Asbestos in Buildings: Duty to Manage and Practical Compliance
The Control of Asbestos Regulations place specific duties on those responsible for the maintenance and repair of non-domestic premises and the common parts of multi-occupancy domestic premises. Managing asbestos in buildings is a major area of attention for the HSE, with specific focus on the need for active rather than passive management.
Course Format
Virtual Course – These courses are run using the Zoom platform as a fully interactive course, just as our live courses are. We have had great feedback from delegates on these courses.
Overview
For many organisations these responsibilities are managed in practice by health and safety, facilities, estates, property, site or premises managers, as well as duty managers, dutyholders and people formally appointed to oversee asbestos arrangements. Anyone with responsibility for the safe management, maintenance or operation of buildings needs to understand whether asbestos may be present, where it is located, what condition it is in and how the risk of disturbance will be controlled.
An asbestos survey and register are only part of this process. The dutyholder must have arrangements for managing asbestos-containing materials, monitoring their condition, controlling maintenance and refurbishment work, providing information to contractors and responding when suspected asbestos is discovered or accidentally disturbed.
This one-day course provides a practical approach to meeting the duty to manage asbestos. It is designed for H&S and facilities managers generally, as well as site managers, duty managers, dutyholders, appointed persons and others who have responsibility for buildings or maintenance activities. It explains the legal responsibilities that may apply and shows how asbestos surveys, registers and management plans should be used as part of normal building, site and maintenance management.
Attention is given to maintenance and contractor controls, refurbishment projects and the steps required before anyone disturbs the fabric of a building. Practical exercises and scenarios are used throughout the course to examine common management failures and the action required.
Why this course is important
Asbestos in buildings remains a significant current health and safety management issue. HSE continues to inspect premises and sites to check that asbestos is being managed in accordance with the law and that workers are protected. HSE has highlighted recurring weaknesses found by inspectors, including missing or ineffective asbestos management plans, inadequate information, instruction and training, and poor arrangements for work that could disturb known or presumed asbestos-containing materials.
HSE has emphasised that asbestos in buildings must be actively managed and monitored rather than treated as a single survey exercise. Buildings constructed or refurbished before 2000 should be treated as potentially containing asbestos unless there is reliable evidence to the contrary.
For H&S, FM and site management teams this means being able to demonstrate that asbestos information is accurate and current, that the management plan is actually being implemented, that the condition of known or presumed asbestos-containing materials is monitored, and that information reaches employees and contractors before work starts. HSE inspectors may visit premises without warning and can take enforcement action where asbestos management arrangements are inadequate.
The greatest risk often arises when routine maintenance, installation, repair or refurbishment work disturbs materials that have not been identified, have not been adequately assessed, or where the available asbestos information does not cover the work being proposed. A management survey intended for normal occupation and routine maintenance may not provide sufficient information for intrusive refurbishment or demolition work.
This course helps managers and appointed persons understand what effective asbestos management looks like in practice, how to review their arrangements against current HSE expectations, when further investigation is required, how asbestos information should be communicated and how work can be stopped before an unidentified or inadequately assessed material is disturbed.
Who should attend?
The course is designed for anyone with responsibility for health and safety, facilities, buildings, sites, maintenance or asbestos management arrangements. It is suitable whether or not the delegate is formally named as the legal dutyholder. Typical attendees include:
- Health and safety managers, advisers and coordinators
- Facilities managers and FM teams
- Estates managers
- Property, premises and building managers
- Site managers and site-based managers
- Duty managers and others responsible for the day-to-day operation of premises
- Dutyholders and those sharing dutyholder responsibilities
- Appointed persons responsible for asbestos arrangements
- Building owners, landlords and managing agents
- Maintenance managers, supervisors and engineering managers
- Asset managers
- Project managers responsible for refurbishment, alteration or demolition work
- Contract managers and those responsible for appointing or controlling maintenance contractors
What you'll learn:
On completion of the course, attendees will:
Course Programme:
9:00-9:30am Course Registration
9:30-9:45am Welcome and Introduction
Welcome, introductions, course aims, objectives and overview of the day.
9:45-10:45am The Duty to Manage Asbestos
Why Asbestos Remains a Building Management Issue
Why asbestos continues to present a significant management issue in existing buildings and why effective arrangements are needed to prevent exposure during occupation, maintenance and refurbishment.
Current HSE Inspection Focus and Common Asbestos Management Failings
Current areas of HSE attention, common weaknesses identified in asbestos management arrangements and the importance of demonstrating active and effective management.
Health Effects Associated with Asbestos Exposure
Overview of the main health effects associated with asbestos exposure and why preventing fibre release remains critical.
Types of Asbestos and Common Asbestos-Containing Materials
Main asbestos types and common asbestos-containing materials found within buildings and building services.
Typical Locations Within Buildings and Building Services
Typical locations where asbestos-containing materials may be found, including ceilings, partitions, plant rooms, risers, service ducts, roofs, flooring and concealed areas.
Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
Overview of the legal framework for managing asbestos and the main responsibilities placed on those responsible for premises.
