Are You the Dutyholder? A Simple Guide to Managing Asbestos in Mansfield Workplaces

If you manage a commercial building or are responsible for maintenance in a public premises in Mansfield, you could be classed as the “dutyholder” under UK asbestos law — whether you realise it or not.

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 place strict responsibilities on dutyholders to locate and manage asbestos risks. Failure to do so can result in fines, prosecution, and serious health risks for staff, contractors and visitors.

This guide breaks down your legal duties, explains which buildings are affected, and shows how to stay compliant — with minimum disruption and clear local support.

WHAT IS A DUTYHOLDER? 

A dutyholder is any person or organisation that has legal responsibility for the maintenance or repair of non-domestic premises. This could include:

• Employers
• Commercial landlords or managing agents
• Facilities managers
• Contractors in control of maintenance
• Public sector building managers (e.g. schools, health centres)

If the building was built before 2000, and you're responsible for its upkeep, you are likely the dutyholder.

👉 Learn more on our Asbestos Guidance for Businesses page.

WHICH BUILDINGS IN MANSFIELD ARE AFFECTED? 

All types of non-domestic buildings are included, such as:

• Offices and retail units
• Warehouses, factories and workshops
• Schools, colleges and nurseries
• Restaurants, salons and takeaways
• Churches, community centres and halls
• Healthcare clinics and GP surgeries
• Rental properties with shared areas (e.g. HMOs or blocks of flats)

If your building was constructed or refurbished before the year 2000, it may contain asbestos.

YOUR LEGAL DUTIES AS A DUTYHOLDER 

Under Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, dutyholders must:

• Identify asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in the premises
• Keep a current asbestos register of known or suspected ACMs
• Assess the condition and risk of those materials
• Create and implement a written asbestos management plan
• Inform contractors and staff of the location and condition of ACMs
• Monitor and review the plan and register annually
• Ensure asbestos is safely removed or contained, if necessary

👉 You can do this by booking a Management Asbestos Survey — the first step in becoming compliant.

WHEN DO YOU NEED A DIFFERENT TYPE OF SURVEY? 

Refurbishment & Demolition (R&D) Survey: Required before any intrusive work like upgrades, extensions, or building changes.

👉 Learn about R&D Surveys

Reinspection Survey: Required at regular intervals (usually annually) to monitor known ACMs.

👉 Learn about Reinspection Surveys

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON'T COMPLY? 

Failure to comply with your duties can result in:

• HSE enforcement notices or prosecution
• Unlimited fines for serious breaches
• Delays to building works or insurance issues
• Risk to employees, contractors and the public
• Reputational damage to your organisation

Asbestos is still the leading cause of occupational disease in the UK. Compliance is not just a legal duty — it’s a duty of care.

KEY FACTS FOR DUTYHOLDERS 

🏢 Over 1.5 million buildings in the UK are estimated to still contain asbestos

📋 A Management Survey is the minimum legal requirement for older commercial premises

🔁 The asbestos register must be reviewed every 12 months

🚫 Fines for non-compliance can exceed £20,000 per offence — or be unlimited for serious

 breaches

Why Being a Dutyholder Matters in Mansfield

If you’re managing a commercial or public building in Mansfield, knowing your asbestos duties isn’t just about ticking boxes — it’s about protecting your employees, contractors, customers, and the wider community. Mansfield’s older buildings, many built before the year 2000, are likely to contain asbestos materials that can pose serious health risks if disturbed.

Ignoring asbestos management can result in harmful fibre release, putting people at risk of diseases like mesothelioma or asbestosis. Plus, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) rigorously enforces asbestos regulations, especially for dutyholders who fail to carry out proper surveys and management plans.

How Asbestos Check Mansfield Supports Dutyholders

At Asbestos Check Mansfield, we specialise in helping dutyholders across Mansfield and Nottinghamshire meet their legal obligations efficiently and confidently. Our local expertise means we understand the types of properties common in this region and the typical asbestos risks they carry.

We offer comprehensive asbestos surveying services, from initial Management Surveys through to ongoing reinspection and refurbishment/demolition surveys, ensuring you stay compliant year after year.

What You Need to Know About Your Legal Responsibilities

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 outlines clear duties for anyone responsible for maintaining non-domestic premises. You must:

• Carry out thorough surveys to locate any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs)
• Keep an up-to-date register detailing the location and condition of ACMs
• Implement a management plan to monitor and reduce risks from asbestos
• Train and inform your staff and contractors about asbestos hazards in the building
• Review and update your asbestos management plan regularly to reflect any changes

Failing to do this can lead to serious penalties and endanger health — making compliance essential.

Common Questions from Mansfield Dutyholders

Do I need an asbestos survey if I manage a small shop or office?
Yes. Any non-domestic premises built before 2000 require a Management Survey to identify asbestos risks.

How often should I review my asbestos register?
The law requires a minimum annual review, but more frequent checks may be necessary depending on your building’s condition and use.

What if asbestos is found during a refurbishment project?
You must arrange for safe removal or encapsulation by licensed professionals before any work proceeds.

📍 Local Mansfield Support for Dutyholders

At Asbestos Check Mansfield, we support businesses, landlords and organisations of all sizes — from single retail units to large public-sector sites.

We provide:

✅ Fully compliant Management Asbestos Surveys
✅ Fast reports and asbestos registers
✅ Reinspection services for ongoing compliance
✅ Support and guidance tailored to your property

👉 Book a Survey or Get Advice Today