Understanding the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012: A Guide for Garage Owners

Adam Fox • 30 June 2023

In this guide, we will explore the implications of these regulations specifically for garage owners

Introduction to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012


As a garage owner in the UK, it is crucial to have a thorough understanding of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. These regulations were put in place to protect individuals from the dangers of asbestos exposure. Asbestos, a fibrous material once widely used in construction, poses significant health risks when its fibres are released into the air and inhaled. In this guide, we will explore the implications of these regulations specifically for garage owners and the steps you need to take to ensure the safety of your staff and customers.


Understanding the risks of asbestos in commercial buildings in the UK


Before delving into the specifics of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, it is essential to grasp the risks associated with asbestos in commercial buildings in the UK. Asbestos was commonly used in various construction materials, including insulation, cement, ceilings, flooring, and roofing. Therefore, it is highly likely that older garages may contain asbestos in one or more of these forms. The danger lies in the fact that when these materials are disturbed or damaged, they release asbestos fibres into the air. Inhalation of these fibres can lead to severe health issues, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.


Types of asbestos commonly found in Garages - Asbestos Insulating Board, Asbestos Cement, Asbestos Ceilings, Asbestos Flooring, Asbestos Roofing


There are several types of asbestos commonly found in garages, each with its own potential hazards. These include asbestos insulating board, asbestos cement, asbestos ceilings, asbestos flooring, and asbestos roofing. Asbestos insulating board (AIB) was widely used in the construction of walls, ceilings, and partitions. Asbestos cement, was commonly used in roofing and cladding. Asbestos ceilings were prevalent in suspended ceilings, while asbestos flooring materials were used in the form of vinyl tiles and linoleum. Lastly, asbestos roofing was commonly found in the form of corrugated sheets or slates.


The dangers of asbestos in garage workshops and employee welfare areas


Garage workshops and employee welfare areas are particularly vulnerable to asbestos exposure due to the nature of the work conducted in these spaces. Mechanics, technicians, and other staff members may unknowingly disturb asbestos-containing materials while carrying out repairs, maintenance, or renovations. Additionally, employee welfare areas, such as break rooms and restrooms, should also be assessed for the presence of asbestos. It is vital to prioritise the safety of your staff by taking proactive measures to identify and manage asbestos in these areas to minimise the risk of exposure.


Ensuring the safety of staff and customers - the importance of an Asbestos Management Plan


To ensure the safety of your staff and customers, it is crucial to develop and implement an Asbestos Management Plan. An Asbestos Management Plan is a comprehensive document that outlines the procedures and protocols for managing asbestos-containing materials in your garage. It includes details on how to identify, assess, and control asbestos risks, as well as procedures for staff training and ongoing monitoring. By having a robust Asbestos Management Plan in place, you can demonstrate your commitment to safety and legal compliance.


Steps for keeping staff and customers safe from asbestos exposure


To keep your staff and customers safe from asbestos exposure, there are several steps you should take. Firstly, conduct an Asbestos Management Survey to identify any asbestos-containing materials in your garage. This survey should be carried out by a qualified professional who will take samples and analyse them in a laboratory. Based on the survey findings, develop an Asbestos Management Plan tailored to your specific garage. Regularly review and update this plan to account for any changes in the garage's layout or materials. Train your staff on asbestos awareness, ensuring they understand the risks and know how to handle asbestos-related situations safely.


Maintaining legal compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012


As a garage owner, it is your legal responsibility to comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. These regulations require you to assess the risk of asbestos exposure in your garage, manage and monitor any asbestos-containing materials, and provide information and training to your staff. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in severe consequences, including fines and potential prosecution. By prioritising legal compliance, you not only protect your staff and customers but also safeguard your business from legal liabilities.


Developing an Asbestos Management Plan and conducting an Asbestos Management Survey


To ensure compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, it is essential to develop an Asbestos Management Plan tailored to your garage's specific needs. This plan should outline how you will identify, assess, and control asbestos risks in your garage. Additionally, it should include procedures for staff training, regular monitoring, and record-keeping. To develop an effective plan, it is crucial to conduct an Asbestos Management Survey. This survey will identify any asbestos-containing materials and provide crucial information for developing your management plan.


Managing asbestos during refurbishment and maintenance work


When conducting refurbishment or maintenance work in your garage, it is vital to manage asbestos appropriately. Before commencing any work, identify if there are any asbestos-containing materials that may be disturbed. If asbestos is present, engage a licensed asbestos contractor to handle the removal and disposal of the materials. Ensure that your contractors are trained in asbestos management and follow the necessary safety protocols. It is essential to communicate and coordinate with your contractors to minimise the risk of asbestos exposure during these activities.


Importance of maintaining legal compliance and the consequences of failing to do so


Maintaining legal compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 is of utmost importance for garage owners. Failure to do so can have severe consequences for your business. Not only can you face substantial fines, but you may also lose valuable time and potentially face prosecution. Additionally, the health and well-being of your staff and customers are at stake. By prioritising asbestos management and legal compliance, you demonstrate your commitment to their safety and protect your business from unnecessary risks.


The potential impact of failure to manage asbestos in your business - lost time and potential prosecution


The failure to effectively manage asbestos in your garage can have a significant impact on your business. In the event of asbestos exposure, your garage may need to halt operations temporarily, causing a loss of time and potential revenue. Furthermore, legal action and potential prosecution can tarnish your business's reputation and result in substantial financial consequences. It is crucial to understand that the risks associated with asbestos are not worth taking lightly. By proactively managing asbestos in your business, you mitigate these risks and ensure the smooth operation of your garage.


Conclusion: The importance of prioritising asbestos management in garages


In conclusion, understanding and adhering to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 is paramount for garage owners in the UK. Asbestos poses significant health risks, and the consequences of failing to manage it can be severe. By prioritising asbestos management, developing an Asbestos Management Plan, conducting surveys, and maintaining legal compliance, you protect the wellbeing of your staff and customers while safeguarding your business from potential legal liabilities.


Take a proactive step today by contacting Consulo Compliance for your FREE asbestos compliance audit. Ensure that your garage remains a safe and compliant environment for all.

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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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