Building a Safer Tomorrow: The Changing Landscape of Asbestos Management in the UK

Adam Fox • 4 August 2023

Asbestos, once hailed as a miracle material for its fire-resistant properties, has now become a silent killer

Introduction to asbestos management in the UK


Asbestos, once hailed as a miracle material for its fire-resistant properties, has now become a silent killer. The microscopic fibres released by asbestos can cause a range of serious health conditions, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. As a result, proper asbestos management is crucial to protect the health and safety of individuals who may come into contact with this hazardous substance.


The dangers of asbestos and the need for proper management


The dangers of asbestos cannot be overstated. When disturbed, asbestos fibres become airborne and can easily be inhaled or ingested. Over time, these fibres accumulate in the lungs, causing irreparable damage to the respiratory system. Unfortunately, the effects of asbestos exposure may not manifest until years or even decades later, making it a particularly insidious threat.


Given the severity of the health risks associated with asbestos, it is imperative to implement proper asbestos management practices. This includes conducting regular asbestos surveys to identify the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in buildings, as well as developing comprehensive asbestos management plans to minimise the risks associated with these materials.


The current state of asbestos management in the UK


In the UK, asbestos management is governed by strict regulations and guidelines. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 sets out the legal duties for managing asbestos in non-domestic premises, while the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides guidance on asbestos-related matters.


However, despite these regulations, asbestos-related diseases continue to claim lives. This highlights the need for ongoing efforts to improve asbestos management practices and ensure the safety of workers and the general public.


The changing landscape of asbestos management in the UK


In recent years, there has been a shift in the approach to asbestos management in the UK. Previously, the focus was primarily on asbestos removal, with little emphasis on proactive management of ACMs. However, it is now widely recognised that removing all asbestos from buildings is often not feasible or even the most effective approach.


Instead, the emphasis is on asbestos surveying and developing robust management plans to control the risks associated with ACMs. This shift in focus reflects a growing understanding that effective management, rather than complete removal, is key to minimising asbestos-related risks.


Consulo Compliance: Leading the way in asbestos management


One company that is at the forefront of asbestos management in the UK is Consulo Compliance. With our team of highly qualified and experienced asbestos consultants, Consulo Compliance provides a range of services to help organisations effectively manage asbestos risks.


Our expertise in asbestos management allows us to identify the presence of ACMs and assess the level of risk they pose. Armed with this information, we then help organisations to develop tailored management plans that prioritise the safety of occupants and workers.


The importance of qualified asbestos consultants


When it comes to asbestos management, expertise is paramount. Asbestos consultants play a crucial role in ensuring that asbestos risks are properly identified and managed. Their in-depth knowledge of asbestos regulations, surveying techniques, and management strategies allows them to provide valuable guidance to organisations.


Qualified asbestos consultants, such as those at Consulo Compliance, have undergone rigorous training, have years if not decades of experience and hold relevant certifications. This ensures that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage asbestos risks and protect the health and safety of individuals.


The role of asbestos surveying in ensuring safety


Asbestos surveying is a critical component of effective asbestos management. Conducting thorough surveys allows for the identification of ACMs and the assessment of their condition. This information is essential for developing appropriate management plans that prioritise safety.


There are three types of asbestos surveys: management surveys, refurbishment surveys and demolition surveys. Management surveys are typically conducted to identify the presence and condition of ACMs in buildings, while refurbishment/demolition surveys are carried out prior to any refurbishment or demolition work to identify any additional ACMs that may be present.


By conducting regular asbestos surveys, organisations can stay informed about the condition of ACMs in their buildings and take proactive measures to minimise the risks associated with asbestos exposure.


Qualification doesn't equal competence: Why expertise matters in asbestos management


While qualifications are important, they alone do not guarantee competence in asbestos management. The complex nature of asbestos risks requires a deep understanding of the subject matter and the ability to apply that knowledge effectively.


