Non-domestic asbestos remediation can present grey areas in terms of who is responsible for the process. It’s important to remain clear on this, not only to remain compliant, but also to avoid posing serious health risks as a result of asbestos exposure.
The responsibility can lie with several parties depending on the property’s ownership and occupancy structure. Find out more below.
Who is Responsible for Managing Asbestos in a Non-Domestic Property?
The person responsible for managing asbestos, including asbestos remediation, in a non-domestic property is known as the ‘dutyholder’. The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) states that this is usually the building owner, landlord for the premises, or the person/organisation with clear responsibility for the building’s maintenance or repair.
If there is no tenancy agreement, or the premises are unoccupied, the person in control of the premises is usually responsible. Similarly, if the commercial property is leased, the lease should specify who has total responsibility over the building.
This responsibility is known as the ‘duty to manage’, which is part of the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR), 2012. This duty covers all non-domestic premises, as well as ‘common parts’ of multi-occupancy domestic premises (e.g. purpose-built flats). Under CAR (2012), the dutyholder must protect people who work in their buildings, or use them in other ways, from the risks of asbestos exposure.
Examples of Non-Domestic Properties
A non-domestic, or commercial, property includes any building that is used for business-related purposes, generating income through rent or sale. For example:
- Hospitality venues (e.g. cafes, restaurants, pubs, etc.)
- Hotels
- Industrial units
- Leisure facilities (e.g. gyms, cinemas, etc.)
- Offices
- Public sector buildings
- Shops / Retail spaces
- Social housing
What is a Commercial Dutyholder Responsible For?
Under CAR (2012), the dutyholder must:
- Have a professional asbestos survey undertaken to identify the presence, amount, location and condition of potential asbestos-containing materials (ACMs)
- Presume materials contain asbestos unless there is strong evidence that they do not
- Make an asbestos register and keep this up-to-date
- Assess the risk of building users being exposed to airborne asbestos fibres
- Write an asbestos management plan to manage this risk, enforce the plan, monitor it and review it every 12 months (or sooner if necessary)
- Have the confirmed/suspected ACMs monitored to ensure their condition does not deteriorate
- Provide information on the location and condition of the ACMs to anyone who may work on, or potentially disturb them – including the emergency services
Is a Dutyholder Responsible for Non-Domestic Asbestos Remediation?
Yes, the dutyholder is responsible for ensuring their building does not pose health risks to those working in it or using it for any other reason(s). Based on the risk assessment, the dutyholder must either leave the asbestos in place and monitor it, or implement control measures such as sealing, enclosure, or removal.
Asbestos enclosure and/or sealing is part of our expert Asbestos Remediation services, which provide a remedy for the issue of asbestos exposure by carrying out a range of activities to ensure ACMs remain undisturbed.
Where Asbestos Removal is required (this will usually be the case for higher-risk materials or those in a poor condition), this process should always be carried out by licensed professionals.
Licensed Asbestos Removal & Remediation Services
Not only are we full members of UK-leading asbestos associations, ARCA and ACAD, but we have also held a HSE license for asbestos removal since 1985.
Having worked extensively with both licensable and non-licensable ACMs for over 40 years, our asbestos removal experts boast a rich portfolio of experience that spans several sectors, including:
- Construction & Demolition
- Commercial
- Education
- Government
- Industrial
- Leisure
- Plus many more!
How Much Does Non-Domestic Asbestos Remediation Cost?
You may be wondering, how much does non-domestic asbestos remediation? Well, no two projects are ever the same. Hence, costs can vary widely.
The cost-contributing factors often include:
- The size and complexity of the project
- The type of asbestos that needs to be remediated/removed
- The location of the ACMs (i.e. how accessible they are)
- The extent to which specialist equipment and/or containment procedures are needed
For a better idea, please contact our asbestos removal specialists today.
Get Your Free Quote Today
Are you the dutyholder of a non-domestic or commercial building who is unsure where to start? Ensure your premises remain safe and compliant with our nationwide Asbestos Remediation and Asbestos Removal services today.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly and professional team over the phone or via email. We can provide you with a competitive, no-obligation quote – free of charge. Alternatively, please fill in the contact form on our website with your details and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
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