A FIRM has produced a booklet aimed at helping other businesses cope with new regulations on dealing with potentially deadly asbestos.

Maidstone-based insurance brokers Opus produced the free advice booklet about dealing with the new regulations, due to come into force on May 21, after receiving calls from concerned Kent businesses.

The booklet, compiled with Cunningham Lindsey Risk Solutions, advises how to deal with and comply with the regulations before the May deadline.

They make firms responsible for taking all “reasonable steps” to find any materials in the premises likely to contain asbestos and to check their current condition.

Ian Tufts, Opus business development manager, said: "The new asbestos regulation has the potential to impact on many of Maidstone's businesses and it is vital that people act now to deal with this. All premises constructed before 1999 will need to be assessed by the duty-holder.

"Broadly speaking, the new law means that people in buildings over five years old will have to undertake investigative research and a physical survey to determine if there are any asbestos materials present in the building."

The Asbestos at Work Regulations booklet is available free by telephoning Mr Tufts on 01622 697400.