New Asbestos Survey Regime Delivers Strict Obligations

Those responsible for protecting others from asbestos in buildings will soon have strict new guidelines to follow as revised Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance for asbestos surveys is set to be introduced in the autumn, replacing current guidance known as MDHS 100.

National law firm Shoosmiths has warned those requesting and carrying out surveys that they must meet their obligations under the comprehensive new regime, which covers surveying, sampling, and assessment of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

Unlike MDHS 100, the new survey guidelines impose express obligations on the Duty holder in relation to the planning and execution of the asbestos survey. The HSE emphasises that asbestos, a category 1 chemical carcinogen, is the cause of the greatest number of work-related deaths every year.

Those affected by the new guidelines will be asbestos surveyors, and duty holders — people or organisations responsible for protecting residents or employees from asbestos in homes and workplaces.
Specific obligations will be imposed on duty holders concerning the planning and execution of asbestos surveys. They will have to provide information on the number of buildings to be inspected, plans and surveys, building usage, known hazards and access details. The guidelines also recommend a site meeting between the duty holder and the surveyor before surveys begin.

Shoosmiths partner and asbestos specialist Angela Taylor said: “Duty holders should familiarise themselves with the express obligations imposed on them, in particular checking the surveyor's competence, being involved at the survey planning stage, and checking survey reports.”

Asbestos causes the greatest number of work-related deaths every year.

Source: Croners / Shoosmiths

Designed, Hosted and Maintained by Union Safety Services