Asbestos – don’t get burnt R
ecent regulations introduced by the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 mean that many people such as residential
landlords or managing agents will now be classified as a ‘duty holder’ with a duty to manage asbestos. Serious legal repercussions will follow for those in that position who do not comply with them. The legislation provides that a person is
the duty holder if: They own the building; They are responsible through a contract or tenancy agreement; They have control of the building but no formal contract or agreement or
In a multi-occupancy building, they are
the owner and have taken responsibility for maintenance and repairs for the whole building. It is not just commercial buildings that
are affected by the changes, it is all non domestic buildings, whatever the type of business and covers the common areas of domestic buildings, eg halls, stairwells, lift shafts, roof spaces.
52 AUGUST 2012 PROPERTYdrum ALBIE
PASSMORE ADAMS & REMERS
Managing agents and residential landlords may now be classified as a duty holder.’
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DUTY HOLDER? Firstly you should establish whether asbestos is present in the building and this
WHAT ARE THE
includes inspecting all areas of the building for example a roof voids or lift-shaft which are normally out of bounds. If you cannot access an area you should presume it does contain asbestos. Also inspect paperwork relating to the construction or building work carried out to the property if available to try and determine the type of asbestos which was used. If the property was built before 2000 it
probably does have some asbestos in it. If not, asbestos is unlikely to be present so no further action needs to be taken at this stage other than to make a record to state this is the case and why. If asbestos is found or suspected the
second stage is then to assess the condition of the asbestos or what might be considered to be asbestos and if it is likely to release fibres into the air. It you suspect it is in poor condition you should contact an expert who may arrange to repair, seal or remove the asbestos. An expert is someone who is suitably trained to identify asbestos and will be able to get the material analysed.
The rules have changed for asbestos management, says Albie Passmore.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68