Farmers have been warned that they could face investigation, unlimited fines, criminal liability and even prosecution if they don't undertake surveys of all non-domestic buildings in relation to asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

Steve Robb, of the business defence team at law firm Berryman Shacklock, said: "If asbestos is found in agricultural buildings or property, farmers are responsible for regulating, managing or even removing it."

Farmers are advised to regularly re-assess the risk from ACMs in all working farm buildings. Robb said: "Unless there have been changes to use, this should be every year."

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