take reasonable steps to find out if there are materials containing asbestos in non-domestic premises, and if so, its amount, where it is and what condition it is in Examples of those affected are listed below. There will be other occupations where asbestos may be disturbed in addition to those listed.: It can take anywhere between 15-60 years for any symptoms to develop after exposure, so these diseases will not affect you immediately but may do later in life. You need to start protecting yourself against any exposure to asbestos now because the effect is cumulative.

Asbestos is responsible for over 5000 deaths every year. Younger people, if routinely exposed to asbestos fibres over time, are at greater risk of developing asbestos-related disease than older workers. This is due to the time it takes for the body to develop symptoms after exposure to asbestos (latency). Exposure to asbestos can cause four main diseases: any other information to help people avoid risks from the disturbance of asbestos-containing materials caused by the work being doneMost work with higher risk asbestos-containing materials must be carried out by licensed contractors. Only competent workers and managers, provided with suitable information instruction and training and using appropriate respiratory and other protective equipment, may undertake licensed asbestos work. Further information on providing information instruction and training for licensable work can be found in The licensed contractors' guide HSG 247 and the Approved Code of Practice L143 Managing and working with asbestos. HSG209: Aircraft turnaround: A guide for airport and aerodrome operators, airlines and service providers on achieving control, co-operation and co-ordination

Designed to be durable, practical and small enough to fit in your toolbox, Asbestos essentials uses a series of task sheets, with over 100 full colour photos and illustrations, to describe 'good practice' for non-licensed tasks and covers the action needed to reduce exposure to an adequate level. the properties of asbestos and its effects on health, including the increased risk of developing lung cancer for asbestos workers who smoke work on AIB in poor condition, eg exposed and crumbling or with loose dust/fibres; de-laminated, unsealed or damaged in some other way Chrysotile asbestos fibres are soft, flexible and curved and far less hazardous than the amphibole type.HSG191: Emergency planning for major accidents: Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 1999 (COMAH)

provide information on the location and condition of the materials to anyone who is liable to work on or disturb them There is no need for employees who have received training for licensable or non-licensable work to do the lower level awareness refresher training. Refreshing information, instruction and training for licensable and non-licensable work including Notifiable Non-licensed Work (NNLW)A4. Removing a single asbestos insulating board (AIB) panel less than 1m 2, fixed in with nails or screws

The information, instruction and training for non-licensable work with asbestos, including NNLW, should cover the following: HSG250: Guidance on permit-to-work systems: A guide for the petroleum, chemical and allied industries The owner has sole responsibility for the premises or has sole responsibility for the common parts of multi-occupied buildings. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 includes the duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic premises. The responsibility falls to the dutyholder. In many cases, this is the person or organisation that has clear responsibility for the maintenance or repair of non-domestic premises. Read more about the duty to manage asbestos.Refresher awareness could be given as e-learning or as part of other health and safety updates, rather than through a formal training course. For example, an employer, manager or supervisor who has attended an awareness course and who is competent to do so, could deliver an update or safety talk to employees in house. The risk register can be kept as a paper or electronic record and it is very important that this is kept up to date and easily accessible. Paper copies may be easier to pass on to visiting maintenance workers, who will need them to know the location and condition of any asbestos before they start work. Electronic copies are easier to update and are probably better suited for people responsible for large numbers of properties or bigger premises. Under a tenancy agreement or contract, the owner keeps responsibility for maintenance and repairs, and the owner has control of access by maintenance workers into the building. If you are planning any DIY home improvements, repairs or maintenance – and intend to bring in any additional builders, maintenance workers or contractors – you should inform them of any asbestos materials in your home before they start work. This will help reduce the risks of any ACMs being disturbed. HSE strongly encourages the use of trained professionals to repair or remove ACMs. If you choose to carry out DIY repairs or remove damaged asbestos materials yourself, make sure you wear the right protective equipment and follow safe working methods. For advice on doing this, see: Asbestos essentials task sheets.