HSE Announces Asbestos Inspections to Schools from September 2022

 What is happening?

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has announced that it will be carrying out a programme of inspections to primary and secondary schools in England, Scotland and Wales from September 2022 onwards.

The aim of the inspections is to assess whether schools are managing the risks from asbestos effectively within the school estate.

The visits will be carried out by HSE inspectors, who will contact the school before visiting to arrange a suitable date and time for the inspection.

What do you need to do?

HSE inspectors will need to speak to someone with knowledge of how asbestos is managed by the school and may ask to see certain documentation in advance of the visit - for example your asbestos register and management plan. In preparation for the visit, it would be advisable to review your current arrangements and check that the information is up to date, easily accessible and confirms the location, type, quantity and condition of all asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within the school’s property portfolio.

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 include requirements to:

• take reasonable steps to find out if there are ACMs in the school premises, and to keep an up-to-date record of their location and condition

• prepare and implement an asbestos management plan that sets out how the risks from these materials will be managed

• to provide information on the location and condition of the materials to anyone who is liable to work on, or disturb them

Good practice in this area would be to arrange for a Management Survey (see guidance below) to ascertain the presence of ACMs on a regular basis. Depending on the level and complexity of the findings, it may then be possible to monitor the materials on an ongoing basis internally, or with some external assistance from a specialist.

Need some help?

If you need any assistance or have any questions regarding this matter, feel free to contact us. We can carry out a simple review of your arrangements quickly and effectively to ensure you are ready for inspection.

For more information and resources about managing asbestos in schools:

Asbestos in schools

Managing asbestos in schools - Frequently asked questions

Managing asbestos in buildings: A brief guide

Department for Education - Managing asbestos in your school or college (gov.uk)

Welsh Government – Asbestos management in schools (gov.wales)

References:

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKHSE/bulletins/3204596

https://www.tes.com/magazine/news/general/schools-face-asbestos-inspections

https://schoolsweek.co.uk/health-and-safety-watchdog-to-inspect-schools-asbestos-management