Would your asbestos management arrangements stand up to an HSE inspection?

Having an asbestos survey is an important step towards managing risk, but what happens after the report arrives? Building owners and managers need to ensure that the findings lead to practical action, clear responsibilities and ongoing monitoring.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) highlighted three recurring weaknesses found during inspections: missing asbestos management plans, inadequate information and training, and poor arrangements for work that could disturb asbestos. Its message was clear: managing asbestos requires continuing attention.

You can read the HSE’s announcement on asbestos management inspections for further information.

Turn your survey findings into action

An asbestos report should inform the way your building is maintained and used. Our practical checklist below can help you identify questions to discuss with your asbestos adviser and the people responsible for your premises.

Your asbestos management checklist

• Confirm who is responsible. Is there a named person coordinating asbestos management, with clear arrangements for cover when they are unavailable?
• Locate your survey reports. Can the relevant people access them promptly, and do they understand the findings?
• Check the survey’s limitations. Are excluded areas and places that could not be accessed clearly recorded?
• Review your asbestos register. Does it reflect subsequent inspections, removal work and other changes?
• Check your management plan. Does it set out practical actions, responsibilities and priorities?
• Review condition-monitoring records. Can you demonstrate that planned checks have taken place and that concerns have been addressed?
• Check how contractors receive information. Is relevant asbestos information provided before maintenance or other work starts?
• Consider the scope of planned work. Have you obtained advice on whether the existing survey provides enough information for the proposed task?
• Review training needs. Do staff and contractors understand the risks relevant to their roles and the limits of their training?
• Check emergency arrangements. Does everyone know whom to contact and what procedure to follow if suspected asbestos is unexpectedly disturbed?
• Record completed actions. Is there a clear record showing how identified issues have been resolved?

Make the checklist part of everyday management

Use the answers to create a prioritised action list. Assign each action to a named person, agree a completion date and keep supporting records together. This makes it easier to track progress and maintain continuity when staff or contractors change.

For example, if a contractor is due to work in an area excluded from an earlier survey, flag that gap during planning and seek advice before the work proceeds.

Get support with your asbestos management

Global Environmental can help you review your asbestos information and identify the next steps for your premises. Whether you need an asbestos survey, assistance with a management plan or advice before planned works, our team can help you make informed decisions. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.