Regulation 4: The Duty to Manage
The requirements of Regulation 4 and the practical steps required to identify, assess and manage asbestos-containing materials.
Premises Covered by the Duty
Understanding which premises fall within the duty to manage and how responsibilities can apply across different types of building.
Non-Domestic Premises
Application of the duty to workplaces, commercial buildings and other non-domestic premises.
Common Parts of Multi-Occupancy Domestic Premises
How the duty applies to common areas such as corridors, stairwells, service areas and shared facilities.
Owners, Landlords, Tenants and Organisations Responsible for Maintenance
How responsibility may fall to different parties depending on control of maintenance and repair.
Responsibilities Under Leases, Tenancy Agreements and Contracts
How contractual arrangements can influence asbestos management responsibilities and why legal duties need to be clearly understood.
Shared Dutyholder Arrangements
Managing situations where more than one organisation has responsibilities for the premises.
Managing Agents and Retained Legal Responsibilities
The role of managing agents and the responsibilities that may remain with owners, landlords or occupiers.
Appointing Someone to Manage Asbestos
The role of the appointed person and the practical arrangements needed to manage asbestos on behalf of the organisation.
Competence, Authority and Resources
Ensuring those given asbestos management responsibilities have sufficient competence, authority, information and resources.
Co-operation Between People Sharing Responsibility
The need for effective communication and cooperation where responsibilities are divided or shared.
Buildings Constructed or Refurbished Before 2000
Why older buildings should be treated as potentially containing asbestos unless reliable evidence demonstrates otherwise.
10:45-11:00am Break
11:00am-12:00pm Surveys, Asbestos Registers and Risk Assessment
Finding Out Whether Asbestos May Be Present
Establishing whether asbestos is known or suspected to be present and deciding what additional information may be required.
Existing Building and Maintenance Information
Using existing surveys, plans, maintenance records, refurbishment information and other building documentation.
Presumption of Asbestos Where Adequate Evidence is Unavailable
When materials should be presumed to contain asbestos and how presumed materials should be managed.
When an Asbestos Survey is Required
Understanding when a survey is needed and how the purpose of the proposed work affects the type of survey required.
Selecting a Competent Asbestos Surveyor
Key considerations when appointing a surveyor, including competence, experience and the ability to meet the required scope.
Management Surveys
The purpose and limitations of management surveys and their use during normal occupation and routine maintenance.
Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys
When intrusive surveys are required before refurbishment, alteration or demolition work.
Selecting the Correct Survey for the Intended Work
Matching survey type and scope to the nature and extent of the work planned.
Defining the Survey Scope
Setting clear survey boundaries, identifying relevant areas and ensuring that the survey addresses the intended work.
Areas That Are Inaccessible or Excluded From a Survey
Managing inaccessible areas, exclusions and limitations and ensuring that these are understood before work starts.
Reviewing Survey Reports Critically
Checking survey type, scope, findings, exclusions, presumptions, limitations, plans, photographs and recommendations.
Recording Known and Presumed Asbestos-Containing Materials
Ensuring all known and presumed materials are properly recorded and capable of being identified by those who need the information.
Preparing an Asbestos Register
Developing a practical register that records location, material type, condition, extent and required management action.
Using Plans, Photographs and Location Information
Supporting the asbestos register with clear plans, photographs and accurate descriptions so materials can be readily identified.
Assessing Material Condition
Considering damage, deterioration, surface treatment and the potential for fibre release.
Likelihood of Disturbance
Assessing how occupation, maintenance, access and planned work may affect the likelihood of asbestos being disturbed.
Prioritising Action
Using material condition and likelihood of disturbance to determine management priorities.
Keeping the Register Current
Updating the register following inspections, deterioration, remedial work, refurbishment and asbestos removal.
Practical Exercise: Reviewing an Asbestos Survey and Register
12:00-1:00pm Lunch
1:00-2:00pm Preparing and Operating the Asbestos Management Plan
Purpose of an Asbestos Management Plan
Understanding how the management plan turns survey and register information into practical management arrangements.
Roles and Responsibilities
Defining who is responsible for managing, reviewing and implementing asbestos arrangements.
Appointed Persons and Deputies
Ensuring continuity of management responsibility and appropriate cover when key personnel are unavailable.
Linking the Management Plan to the Asbestos Register
Ensuring information about known and presumed asbestos directly informs management actions.
Deciding Whether Asbestos Can Remain Safely in Place
Considering condition, location, accessibility and likely disturbance when deciding whether asbestos can continue to be managed in situ.
Repair, Protection, Encapsulation or Removal
Overview of the main management options and the factors that influence the choice between them.
Condition Monitoring and Reinspection
Establishing arrangements for periodic inspection of asbestos-containing materials left in place.
Setting Appropriate Inspection Frequencies
Determining suitable inspection frequencies based on condition, location and potential disturbance.
Recording Deterioration, Damage and Remedial Work
Maintaining clear records of changes in condition and any repair, encapsulation or removal work undertaken.
Managing Inaccessible and Presumed Asbestos-Containing Materials
Ensuring concealed, inaccessible and presumed materials remain properly controlled.
