The HSE is continuing to inspect schools across Great Britain to assess how well they are managing the risks from asbestos.
The findings of the HSE’s 2023-2024 inspections show that the majority of schools are complying with their legal duties and have effective systems in place to manage asbestos containing materials.
The HSE have identified that there are some common areas which employers need to improve, mainly in regards to their management systems.
Key findings
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.
- check when contractors tender for work, that there is a permit to work or similar safe system of work in place.
- have clear asbestos management plans including how information is provided to emergency services who attend site.
- include photographs of asbestos containing materials in their registers to assist with identifying their locations and condition.
- check that in house staff carrying out maintenance work on or near asbestos have a method statement, also known as a plan of work.
- provide appropriate asbestos training for in house staff and ensure that external contractors are appropriately trained.
Resources and support
HSE’s ‘Asbestos – Your Duty campaign’ provides free resources to support dutyholders with the legal duty to manage asbestos in buildings.
Should you like any assistance with fulfilling your legal obligations to effectively manage your asbestos, or have any questions, just get in touch.