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Control of Asbestos 2006

Workers in building and allied trades are exposed to asbestos fibres when they unknowingly work on building materials that contain asbestos, or carry out work without taking the correct precautions. This includes minor works such as installing a new light fitting as well as major works such as refurbishment works. This exposure can lead to asbestos related diseases depending on the level, duration and frequency of exposure.

Their work can also put normal users of a building at risk. If asbestos is not effectively managed within a property, employees’ and other peoples’ health is at risk. The Control of Asbestos 2006 regulations aim to protect these two main target groups:

• Those who work on the fabric of the building;
• Those who work in the building.

The regulations also aim to ensure workers are aware all the required information so that they can take effective precautions when working on a building.

The regulations include an explicit duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic premises which includes:

• 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 and take the necessary steps to put the plan into action;
• Review and monitor the plan periodically;
• Provide information on the location and condition of the materials to anyone who is liable to work on or disturb them.

Dutyholders are those with the responsibility for the maintenance and/or repair of non-domestic premises.

AIMS Dutyholder has been developed to help dutyholders comply with their responsibilities and provide the tools to effectively manage the asbestos in their buildings.