Asbestos, a once widely used building material, is now recognised as a significant health hazard. Its presence in buildings can pose serious risks to workers, occupants, and the public. As a construction company, it’s crucial to understand and comply with asbestos regulations to protect your workforce, clients, and your business.
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What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fibre that was commonly used in various building materials due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties. However, exposure to asbestos fibres can lead to severe lung diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
Legal Obligations for Construction Companies
Construction companies have specific legal obligations regarding asbestos, outlined in the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012). Key responsibilities include:
- Asbestos Surveys:
- Pre-Demolition and Refurbishment Surveys: Before undertaking any demolition or refurbishment work, you must conduct a thorough asbestos survey to identify and assess the presence and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
- Management Surveys: Regular management surveys are required to monitor the condition of asbestos-containing materials in non-domestic premises.
- Asbestos Removal:
- If asbestos-containing materials are identified, they must be removed by licensed asbestos removal contractors.
- The removal process must be carried out in strict compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
- Asbestos Register:
- Maintain an accurate and up-to-date asbestos register detailing the location and condition of all ACMs within your premises.
- Employee Training:
- Ensure that all employees who may come into contact with asbestos are adequately trained to recognise asbestos-containing materials, understand the risks, and follow safe working practices.
- Risk Assessment:
- Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential asbestos exposure risks and implement control measures to minimise them.
Potential Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with asbestos regulations can result in severe consequences, including:
- Legal Penalties: Companies may face significant fines and prosecution.
- Civil Liability: You may be liable for compensation claims from individuals who suffer from asbestos-related illnesses.
- Reputational Damage: Non-compliance can damage your company’s reputation and lead to loss of business.
- Health Risks: Exposure to asbestos can have devastating health consequences for your employees and others.
How Blackstone Solicitors Can Help
Blackstone Solicitors can provide expert legal advice and support to construction companies regarding asbestos compliance. Our services include:
- Legal Advice: Our solicitors can advise on your legal obligations under asbestos regulations and help you understand your rights and responsibilities.
- Contractual Review: We can review contracts to ensure that asbestos-related risks are adequately addressed.
- Dispute Resolution: If disputes arise with contractors, clients, or regulators, we can represent your interests and seek a favourable outcome.
By understanding and complying with asbestos regulations, construction companies can protect their workforce, clients, and their business. If you have any questions or concerns about asbestos compliance, please contact Blackstone Solicitors for expert legal advice and support.
How we can help
We have a proven track record of helping clients deal with construction law. We will guide you diligently and ensure all checks are carried out swiftly and efficiently and we firmly believe that with the right solicitors by your side, the entire process will seem more manageable and far less daunting. You can read more about the range of construction law services we offer by clicking here: https://blackstonesolicitorsltd.co.uk/construction-solicitors/
How to Contact Our Construction Solicitors
It is important for you to be well informed about the possible implications of a construction issue. However, expert legal support is crucial in terms of ensuring a positive outcome to your case.
To speak to our Construction solicitors today, simply call us on 0345 901 0445, or click here to make a free enquiry. We are well known across the country and can assist wherever you are based. We also have offices based in Cheshire and London.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice on any individual circumstances.
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