A SWINDON training company, one of the first in the country to tackle the issues raised in the new Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2000, has met with huge response from local businesses seeking advice.

Newsquest, publishers of the Evening Advertiser, Drewatte Neate, Science Museum, WH Smith, Thring Townsend, Triumph International and other leading firms are among those subscribing to seminars on the subject being run by QHS Training of Old Town.

Organised in conjunction with the Swindon Chamber of Commerce on July 24, they highlight issues raised by regulations which could affect a number of businesses in the town.

Indeed, the town has been at the centre of legal actions involving asbestosis, often referred to as the Swindon Disease, and mostly in connection with the old railway works.

QHS proprietor Chris Bishop said: "The possibility of asbestos on premises and the responsibility of the site manager to organise a survey to determine the presence of asbestos, are clearly spelled out in the new regulations, which come into effect this autumn.

"This is an issue that will not go awa, and companies need to be aware of the potential financial implications of non-compliance.

"A survey will determine what asbestos containing material is present.

"Companies 18-months to organise a survey. Should they fail to do so during this time, they could be prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive for non-compliance.

"More than that their costs could treble, as any asbestos found in a subsequent survey and discovered to be in a poor condition, would be required to be removed immediately.

"The advantage of the 18-month lead-in time, is that it allows for firms to budget the costs."

The new regulations are to be introduced in the autumn and will place an explicit duty on anyone responsible for workplaces to assess and manage the risks from asbestos that may be contained within their premises.

"At present, approximately 3,500 people a year are dying from asbestos related diseases," said Mr Bishop.

"This figure is set to rise to 10, 500 by the year 2025.

"The rather frightening thing is that the rise will be due to the people being exposed today to asbestos fibres in their workplace."

Further information from the Swindon Chamber of Commerce (01793) 642225 or QHS Services on (01793) 490623.