Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012

In 2012, the European Commission determined that British regulations didn’t fully implement its directive to limit asbestos exposure. As such, new legislation was drafted and the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) came into force on 6th April that year, aimed at providing a more efficient system of control.

The Regulations for Control of Asbestos

The regulations contain all legal requirements for work and potential contact with asbestos. They also outline duties to manage and maintain the hazardous substances within the premises.

The most important points covered by CAR 2012 are outlined below:

If asbestos containing materials are in good condition and are unlikely to be damaged, they can be left in place, so long as their condition is monitored and managed effectively, guarding against disturbance.
Those responsible for the maintenance of non-domestic premises have a duty to manage any asbestos within them, in addition to protecting anyone working or using them from the associated risks of exposure.
Before completing construction or maintenance work on a building, plant or equipment that may contain asbestos, the material must be identified, complete with an assessment of its type, condition and risks. These risks must be managed appropriately.
In a majority of cases, removal of asbestos needs to be completed by a licensed contractor. However, certain asbestos work can be done without a license, typically on smaller projects where the likely asbestos fibre release is less dangerous. The relevant enforcing authority still needs to be notified regarding some forms of non-licensed work, and written records need to be kept.
The control limit is 0.1 asbestos fibres per cubic centimetre of air. This does not constitute a ‘safe’ level of exposure, and efforts must be made to get as far below that threshold as possible.
Anyone likely to be exposed to asbestos fibres at work must be trained as a mandatory requirement

As a trailblazing consultancy with proven expertise in asbestos, North Star Environmental Ltd complies with CAR 2012 at all times. We endeavour to also help clients operate in accordance with these crucial regulations, through a tailored range of services, delivering a safer world for everyone to enjoy.

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