HSE’s Council Inspection Campaign
The HSE have recently launched a new campaign in line with Duty to Manage to inspect hundreds of council buildings, to assess whether they’re managing the risk of asbestos appropriately.
As part of this new initiative, HSE Inspectors are set to visit the head offices of dozens of councils across the country, to monitor asbestos management procedures and ensure the risk of asbestos are being managed to ensure the safety of all building occupants.
As part of these inspections, the HSE’s inspectors various different sites within each local authority’s property portfolio, acting as a continuation of previous campaigns targeting schools and hospitals.
The HSE are focused on assessing how Duty to Manage Requirements under Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
Duty to Manage covers a wide range of buildings, some regular by HSE and others regulated by all areas of HSE. These visits will look into asbestos management in public buildings, including libraries, museums and leisure centres.
The proper management of asbestos in these buildings ensures that anyone operating or visiting the buildings will not be at risk of asbestos exposure.
Helen Jones, HSE’s Head of Health and Public Services Sector, said: “Local authorities have a hugely important role to play in keeping people safe.
“They can do this through the maintenance of their property portfolios and in their role as a regulator.
To prepare these inspections, Local Authorities are recommended to:
- Identifying and assessing asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in buildings.
- Maintaining updated records of ACM locations and conditions.
- Evaluating exposure risks and creating an Asbestos Management Plan.
- Implementing and regularly reviewing their Asbestos Management Plan.
- Providing relevant information to workers who may disturb ACMs.
How can Casa help?
At Casa, we are adept in working with Local Authorities, using our wealth of experience to ensure Councils are managing their Asbestos compliantly, prioritising the safety of building users and occupants.
If we can assist with your Asbestos requirements or creation of your Asbestos Management Plan, please get in touch.
