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WARNING: The entire content of this Property Handbook has been prepared by members of PLATO. It has been carefully checked, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed, neither at the date of preparation nor when viewed or printed. Accordingly, neither the members of PLATO nor the United Reformed Church can accept responsibility for the accuracy of the information the handbook contains.

 

Asbestos in Church Buildings

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The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 (CAWR) came into force in May 2004. From that date persons who control or manage non-domestic buildings have specific duties.
 

CAWR regulations therefore apply to Churches, Halls and some other properties owned by churches and their Trustees. CAWR are applicable whether workers are paid or volunteers. The public must also be safeguarded. The duties under CAWR must be managed by a responsible person or body (eg. Elders or Property Committee).

There is an Approved Code of Practice (ACOP). It is available from Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – ISBN 0 7176 2382 3 - price £9.50 (March 2004).
 

The duties are well defined in ‘A short guide to managing asbestos in premises’ (The Guide). It is also available from HSE – ISBN 0 7176 2564 8 – price £5 for 10, or can be viewed or downloaded from the HSE web site -

www.hse.gov.uk/campaigns/asbestos

This section of the Property Handbook does not repeat the information given in ACOP or The Guide. Most persons who control property will find compliance with CAWR easily achievable. The basic requirement is to survey the premises and note presence of asbestos or materials potentially containing asbestos. The Guide then identifies how to manage what is found.

The Guide gives a list of likely locations where asbestos may be found in any building. For a church the other potential location is in the pipe organ.
 

The Guide has useful pictures to aid identification, labelling and management. It has a useful checklist and contact telephone numbers for those in control of buildings.
 

The Guide explains when to leave well alone, when it may be necessary to take professional advice and when it might be necessary to engage a “Licenced” contractor to remove asbestos.

 

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