Asbestos

The University has undertaken a comprehensive survey of all buildings to identify any asbestos within a particular property as per the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR). The Regulations create a 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 each need to be assessed.

This assessment is being used to produce a management plan, which details and records the actions to be undertaken to manage and reduce the risks from asbestos.

The broad requirements on employers is to:

• Take reasonable steps to determine the location of materials likely to contain asbestos
• Presume materials to contain asbestos, unless there are good reasons not to do so
• Make and maintain a written record of the location of the asbestos and presumed asbestos materials
• Monitor the condition of asbestos and presumed asbestos materials
• Assess the risk of exposure from the asbestos and presumed asbestos materials
• Document the actions necessary to manage the risk
• Take steps to see that the actions above are carried out

To manage the risk from asbestos-containing materials we are:

• Maintaining an up-to-date record of the location, condition, maintenance and removal of all asbestos-containing materials on the premises
• Putting in place a programme of works to repair, encapsulate or remove, if there is a risk of exposure due to its condition or location
• Maintaining it in a good state of repair and regularly monitoring the condition
• Making available the Asbestos Register for anyone who is likely to be involved in the disturbance of asbestos. The register details the location and condition of the material. Copies of Asbestos Registers are available from the Asbestos Manager or the Asbestos Coordinator
• Making arrangements and procedures, so that work which may disturb the materials complies with CAR
• Reviewing the plan at regular intervals and make changes to the plan and arrangements if circumstances change