What premises are affected?

The duty covers all non-domestic premises such as all industrial premises, commercial and public buildings such as factories, warehouses, offices, shops, hospitals and schools.

It is important to include those 'common areas' into the non-domestic category also. These include certain purpose-built flats, or houses converted into flats. These common areas include foyers, corridors, lifts, lift shafts, staircases, roof spaces, gardens, yards, outhouses, and garages. The flats themselves are exempt.

How to Comply

The HSE state there are three essential steps:

1. Find out whether the premises contain asbestos, and if so, where it is and what condition it is in. If in doubt, materials must be presumed to contain asbestos.
2. Assess the risk.
3. Make a plan to manage that risk and act on it.