Posted By SarahD I work for local government and following discussions with local HSE and other professional bodies it would seem that although flats are domestic, the communal areas are non-domestic and hence would be included, e.g. concierge, caretakers cupboards, lift shafts etc. For our own 'best practice' however we decided to include the 'domestic flats' as well, as they become workplaces for our staff when undertaking maintenace and we also felt we owed a duty of care to the tenants to inform them of locations, so they did not disturb it. Suprisingly (we expected mayhem/panic) the information has been well received, although obviously carefully presented. The other slightly perverse thing is that due to housing revenue income the money to manage all this has been found, but in the other areas, schools, libarys, etc which obviously come within the scope of the regulation arguments are still progressing about who will pay!

Posted By Charles New I am not sure the previous comment is entirely correct. Organisations that own and manage rented domestic housing stock will also have to apply the duty to the common parts of the premises. (Refer to HSG227)

Posted By Ken Taylor We are also treating individual flats as 'domestic' but common parts as 'non-domestic'. However, where residential accommodation is associated with workplaces (eg Caretakers' and staff houses within school sites) we have decided to include these within asbestos surveys. We are also including school boarding accommodation and sample flats in sheltered accommodation and almshouses.