Labelling and Other Identification Arrangements
Use of labels and other methods to support identification while recognising that these do not replace effective records and work controls.
Maintaining Site Plans and Records
Keeping plans, registers, inspection records and related asbestos information accurate and accessible.
Communication Arrangements
Ensuring relevant asbestos information is provided to those who may need it.
Information for Employees and Maintenance Teams
Providing clear and relevant information to employees and maintenance personnel who may encounter asbestos-containing materials.
Information for Emergency Services
Ensuring appropriate asbestos information can be made available where emergency response may be affected.
Reviewing the Management Plan
Checking that the management plan remains effective and reflects current building conditions and responsibilities.
Changes Following Refurbishment or Asbestos Removal
Updating management arrangements when building work changes the location, condition or presence of asbestos-containing materials.
HSE's Recommended Annual Management Review and Earlier Review Following Relevant Changes
Reviewing the management plan regularly and whenever significant changes occur.
2:00-2:45pm Maintenance, Contractors and Refurbishment Work
Why Maintenance and Refurbishment Create Particular Risks
How routine and intrusive work can disturb asbestos-containing materials if information is incomplete or not properly communicated.
Checking Asbestos Information Before Work is Authorised
Ensuring suitable information is reviewed before maintenance or project work begins.
Providing Information at Planning and Tender Stages
Supplying relevant asbestos information early enough to influence work planning, methods and contractor selection.
Contractor Induction and Pre-Start Checks
Confirming contractors understand site asbestos arrangements and the controls applying to their work.
Making the Asbestos Register Readily Available
Ensuring contractors and relevant employees can access current asbestos information when needed.
Why Simply Signing the Register May Not Be Sufficient
Understanding why acknowledgement of the register alone does not demonstrate that proposed work has been properly assessed.
Permit-to-Work and Maintenance Authorisation Arrangements
Integrating asbestos checks into work permits, maintenance requests and other authorisation systems.
Drilling, Cutting, Cabling and Other Intrusive Work
Recognising common activities that may disturb concealed asbestos-containing materials.
Voids, Risers, Ceiling Spaces and Concealed Materials
Managing work in areas where asbestos may be hidden or outside the scope of previous inspections.
Deciding Whether the Existing Survey Provides Enough Information
Assessing whether survey information is sufficiently detailed for the work proposed.
When a Refurbishment or Demolition Survey is Required
Identifying when a more intrusive survey must be completed before work starts.
Defining the Area and Scope of an Intrusive Survey
Ensuring intrusive survey work covers all parts of the building likely to be affected by the project.
Coordination With Contractors and Project Managers
Ensuring asbestos information is incorporated into project planning and communicated across the project team.
Construction Design and Management Regulations and Asbestos Information
Considering asbestos information alongside wider construction planning and management responsibilities.
Changes to the Asbestos Register Following Building Work
Updating asbestos records after refurbishment, removal or other building changes.
2:45-3:00pm Break
3:00-4:00pm Managing Work and Responding to Asbestos Incidents
Identifying the Type of Asbestos Work Proposed
Recognising the nature of proposed work and determining what level of control, competence and specialist involvement may be required.
Licensed Asbestos Work
Overview of work requiring a licensed asbestos contractor.
Non-Licensed and Notifiable Non-Licensed Work
Understanding the distinction between non-licensed and notifiable non-licensed asbestos work.
Selecting Suitable Asbestos Contractors and Specialist Advisers
Key considerations when appointing contractors, surveyors, analysts and other specialist advisers.
Checking Competence, Licences and Supporting Information Where Required
Verifying relevant licences, competence, experience and supporting documentation.
Risk Assessments and Plans of Work
Understanding the purpose of asbestos risk assessments and plans of work and the information managers should expect to see.
Air Monitoring and Analytical Services
Overview of the role of air monitoring and analytical support during and after asbestos work.
Reoccupation and Clearance Arrangements
Understanding the checks and documentation required before areas affected by asbestos work are returned to normal use.
Waste and Documentation
Managing asbestos waste and retaining appropriate records and documentation.
What Employees and Contractors Should Do if Unexpected Material is Discovered
Immediate actions when potentially asbestos-containing material is encountered unexpectedly.
Stopping Work Before Suspected Material is Disturbed
Ensuring work is halted and the material is assessed before further disturbance occurs.
Accidental Damage or Disturbance of Asbestos-Containing Materials
Managing incidents where known or suspected asbestos has been accidentally damaged or disturbed.
Preventing Access and Further Disturbance
Securing affected areas and preventing further exposure.
Escalation and Specialist Assessment
Obtaining competent advice and specialist assistance where required.
Managing Potentially Contaminated Areas
Controlling access and arranging appropriate assessment, cleaning and clearance where contamination may have occurred.
Recording the Incident and Updating Asbestos Information
Documenting what happened and ensuring surveys, registers and management arrangements are updated where necessary.
When an Asbestos Release May Be Reportable Under RIDDOR
Understanding when an asbestos-related incident may meet the relevant reporting criteria.
Reviewing What Went Wrong and Preventing Recurrence
Investigating the causes of an incident and improving management systems, information and work controls.
Questions and Course Review
4:00pm Close
