Global Asbestos Awareness Week

In recognition of Global Asbestos Awareness Week, True Compliance underscores the pivotal role that awareness and compliance play in safeguarding residents within the UK's social housing sector from the dangers of asbestos. 

This article aims to highlight the hazards associated with asbestos in buildings, the legal framework guiding asbestos management, and how True Compliance's innovative software assists in navigating these challenges and ensuring Legal Compliance.

Underpinning the company ethos: "We exist to help compliance professionals keep residents safe in their homes."

Understanding Asbestos Risks
 

Asbestos, a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals, was widely used in building materials for its durability and resistance to fire, heat, and chemicals. However, it has been linked to serious health issues, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis, primarily caused by inhaling asbestos fibres. Given the prevalence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in buildings constructed before 2000, the UK social housing sector faces a significant challenge in managing these risks effectively.

Legal Framework for Asbestos Management
 

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, as amended, sets the cornerstone for asbestos management in the UK, mandating strict guidelines for identifying, managing, and removing asbestos in workplaces, including social housing. Key aspects include the duty to manage asbestos, the requirement for an asbestos survey, and the need for a written asbestos management plan. Compliance with these regulations is not just a legal obligation but a moral one, underscoring the commitment to tenant safety.

True Compliance: Enhancing Safety and Compliance
 

True Compliance's software emerges as an indispensable tool for social housing providers in navigating the complexities of asbestos management. With features tailored to the specific needs of the sector, it offers a streamlined, 'one version of the truth' approach to managing compliance streams, including asbestos. Here’s how it makes a difference:

• Centralised Record Keeping:Facilitates the consolidation of all asbestos-related records in one accessible, secure location, ensuring that up-to-date information is readily available for inspections, audits, and any necessary actions.

• Automated Alerts and Reminders:Proactively manages compliance schedules, alerting staff to upcoming surveys, inspections, and reviews, thus preventing lapses in compliance and ensuring timely action.

• Real-time Reporting:Offers comprehensive reporting capabilities, enabling housing providers to generate instant reports on the status of asbestos management across their portfolio, facilitating informed decision-making and effective risk management.

• Stakeholder Engagement:Enhances communication with tenants, staff, and contractors by providing clear, accessible information on asbestos management activities, fostering a culture of transparency and safety.

• Regulatory Adherence:Keeps abreast of changes in legislation, ensuring that social housing providers remain compliant with current regulations and best practices in asbestos management.

Conclusion
 

As we observe Global Asbestos Awareness Week, it’s imperative to recognise the critical role of effective asbestos management in safeguarding the health and safety of residents in social housing. True Compliance is committed to empowering housing providers with the tools they need to ensure compliance and protect their communities. 

By harnessing the capabilities of True Compliance’s software, housing providers can not only meet their legal obligations but also demonstrate a tangible commitment to resident safety.

For further insights into how True Compliance can transform your asbestos management processes and help keep your residents safe, please reach out to us at hello@truecompliance.co.uk.