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Isle of Man introduces powers to limit people’s exposure to asbestos
- #occupational health
- #UK
Legal powers to limit people’s exposure to asbestos in their place of work will come into effect in the Isle of Man on 1 August 2022.
The Control of Asbestos (Application) Order 2022 is being introduced along with an accompanying Code of Practice on 1 August 2022.
Under the Regulations contractors that plan to remove or work with hazardous asbestos products must obtain a licence from the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) before they start and notify them in advance to arrange a site inspection. The licence will carry a fee of £1000 as introduced by the Control of Asbestos (Licence Application Fees) Regulations 2022.
A prohibition on the supply of all building materials, which contain asbestos, will also be introduced from 1 August.
From 1 February 2023, the legislation will also see greater responsibility for people in control of non-domestic premises.
The change, which will not affect residential property owners, will require duty holders to identify and manage asbestos and inform workers in their building so it is not disturbed.
Historically asbestos was used in many building materials because it could increase strength without adding much weight and its insulating and fire-resistant properties. However, if inhaled as dust, it can cause Lung Disease (Asbestosis), Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma (a cancer associated only with exposure to Asbestos).
The Health and Safety at Work (Managing and Working with Asbestos Code of Practice) (Application) Order 2022 provides a recommended method of meeting the requirements of the applied Regulations.
Further information can be found here.
Sources:
IS (SI) 2022/0034 Control of Asbestos (Application) Order 2022 – tynwarld.org.im, in operation 1 August 2022
IS (SI) 2022/0035 Control of Asbestos (Licence Application Fees) Regulations 2022 – tynwarld.org.im, in operation 1 August 2022
IS (SI) 2022/0036 Health and Safety at Work (Managing and Working with Asbestos Code of Practice) (Application) Order 2022 – tynwarld.org.im, in operation 1 August 2022