The Government introduced the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012 (which superseded CAR2006) in direct response to the mortality rates associated with asbestos exposure, which are currently estimated at around 4000 deaths per year.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) hopes to reduce future exposure by ensuring compliance with Regulation 4 (Duty to Manage Asbestos) of CAR2012, whereby the Dutyholder has the responsibility of ensuring the safe management of ACMs within their premises.
The duty is not limited to an asbestos survey, but specific to safely managing asbestos by the implementation of a vigorous management process.
In summary, the Regulation requires that you monitor the condition (i.e. conduct a reinspection) of all ACMs identified within your premises and create an asbestos management plan to outline how you intend to minimise the risks associated with asbestos exposure on your site.
To ensure compliance with Regulation 4, we strongly advise that annual reinspections of the ACMs identified in your survey and if you have not already done so, create an asbestos management plan in line with the Approved Code of Practice L127 - The management of asbestos in non-domestic premises.
Bradley Environmental have many years' experience undertaking both reinspections and asbestos management plans for a wide range of clients and we would be happy to assist with this aspect of your regulatory compliance.
HSE inspectors are currently seeking evidence of compliance with Regulation 4 when conducting site audits. For more detailed guidance on how to effectively comply with this legislation, please refer to HSE Document A comprehensive guide to managing asbestos in premises (HSG227).