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. We’ll explain what to include in your asbestos management plan and how to keep it up to date for 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 ensures proper management of any Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs) within the building. This ensures the safety of your residents and any staff or visitors that spend time in the block.
What Should the Plan Include?
Your plan should include comprehensive documentation and written details, all organised for effective ACM management. We would recommend keeping everything online, but physical records are also compliant. Preferably using cloud-based software for ease of accessibility by all staff and future managers of the building.
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
- Explain the control arrangements you have in place to ensure the ACMs aren’t disturbed.
- Describe the emergency procedures you will follow if the ACMs are 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
Continually review your plan as you progress, but take special care when:
- Works take place that affect ACMs
- Staff members or their responsibilities change
- ACMs have been accidentally disturbed or have depreciated on inspection
- You have carried out your planned condition checks.
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. This ensures they consider any ACMs in the building during construction or maintenance. Additionally, conduct regular inspections on stable materials.
If you would like further advice and guidance on managing the asbestos in your building, please get in touch. We’d be more than happy to discuss your needs.
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