Schools and universities are continually evolving. Classrooms are refurbished, laboratories are upgraded, student facilities are modernised and new technology is installed to improve learning environments.
Many educational buildings in Swansea, however, were constructed or refurbished during periods when asbestos-containing materials were widely used throughout the construction industry.
One of the biggest misconceptions we encounter is that asbestos only becomes an issue during major demolition projects.
In reality, something as routine as installing new data cabling, replacing heating systems or altering internal layouts can disturb asbestos-containing materials if they have not been properly identified.
After more than 22 years working with educational organisations, we’ve found that the institutions experiencing the fewest problems are those that plan ahead and use reliable asbestos information as part of their estate management strategy.
Why This Matters in Swansea
Swansea has a significant education sector, including:
- Universities
- Secondary schools
- Primary schools
- Colleges
- Student accommodation
- Public sector education buildings
Many of these buildings were constructed before the UK asbestos ban and may still contain asbestos within:
- Ceiling voids
- Insulation boards
- Pipe lagging
- Floor coverings
- Service risers
- Plant rooms
- Wall panels
The presence of asbestos does not automatically make a building unsafe.
The key is understanding where it exists and managing it appropriately.
What Does the Law Say?
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 places duties on those responsible for non-domestic premises to identify and manage asbestos risks appropriately.
For educational establishments, this generally means:
- Identifying asbestos-containing materials where they may be present.
- Assessing their condition.
- Maintaining an up-to-date asbestos register.
- Managing risks appropriately.
- Ensuring contractors receive relevant asbestos information before carrying out work.
The objective is to protect staff, students, visitors and contractors while allowing education to continue safely.
Why Educational Buildings Present Unique Challenges
Unlike many commercial buildings, schools and universities are constantly occupied and regularly adapted.
Typical projects include:
- Classroom refurbishments
- Science laboratory upgrades
- IT infrastructure installations
- Accessibility improvements
- Mechanical and electrical upgrades
- Roof repairs
- Maintenance works during holiday periods
Many of these activities involve intrusive work that should be planned using appropriate asbestos information.
What Good Asbestos Management Looks Like
1. Accurate asbestos information
Every effective management strategy begins with reliable survey information.
Assumptions should never replace evidence.
2. Maintaining an up-to-date asbestos register
Buildings evolve over time.
Asbestos information should be reviewed whenever significant works are planned.
3. Effective contractor communication
Maintenance teams and contractors should receive relevant asbestos information before work begins.
This simple step can prevent unnecessary disruption and reduce risk.
4. Planning refurbishment projects properly
Before intrusive works commence, the appropriate survey should be commissioned so projects can proceed safely and efficiently.
5. Integrating asbestos into estate management
The most successful educational organisations treat asbestos management as part of wider estate planning rather than a standalone compliance exercise.
Common Mistakes We See
Assuming old surveys remain suitable
Buildings change through refurbishment and maintenance.
Historic surveys should always be reviewed before new works.
Leaving surveys until school holidays
Many schools schedule projects during holidays, but delaying asbestos investigations until that period can create programme pressures and unnecessary delays.
Treating asbestos as paperwork
An asbestos register is only valuable if it informs planning and is communicated to those carrying out work.
Failing to share information with contractors
Many avoidable incidents occur because relevant information was not available before maintenance began.
What We’ve Learned in 22 Years
Across thousands of education projects, one lesson consistently stands out:
The schools and universities that experience the fewest problems are those that plan early.
Unexpected discoveries during refurbishment can delay projects and increase costs.
Reliable information obtained during the planning stage allows organisations to make informed decisions and maintain project momentum.
The Core Surveys Perspective
At Core Surveys, we understand that educational buildings must remain safe while continuing to support students and staff.
Our role is not simply to undertake asbestos surveys but to provide practical information that helps estates teams plan confidently and maintain compliance.
Because we undertake asbestos surveys, sample analysis and air monitoring through one experienced team, clients benefit from coordinated services, consistent reporting and faster turnaround times.
We’ve supported educational establishments ranging from individual schools to large university campuses and multi-site organisations.
Our philosophy remains simple:
Reliable information obtained early allows education providers to plan confidently, manage risk and avoid unnecessary disruption.
If This Were Our Campus…
If we were responsible for a university or school estate in Swansea, we would:
- Maintain an up-to-date asbestos register.
- Review asbestos information before every refurbishment project.
- Ensure contractors receive relevant information before work begins.
- Commission Refurbishment & Demolition Surveys where appropriate.
- Integrate asbestos management into wider estate planning.
- Use UKAS accredited organisations for surveys and analysis.
Our Recommendations
Based on our experience, we recommend that education providers:
- Plan asbestos surveys early.
- Keep asbestos information under regular review.
- Communicate information effectively with contractors.
- Build asbestos management into maintenance planning.
- Use UKAS accredited organisations.
- View asbestos management as an ongoing estate management responsibility rather than a one-off exercise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all schools and universities contain asbestos?
No. However, many buildings constructed or refurbished before the UK asbestos ban may contain asbestos-containing materials that should be appropriately identified and managed.
Does finding asbestos mean it must be removed immediately?
Not necessarily. Many asbestos-containing materials can be safely managed if they remain in good condition and are unlikely to be disturbed.
Why should refurbishment projects consider asbestos early?
Early planning allows survey findings to be incorporated into project programmes and budgets, reducing the likelihood of delays.
Can Core Surveys support multi-site education estates?
Yes. Core Surveys regularly supports schools, colleges, universities and public sector organisations with asbestos surveys, sample analysis and air monitoring across multiple sites.
Why Organisations Choose Core Surveys
- Over 22 years of asbestos industry experience
- UKAS accredited for asbestos surveys, sample analysis and air monitoring
- Surveys, testing and air monitoring delivered under one roof
- In-house laboratory facilities for faster turnaround times
- Dedicated project coordinators
- Offices in East Sussex and South Wales
- Nationwide capability
- Experience supporting schools, universities, NHS organisations, local authorities, national contractors and the Ministry of Defence
Our objective is not simply to identify asbestos—it is to help education providers manage risk intelligently, maintain compliance and keep their estates operating safely and efficiently.
Core Principle
The best-managed education estates don’t avoid risk—they identify it early, plan for it and manage it effectively.
Contact Core Surveys
If you’re responsible for a school, college or university in Swansea and would like expert advice on asbestos management, speak to the experienced team at Core Surveys. We’ll recommend the appropriate surveys, explain the process clearly and provide practical guidance based on more than 22 years of real-world experience.