Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 14
14
Paragraph: 67
We recommend that HSE strengthens its work with, and guidance to, dutyholders to make clear...
Recommendation
We recommend that HSE strengthens its work with, and guidance to, dutyholders to make clear their obligations to communicate asbestos information and risks to building contractors and users. We also recommend that HSE works with others in Government to sponsor improvements in how information on asbestos in buildings is communicated and used, drawing on lessons from the use of digital technologies in building management and in the health response to the pandemic.
Paragraph Reference:
67
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Ensuring that duty holders are aware of the asbestos legacy in their buildings and actively complying with the law is key to managing the exposure risk to workers. HSE recognises the importance of duty holders actively managing this information and ensuring it is regularly communicated to those who need it most. During 2022/23, HSE will carry out targeted inspection activity across GB workplaces to check compliance with these important legal duties, to ensure that those most at risk of exposure, such as trades people, are being informed of the location of asbestos before work commences. We will also look to develop our communications activity in this area to support this wider inspection work. In parallel, HSE will continue its work with duty holders and those in charge of estates strategies for non-domestic buildings, to raise awareness of the legal requirements. HSE will also progress its shared aims with UKAS, surveyor groups, IOSH, trade associations and training bodies to ensure activity remains focused on ensuring standards and competence are maintained. Notably, HSE also works closely with the British Occupational Hygiene Society’s (BOHS) Faculty of Asbestos Assessment and Management (FAAM); the professional group for all practitioners who manage and assess asbestos. HSE is continuing its work with other government departments in this area. The Committee heard evidence referencing the ‘Building Information Management (BIM)’ approach and HSE supported the update to ISO 19650 Guidance Part D: Developing