“Know your building, know your responsibilities” is the message to non-domestic property owners and managers in Northern Ireland.
The message is clear to asbestos duty holders, that, they must take steps to ensure that the asbestos containing materials incommercial properties such as factories, shops, warehouses and offices, are in good condition. Managing the asbestos containing materials will require a survey by a qualified, experienced surveyor. The survey report will give details of where,what the condition is and recommendations for remediating any asbestos containing materials found by the surveyor. This will help dutyholders to keep their employees, the general public and maintenance contractors safe fromexposure to asbestos fibres which are closely linked with cancers of the pleura.
Professor Peter McKie, Chairman of the HSENI, said: “Asbestos remains the most serious occupational health issue in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK due to it’swidespread use. It may be present in any building built before the year 2000, so it is essential that those with duties under health and safety are aware of the risk it poses and their responsibilities to manage it. HSENI’s campaign sets out to make sure that this message is clearly and easily understood, both for those who own their own commercial premises and those who rent from others.”
Over the coming months and in partnership with Northern Irelands 26District Councils, HSENI will be carrying out inspections of non-domestic premises throughout Northern Ireland to check the level of compliance with the asbestos regulations.
AMS can advise about, and provide services to ensure that dutyholders are compliant with the strict regulations around managing asbestos.
Tags: asbestos management, asbestos northern ireland, asbestos surveys