Asbestos Management Plans

What is an asbestos management plan?

An asbestos management plan is a written document setting out how known or presumed asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within a property will be managed to prevent exposure.

The plan identifies responsibilities, arrangements for monitoring asbestos-containing materials, procedures for maintenance activities and actions required where materials are damaged or disturbed.

ACS Health, Safety & Environment Ltd provides asbestos management plans to help dutyholders establish appropriate arrangements for managing asbestos risks within their premises.

Is an asbestos management plan a legal requirement?

Under Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, dutyholders responsible for non-domestic premises must assess and manage the risks from asbestos-containing materials.

Where asbestos is identified or presumed to be present, the dutyholder must prepare and implement a written plan detailing how the risks will be managed.

ACS Health, Safety & Environment Ltd can assist dutyholders in developing asbestos management plans appropriate to their properties and the asbestos-containing materials identified.

Is an asbestos survey report the same as an asbestos management plan?

No. An asbestos survey report provides information about the location, extent and condition of identified or presumed asbestos-containing materials.

An asbestos management plan uses this information, together with an assessment of the likelihood of disturbance, to establish how the associated risks will be controlled.

A survey report alone does not necessarily fulfil the legal duty to manage asbestos.

ACS Health, Safety & Environment Ltd provides asbestos management surveys and asbestos management plans, helping clients establish the information and procedures required for effective asbestos management.

Who is responsible for maintaining an asbestos management plan?

Responsibility rests with the dutyholder under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

Depending on the property and contractual arrangements, this may be the building owner, landlord, managing agent, tenant or another person responsible for maintenance and repair.

Although external consultants can assist with preparing and reviewing management plans, the legal responsibility for implementing the necessary arrangements remains with the dutyholder.

ACS Health, Safety & Environment Ltd can provide professional support to help dutyholders understand and fulfill their asbestos management responsibilities.

How often should an asbestos management plan be reviewed?

An asbestos management plan should be reviewed and monitored regularly to ensure it remains effective.

The plan should be reviewed at least annually and whenever significant changes occur that may affect the risks associated with asbestos-containing materials.

These changes may include refurbishment works, asbestos removal, changes in building use, damage to materials or changes in responsibilities.

ACS Health, Safety & Environment Ltd can assist with reviewing and updating asbestos management plans to reflect changes within a property.

What information should an asbestos management plan contain?

An asbestos management plan should contain sufficient information to explain how asbestos risks will be managed within the property.

This normally includes the location of known or presumed asbestos-containing materials, the asbestos register, relevant risk assessments, management responsibilities, inspection arrangements and procedures for controlling work that could disturb asbestos.

The plan should also establish how information will be communicated to contractors and others who may encounter asbestos-containing materials.

ACS Health, Safety & Environment Ltd prepares asbestos management plans based on the information available and the specific requirements of the premises.

Do contractors need access to the asbestos management plan?

Contractors and others whose work may disturb asbestos-containing materials must be provided with relevant information about their presence and location before work begins.

This includes electricians, plumbers, maintenance contractors, builders and other trades working within the property.

Providing appropriate asbestos information helps prevent accidental disturbance and allows suitable precautions to be established.

ACS Health, Safety & Environment Ltd can assist dutyholders in establishing procedures for communicating asbestos information to those undertaking work within their premises.

Can asbestos remain in a building if an asbestos management plan is in place?

Yes. Asbestos-containing materials do not automatically require removal simply because they are present within a building.

Where materials are in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed, they can often be safely managed in place through appropriate monitoring and control arrangements.

Where materials are damaged, deteriorating or likely to be disturbed, additional measures may be required.

ACS Health, Safety & Environment Ltd can provide recommendations based on the condition, location and potential disturbance of asbestos-containing materials.

Do I need an asbestos management plan if my building contains only a small amount of asbestos?

The quantity of asbestos present does not, by itself, determine whether management arrangements are required.

Even a small amount of asbestos may present a risk if it is damaged, accessible or likely to be disturbed during maintenance or other activities.

The dutyholder must ensure that identified or presumed asbestos-containing materials are appropriately assessed and managed.

ACS Health, Safety & Environment Ltd can assist with developing proportionate management arrangements for properties containing either small quantities or extensive asbestos-containing materials.

How much does an asbestos management plan cost?

The cost depends on the size and complexity of the property, the number and type of asbestos-containing materials identified and the extent of the management arrangements required.

Properties with extensive asbestos registers, multiple buildings or complex maintenance arrangements may require more detailed management plans.

ACS Health, Safety & Environment Ltd provides quotations based on the individual requirements of each property, helping clients establish practical and effective asbestos management procedures.