Despite the outlawing of asbestos in 1999, the fatal affects of using the substance remains a common problem in the UK.
The historic use of asbestos in commercial properties means that many buildings that are being renovated or demolished still contain material. Those who don’t adequately dispose of any asbestos in their buildings and fail to protect their employees could be liable for asbestos-related personal injury claims.
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012, any owner of occupier of a non-domestic premises with maintenance and repair responsibilities has a duty to assess and manage the risks from the presence of asbestos – but what does this entail?
If asbestos is found to be present, any work on it must be carried out by a licence contractor in the majority of cases. This includes most asbestos removal, all work with sprayed asbestos coating and asbestos lagging and most work with asbestos insulation and asbestos insulation board.
Any removed asbestos product or material that is ready for disposal, including contaminated building materials, tools, personal protective equipment and damp rags used for cleaning, is defined as asbestos waste and subject to strict labelling and transportation controls under CAR 2012.
The disposal of this asbestos waste requires specialist expertise to ensure its safe handling, labelling and transportation and customers seeking to remove it from their premises safely should always ensure it is carried out by a fully compliant service provider and with access to licensed disposal points.
Paul Casey is regional general manager for Biffa’s Industrial and Commercial division. Biffa recently announced the launch of its new national asbestos collection and disposal service, Biffa Asbestos. To learn more about Biffa Asbestos call 0808 168 1111.
“Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012, any owner of occupier of a non-domestic premises with maintenance and repair responsibilities has a duty to assess and manage the risks from the presence of asbestos – but what does this entail?” An asbestos management survey must be carried out to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and the risk associated with any identified ACMs must be calculated. Asbestos registers must then be created as part of an Asbestos Management Plan, which is a requirement under the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012. Once the ACMs and risks have been identified, removals… Read more »
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[…] Asbestos and liability – … most asbestos removal, all work with sprayed asbestos coating and asbestos lagging and most work with asbestos insulation and asbestos insulation board. Any removed asbestos product or material that is ready for disposal, including contaminated … […]
[…] Asbestos and liability – Paul Casey, regional general manager for Biffa’s Industrial and Commercial division, outlines regulations … asbestos coating and asbestos lagging and most work with asbestos insulation and asbestos insulation board. Any removed asbestos product or … […]
[…] Asbestos and liability – Paul Casey, regional general manager for Biffa’s Industrial and Commercial division, outlines regulations around the issue of asbestos, liability and the importance of a qualified disposal expert. Despite the outlawing of asbestos in 1999, the fatal … […]