The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) has launched a consultative document aimed at revamping asbestos regulations.
Although asbestos is no longer used, there is still cause for concern. It is estimated that about half a million non-domestic premises contain some form of asbestos.
The move will also ensure further protection to the thousands of asbestos removal workers and 1.3 million repair and maintenance workers who may be exposed.
The proposed changes include tighter control limit for work will all types of asbestos, specific training requirements and a clear plan that should be used to reduce exposure.
Certain types of work where exposure to asbestos will only be 鈥渟poradic and low intensity鈥� and below the control limit will not need to be carried out by a licensed contractor. HSC provides authoritative guidance on the types of work that will be exempt from licensing.
Source
Construction Manager
Postscript
Further details of the changes can be found in the Consultation Document and the draft Regulations at www.hse.gov.uk/consult/live.htm. Comments on the proposals should be sent by email to asbestos.consultation@hse.gsi.gov.uk or by post to Thomas Slater, Health and Safety Executive, Rose Court, 2 Southwark Bridge London, SE1 9HS. The consultation period closes on January 31.