The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 came into force in April 2012.This regulations replaced CAR 2006 which brought together the three previous sets of Regulations covering the prohibition of asbestos, the control of asbestos at work and asbestos licensing.The Asbestos Regulations also include the ‘duty to manage asbestos’ in non-domestic premises.The CAR 2012 places a duty on anyone who is in control of the maintenance of non-domestic premises or those controlling access to premises to:

• Take reasonable steps to identify where asbestos may exist, its amount and what condition it is in.
• To presume materials contain asbestos unless there is strong evidence to the contrary.
• Keep up-to-date records of the location and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) or materials that are presumed to contain ACMs.
• Carry out Risk assessments from the materials identified.
• Produce and implement a formal written Asbestos Management Plan by 21 May 2004.
• Take steps to put the Management Plan into action including marking of ACMs and include Plan review arrangements.
• Inform/consult Internally with all those who need to know of the location and condition of ACM’s
• Ensure that external employees, contractors, etc, are adequately informed and instructed on the precautions to be taken.

Besides the safety of yourself, your staff, other users and the public, If you are employing a contractor to work on your premises, you also have a duty to make sure that either the work will not lead to asbestos exposures and that the contractor has carried out a Risk Assessment and identified work practices to reduce exposures.