Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, pursuant to the Answer of 30 June 2014, Official Report, column 461W, on asbestos, how often inspections for asbestos containing materials are carried out in buildings owned or managed by his Department.

Inspections for asbestos containing materials are carried out in buildings owned or managed by Department for Business, Innovation and Skills in accordance with statutory requirements.

The asbestos regulations require all buildings containing asbestos to be inspected a minimum of once every twelve months. The level and type of asbestos in each building would dictate any additional inspections, maintenance and remedial work to be carried out in a particular building.

The management plan, including records and drawings, should be reviewed every 12 months and any identified or suspected ACM must be inspected and its condition assessed periodically, to check that it has not deteriorated or been damaged.