A consultative document with revised proposals for the introduction of a new duty to manage asbestos risks in premises has been published by the Health and Safety Commission.
The main change is to widen the definition of the duty holder. The proposal states that the employer in occupation of the premises will still be the main duty holder.

However, the plan now is to also introduce a duty on all those who legally have maintenance and repair responsibilities for any part of the premises.

In the new regulation those responsible for the workplace premises will be required to find out whether asbestos is present in their buildings, where it is located and also its condition.

The planned revision will insist that assumptions should be made that materials contain asbestos unless it is proven otherwise. All findings must be recorded and preparations must be made to manage the risks from asbestos. It also states the necessity to provide information to anyone likely to come into contact with asbestos.

To comment on the proposals contact Ian Gooday, Health and Safety Executive, HDC, Rose Court 6SW, 2 Southwark Bridge, London SE1 9HS (to be received by 19 February 2002). A copy of the proposal document is available free from the HSE website at www.hse.gov.uk/condocs/.