November 30, 2001—The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) has published a consultative document with revised proposals to introduce new laws to manage the risk of asbestos in the premises.
The main changes to last years consultative document include a wider definition of the duty holder. The new proposals plan to extend responsibility to all those who legally have maintenance and repair responsibilities for any part of the premises, as well as the employer occupying the premises.
In the new regulations, these duty holders will be required to:
- Find out whether asbestos is present in their buildings, where it is located and what condition it is in;
- Assume that materials contain asbestos unless they can be sure they do not;
- Record their findings;
- Assess the risks from these materials;
- Prepare and implement plans to manage the risks from such asbestos;
- Provide information to anyone liable to come into contact with asbestos to take the actions necessary to enable the employer to comply with these requirements.
According to Timothy Walker, director-general of the HSE, thousands of lives could be saved if these new regulations are implemented: “About 3,000 people are dying of asbestos-related diseases each year but in 10 years time that will have grown, perhaps to more than double the number.”
Copies of the Consultative Document are available free from HSE Books, tel. 01787 881165
Supplied by Workplacelaw Network
