Under Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 work with asbestos requires a high degree of regulatory control. Most higher-risk work with asbestos must only be done by a licensed contractor. Licensable work with asbestos is work:
- where worker exposure to asbestos is not sporadic and of low intensity; or
- where the risk assessment cannot clearly demonstrate that the control limit will not be exceeded; or
- on asbestos coating; or
- on asbestos insulation or asbestos insulating board where the risk assessment demonstrates that the work is not short duration work.
All non-licensed and notifiable non-licensed work (NNLW) with asbestos needs a risk assessment and must be carried out with the appropriate controls in place, and those carrying out the work must have had the correct level of information, instruction and training, to protect themselves (and others in the area) from the risks to health that exposure to asbestos causes. NNLW has additional requirements – notification of work, medical surveillance and record keeping. All workers carrying out NNLW need to have had a medical examination. Examinations will then need to be repeated at least every 3 years, as long as the worker continues to do NNLW.
For further information on the HSE Control of Asbestos Regulations (2012) visit: http://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/.