Want to know what exactly refers to managing asbestos? An asbestos management plan (AMP) refers to a document, specifically designed to set out claims, stating how asbestos will be managed in a property as well as assist in preventing exposure to airborne asbestos fibersby the building occupiers and site visitors.
The plan comes with an asbestos register that comprises the location of all known and presumed asbestos-containing materials. It also details risk assessment depending upon the location and condition of the materials.
The documentation ensures that the contractors working on your site are well aware of the places they are likely to encounter asbestos materials and take necessary precautions to avoid risks.
Today, all workplaces should mandatorily have an asbestos register that is annually updated to make sure that all practicable measures are taken to reduce potential hazards within the work premises. The duty holder of asbestos management should have an effective plan showcasing how they will avoid the risks caused by the asbestos within the buildings.
Who can be an asbestos duty holder?
An asbestos duty holder can be anyone who:
- Owns the property or building
- Have control over the building but no formal agreement or contract in place
- Under a contract or tenancy agreement
- Responsible for maintenance as well as repairs in a multi-occupancy building
Does your building need an asbestos management plan?
All commercial buildings and structures such as schools and offices should have an appropriate plan to manage risks. Although domestic properties are generally not included under AMP, common areas such as lift shafts, stairwells, and roof voids must have asbestos management.
Additionally, organizations under contract and responsible for maintenance or repairs within domestic structures fall under the duty to manage asbestos. In case you are not a duty holder of a building but have information about the property, you should legally co-operate with the duty holder. You need to provide access for undertaking inspections required to manage asbestos.
What do you need to manage asbestos in your property?
Asbestos can pose health threats to the building occupiers if asbestos fibers are released into the air and breathed in. Airborne asbestos fibers can cause several asbestos-related diseases, particularly to the workers carrying out maintenance or repair tasks in the building.
Please note that asbestos risk is negligible only as long as asbestos-containing materials are in good and sealed condition. It can cause risk to health if it is disturbed or damaged, especially during the maintenance and repair sessions. Effective management of asbestos within the buildings is the only way to reduce asbestos-related health risks.
What are the crucial components of an asbestos management plan?
AMP is an essential part of your legal duty to manage asbestos. As a duty holder, you are required to manage the risks from asbestos by:
- Encountering the presence of asbestos in the property or assessing if asbestos is likely to be present on the premises.
- Presuming the presence of asbestos-containing materials in the building unless you have strong evidence that you do not.
- Locating the exact place and condition of asbestos-containing materials on the premises.
- Managing updated records of the location and condition of asbestos-related material in the property.
- Assessing the potential risks from the materials containing asbestos.
- Preparing a detailed plan about managing the risk that might be caused by asbestos.
- Implementing AMP into action.
- Monitoring and reviewing your AMP to ensure the safety of the site visitors and dwellers.
Conclusion
Now that you have an understanding of the asbestos management plan, ensure to keep your plan updated and under review. Please note that it is an ongoing process and thus you should always update your asbestos register while re-inspecting or carrying out work on your AMP. To maintain compliance, your asbestos register should include the date whenever a change is made to it. It is highly recommended that you review your AMP at least once a year to make sure that the condition of the asbestos in the property hasn’t changed or deteriorated.
