Working with Asbestos on Your Site
After being extensively used in construction up until 2000, asbestos is still found in buildings and needs to be correctly assessed and managed.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral which was beneficial to the building industry due to its heat resistance, insulation properties and durability.
Its harmful health effects, however, have led to stringent regulations on its use and management. When disturbed, microscopic asbestos fibres are released into the air, which – when inhaled – can lead to serious diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
If there is asbestos present in a property, an asbestos management plan will enable you to comply with UK regulations and deal with it correctly.
We explain how the planning system views asbestos, the various asbestos surveys that may be required, and how an effective asbestos management plan should work.
Asbestos and the Planning System
Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can significantly impact planned work and renovation plans.
Due to that, the planning system mandates that:
- Asbestos must be identified and assessed before demolition, refurbishment or significant alterations.
- Risk assessments and asbestos surveys are often required to obtain planning permissions.
- Local authorities and regulatory bodies may impose conditions on construction projects to ensure asbestos safety.
- Strict waste disposal procedures must be followed, ensuring asbestos is handled by licensed professionals.
Common Locations of Asbestos in Buildings
- Roofing Materials and Ceiling Tiles
- Pipe and Boiler Insulation
- Floor Tiles and Adhesives
- Cement Products (e.g., garage roofs and water tanks)
- Textured Coatings (e.g., Artex)
- Fireproofing Materials and Insulation Boards
- Gaskets and Ducting in HVAC Systems
Asbestos Management Plans
An asbestos management plan is the essential document required to comply with your legal obligations under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012). It goes beyond simply locating asbestos, instead providing a site-specific strategy for how the risk from identified ACMs or presumed ACMs will be properly managed within your non-domestic premises.
Ultimately, the plan is an actionable guide to protecting everyone who uses or works on your property, including maintenance workers and contractors. A plan outlines the specific steps your organisation must take to prevent exposure to harmful asbestos fibres.
What is an Asbestos Management Plan?
Instead of just being a summary of your survey, an asbestos management plan a living document that outlines a prioritised asbestos action plan.
It must be based on a thorough asbestos risk assessment of every identified ACM. The prior assessment determines the potential risk by considering the material’s condition and the likelihood of it being disturbed.
Your asbestos management plan must then outline a strategy of remedial work based on the risk score:
- High Risk: If materials are damaged or deteriorated or are in a high-traffic area, they are deemed a high priority. Remedial actions – like immediate repair, encapsulation or licensed removal – must be scheduled and completed immediately.
- Low Risk: If an ACM is in good condition and in an area unlikely to be disturbed, the safest course of action is often to leave the material in place. The plan must, however, include a monitoring schedule to check its good condition regularly.
The plan must also assign the legally responsible person (the duty holder) and their deputies, and it must include a schedule for review every 12 months.
Asbestos Survey Types
- Asbestos Management Survey: used for ongoing asbestos management in buildings where no major work is planned; buildings will be regularly monitored.
- Refurbishment/Demolition Survey: further investigation is required via this more intrusive survey before significant building work, ensuring materials that contain asbestos are safely removed.
When is an Asbestos Management Plan Required?
A plan is necessary when:
- An asbestos management plan is being developed for a building with suspected asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
- A property is being sold or leased, particularly if it was built before 2000.
- Renovation or demolition work is planned, and there is a risk of disturbing ACMs.
- A duty holder, such as an employer, maintenance personnel or a landlord, needs to comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 by ensuring a safe environment for occupants and workers.
Asbestos Management Plan Process
- Site Inspection: a qualified asbestos surveyor inspects the premises to identify potential ACMs.
- Sample Collection: small material samples are taken from suspected asbestos-containing areas.
- Laboratory Testing: samples are analysed in accredited labs to confirm the presence of asbestos.
- Assess Risk: the surveyor evaluates the condition of the asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), assessing the level of risk.
- Survey Report: a detailed report is provided, outlining the location, type and condition of any identified asbestos materials, along with recommendations for managing asbestos or its removal.
