Asbestos Regulations - A History

In November 2002, the UK government introduced regulations called The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 - or CAWR2002.

This meant that from May 21st 2004, all UK commercial premises were compelled to comply with the new regulations which simply put, state that the duty holder must have an asbestos policy in force.

Every commercial building is now required to have an asbestos register in place and available for inspection by employees or tradespeople working on site.

The register must ne compiled by what the regulations describe as a competent person, which is generally accepted to means somebody who, as a minimum, has passed the P402 examination specifically for asbestos surveying.

The regulations are designed to protect employees and visitors from the dangers of asbestos in the workplace.

Updated in 2010, the regulations, now called The Control of Asbestos Regulations are now simplified to an extent, in that there are now only two types of asbestos survey - The Maintenance Survey and the Demolition / Refurbishment Survey.

Asbestos In Buildings

Although asbestos has been banned in UK construction since the mid 1980's, certain materials were still manufactured and used until 1999. It is estimated that at least 50% of all asbestos ever used in the construction of buildings in the UK is still present.

Not all of it presents a health risk and in most cases, there is no need to have it removed. However, it should be recognised that if disturbed or damaged by maintenance work or accident, that certain types of asbestos do present a significant risk to health.

This is why the new regulations were introduced, to protect those working on your premises, whether your own staff or subcontractors. There is growing concern that despite the banning of asbestos in the UK, deaths from the material continue to increase.

The largest increase is no longer from those who worked within the asbestos industry as it was from 1899 to the 1980's. Instead, those being affected are maintenance workers such as electricians, plumbers, heating and telephone engineers.

There is no safe level for asbestos and the affects of exposure to asbestos can be horrific.

The consequences of not complying with the legislation are quite severe too and include financial penalties, the possibility of a jail sentence, refusal of employers & public liability insurance and refusal by maintenance companies such as telecoms, electricity and water companies to conduct repairs to essential services. Please browse the site for information concerning this important and far-reaching legislation - it could save you money and save lives!