| There are a number of laws that require action to | | | | residential properties, such as stairwells). Whilst it |
| be taken in respect of asbestos in non-domestic | | | | may be necessary to test certain samples, there |
| properties, but primarily they put a legal | | | | should also be a presumption that asbestos is |
| responsibility on the person who owns, occupies | | | | present in any material can not be tested that |
| or controls the maintenance of the property to | | | | may contain asbestos. |
| manage the risk from asbestos materials or to | | | | Where asbestos is identified it either needs to be |
| co-operate with the person who does have that | | | | removed or made safe. If it is in good condition |
| responsibility. | | | | and does not need to be disturbed then the latter |
| To understand these requirements it is important | | | | course of action is often preferred as being the |
| to know why asbestos is dangerous and where it | | | | safest. If is to be removed this should be |
| may be found. It is the fine fibres found in | | | | undertaken by a trained and competent |
| asbestos that can cause asbestos related | | | | contractor and disposed of properly. |
| diseases, mainly cancer in the lungs and chest | | | | Any contractor working within the property |
| cavity caused from breathing these fibres. | | | | should be given a copy of the asbestos survey |
| Asbestos has good fire and heat retarding | | | | so that they can make sure that work they do is |
| properties and because of this was used | | | | not going to disturb any remaining asbestos or if |
| extensively in construction processes. There are | | | | they are working in an affected area, suitable |
| three main types, known as blue, brown and | | | | steps are taken to remove the asbestos |
| white asbestos with the first two being the most | | | | containing materials before they start work. |
| dangerous. You can not tell the types of asbestos | | | | The third requirement is to prepare an Asbestos |
| by looking at their colour however and any | | | | Management Plan to monitor the remaining |
| determination of whether a material is made up | | | | asbestos in the property. This should relate back |
| of asbestos should only be made as part of a | | | | to the asbestos survey and include a routine of |
| professionally undertaken survey (by an | | | | regular monitoring and inspections of remaining |
| accredited firm or person). | | | | asbestos to ensure that it remains in good |
| Indeed a survey should be the first step in any | | | | condition. This plan should also be regularly |
| plan to manage asbestos in a non-domestic | | | | monitored and updated as required. |
| building (and this will include common parts of | | | | |