Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, pursuant to his Department's answer of 30 June 2014, Official Report, column 460W, on asbestos, whether all staff in his Department who work in buildings which contain asbestos are (a) aware of the asbestos in the buildings, (b) trained in how to manage asbestos and (c) required to sign an asbestos register before working on the premises.

Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, Regulation 10 requires that those who may be exposed to materials containing asbestos have relevant training. In all instances, prior to works starting, a full risk assessment is undertaken to manage risks.

General staff (such as office, cleaning and catering staff) who regularly work in buildings owned or used by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills would not be working in an environment where they would disturb or be exposed to asbestos-containing materials. For these staff, therefore, training on how to manage asbestos is not provided and the signing of an asbestos register is not required. However, where it is identified that a member of staff or contractor could potentially be exposed to asbestos-containing materials, a full risk assessment in compliance with the regulations would take place.

The regulation is specific to those who could work with asbestos. This would reasonably exclude general office workers, caterers, cleaners, etc. However, all would be protected by the Health & Safety at Work Act and Health & Safety at Work Regulations whereby all works are risk assessed prior to start to ensure the safe working and environment for those directly and indirectly affected.