This is where expertise comes into play. Experienced asbestos consultants, such as those at Consulo Compliance, have honed their skills through years of practical experience. They understand the intricacies of asbestos management and can provide valuable insights that go beyond what can be learned from textbooks or certifications alone.


Tips for safer asbestos management practices


Effective asbestos management requires a proactive approach and adherence to best practices. Here are some tips to ensure safer asbestos management:


  1. Conduct regular asbestos surveys to identify the presence of ACMs and assess their condition.
  2. Develop comprehensive asbestos management plans that prioritise safety.
  3. Provide training and education to employees and occupants about the risks of asbestos exposure.
  4. Implement strict procedures for working in close proximity to ACMs, including proper containment and personal protective equipment.
  5. Regularly monitor and review the condition of ACMs to ensure ongoing safety.


By following these tips, organisations can significantly reduce the risks associated with asbestos exposure and protect the health and safety of all individuals within their premises.


The future of asbestos removal in the UK


While asbestos removal has traditionally been the go-to solution for managing asbestos risks, the future is shifting towards a more comprehensive approach. Complete removal of all ACMs is often impractical and can even pose additional risks if not done properly.


Instead, the focus is on managing ACMs in place, with a strong emphasis on regular monitoring, maintenance, and risk assessment. This approach acknowledges that asbestos is likely to remain in many buildings for the foreseeable future, and therefore effective management is essential to protect the health and safety of occupants.


The limitations of asbestos removal in buildings


Complete asbestos removal is not always feasible due to a variety of factors. For instance, some buildings may have ACMs that are in good condition and pose a low risk, making removal unnecessary. In other cases, the presence of ACMs may be so widespread that removal would be impractical or financially prohibitive.


Additionally, the process of asbestos removal itself carries risks. Disturbing ACMs during removal can release a significant amount of asbestos fibres into the air, increasing the potential for exposure. Therefore, in many cases, managing ACMs in place is a safer and more practical approach.


Conclusion: Building a safer tomorrow


Asbestos management in the UK is evolving, with a greater emphasis on proactive measures and effective risk control. While complete removal of asbestos remains an option in certain cases, the focus has shifted towards managing ACMs in place to ensure the safety of occupants and workers.


Consulo Compliance is leading the way in asbestos management, providing expert consultancy services and asbestos surveying to help organisations effectively manage asbestos risks. By prioritising expertise and adopting best practices, organisations can create a safer tomorrow, protecting themselves and others from the risks of asbestos exposure.


Contact Consulo Compliance today to ensure you are protected from the risks of asbestos exposure.

