HSE Announces Nationwide Asbestos Inspections
To mark Global Asbestos Awareness Week (1–7 April), the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is reminding dutyholders to review their asbestos management arrangements and ensure they remain compliant with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
The regulator says inspectors continue to identify the same failings during site visits, many of which could be avoided through effective planning, regular monitoring and competent management.
Common Failings Identified by HSE Inspectors
According to HSE, the most common issues found during inspections include:
Missing or inadequate asbestos management plans.
Failure to regularly monitor the condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
Insufficient asbestos training and awareness for those responsible for managing buildings.
Weak procedures for controlling maintenance, refurbishment and other work that could disturb known or presumed asbestos.
These shortcomings can leave workers, contractors and building occupants at unnecessary risk of asbestos exposure.
Asbestos Management Is an Ongoing Duty
HSE has stressed that compliance is not achieved through a single asbestos survey or one-off inspection. Dutyholders are expected to actively manage asbestos throughout the life of the building.
This includes:
Identifying and assessing asbestos-containing materials.
Maintaining an accurate asbestos register.
Implementing a suitable asbestos management plan.
Monitoring the condition of ACMs at appropriate intervals.
Providing relevant information, instruction and training to anyone who may disturb asbestos.
Inspectors Can Visit Without Notice
HSE inspectors have the authority to inspect premises without prior warning. Where asbestos management arrangements are found to be inadequate, enforcement action may be taken.
Depending on the seriousness of the failings, organisations may face:
Improvement or Prohibition Notices.
Criminal prosecution.
Significant fines.
Criminal records for individuals and organisations.
Who Has a Duty to Manage Asbestos?
The legal duty applies to those responsible for non-domestic premises and the common areas of multi-occupied residential buildings.
This includes:
Building owners.
Landlords.
Employers.
Facilities managers.
Anyone responsible for maintenance or repair of a building.
Four Steps Every Dutyholder Should Take
HSE recommends every dutyholder should:
Arrange an asbestos survey or review existing survey information.
Create and maintain an asbestos register while assessing the associated risks.
Prepare an asbestos management plan.
Put that plan into action and review it regularly.
When asbestos-containing materials remain in good condition and are properly managed, the risk to occupants and workers is generally very low.
Safe Maintenance and Refurbishment Remain Critical
Before refurbishment, demolition or intrusive maintenance work begins, asbestos must be properly identified using an appropriate Refurbishment and Demolition Survey where required.
Construction workers and maintenance trades remain among the groups most at risk of accidental asbestos exposure. HSE reminds employers that appropriate asbestos awareness training is essential, and that anyone carrying out work on asbestos-containing materials must have the correct training, competence and, where necessary, licensing.
Recent Prosecution Highlights the Consequences
The case referenced below serves as a reminder that failures in asbestos management can have serious legal consequences alongside the significant health risks associated with asbestos exposure.
HSE highlighted a recent prosecution involving a demolition project where asbestos was not managed correctly.
The site manager received a suspended prison sentence, a five-year director disqualification and an electronically monitored curfew after failing to appoint a licensed asbestos contractor. The two companies involved were fined a combined £88,300 and ordered to pay more than £9,000 in costs and surcharges.
Further Guidance
HSE provides a range of free guidance for dutyholders, landlords, employers and tradespeople, including resources on asbestos management, legal responsibilities and asbestos awareness training.
Visit the HSE website to read the full press release and access the latest asbestos guidance.
