Step 1: Find out if Asbestos is Likely to be Present:
The first thing that you need to find out is whether the building was built or refurbished before 2000. If not, then asbestos is unlikely to be present, and so there is no need to take any further action. If yes, then you can assume that asbestos is present. The next thing that you need to do is to find relevant information about the location inside and outside your building of asbestos-containing materials. For this, you need to visually inspect the building and note potential asbestos-containing materials. You can gather historical information, like plans and architects from builders, architects, and consultants, who can give you potential information on the usage of Asbestos-containing materials.Step 2: Assess the Condition of the Asbestos-Containing Materials:
Now, you are required to assess the asbestos-containing materials that you identified in Step 1. You need to assess how likely it is for the asbestos to release fiber. The amount of asbestos, the type of asbestos material, and its condition will determine its condition to release fiber into the air once disturbed. This will help decide your next step. If you find that the asbestos materials are damaged, or have asbestos dust and debris near them, you are required to arrange for repairs and go to step 3.Step 3: Have an Asbestos Management Survey Undertaken:
You must take the help of a suitably trained person, who would conduct the asbestos survey, and thereby identify asbestos-containing materials. This is what is known as an Asbestos Management Survey. It is during this survey that the materials are sampled and analyzed to prove their type and if asbestos is present or not.Step 4: Compile a Written Record of the Asbestos-Containing Materials:
The fourth step of the Asbestos Management Plan involves compiling a written record of all findings. The written record must contain all identified asbestos materials, their extent, location, and condition, and roles and responsibilities for managing the risk of asbestos at the property. The records must be easy to read, clear, and concise. It should be made available at the premises for those who require it. The record should exhibit a clear plan showing the location of the asbestos-containing materials. This survey will contain the bulk of information required for you to prepare your record. It will also show important items such as presumed asbestos and no access areas.Step 5: Use the Written Record from the Asbestos Management Plan:
Once you have your written records, now you need to compile the plan that you will be using to manage the risk of asbestos-containing materials at the property. Now, it’s time to execute your plan. The Asbestos Management Plan must consist of but is not limited to :- Details of duty holders’ asbestos training.
- Until the required works are carried out, how will the risk that is arising from the asbestos be kept under control.
- Details on how you will pass on your asbestos register to those who need it.
- High priority plans and ratings for managing risk from asbestos materials likely to be disturbed, or damaged asbestos materials.
- Procedures to be followed in the event of an asbestos emergency or uncontrolled disturbance.
Step 6: Always Keep your Asbestos Management Plan and Records up to Date:
Nowadays, it has become a legal requirement to keep your Asbestos Management Plan and records up-to-date and thereby ensure that they are being acted upon, followed, and are extremely efficient at managing the asbestos risk at your property. Here, we have mentioned the things that are required to keep your plan and records legally compliant and in date:- As a minimum, you need to annually re-inspect all asbestos-containing materials at the property, and update the register/ asbestos survey appropriately, without any changes in condition.
- You also need to annually audit the Asbestos Management Plan and records to ensure it’s working. Review any damage or uncontrolled asbestos disturbance and check to see if the plan could be amended to reduce future risk. Check all records to make sure to ascertain all asbestos-related work is accurate and has been recorded.