Asbestos Management Plan Contents
An asbestos management plan is essential for properties where asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are found. It ensures that asbestos is managed safely, minimising health risks.
A well-structured asbestos management plan should include:
1. Asbestos Register
Maintain a record of identified or suspected ACMs, including their location, condition and risk level.
2. Assess Risk
Evaluate the potential risk posed by ACMs and determine if any immediate action is required. An asbestos risk assessment must be carried out by certified professionals, such as UKAS-accredited asbestos surveyors.
3. Management Responsibilities
Assign a duty holder responsible for asbestos management, ensuring compliance with asbestos regulations.
4. Control Measures
Implement procedures in an action plan to prevent disturbance of ACMs, such as encapsulation (sealing materials to prevent fibre release), regular monitoring and inspections, and safe working procedures for maintenance staff.
5. Communication and Training
Ensure all relevant people – including maintenance personnel and contractors – are aware of the risks from asbestos and are trained in safe handling practices.
6. Emergency Procedures
Develop a response plan for accidental asbestos exposure, including evacuation procedures, containment measures, and professional asbestos removal services.
7. Regular Review and Updates
An asbestos management plan should be reviewed at least annually or whenever there are changes to the property structure or asbestos conditions as a high priority.
Asbestos Management Plan Services
Managing asbestos is the legal responsibility of owners and managers of domestic and non-domestic properties.
Having an asbestos register and an asbestos management plan in place will identify, assess and monitor the condition of asbestos, ensuring compliance with regulations and protecting health.
Before you commit to working with Arbtech, the section below details the regulations involved, the cost for a plan, confirmation around whether or not you need a plan, and options for requesting a quote from our team.
Asbestos Management Plan Regulations
The legal requirement for an asbestos management plan is mandated by the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012), specifically Regulation 4 (The Duty to Manage Asbestos in Non-Domestic Premises).
Compliance with CAR 2012 is monitored and enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Failure to implement and maintain an effective plan is a serious breach of your lawful obligations and can lead to prosecution and substantial fines.
The HSE asbestos management plan requirements place huge emphasis on clear communication and training. As such, a core requirement of the plan is to:
- Inform Personnel: It is a legal obligation to inform any person who may disturb the building fabric (maintenance workers, contractors, etc.) about the location of identified ACMs before they start work.
- Use a Permit to Work System: The plan must include a clear ‘Permit to Work’ system, ensuring the asbestos register is consulted for every job. This is the difference between compliance and potential prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Asbestos Management Plan Cost
The asbestos management plan cost is not a fixed fee and instead plays an integrated part of your overall asbestos compliance strategy.
Pricing is site-specific and is influenced by several factors, including the complexity of the site, the initial survey and the action plan. More specifically, the overall price can be affected by the size, age and complexity of the building, the number of identified ACMs, integration with a management survey, and the cost of remedial works the plan recommends.
Think of it as an investment in compliance, as the cost of a plan is dramatically lower than the cost of a potential fine from the HSE or the clean-up following accidental disturbance of an ACM. For complete clarity on how much you’ll pay based on your site and requirements, it would be advisable to speak to our team directly.
Do I Need an Asbestos Management Plan?
The answer is yes, if you are the designated duty holder for any premises that are classed as being non-domestic or the common parts of a residential property (e.g., shared hallways, plant rooms). In fact, it is your legal obligation under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012).
The key legal requirement is to locate and manage all presumed ACMs and identified ACMs within the property, which is impossible without a structured plan.
Prioritise Health and Safety in a Management Plan
If you suspect there are asbestos materials in your property, always consult qualified professionals for inspection, assessment and safe removal. With nationwide coverage, Arbtech has a solid relationship with a team of geo-environmental consultants who can carry out asbestos assessments and create asbestos management plans for clients across the UK.
For more information or a quote for a plan on your site, fill in the contact form at the top of this page, call us, email us or check out our contact page. From there, we can note down your details and create a free quote based on the specifications of your site and start helping you with managing asbestos on your property by putting you in touch with an expert consultancy.
