Opening a Retail Business in the UK: What you Need to Know | Page 9

Opening a Retail Business in the UK: What you Need to Know

Asbestos
Though the dangers of asbestos are now universal knowledge, there are still properties around the
UK that will have asbestos on-site. In these cases, you may be held responsible for managing the
issue (the lease agreement will usually dictate this). The following process is the recognised
standard for dealing with asbestos:


Firmly establish where the asbestos is on the property, if there is any.



Ensure the material is analysed, and a record kept of the analysis.



Carry out the health and safety risk assessment as standard.



Ensure that the relevant information is shared with anyone working on-site, especially with
those likely to come into contact with the area (i.e. builders, plumbers, etc).



Ensure that any area containing asbestos is kept in excellent condition, and is fully
maintained.

Note: punishments for not following the necessary regulations can include a fine of up to £20,000
and 6 months in prison. More serious breaches could lead to up to 2 years in prison.
Electricity
Electricity can be lethal, and it’s vital for you to be comprehensive in ensuring the required safety
measures are put in place. It’s such a broad topic, however, that covering it all here would be
virtually impossible. We’d recommend visiting the Health and Safety Executive website, which has
a comprehensive guide on all the necessary requirements when dealing with electricity.

Commercial Property – Industrial Units, Office Space to Rent

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