Your explicit duty to manage asbestos in your non-domestic premises falls under the regulations known as 'Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002' (CAWR)

WHY ANOTHER REGULATION?
Commercial, industrial and public building in the UK are likely to contain asbestos materials. Unless this material is properly managed, buildings and maintenance workers may breath in harmful asbestos fibres when carrying out everyday jobs.

WHAT BUILDINGS ARE AFFECTED?
All non-domestic buildings, whatever type of business is carried out in them. It also covers the common areas of residential rented properties, including halls, stairwells, lift shafts and roof spaces aswell.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE?
The dutyholder is anyone responsible for maintaining and repairing all or part of a property, or who has control of the building. For example the occupier or owner. Tennent of local authority or private landlords are responsible for their own survey and assessment.

WILL THE REGULATION AFECT ME?
If you control or have information about the building, you must co-operate with the dutyholder. For instance, landlords must pass on relevant information to new tenants, and leaseholders must allow access for inspection by management agents.

Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 creates a new legal duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic premises.

SO WHAT IS YOUR EXPLICIT DUTY
The duty is based on the principles of assessing and managing risk to protect workers and members of the public from asbestos. It requires the duty holders to find out whether their premises contain or may contain asbestos, to asses the risk from such materials, and take action to manage the risk.

WHO IS THE DUTY HOLDER
If you occupy the premises under ownership or a tenancy agreement and you can improve your premise (how ever slightly) to suit your business, repair or maintain the premises, then you are the Duty Holder.

If you are still unsure ask:
1. Your insurance company
2. Your local Environmental Health Officer
3. Campaign website - HSE
4. Ask Adkris for advice.