Safety Office
Reviewed: 17 July 2012
Reviewed: DD Month
Year
Health and Safety Arrangements for the Management
of Asbestos
1. Policy Statement
It is the policy of the University that any work involving asbestos-containing materials is
carried out in such a way as to prevent undue risk either to those carrying out the work
or to those who may otherwise be affected by the work. The University will seek to
ensure that all relevant statutory requirements are complied with.
In particular, work involving asbestos containing materials will only be carried out after
assessment of the hazards associated with it and providing that suitable facilities, local
procedures and organisational arrangements are in place. Work may only be carried out
by trained competent workers and will be adequately supervised. Repair, removal or
disposal of asbestos-containing materials shall only be carried out by approved, licensed
asbestos removal contractors.
The arrangements described below form a part of the University’s Health and Safety
Policy.
2. Responsibilities
The School or Department responsible for any asbestos-containing material shall ensure
that the arrangements to which this policy refers are implemented.
Estate Office
The Estate Office has responsibility for asbestos-containing materials incorporated into
the fabric or infrastructure of relevant premises.
The Director of Estate Management shall ensure that arrangements are made for the
implementation of this Policy in respect of asbestos containing materials incorporated
into the fabric or structure of relevant premises or incorporated into Estate Office
equipment. Relevant premises are those owned by the University or in relation to which
the University has a contractual obligation in respect of the maintenance or repair.
In particular these arrangements shall include:
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The preparation and maintenance of a written code of practice for the
management of asbestos.
The preparation and maintenance of a Register of Asbestos-Containing Materials,
which shall be made available to all necessary persons.
The implementation as required of any management action identified on the
Register.
Monitoring and reviewing, at least once every two years, the effectiveness of the
arrangements for managing asbestos.
Schools and Departments
Schools and Departments are responsible for asbestos-containing materials used by
them or incorporated into any equipment owned by them, and for any work carried out
or commissioned by them that is liable to disturb the fabric or infrastructure of the
building.
Heads of School or Department shall ensure that arrangements are in place to:
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Ensure the dissemination of the University’s arrangements for the management of
asbestos within their School or Department.
Inform the Director of Estate Management of all equipment within their area of
responsibility that may contain asbestos.
Consult with the Estate Office to establish the asbestos status of relevant areas of
any premises occupied by them prior to carrying out or commissioning any work
involving disturbance of the fabric or infrastructure of the building.
In particular, School or Departmental arrangements shall include:
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Identification and recording of equipment containing asbestos, and the
notification of this to the Estate Office for inclusion into the University Asbestos
Register,
Assessing and monitoring the condition of asbestos containing components,
Arranging via the Estate Office for the removal or repair of the material if it is
damaged or deteriorating,
Maintaining a record of condition checks and of any remedial work is kept,
Consultation with the Estate Office prior to any work involving penetration of the
building fabric.
Identifying appropriate staff for training to enable them to comply with these
requirements.
Safety Office
The Safety Office shall:
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Ensure the provision of advice and guidance on implementation of this Policy.
Ensure suitable training is made available on asbestos awareness and
management of asbestos to persons as necessary.
Monitor and review the effectiveness of this Policy.
3. Supporting Guidance and Information.
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Safety Office Guidance for Managing Asbestos in Schools.
Estate Office Asbestos Procedure – Control of Work Affecting the Building Fabric.
Estate Office Code of Practice for the Management of Asbestos.
Background Information on Asbestos Hazards and Risks.