Synergy News & Blog: News
New HSE Guidance: Check Your School Asbestos Management Procedures
The HSE undertakes regular assessments of asbestos management in schools and have recently highlighted some common areas where schools require improvement.
Most of these are due to shortcomings in the management systems in places.
It is estimated that 80% of schools in the UK still contain asbestos. Coupled with the increasing amount of school buildings that are past their life expectancy or in poor condition, the need for stringent management procedures is vital for mitigating the risk of exposure to asbestos.
We’ve listed the findings from HSE below with a few extra considerations to help schools ensure they are fully compliant. Schools should:
Ensure staff and organisations have clear roles and responsibilities for managing asbestos and have deputies or contingency plans in place to cover for absences.
- A robust asbestos management plan should clearly set out who does what and when.
Check that when contractors tender for work that there is a permit-to-work or similar safe system of work in place
- A Refurbishment and Demolition survey (R&D) should be undertaken before putting works out to tender. The survey will identify the type, location and removal procedures of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and is crucial for creating a safe working environment for contractors and staff.
Ensure there are photographs of ACMs in asbestos registers to assist with identifying their locations and condition
- Photos not only help anyone identify and find ACMs, but can be used to track the condition of ACMs over time, helping to assess and mitigate risk.
- A well-documented asbestos register demonstrates compliance and can be used as vital evidence in funding proposals such as CIF bids.
- Ensure photos are labelled with the type of ACM, date of photo and condition assessment.
Provide appropriate asbestos training for in-house staff and ensure that external contractors are appropriately trained
- All in-house staff should receive basic asbestos awareness training including understanding the potential hazards and how to avoid disturbing ACMs.
- In-house maintenance staff should receive more in-depth training, covering safe working practices and procedures.
Check that in-house staff carrying out maintenance work on or near asbestos have a method statement, also known as a plan of work
- A plan of work should outline how the work will be carried out and risk control measures
Have clear asbestos management plans including how information is provided to emergency services who attend site
- Emergency services should be provided with the asbestos register and site plans. This should be stated in the management plan.
- Having an additional communication plan will set out the strategy for accessing and sharing information.
You can read the updated DfE guidance on managing asbestos in school and college buildings here. It provides clear information of duties and resources for those responsible for building maintenance.
The HSE provides an example of an asbestos management plan here.
