Updated guidance is now available to help those responsible for managing the risks from asbestos.
Updated guidance is now available to help those responsible for managing the risks from asbestos best protect those workers who may disturb it.
'Asbestos: The survey guide' is aimed at those who commission asbestos surveys, the surveyors who carry them out and those who use them such as architects and demolition or removal contractors.
It replaces the MDHS 100 guidance and sets out the role of surveys in ensuring that builders or maintenance workers have all the information they need to minimise their risk of exposure to asbestos and put the right precautions in place.
Regulation 4 of Control of Asbestos Regulations contains an explicit duty on those who are the nominated responsible person(s) for the maintenance and repair of non-domestic premises to assess and manage the risks from asbestos.
It is also a legal requirement that information about the location and condition of asbestos containing materials within a building is available to contractors and tradesmen undertaking any work or inspections in the building.
'Asbestos: The survey guide', which was developed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) with input from a range of organisations (see notes to editors) uses clear examples of best practice.
It gives advice on how to select a competent surveyor − recommending the use of accredited organisations and what the client should expect from them. It also contains greater detail on conducting refurbishment and demolition surveys, what asbestos containing materials look like and where to find them and new guidance on the use of surveys in the rented domestic sector.
If you have Asbestos within your building and your "responsible person" is unsure about the location of your asbestos management log book and there is no clear asbestos management plan within your organisation, call your local HBI Ireland office for some expert guidance.