What is an Asbestos Management Plan?

An Asbestos Management Plan (AMP) is a written document that outlines the procedures for managing and controlling the risks associated with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in your building. Whether you own an office building, factory, or warehouse, an AMP helps ensure you meet legal requirements and provide a safe environment for everyone on the premises.

An effective AMP should include:



1. Identification of Asbestos: A comprehensive list of all asbestos-containing materials in your property.
2. Risk Assessment: Evaluation of the condition of ACMs and their potential risk to health.
3. Control Measures: Procedures for maintaining, repairing, or removing ACMs if necessary.
4. Action Plans: Emergency procedures if asbestos fibers are disturbed.
5. Monitoring and Review: Regular checks and updates to ensure the plan is effective.

Why Do You Legally Need an Asbestos Management Plan in the UK?

In the UK, several laws and regulations require business owners to have an asbestos management plan if asbestos is present in the building. Here’s an overview of the key UK legislation that mandates an AMP:

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA): This fundamental piece of UK legislation imposes a duty on employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees and anyone affected by their business. If asbestos is present on the premises, the employer is required to manage and control the risks associated with exposure.
• Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012): This regulation is specifically designed to control the risks of asbestos in the workplace. It states that employers must manage the risks from asbestos, including carrying out regular risk assessments, creating an Asbestos Management Plan, and ensuring that employees are trained on asbestos safety. Additionally, if your building contains asbestos and is used as a workplace, you must have a written Asbestos Management Plan in place.
• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999: These regulations require employers to carry out a risk assessment and put measures in place to control hazards in the workplace. When asbestos is present, an Asbestos Management Plan is needed to ensure the risks are adequately controlled and workers are protected.



Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to severe consequences, including hefty fines or imprisonment, along with the potential health risks to your staff. An asbestos management plan isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting lives.

The Importance of an Asbestos Survey in Your Management Plan

Before you can write an effective Asbestos Management Plan, you need to know where asbestos is present in your building. That’s where an asbestos survey becomes essential.

An asbestos survey is a thorough inspection of your property to identify any asbestos-containing materials. This survey helps create a comprehensive inventory of all ACMs, including their location, condition, and risk level. It forms the foundation for your asbestos management plan and ensures that you can take appropriate action based on the findings.

There are two main types of asbestos surveys:

• Management Survey: This survey is suitable for buildings that are still in use. It identifies and assesses the condition of ACMs to help you manage the risks effectively. The survey should be carried out at least once a year to ensure the continued safety of the building.
• Refurbishment or Demolition Survey: This survey is required when you plan to renovate or demolish part of the building. It identifies all ACMs that could be disturbed during the work.



Once the survey is complete, the results should be used to update your asbestos management plan and guide your risk assessment.

How to Write an Asbestos Management Plan in the UK

Step 1: Conduct an Asbestos Survey

Start with a professional asbestos survey to identify the materials that may contain asbestos. Be sure to hire an accredited asbestos surveyor who follows the necessary health and safety guidelines in accordance with UK regulations, including the HSE guidelines.

Step 2: Risk Assessment

After the survey, assess the risk associated with each identified ACM. Consider factors like the condition of the material and its likelihood of being disturbed. The HSE's Asbestos Essentials guide can be used to help determine the level of risk.

Step 3: Control and Safety Measures

For each ACM, decide how to manage it. If an ACM is in good condition, it may just require monitoring. If it’s damaged or deteriorating, you may need to consider removal or encapsulation. The HSE provides guidelines on how to deal with asbestos safely, including detailed information on how to seal or remove asbestos safely.

Step 4: Emergency Procedures

Outline steps to take in case of accidental asbestos disturbance. This includes evacuation procedures and contacting professional asbestos removal teams. It’s also essential to provide staff with information on what to do if they accidentally disturb an ACM.

Step 5: Review and Update Regularly


An asbestos management plan should be regularly reviewed to ensure it’s still effective. Update the plan if new asbestos-containing materials are discovered or if work conditions change. The HSE recommends reviewing your plan at least annually to ensure that it is still relevant and up to date.

Conclusion

An Asbestos Management Plan is not just a legal requirement under UK law; it’s a vital part of maintaining a safe working environment. By conducting an asbestos survey and addressing the risks appropriately, you’re not only complying with the law but also protecting the health and well-being of your employees, contractors, and visitors.



If you're unsure where to start, our team at [Your Business Name] is here to help. We offer comprehensive asbestos surveys and can assist you in developing and maintaining a legally compliant Asbestos Management Plan. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and ensure your business is fully compliant with UK asbestos regulations.