A SWINDON training company is taking the lead in alerting businesses to the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2000, which come into effect in August.

These regulations will place an explicit duty on all people responsible for workplaces to assess and manage the risks from asbestos that may be contained within their premises, according to QHS Training of Newport Street, Old Town.

To comply with these regulations, the duty holder must undertake a survey to determine where asbestos is present, its type and conditions.

"This is serious business that could have costly consequences if ignored.

"It is not something that will just go away," says Chris Bishop of QHS, which is offering free seminars on how to tackle the problem.

"If necessary, samples of materials may have to be taken and analysed to confirm the presence of Asbestos Contain-ing Material (ACMs).

"With more than 3,000 products containing ACMs it is not difficult to see how every workplace is going to be affected by these regulations."

The removal of identified asbestos will not be a legal requirement unless the asbestos is in a poor condition or located in an area which poses a risk of becoming airborne and thus exposing their staff or third parties.

However, the duty holder will have to implement a management plan to control the identified ACMs.

Control measures may consist of one or more of several options that are available, such as sealing, enclosure, repair etc.

There is a lead in time for the compulsory compliance to the regulations of 18 months.