Asbestos Management

The regulations and guidelines for asbestos management in the UK are set out by the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) and the Construction Design Management Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015).

Guidance includes; HSG264 Asbestos: The survey guide; HSG248 Asbestos: The Analysts’ Guide; and HSG247 Asbestos: The licensed contractors’ guide.

The Duty to Manage Asbestos is a legal requirement under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR-2012) that imposes a duty of care for asbestos management within non-domestic properties and the communal areas of domestic dwellings.

The different types of asbestos surveys include Asbestos Management Surveys, Refurbishment or Demolition Surveys, and Reinspection Surveys.

A Management Survey (providing access is gained to all areas) should only need to be undertaken once but then any asbestos identified should undergo a Reinspection Survey at regular intervals going forward, this will often be annually. Refurbishment or Demolition Surveys should then be carried out prior to works of this nature taking place.

Surveys should be undertaken by an asbestos surveyor with the BOHS (British Occupational Hygiene Society) P402 as a minimum qualification and it is strongly recommended that a UKAS accredited company is appointed (United Kingdom Accreditation Service).

The report will provide recommendations on how to manage the asbestos in situ or whether it is recommended that it be removed. If removal is recommended, then the report will also confirm whether this needs to be undertaken by a Licensed Asbestos Removal Contractor (LARC).

If it is recommended that asbestos be removed, certain asbestos materials must be removed by a Licensed Asbestos Removal Contractor (LARC) who will work in accordance with HSG247 Asbestos: The licensed contractors’ guide. For materials which do not have to be removed by a LARC, it is still essential that remedial works or removal takes place in accordance with the Health & Safety Executives Approved Code Of Practice (ACOP) and that suitable training has been undertaken. Removal work will often require air testing by an independent UKAS accredited company.

Following an asbestos survey, an asbestos management plan should be put in place as a priority which will help with the effective management of asbestos. Asbestos which remains in situ must be reinspected and that which needs to be removed, must be done so in accordance with current regulations and guidance, so there are costs which cannot be avoided. Reputable surveying and removal companies will be able to assist in managing the asbestos in as cost-effective manner as possible. It is far more cost effective to be proactive as opposed to reactive, so having a plan in place for the systematic removal of asbestos where it is required, will be far more cost effective than having to deal with emergency situations where there is an unplanned release of asbestos fibres. It is important to consider not only the financial obligations of managing asbestos, but also the legal and moral obligations.

Penalties for not managing asbestos properly can include fines, legal action, and even imprisonment. It’s essential to comply with regulations and guidelines set out by the government to avoid these penalties and ensure the safety of the building’s occupants.