The possession of up to date Asbestos Surveys is required by law under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 (CAR 2006) and implementation of Regulation 4: Duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic properties.
Your Asbestos Management Plan will usually have its basis in your Type 2 Asbestos Survey and Asbestos Register. This plan will also clarify the specific methods employed by the Duty Holder in guaranteeing the correct and valid management within your premises of asbestos-containing materials.
There is a misconception among companies that possessing Type 2 Asbestos Surveys for their site fulfils their legal duties under regulation 4. This is not the case, and is in fact only the first step in a larger Asbestos Management Plan which must be created and strictly followed.
It is paramount that that the results of an Asbestos Survey are available to any individuals conducting work of any kind where it is likely they will be accessing locations near or within areas known to contain asbestos-containing materials. Failure to consult the Asbestos Survey prior to the commencement of work can potentially result in the release and/or spread of asbestos fibres.
Another misconception observed is that an Asbestos Survey is the end of the matter, and that no further inspections are needed unless major alterations and/or demolition work commences. Regulation 4 CAR 2006 states that Asbestos Surveys and related Asbestos Registers must be re-inspected and updated annually. These re-inspections ensure the monitoring of the condition and/or deterioration of any asbestos-containing material.
Re-inspections of this type must be carried out by an experienced individual, and will often draw attention to materials that necessitate consideration or possible removal.
Any Asbestos Survey and Asbestos Register that has not been updated within the last year must be addressed, as the expectations of CAR 2006 are not being adhered to. The Duty Holder as a result is not fulfilling his/her responsibilities, which could lead to the potential exposure of employees to asbestos.