29/03/2024
Are you an employer or self-employed person in charge of a workplace?
If so, it’s important to be aware of the regulations surrounding asbestos in the workplace.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what you need to know:
Asbestos is a serious concern in many workplaces, and employers have been required to maintain a register of any asbestos products found in their workplaces since 1996.
The Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2008 requires buildings constructed before 1990 to have an asbestos register.
Regulation 5.43 of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 requires employers, main contractors, and self-employed persons to identify and assess risks from hazards related to asbestos in accordance with the Code of Practice for the Management and Control of Asbestos in Workplaces.
This Code of Practice includes key elements such as:
- Holding an asbestos register at workplaces where asbestos is present.
- Conducting a risk assessment to see if the asbestos at the workplace presents a hazard to employees.
- Ensuring the risk assessment is done by a competent person.
- Updating the register and risk assessments every 12 months or sooner.
By following these regulations, you can help protect your employees and ensure your workplace is as safe as possible.
Don’t let asbestos be a pain point for you or your employees, take the necessary steps to manage it properly.
