If you own or maintain a building that was built before the year 2000, you are legally required to manage asbestos within the building. You need to make sure that you are compliant with asbestos regulations to avoid being prosecuted by the health and safety executive.
The Asbestos Management Plan
The contents of the plan contain important details about the condition and location of any materials containing asbestos within a property. The first crucial step of the plan is making sure that any materials that contain asbestos are safe, sealed, and labelled.
The duty holder is responsible for making sure that any asbestos within their property is managed safely. The duty holder might have to go on an asbestos awareness course or duty to manage training so they can keep compliant with the law.
If the use of a building changes or its occupants change then reviews and revisions must be made to the plan. A plan specifically designed for the management of asbestos must be reviewed at least once a year to keep compliant with the law.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I get asked a lot of questions about asbestos management plans. Below you will find some of the most common questions I get asked along with answers.
Is an Asbestos Management Plan a Legal Requirement?
The purpose of the management plan is to explain how to safely manage any asbestos in a building. The owner or person responsible for a building can read the management plan and follow the instructions. Managing asbestos in a building is crucial to protect the public from asbestos exposure.
How Often Should the Plan be Reviewed?
It is a legal requirement to have a management plan reviewed at least once every 12 months. If there are any changes to the building before the 12 months, then the management plan will have to be reviewed right away.
What is the Purpose of an Asbestos Management Plan?
The purpose of an asbestos management plan is to keep people safe from asbestos exposure. The document details how the asbestos within a building will be safely managed. The location, condition, and clear labeling of the asbestos should all be documented within the plan.
If you have had an asbestos survey and had asbestos testing results that were positive, you will need an effective management plan to keep compliant with the law.