Introduction

Acknowledgements

Acknowledgement is given to the HSE for source material.

Crown Copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and the Queen's Printer for Scotland

Introduction to Subject

Asbestos was used in the construction industry up to the year 2000, by which time the associated dangers were fully appreciated. Regulation is at the core of the governments continuing strategy to eradicate asbestos related disease, which is the greatest single cause of work related deaths in the UK.

New Regulations in 2006 bring together the three previous sets of Regulations covering the prohibition of asbestos, the control of asbestos at work and asbestos licensing. They cover all non-domestic premises, whatever type of business is carried out in them. They also cover the common areas of domestic premises, including halls, stair wells, lift shafts and roof spaces.

They ban new use of asbestos including the use of second hand materials. If existing asbestos containing materials are in good condition, they may be left in place, their condition monitored and managed to ensure they are not disturbed.

Legislation

• The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 (SI no.2739)