The launch in November 2003 of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 introduced Regulation 4 - The Duty to Manage Asbestos in Non Domestic Properties.

This new regulation created an explicit duty to assess and manage the risks from asbestos in premises. The risks will vary with circumstances, ranging from normal occupation of a building to the repair, refurbishment and demolition of the premises, and they will each need to be assessed. This assessment will be used to produce a management plan which details and records the actions to be undertaken to manage and reduce the risks from asbestos.

In order to have an effective asbestos management programme, it is necessary to establish clear lines of responsibility for the programme's management and implementation. A survey of the premises must be undertaken to locate and assess the Asbestos Containing Materials. The results of the survey must be recorded in an easily retrievable format, which can then be used to make a risk assessment and draw up a management plan.

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