By law you must have an asbestos management plan such as that provided by an asbestos survey conducted on any non-domestic property that is over 8 years old.

The simplest and safest way to identify asbestos containing materials (ACMs) within your property is to pay for an asbestos survey to be carried out.

The Asbestos Survey Report will contain photos, a plan of your site with details of where samples were taken from and where Asbestos was found, making it easy for you to pass on the information to others, such as maintenance contractors etc. We also advise you on the best form of asbestos removals services if required.

As well as potentially putting at risk the health of your staff and customers, the duty holder could be liable for any or all of the following:

• Closure of the premises
• Personal fines of up to £20,000
• Disqualification from Directorship
• A custodial sentence

In addition, many insurance companies may refuse to renew your policy unless you have identified any potential asbestos risks and developed an asbestos management plan.

In addition to the peace of mind that protecting the environment and complying with the law brings, you could also benefit from lower insurance premiums and improved resale value. Insurance companies can invalidate a claim if an asbestos register is not in place.

There are two different types of Asbestos surveys:

• Management surveys
• Refurbishment and Demolition surveys