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Asbestos Management Last modified: September 22, 2025

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What is Asbestos Management?

Asbestos management is the process of identifying, assessing, and controlling the risks from asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in buildings. It ensures that asbestos is properly managed, monitored, and, if necessary, removed by licensed specialists to protect workers and building users from exposure.

What does Asbestos Management mean in Health & Safety?

Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012), UK employers, duty holders, and building managers have a legal duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic premises. This involves:

  • Keeping an up-to-date asbestos register
  • Conducting asbestos surveys and risk assessments
  • Implementing a written asbestos management plan
  • Informing staff and contractors where asbestos is located
  • Monitoring ACMs to ensure they remain in safe condition

Failure to manage asbestos can lead to enforcement action by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

  • Why does Asbestos Management matter for your business?

    Poor asbestos management puts employees, contractors, and visitors at risk of life-threatening diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. For employers, the consequences of neglect include:

    • Long-term incurable ill-health of those exposed to Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs)
    • Severe legal penalties and prosecution
    • Costly claims and reputational damage
    • Business disruption due to HSE enforcement notices
    • Long-term liability for employee health claims

    Effective asbestos management protects people, ensures legal compliance, and demonstrates responsible corporate governance.

  • Asbestos management – best practice and & guidelines

    • Commission an asbestos survey from a UKAS-accredited provider. Consider whether you need a Refurbishment / Demolition Survey or whether a Management Survey will be sufficient
    • Maintain and regularly update your asbestos register
    • Develop a clear asbestos management plan and review it annually
    • Communicate asbestos risks to employees and contractors
    • Only use licensed asbestos contractors for removal or remediation
    • Train staff in asbestos awareness where exposure risks exist

    Impact HR can assist to embed asbestos management into your wider Health & Safety policies.

Your Questions Answered

FAQs on Asbestos Management

  • Can I remove asbestos myself?Reveal

    No. Only licensed asbestos contractors should safely remove high-risk asbestos containing materials.

  • Do all buildings need an asbestos management plan?Reveal

    Any non-domestic building built before 2000 may contain asbestos and must have a management plan if asbestos is present or suspected.

  • How often should asbestos be checked?Reveal

    Asbestos-containing materials should be inspected regularly to ensure they remain in a safe condition.

  • What should an asbestos management plan include?Reveal

    It must outline the location and condition of ACMs, how risks will be managed, and the procedures for informing staff and contractors.

  • Who is the duty holder for asbestos management in the UK?Reveal

    The duty holder is the person or organisation responsible for the maintenance and repair of non-domestic premises, often the employer, landlord, or building manager.

Where to find out more A collection of hand-picked useful resources for the Asbestos Management from Impact HR and beyond

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