FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral commonly used within buildings. It is reported that up to 50% of homes in the UK were built using asbestos containing materials (ACMs).

Asbestos was widely used due to it's heat resistant qualities and soon became commonly used in buildings.

Asbestos in only dangerous when airborne. When inhaled ACMs are extremely hazardous. Asbestos exposure has been linked as a cause of Mesothelioma and lung cancer. 

The duty to manage asbestos is a legal requirement under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (Regulation 4). It applies to the owners and occupiers of commercial premises (such as shops, offices, industrial units etc) who have responsibility for maintenance and repair activities. In addition to these responsibilities, they also have a duty to assess the presence and condition of any asbestos-containing materials. If asbestos is present, or is presumed to be present, then it must be managed appropriately. The duty also applies to the shared parts of some domestic premises.