Managing the risk

The risk management plan must specify whether any repair or removal work has to be done, and the order of priority for this.

When considering whether to remove or repair and manage the asbestos, several things need to be taken into account, such as the type of asbestos, its condition, its position (is it somewhere where it is likely to be damaged), and what else would be needed if the asbestos was removed, e.g. does it need to be replaced by other fire-resistant materials?

The HSE ACOP covering regulation 4 says that if asbestos containing materials are in a good condition and are unlikely to be damaged or disturbed then it is better to leave them in place, and to introduce a system of management.

Keeping records

Decisions about what to do to manage the risk must be recorded and any such records and drawings must be kept fully up to date. Access to a copy of these should be available on site for the entire life of the premises as far as is reasonably practicable - or if the premises are vacant, at the dutyholder's nearest occupied premises.

The ACOP states: "Everyone who needs to know what has been decided must get to know about it and they must be made aware about where the plan is kept. This will include: telling the workforce, particularly maintenance workers; telling safety representatives; or preparing packs of information for visiting contractors liable to be at risk.

"If having decided that some asbestos containing materials can be left safely in place, arrangements need to be made so that information about the location and condition of the asbestos is given to anyone who might disturb them - either accidentally or during the course of their work."

One way of doing this would be to clearly label where the asbestos is, or is suspected to be, on the premises, although such labels would need to be checked regularly.

Another way would be a 'permit-to-work' system or written authorisation system, where anyone coming to the premises to carry out maintenance work would be required to report to the premises manager or other responsible person.

Such workers would be given a pass to carry out work in a particular part of the building and at the same time could be provided with all relevant information such as the position and condition of asbestos containing materials.

More detailed information and advice concerning the new duty to manage asbestos in buildings is available from the HSE in its Approved Code of Practice. See the HSE website for more details (link above/right).