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What is an asbestos management plan?

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What is an asbestos management plan and why is it one of the most important documents for duty holders and their teams to update to ensure compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012?

Read this article to learn:

What is an asbestos management plan?

An asbestos management plan is an important document for duty holders responsible for non-domestic premises that outlines how to find, identify and manage the risk from asbestos-containing materials in a building or site.

When do I need to create an asbestos management plan?

If your building was built before the year 2000, it is likely that it contains asbestos. As asbestos is harmful to human health, you must have documented plans in place to manage this risk on your non-domestic premises. Failure to manage this risk can result in fines and prosecution. An asbestos survey will reveal if there are asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in your building or site, and an asbestos register will list the type, location and condition of any ACMs. These documents form the basis of your asbestos management plan 

Why is it so important?

An asbestos management plan is a single source of truth for duty holders and compliance teams and is evidence that duty holders know what is required of them as per the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 to keep a space safe. The plan needs to be regularly updated (at least every 12 months) and outlines:

  • who is responsible for asbestos compliance tasks
  • how to access the asbestos register
  • when ACMs will be routinely checked
  • procedures that will actively prevent asbestos being disturbed
  • protocol that ensures asbestos work will only be carried out by competent or licensed workers
  • prioritisation of work to manage risk
  • any training requirements for employees (such as Asbestos Awareness courses)
  • how you will communicate important asbestos information to those who could disturb asbestos
  • emergency procedures if asbestos is disturbed

Who needs to know about your asbestos management plan?

Duty holders and any Appointed/Responsible persons will have access to the plan. Anyone who could disturb asbestos or work on the fabric of your building should also be communicated to about the asbestos management plan. This includes:

  • maintenance staff
  • contractors
  • tradespeople
  • emergency services
  • site or building managers
  • employees as well as employees

Where should the plan be stored?

An asbestos management plan should be easy to access for workers, tradespeople and employees. It’s prudent to keep a digital copy and a hard copy should be kept somewhere centrally and clearly labelled.

How often should the plan be updated?

Every 12 months or sooner if there is a change in circumstances, such as:

  • if there are changes to your organisation’s structure
  • change in the use of the building
  • new staff

Who is responsible for making sure an asbestos management plan is followed?

A duty holder is legally responsible for making sure an organisation is compliant with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, but it’s common for them to work with an Appointed/Responsible Person who will ensure the necessary day-to-day work is carried out. (Read Who manages the risk of asbestos in UK non-domestic premises?)

How do I write an asbestos management plan?

The Health and Safety Executive provides a template example and a blank template for duty holders and their Appointed/Responsible Persons to refer to, and to record actions, responsibilities, communication and training needs.

Build a strong foundation of compliance: Outsource your plan to us

As an asbestos management plan forms the basis of your asbestos compliance strategy, your plan should be a single source of truth that tells an accurate and up-to-date story about your current level of compliance.

By turning to asbestos compliance experts like us to write your asbestos management plan, you can be confident that your plan will establish robust compliance from the outset, and put in place regular checks for the future, such as resurveying.

We’ll review your asbestos survey and resulting asbestos register to create a plan that you’ll update regularly and use to support all planning and decision-making for the asbestos-containing materials on your site.

We’ve been helping organisations across the UK with their asbestos management for over 30 years. Get in touch with our team today to get a quote.

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