument click the link above.
The above extracts are  from MDHS100 reprinted 2002 ISBN 071762076X

             home | survey 1 | survey 2 | survey 3 | duty holder | examples | links | programme| FAQ |