A new guide has been published to help retailers stay within the law when it comes to asbestos on their premises
The document, called The Management of Asbestos Containing Materials in the Retail Sector, has been put together by the Retail Asbestos Working Group (RAWG), and aims to help retailers understand their duties under the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012.

It shows how retailers and their contractors should approach the management of asbestos whilst trading and during maintenance and building works, and explains that it is essential to allow enough time and space for the safe removal of asbestos-containing materials.

Asbestos is still a problem in the UK, with over 4,000 people still being affected every year by past exposure to asbestos fibres.

Michelle Irving from the British Retail Consortium commented: "The BRC welcomes this new initiative to help our members and other retailers. While the retail sector isn't alone in facing day-to-day challenges managing asbestos-containing materials, this guidance directly tackles the specific challenges retailers face, and provides up-to-date and practical advice.

"It will help retailers comply with the law and is useful to everyone in the sector, large or small."

The document can be downloaded from the BRC website.