Managing Asbestos in Educational Buildings
Asbestos management in schools and colleges is a significant responsibility for duty holders. Because many educational facilities in the North of England were built or extended between the 1950s and 1980s, the use of Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs) was widespread.
Understanding where these materials are and how to manage them is essential for the safety of students, staff, and visiting contractors.
The Legal Responsibility: The “Duty to Manage”
Under Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, those in charge of non-domestic premises (including schools) have a legal duty to:
- Identify the location and condition of any asbestos.
- Assess the risk of anyone being exposed to fibres.
- Prepare a Plan that sets out how the risks from these materials will be managed.
- Provide Information to anyone who is liable to work on or disturb these materials.
Common Areas of Concern in Schools
Asbestos isn’t always obvious. In an educational environment, it is frequently found in:
- Insulation & Lagging: Often found on pipes and in boiler rooms.
- Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB): Used for fireproofing in ceiling tiles, partition walls, and behind radiators.
- Floor Tiles & Bitumen: Common in older classrooms, hallways, and dining halls.
- Textured Coatings (Artex): Often used on ceilings in staff rooms or smaller offices.
Our Approach to Educational Surveys
Management Surveys
This is the standard survey required for the ongoing management of the building. Its purpose is to locate, as far as reasonably practicable, the presence and extent of any suspect ACMs. We provide a detailed Asbestos Register, which becomes a living document for your school’s health and safety file.
Refurbishment Surveys
If your facility is planning any structural changes—such as installing new interactive whiteboards, rewiring, or window replacements—a Management Survey is not sufficient. A Refurbishment Survey is required. This is more intrusive and targets the specific area of work to ensure no hidden asbestos is disturbed by contractors.
Annual Re-Inspections
Asbestos is generally safe if it is in good condition and left undisturbed. However, in a high-traffic school environment, materials can become damaged over time. We provide annual re-inspections to check the status of known ACMs and update your management plan accordingly.
Working Around the School Calendar
We understand that intrusive surveying is not suitable during term time. We work closely with site managers to schedule surveys during half-terms, summer holidays, or out-of-hours to ensure the building is empty and the work is completed safely and discreetly.