Asbestos may be out of sight, but for employers and property managers, it must never be out of mind. Found in many buildings constructed before 2000, asbestos remains one of the most dangerous substances in the workplace. Prolonged exposure to its fibres can lead to serious health conditions, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
If you’re a business owner or managing a commercial property, understanding your legal obligations regarding asbestos is crucial—not only for compliance but for the safety of your staff, visitors, and contractors. This guide explains your responsibilities and highlights how professional asbestos removal bournemouth services can help you meet them.
Why Is Asbestos Still a Concern?
Despite being banned in the UK in 1999, asbestos remains present in countless commercial buildings, especially those constructed or renovated before the ban. It can be found in:
Ceiling and floor tiles
Insulation materials
Pipe lagging
Roofing sheets and soffits
Textured coatings like Artex
These materials become hazardous when disturbed, releasing microscopic fibres into the air that are easily inhaled.
Who Is Responsible for Managing Asbestos?
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, the "duty to manage" asbestos lies with the person or organisation responsible for maintaining or repairing a non-domestic property. This typically includes:
Employers
Building owners
Landlords
Property managers
Facility supervisors
Failing to meet your obligations can result in severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, or civil claims.
Key Employer Responsibilities
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to do to comply with asbestos regulations:
1. Conduct an Asbestos Survey
You must arrange a professional asbestos survey for any commercial property built before 2000. This survey identifies the presence, type, condition, and location of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
Surveys can include:
Management Surveys – Required for routine occupancy and maintenance.
Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys – Mandatory before any renovation or demolition work.
2. Keep an Up-to-Date Asbestos Register
Maintain an asbestos register that outlines all known or presumed ACMs on the premises. This register should be reviewed and updated regularly, especially if work has been carried out or conditions have changed.
3. Develop and Implement an Asbestos Management Plan
You are legally required to create an asbestos management plan that explains how you intend to control and monitor the risk of asbestos exposure. It should include:
Emergency procedures
Maintenance protocols
Plans for removal or encapsulation
Responsibilities and contact information
4. Inform and Train Employees and Contractors
Anyone who might come into contact with asbestos during their work (such as maintenance staff, electricians, or builders) must be made aware of its location and condition. Training may be legally required for these roles, especially in construction and refurbishment sectors.
5. Arrange Professional Removal When Needed
If asbestos-containing materials are damaged, deteriorating, or pose a high risk, they must be removed or encapsulated by licensed professionals. DIY removal is illegal for high-risk materials and poses serious health dangers.
Hiring an experienced provider for asbestos removal bournemouth ensures that all work complies with HSE guidelines and is carried out safely.
Legal Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failing to comply with asbestos regulations can result in:
Unlimited fines
Up to 2 years' imprisonment
Compensation claims from affected workers
Prohibition notices or business shutdowns
In addition to the legal and financial consequences, there are severe reputational risks. Ensuring a safe and compliant workplace demonstrates a strong commitment to employee welfare and public responsibility.
How Professional Services Can Help
AsTech Environmental offers comprehensive asbestos management solutions for commercial clients. Our services include:
Asbestos surveys and risk assessments
Management plan development
Licensed asbestos removal and disposal
Compliance reporting for audits and inspections
Ongoing monitoring and advice
By working with a trusted provider for asbestos removal bournemouth, you gain peace of mind knowing your business is legally compliant and your people are protected.
Final Thoughts
Asbestos is not just a health hazard — it's a legal responsibility. As a business owner or property manager, you have a duty to identify, manage, and where necessary, remove asbestos in your workplace. Ignoring it puts lives at risk and exposes your business to severe penalties.
Stay ahead of your legal duties with expert help from AsTech Environmental. Whether you need an asbestos survey, management plan, or full removal service, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Contact us today to ensure your workplace is safe, compliant, and asbestos-free.
