The Project Manager’s Guide to Asbestos Compliance in Hotels.
Project Managers in the hospitality sector carry a unique responsibility: delivering refurbishments, fit-outs, or maintenance works safely, on time and within budget. When asbestos is in the mix, the stakes are even higher. Mismanagement can mean delays, spiralling costs, legal action, or serious health risks.
Here’s a clear guide to what every Project Manager should do when managing asbestos on hotel projects.
1. Ask the Right Questions of the Hotel
Before work begins, make sure the hotel as dutyholder has:
An up-to-date asbestos survey (management or refurbishment/demolition, depending on the scope of works).
An asbestos register that shows the location and condition of ACMs.
A management plan outlining how risks are controlled.
Evidence of UKATA training for the appointed person managing asbestos.
If these documents are missing or out of date, stop and insist they are updated.
2. Instruct the Right Surveys and Specialists
As Project Manager, you may need to:
Commission a refurbishment/demolition survey if structural works will disturb the building fabric.
Engage a UKAS-accredited surveyor and, if removal is needed, a licensed asbestos contractor.
Ensure all survey results are integrated into the CDM health and safety file.
Check that contractors have the correct training, licence and insurance before works start.
3. Manage During the Project
Make sure contractors are briefed on asbestos locations before they start.
Ensure the asbestos register is available on-site and that all work aligns with it.
Confirm that any asbestos removal work follows HSE’s four-stage clearance procedure.
Keep clear communication with the hotel’s management team - they remain legally responsible.
4. Handover at the End
At project completion, hand over:
Survey reports reflecting any newly identified asbestos.
A revised asbestos register if required.
Evidence of clearance certificates for any licensed works.
Consignment notes, proving safe and legal waste disposal.
Notes in the health and safety file for future projects and facilities management.
This ensures the hotel is left compliant, safe, and ready for future inspections.
The Shortcut for Project Managers
Just like General Managers, Project Managers benefit most from getting top quality training first. Knowing the asbestos essentials equips you to:
Ask the right questions.
Appoint the right people.
Avoid delays and disputes.
Hand over with confidence.
Our UKATA-approved training gives you the knowledge and authority to manage asbestos issues in hotel projects from start to finish.
👉 Learn more here: Asbestos Training for Hotel Projects
👉 Book your place here: Asbestos Awareness + Duty to Manage Training
Final Word
As a Project Manager, your role isn’t to do the asbestos work yourself - it’s to make sure the hotel and contractors fulfil their legal duties. By asking the right questions, instructing the right surveys, and handing over the right documents, you keep the project safe, compliant and on track.
And the fastest way to do that with confidence?
