Is there asbestos in your building?

In fact, the material was used extensively as a building material in Britain from the 1950s through to the mid-1980s for a variety of reasons, including fireproofing and insulation.

Norwich Union Risk Services' training and consultancy manager, John Phillips, said: "If the office or factory you work in, or the school your children go to was built during this time, or even right up until the year 2000, then there's a chance that asbestos is lurking somewhere within the fabric of the building.

"With its link to a deadly form of lung cancer, I guess quite a few people may be concerned by this. However, provided it is known where the material is, what condition it is in, and nothing is done to disturb it, then there's actually not a great deal to fear."

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), around 500,000 buildings across Britain still harbour asbestos

Duty to manage

John explained that the biggest threat to health from asbestos in buildings was tradespeople, such as plumbers, and electricians, unintentionally disturbing and releasing the fibres.

A recent survey by the Institute of Employment Studies (IES) revealed that many tradespeople in Britain mistakenly believed that asbestos in buildings had largely been removed.

"For good reason, those responsible for non-domestic premises must comply with legislation governing asbestos in buildings," he said.

"The Control of Asbestos Regulations impose a 'duty to manage' on building owners or managers to take steps to identify and record where asbestos could be present, its condition, and to reduce the risks of anyone being exposed.

"They must also provide this information to people who are likely to work on, or disturb asbestos-containing materials."

Get the 'hardfacts'

John went on to recommend that property owners, tradespeople or anyone else concerned about the issue, look through NURS' range of relevant fact-sheets, or 'hardfacts'.

These concisely explain the relevant laws and duties, as well as where, and what types of asbestos are commonly found in buildings. Links to the 'hardfacts' are provided above/right.

NURS also offers in-company training courses to help firms identify and manage asbestos risks.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has just added a new section to its website highlighting where asbestos is commonly found in buildings.

It features an illustration of a typical property, displaying various asbestos hotspots. These hotspots link through to further information.

Norwich Union's preferred supplier for asbestos inspection and management services is Bureau Veritas. Our commercial policyholders receive preferential rates. Please see Bureau Veritas' website for more information on this service - link above/right.