Health and Safety Policy Arrangements – Asbestos
Asbestos is a hazardous material that poses significant health risks when its fibers become airborne and are inhaled. Prolonged exposure to asbestos can lead to serious conditions such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. In the UK, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 requires employers to manage asbestos risks effectively. This includes identifying and assessing the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in the workplace, maintaining an up-to-date asbestos register, and implementing an asbestos management plan. Employers must also ensure that any work involving asbestos is carried out by licensed and trained professionals, and that employees are provided with appropriate information, instruction, and training. Effective asbestos management is crucial for protecting workers’ health and ensuring compliance with legal requirements, ultimately contributing to a safer working environment.
Take a look at the information below for things you might want to include in your own H&S policy…
Feel free to copy / paste this list, and you can find out more about our full H&S policy here.
The [Proprietor / Directors] of [My Company] will ensure that;
- Before carrying out any refurbishment or repair contracts, where the works could disturb any asbestos containing materials (ACMs), the company will endeavour to collect any information available relating to the location of ACMs, including obtaining or commissioning a full “Refurbishment and Demolition Survey” (see HSG264)
- The survey report needs to meet the requirements of the client and comply with the tender/contractual obligations. The report should be fit for purpose and the client should check that this is the case. Therefore, the client should examine the report and carry out a number of checks to make sure that the survey has been adequate and that the report is suitable and accurate. These checks are set out in Box 11 of HSG264
- The information in the survey report should be used to form the asbestos register which is a key component of the management plan. The survey report itself will generally not be the asbestos register
- If at any time an existing material is thought to contain asbestos all works will be stopped, a supervisor will be informed, and specialist advice sought
- All employees will be trained annually in the hazards of asbestos, the possible locations of asbestos and the company policy regarding asbestos and asbestos containing products
- The company will employ a competent and licensed contractor for the removal of asbestos when required
- The company recognises that it has a duty to manage the risks from asbestos on any premises, or part of premises, that it is responsible for (i.e. maintenance or control of all or part of a property, by agreement with other parties involved)
Our minimum health and safety performance standards will be obtained from; but not restricted to;
- The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
- HSG264 Asbestos the Survey Guide (Jan 2012)
- The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
- HSE’s L143; Managing and Working with Asbestos
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