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by Adam Fox 9 April 2025
Asbestos and the Circular Economy: Why It's Time to Stop Burying the Problem Twenty-five years after asbestos was banned in the UK, we’re still digging a hole—literally and metaphorically. Every day, across the country, asbestos waste is double-bagged, labelled, loaded into skips, and driven to landfill, where it will sit indefinitely, taking up valuable space, creating ongoing liability, and adding to our already bloated environmental burden. And yet, 2025 presents a different path. A smarter one. One that replaces disposal with repurposing, and turns a dangerous waste product into a useful, circular resource. The technology exists. So the question we should be asking isn’t “Can we recycle asbestos?” It’s “Why the hell aren’t we doing it already?” Landfill is Failing Us—But We’re Still Relying On It Let’s start with the basics. There are still over 1.5 million buildings in the UK that contain asbestos, most of them now approaching the end of their useful life. As these structures age or undergo refurbishment, the volume of asbestos waste is only going to increase. Right now, we handle that waste the same way we did decades ago: • Identify it • Remove it (usually under fully controlled conditions) • Seal it in heavy-duty plastic • Drive it to landfill • Bury it • Forget about it Except we don’t forget, do we? Because landfill space is running out. Disposal costs are going up. And the environmental cost? We’re only just starting to count it. There’s a Better Way—and It Already Works Here’s what most duty holders don’t realise: We no longer have to bury asbestos. Thanks to recent advances in thermal treatment technology, we now have a method that can safely denature asbestos, breaking down its fibrous structure and rendering it harmless. Companies like Thermal Recycling in the UK are already proving this is not science fiction. They’re using high temperatures to transform asbestos cement products—like corrugated roofing sheets—into an inert ceramic material that’s completely safe. But here's the best bit: That material isn’t just neutral. It’s useful. It can be crushed and graded into aggregate, which can be used in road construction, paving, and concrete mixes. Instead of creating a waste burden for the next generation, we’re creating a valuable, low-carbon building material. Why Aggregate Matters in the Carbon Equation The production of virgin aggregates—through mining and quarrying—is energy-intensive and environmentally damaging. It contributes significantly to CO₂ emissions and destroys natural landscapes. So by replacing some of that demand with recycled aggregate from denatured asbestos, we: • Cut carbon emissions • Reduce dependence on extraction • Shrink the environmental footprint of infrastructure projects • Extend the life of quarries and reduce waste tonnage That’s not just a win for waste management. That’s a win for the entire construction supply chain. And yet most people in the industry don’t even know it’s possible. Why Are We Still Burying What Could Be Reused? As someone who’s worked in asbestos compliance for over 20 years—and now helps business leaders manage risk more intelligently—I’ve seen the same patterns play out time and time again: • “We’ll just do what we’ve always done.” • “This project’s tight on budget—landfill’s cheaper, right?” • “We’re just following the usual route—it’s less risky.” Let’s be honest. That mindset is outdated, short-sighted, and lazy. Cost may always be a factor, but the belief that landfill is “cheaper” needs to be challenged. Once you factor in: • Long-term environmental costs • Reputational risk • Rising disposal fees • And the public pressure for sustainable practices Thermal recycling is already starting to make sense. Especially when the output is something usable, not something buried. Licensed Contractors: You Don’t Get a Free Pass Either This isn’t just about clients or duty holders. Licensed Asbestos Removal Contractors (LARC’s) have a moral obligation here too. And I say that not from a place of opinion—but from first-hand experience, day in and day out for over two decades. Too often, LARCs put profits over progress. They default to landfill because it’s faster, easier to price up, and keeps their margins clean. They know the alternatives exist—but they don’t explore them, let alone offer them to their clients. When you hold a licence from the HSE, you’re not just a business—you’re a guardian of public health. That comes with responsibility. Choosing the most sustainable, forward-thinking disposal route should be part of that. Especially when the technology is available, proven, and legal. It’s time for the industry to stop hiding behind what’s convenient and start leading from the front. A Moral Obligation for Everyone Involved Whether you’re a: • Local authority managing public buildings • Developer under pressure to go green • Commercial landlord looking to reduce liability • Or a licensed contractor with influence over disposal routes —you have a responsibility to look beyond the cheapest or fastest option. If there’s a proven, safe, and more sustainable way to manage asbestos, you have a duty to understand it before choosing to ignore it. Because let’s be honest: “We didn’t know” isn’t going to wash when the public starts asking why we’re still filling landfill sites with a problem we already have the technology to eliminate. So What Can You Do Differently? No one’s asking you to overhaul your entire waste strategy overnight. But you can—and should—start asking better questions: • “Is landfill our only option here?” • “Could this waste stream be recycled instead of buried?” • “What suppliers, contractors, or experts do we know who can help us explore this?” You don’t have to be a global pioneer. But if you’re in a position of responsibility, you should at least be aware that the old way isn’t the only way anymore. Final Thought: The Future Is Circular—Whether You Join In or Not Asbestos will be with us for decades to come. That’s a fact. But how we handle it—and whether we choose to keep repeating the past or do something smarter—is up to us. Thermal recycling and other denaturing technologies offer a rare opportunity to do something that actually moves the industry forward. Not just ticking the compliance box. Not just burying the problem. But solving it—and turning it into something useful in the process. If you’re involved in asbestos management in even the slightest way, ask yourself this: Are you part of the problem, or part of the solution?
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