Asbestos is the biggest occupational health problem ever encountered in the United Kingdom. Between 1950’s and 1980’s asbestos was used extensively in the UK as building materials. Thousands of tonnes of asbestos remains in all types of buildings throughout the UK.

These alarming findings led to the introduction of the Duty to Manage Asbestos in Non Domestic Premises regulation on 21 May 2004. Under these regulations the duty holder have to ensure they have done the following:

Take reasonable steps to identify asbestos in their premises and assess the conditions of the asbestos containing materials identified

Presume that materials contain asbestos unless there is strong evidence otherwise

Prepare a record of the location of asbestos or presumed asbestos materials along with the assessed risk and supply this to anyone who is liable to disturb it

Prepared and implemented a plan to manage those risks

Reviewed the assessment of the risk periodically

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Approximately 3000 people die each year from asbestos related diseases such as:

> Asbestosis
> Lung Cancer
> Mesothelioma

It is estimated half a million commercial premises may contain asbestos. The number of deaths will continue to increase until 2011.

Even though working conditions are now much improved no one can be sure just how quickly the numbers are going to diminish.

>If you have an asbestos problem or general enquiry please
>Contact Asbestos Management Services (Scotland) Ltd.

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