A new duty to manage to risk from asbestos in premises will come into force on 21st May 2004; Regulation 4 details the duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic premises. 

This states that the persons with the repair and maintenance responsible for premises, i.e. the duty holder must manage the risk from asbestos in the premises, such as they must take reasonable steps to ensure that a suitable and sufficient assessment is carried out as to whether asbestos is (or liable to be present) in the premises. 

In all cases this will initially take the form of a survey.  There are three differing types of asbestos surveys and these surveys should be carried out in accordance with Health & Safety Executive document MDS100, “Surveying, sampling and assessment of asbestos containing materials” MDS100.

We are able to advise on the type of survey required depending on individual circumstances and type of property.  We are also able to advise in the preparation of a plan and asbestos register, which details on how you are planning to manage the risk contained within a building.