'Know your building, know your responsibilities' is the message to non-domestic dutyholders, from the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) with today’s launch of its new asbestos 'duty to manage' campaign.

The hard-hitting educational campaign targets dutyholders which broadly defined are those who own or manage commercial buildings, including factories, warehouses, shops and offices.

The campaign, which is being delivered in partnership with Northern Ireland’s 26 District Councils, aims to remind dutyholders of their legal obligation to manage the risks from asbestos. Nearly 60,000 premises across the province are set to receive an information pack from HSENI from this week which incorporates a basic eight-step guide to help manage the risks from asbestos. The guide also stresses the importance of maintaining an up-to-date asbestos register for your building.

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Most asbestos-containing materials in good condition are safe. Asbestos is only dangerous when it's damaged or disturbed. If the asbestos is in good condition and not likely to be disturbed, it is usually safer to leave it in place and manage it appropriately. Proper management of asbestos will prevent people dying from asbestos diseases in the future.

In the last four years there have been over 300 asbestos-related deaths in Northern Ireland, with this number expected to rise. Only by preventing or minimising exposure to asbestos will asbestos-related diseases eventually be reduced. Tradesmen who carry out building maintenance and repair are particularly at risk from exposure to asbestos fibres. They are more likely to disturb or damage asbestos containing materials and often don't realise what they are working on.

Professor Peter McKie, Chairman of HSENI said: "Asbestos remains the most serious occupational health issue in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK due to its widespread use. It may be present in any building built before the year 2000, so it is essential that those with duties under health and safety law are aware of the risk it poses and their responsibilities in managing it. HSENI's campaign sets out to make sure that this message is clearly and easily understood, both for those who own their own commercial premises and those who rent them from others."

Over the coming months and in partnership with district councils, HSENI will be carrying out inspections of non-domestic premises throughout Northern Ireland, to check the level of compliance with the asbestos regulations.

(CD/BMcC)