Since the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 came into force, Duty Holders of multi-occupancy buildings have been responsible for reducing the risks of exposure. This responsibility usually falls to the Property Manager or Landlord of the building.
For many Duty Holders, the plan ends with a basic survey and satisfactory report, but the legal requirements actually extend far beyond that. Here we’ll be explaining what should be included in your asbestos management plan and how you should be keeping it up to date for the sake of safety and compliance.
What is an Asbestos Management Plan?
An asbestos management plan is an off-shoot of your annual maintenance plan for the building. It lays out the necessary steps you need to take throughout the year to ensure compliance with current regulations.
A solid management plan will ensure that any Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs) within the building are managed appropriately, ensuring the safety of your residents and any staff or visitors that spend time in the block.
What Should the Plan Include?
Your plan should be made up of documentation and written details, kept all together for the purpose of ACM management. We would recommend keeping everything online (preferably using cloud-based software for ease of accessibility by all staff and future managers of the building), but physical records are also compliant.
When you’re putting your plan together, keep in mind that it should be site-specific and you should state who is responsible for each element throughout. It doesn;t need to be overly complex- in fact the ideal plan is very easy to read and accessible to all.
Your plan should include:
- The names of those responsible for managing asbestos within the building including any deputies
- The asbestos register for the building, including your site plan (which clearly indicates where the ACM is already located as well as areas yet to be inspected)
- A detailed schedule for monitoring the condition of known ACMs
- A plan for how you will share your asbestos register with any staff (temporary or otherwise) who will be working on site
- An explanation of the control arrangements you have in place to ensure the ACMs aren’t disturbed
- The emergency procedures you will follow should the ACMs be disturbed in any way
Prioritising Your Actions
In terms of prioritising your plan, you will need to set clear, time-based actions that are continuously reviewed as plans evolve.
Any damaged ACMs or areas that are likely to be disturbed (either by day-to-day use of the site or due to upcoming works) should obviously come first. These will be highlighted in your risk assessment report.
If you are aware of damaged ACMs, these must be seen to immediately. Your options for this are to:
- Repair
- Protect
- Seal
- Remove
The best option for you will depend on the extent of the damage- your risk assessor will be able to advise on this.
ACMs that are in good condition and that aren’t likely to be disturbed are best left in place. They should be inspected on a regular basis to ensure they stay in good condition and are undisturbed. Any upcoming works that may impact the ACMs identified in your survey will need to be carefully considered.
Keeping Your Plan Updated
Your plan should be continually reviewed as you work your way through, but especial care should be taken when:
- Works take place that affect ACMs
- Staff members or their responsibilities change
- ACMs have been accidentally disturbed or have depreciated on inspection
- Your planned condition checks have been carried out
Your asbestos management plan really should be a ‘living’ document that evolves throughout the year. It shouldn’t be seen as a plan set in stone from the outset. Instead it should be a go-to guide for staff, allowing them to ensure that any ACMs in the building are being considered as part of building works or maintenance, and that regular inspections are carried out on stable materials.
If you would like further advice and guidance on managing the asbestos in your building, please get in touch and we’d be more than happy to discuss your needs.
