Keywords
Citation
(1999), "Asbestos record keeping", Property Management, Vol. 17 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/pm.1999.11317aab.029
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 1999, MCB UP Limited
Asbestos record keeping
Asbestos record keeping
Keywords Building materials, Health and safety, Property ownership
The recent announcement by the Health and Safety Executive that it will launch a consultation on the banning of the use of white asbestos in buildings is a "red herring", according to health and safety experts at law firm Nabarro Nathanson.
Says Sheffield-based health and safety solicitor Lyn McPerson: "In a different consultation on asbestos which was extended to the end of July, the Health and Safety Executive proposed far-reaching changes to the asbestos regulations and supporting codes of practice. The aim was to protect those who carry out maintenance, repair and refurbishment work on buildings, principally those constructed or refurbished before 1980.
"One of the key proposals in the consultation document was that those in control of non-domestic premises would have to take reasonable steps to determine whether materials containing asbestos were located in their building, and that unless a reasonable argument to the contrary can be made, they should presume that materials contain asbestos.
"Crucially for property owners and managers, a recent record showing the location of the asbestos (and any material presumed to be asbestos) would have to be maitained, and the condition of the asbestos/presumed asbestos monitored. This precautionary approach is a reversal of the present legislation and also moves us one step closer to a requirement that all building owners and managers maintain an asbestos register".
The largest group of workers at risk from current exposure from asbestos would include plumbers, carpenters, electricians, cabling engineers, BT employees, and fire and burglar alarm installers. All of these people could disturb asbestos accidentally during the course of their work.
It has been recognised that these are the categories of workers who are now most at risk from asbestos. as direct use of asbestos in industry has declined rapidly. The problem for the UK is, therefore, asbestos which has been in situ in buildings for many years. Estimates suggest that 70 per cent of commercial buildings in the UK contain asbestos in some form or another.