Managing Asbestos in Commercial Buildings: Your Legal Responsibilities
Asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, but it still exists in many commercial buildings built before 2000. Materials such as insulation boards, ceiling panels, or even floor tiles may contain asbestos, often hidden in plain sight. The real danger comes when these materials are disturbed, releasing harmful fibres into the air. This is why UK law places a “duty to manage” asbestos risks on those responsible for commercial properties. Who Is the Dutyholder? The dutyholder is the person or organisation legally responsible for maintaining or repairing a commercial property. This could be: The building owner or landlord A tenant (depending on lease agreements) A managing agent It’s important to clearly identify who holds this responsibility in your property agreements. What the Duty to Manage Involves Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, dutyholders must: Identify or presume asbestos – If your building was constructed before 2000, you must assume asbestos is present unless prov...