The use of asbestos-containing materials in buildings throughout the UK was widespread until it was banned completely in 1999. There are three main types of asbestos colloquially known as blue, brown and white. All are dangerous and are potentially harmful to health.

The current annual death rate attributable to asbestos-related diseases is around 4,000 and it is anticipated that this will increase in future years.

Faced with a serious problem, the Government has introduced legislation to try and protect all those that may come into contact with asbestos as part of their working lives. The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 became effective from May 2004.

These Regulations require all employers to have an asbestos management policy in place. The Regulations apply not only to places of work, but also to all other parties who have an obligation to maintain/repair premises by virtue of any contract or tenancy. As Managing Agents we have a duty to assess and manage risks from asbestos in premises managed by us. For example, in a block of apartments we are responsible for ensuring that an asbestos management plan is in place for the common areas and other elements that fall within our responsibility as managers.

Every employer/managing agent will need to have an asbestos management plan in place in order to comply with the Regulations. Failure to comply is a criminal offence and penalties include unlimited fines or imprisonment.

At Parsons Son & Basley we have a specialist department which deals with the inspection, assessment and preparation of Asbestos Registers to ensure that our clients and the contractors that we employ are fully protected. We offer a full service from initial inspection and report to managing the protection/removal and associated certification.