October 31, 2001—The UK Health & Safety Executive (HSE) is launching a five-year campaign aimed at small and medium businesses to raise awareness about reducing asbestos health risks. As part of the initiative, HSE is proposing a new regulation in the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulation 1987 to include a defined duty to proactively manage the risk from asbestos in non-domestic premises. A supporting approved code of practice will provide advice on identifying asbestos, maintaining a plan of location and condition of asbestos, assessing risks, preparing a management plan, and setting up suitable management systems.
A free leaflet, “Managing asbestos in premises,” is available by contacting HSE at 08701 545500.
Based on a report by Workplacelaw.net
