Hundreds of inspections at council buildings will be carried out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to check councils are managing the risk of asbestos properly.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is intensifying its inspection campaign to evaluate how councils are managing the risk of asbestos in public buildings. This critical effort, part of the broader Asbestos – Your Duty campaign launched in 2024, aims to ensure compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR) and to safeguard the public from asbestos exposure, the leading cause of work-related deaths in Great Britain.
Asbestos, commonly used in construction between 1950 and 1980, poses severe health risks when disturbed or damaged. With inspections targeting a wide range of council properties—including libraries, leisure centres, and museums—the HSE is ensuring local authorities uphold their ‘duty to manage’ asbestos risks effectively.
What Does the HSE Inspection Cover?
The HSE inspections will assess:
- Compliance with Regulation 4 of CAR, which outlines the ‘duty to manage’ asbestos in non-domestic premises.
- The presence and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
- The adequacy of asbestos management plans (AMPs), including regular monitoring, documentation, and risk mitigation strategies.
To prepare, councils are encouraged to:
- Identify and record the location, amount, and condition of ACMs.
- Assess the risk of exposure to asbestos fibres.
- Develop and implement an AMP.
- Review and update plans periodically.
The Risks of Non-Compliance
Failure to manage asbestos effectively can result in significant legal, financial, and reputational damage. Disturbed or deteriorated asbestos poses serious risks to workers and visitors, making proactive management essential.
How Crucial Environmental Can Assist
At Crucial Environmental, we are dedicated to helping councils and organisations meet their asbestos management obligations. Here’s how we can support you:
- Comprehensive Asbestos Surveys
Our team conducts thorough asbestos management and refurbishment surveys to identify ACMs and assess their condition, ensuring compliance with HSE standards. - Asbestos Testing and Sampling
We provide UKAS-accredited testing to confirm the presence of asbestos, enabling informed decision-making. - Licensed Asbestos Removal
Our licensed professionals can safely remove and dispose of asbestos, mitigating risks and ensuring public safety. - Asbestos Management Plans
We assist in creating and maintaining AMPs tailored to your building portfolio, including regular reviews and updates. - Training and Awareness
To foster a culture of safety, we offer asbestos awareness training for staff and contractors.
The Importance of Compliance
Effective asbestos management is not just a legal requirement but a moral obligation to protect public health. With HSE inspections highlighting potential gaps, now is the time to ensure your council buildings are compliant and safe.
Contact Us Today
Crucial Environmental operates across the UK, with offices in Sussex and Nottinghamshire. Whether you need asbestos surveys, testing, or removal, our expert team is here to help. Contact us today to ensure your buildings meet the highest standards of safety and compliance.