Training materials will help prepare for new asbestos regulations

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has produced an Asbestos Risk Management Presenter's Pack containing a range of training materials for those affected by the duty to manage asbestos established under new regulations which come into effect in August 2002, although which will not be fully implemented until 2004.

The pack covers:

* the hazards of working with asbestos;

* changes in asbestos law; and

* the steps needed to comply with the new duty.

The new regulations will require "duty holders" to identify and manage the risk from asbestos containing materials in their premises.

Although the 2004 deadline is some way off the HSE says "getting the message out to the million or so duty holders is a major task that needs to be tackled now."

A nationwide, year-long programme of events will take place giving those with a duty under the new regulation an opportunity of gaining an early insight to their responsibilities.

Many of the events will be promoted through HSE's asbestos campaign website (www.hse.gov.uk).

The site also gives useful background information to the development of the new regulation and details of the supporting campaign, including how to obtain the presenters pack though joining the HSE in its ongoing asbestos promotion campaign.