The Importance and Legal Requirement for having an Asbestos Management Plan
Asbestos Legal Requirements
1. If Asbestos Is Known or Suspected to Be Present
If asbestos or ACMs are confirmed through a survey, or even suspected to be present, a management plan must be created. This applies even if you have the smallest amount of asbestos, such as an asbestos flash guard or insulating paper in the fuse boxes.
2. Essential During Refurbishment, Maintenance or Demolition
Any work that could disturb the fabric of a building, including drilling, rewiring, or renovation — carries a risk of releasing asbestos fibres. Before starting such work, an Asbestos Management Plan (and often a Refurbishment & Demolition Survey) is required to guide safe procedures.
3. Buildings Constructed Before 2000
Most asbestos use in UK construction occurred between the 1950s and late 1980s. Buildings of this age almost certainly contain ACMs in insulation, tiles, or roofing. Even if asbestos is stable and undisturbed, a management plan ensures it remains safely contained and regularly checked.
4. When Routine Maintenance, or Essential Repairs or Installation of new Equipment Takes Place
Routine maintenance, (e.g., electrical plumbing or HVAC work) can disturb ACMs. An Asbestos Management Plan ensures that workers know where asbestos is located and how to avoid exposure.
5. When Damaged or Unknown Materials Are Found
If damaged or suspicious materials are discovered during building work or inspection, stop work immediately and refer to your AMP. The plan should outline the correct response, including isolation of the area, professional testing, and safe removal if required.
6. When You’re the Duty Holder of a Non-Domestic Premises (please refer to Regulation 4 of the CAR 2012 Regulations)
Owners, managers and employees responsible for workplaces, schools, hospitals or rental properties must have an Asbestos Management Plan, regardless of whether asbestos or ACMs are present or suspected.
7. To Maintain Legal and Regulatory Compliance in accordance with the CAR 2012 Regulations
Beyond the moral responsibility to protect occupants, an asbestos management plan is a legal requirement for most non-domestic premises. It also demonstrates due diligence and compliance with HSE, COSHH and Health and Safety at Work Act obligations.
8. During Reviews or Building Changes
Existing management plans must be reviewed at least annually, or whenever the condition, use, or layout of the building changes. This ensures the information stays current and that control measures remain effective.
Asbestos Management Plans - What to include
An Asbestos Management Plan (AMP) is more than just paperwork, it’s a live, working document designed to protect people, ensure legal compliance, and prevent exposure to asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
A well-prepared AMP clearly outlines how asbestos will be identified, recorded, controlled and communicated within your building. It gives everyone, from duty holders to contractors, the information they need to manage asbestos safely.
1. Asbestos Register (Paper based/Electronic or both)
The asbestos register is the foundation of your plan. It provides a detailed record of all known or suspected ACMs within the building, including:
- The exact location and type of each material
- Its condition and risk level
- Any previous inspections, repairs or removals
The register must be regularly updated following surveys, maintenance or changes to the building, ensuring it always reflects the latest information.
2. Asbestos Risk Assessment
Every ACM listed in the register must be assessed to determine the likelihood of fibre release and potential harm to occupants. A strong risk assessment will consider including the Condition and likelihood of disturbance, the building itself and accessibility and who Occupies the Building, is it Tenants, or Offices and or Public access.
This helps to determine where action is most urgent, whether that’s encapsulation, enclosure or removal, and the information recorded, to ensure reports are accurate.
3. Control Measures and Safe Working Procedures
Your plan must describe how asbestos will be safely managed to prevent exposure. This includes:
- Encapsulation or sealing of low-risk materials
- Controlled removal by HSE-licensed contractors where required
- Clear signage, labelling and access restrictions
- Emergency procedures if ACMs are accidentally disturbed (EMI Procedures, Regulation 15 of the CAR 2012 Regulations)
- Documented control measures
4. Monitoring and Reinspection
Asbestos materials must be inspected and monitored at least once every 6–12 months. Your plan should outline:
- The frequency of inspections
- Who is responsible for completing them
- How findings will be recorded and acted upon
Regular monitoring ensures that materials remain safe and any deterioration is identified before it becomes dangerous.
5. Communication and Training
Everyone working in or on the building must know about the presence and risk of asbestos. This includes maintenance staff, contractors, and building managers. Your AMP should ensure that:
- Asbestos awareness training is provided to relevant personnel
- All workers know where asbestos is located
- Emergency response procedures are clearly communicated
Training reduces the likelihood of accidental disturbance and promotes a proactive safety culture.
Please contact me at info@fhts.co.uk or 07899652057 for further information on how I can help with Training your staff.
6. Record-Keeping and Review Schedule
A good management plan is a live document, not a one-time report. Your plan must include:
- A clear schedule for annual reviews or after building changes
- A record of all inspections, training and work completed
- Version control to show compliance and accountability
This ongoing review process demonstrates that asbestos risks are being actively managed — not just documented.
