What is an Asbestos Management Action Plan?
An asbestos management action plan (most often, this is simply referred to as an asbestos management plan) is essentially a legally required, site-specific document that outlines procedures the dutyholder will undertake in order to safely manage, monitor and control the risk of asbestos exposure within their building.
This is usually the next step after an asbestos survey, that has identified and confirmed the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), has been carried out at the premises.
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Is it the Dutyholder’s Responsibility to Write an Asbestos Management Action Plan?
As highly experienced asbestos consultants, we’ve been helping dutyholders across the UK stay compliant for over 35 years. We can help you write your action plan and put it in place to minimise the risk of asbestos exposure at your premises.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), your asbestos management action plan should include:
- Who is responsible for managing asbestos (including deputies).
- Your asbestos register, including the site plan showing the location of ACMs and any areas that could not be inspected (e.g. due to accessibility issues).
- The schedule for monitoring the condition of ACMs.
- The method by which you will share your asbestos register with maintenance workers or contractors that work on your site.
- Which control measures you will use to ensure ACMs remain undisturbed.
- Emergency procedures if ACMs do get disturbed.
“An asbestos management plan sets out the procedures and arrangements to manage the risk from asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in your premises.”
-The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
Which Types of Dutyholders Need an Asbestos Management Action Plan in Place?
That being said, shared parts of domestic buildings (e.g. corridors, stairwells, lift areas, boiler rooms, metre cupboards and plant spaces) are also covered by the duty to manage. But it will likely be landlords or public organisations with the responsibility rather than a tenant, unless the lease terms place maintenance duties upon them.
The types of dutyholders who may need an asbestos management action plan include:
- Commercial landlords.
- Managing agents and facility managers.
- Employers in offices, shops, warehouses and factories.
- Local authorities.
- Housing associations.
- Schools, colleges, universities and other public sector organisations.
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Why Are Asbestos Management Action Plans Needed?
With a plan in place, dutyholders can ensure materials remain in good condition and are left undisturbed. Without one, the asbestos could become damaged and present a serious health risk for those who live or work in the building, or use it in other ways.
An asbestos management action plan helps dutyholders:
- Organise inspections.
- Brief staff.
- Control contractor work.
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Why Choose Pillars Environmental?
- 35+ years of cross-sector, multi-disciplinary asbestos experience.
- Constructionline accredited asbestos consultants.
- We have offices based across Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Chester, but we can go further afield – contact us for more information.
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Get a Free Asbestos Management Action Plan Quote
If you’re under dutyholder obligations for a non-domestic building (or shared parts of a domestic dwelling) built or refurbished before 2000, you’ll need expert support to stay safe and compliant. We provide free, no-obligation quotes that offer some of the most competitive rates in the area.
Call us on 01253 226 318, email info@pillarsenv.co.uk or fill in the form at the top or bottom of this page.
Asbestos Management Action Plans: FAQs
What is a dutyholder?
- Building owner
- Landlord
- Person or organisation with clear responsibility for the building’s maintenance or repair
Is an asbestos management action plan a legal requirement for dutyholders?
Failure to do so can result in serious consequences, such as court prosecution and costly fines.
What happens after you write an asbestos management action plan?
- Prioritise the actions: The HSE recommends giving high priority to damaged ACMs and those likely to be disturbed. Your risk assessment in the asbestos register will help you identify these materials.
- Decide on what actions to take to manage the risk: All ACMs must be regularly inspected to check on their condition. If any are/become damaged, they must be repaired, protected, sealed or removed (depending on the extent of the damage). Important: Consider planned refurbishment or installation works which may require ACMs to be removed to ensure safety, even if they are in good condition. All actions should be clear, time-based and reviewed.
- Keep the plan up to date: Continually monitor the plan and review the arrangements to ensure it remains relevant and up to date. Especially:
- Whenever work takes place that affects the ACMs.
- If management staff have changed.
- If ACMs have been accidentally disturbed.
- After scheduled condition checks of ACMs have taken place.
