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

Adam Fox • 30 June 2023

When damaged or disturbed, asbestos releases microscopic fibres into the air, which can be easily inhaled and pose a serious health risk

Introduction to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012


As a restaurant owner, it is crucial to understand and comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 in order to ensure the safety of your staff and customers. These regulations were put in place to protect individuals from the harmful effects of asbestos exposure, which can lead to serious health issues such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. By familiarising yourself with these regulations, you can take proactive steps to manage and mitigate the risks associated with asbestos in your restaurant.


Understanding the risks of asbestos in commercial buildings in the UK


Asbestos is a hazardous material that was commonly used in the construction industry until its ban in the late 1990s. It is important to be aware that many commercial buildings in the UK, including restaurants, may still contain asbestos. Asbestos can be found in various forms, including Asbestos Insulating Board, Asbestos Cement, and Asbestos Ceilings. These materials were widely used due to their fire-resistant properties and affordability.


However, when damaged or disturbed, asbestos releases microscopic fibres into the air, which can be easily inhaled and pose a serious health risk.


Types of asbestos commonly found in restaurants - Asbestos Insulating Board, Asbestos Cement, Asbestos Ceilings


In restaurants, there are specific areas where asbestos materials are commonly found. Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB) was often used in wall partitions, ducts, and fire doors. Asbestos Cement, can be found in roofing and external cladding as well. as internal areas such as kitchens and around boilers. Asbestos Ceilings were commonly installed for their acoustic and fireproofing properties. These materials may be present in older restaurant buildings commonly in the kitchen areas and can pose a significant risk if not properly managed.


The dangers of asbestos in kitchens and food preparation areas


Kitchens and food preparation areas are particularly vulnerable to asbestos contamination due to the high heat and moisture levels present. Asbestos within ceilings, cooker hoods, electrical switchgear, such as fuse boxes and electrical panels, can become damaged over time and release asbestos fibres. Asbestos flooring materials may also be present in older establishments. It is crucial to identify and manage these risks to prevent the potential exposure of staff and customers to asbestos fibres, which can have severe health consequences.


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


To effectively manage the risks associated with asbestos, it is essential to develop and implement an Asbestos Management Plan. This plan should include a comprehensive assessment of the premises, identification of any asbestos-containing materials, and regular monitoring and maintenance procedures. An Asbestos Management Plan ensures a proactive approach to asbestos management, reducing the risk of exposure to both staff and customers.


Steps for keeping staff and customers safe from asbestos exposure.


To maintain a safe environment and comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, restaurant owners should follow specific steps. First, it is crucial to conduct an Asbestos Management Survey, which involves a thorough inspection of the premises by a qualified professional. This survey will identify any asbestos-containing materials and assess their condition. Based on the survey findings, a robust Asbestos Management Plan can be developed, outlining the necessary control measures, including regular inspections, training, and monitoring. It is also essential to provide clear instructions and information to staff regarding the risks associated with asbestos and the precautions to be taken.


Maintaining legal compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012


Compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 is not only crucial for the safety of staff and customers but also a legal requirement. Failure to comply with these regulations can have serious consequences, including fines, legal action, and damage to the reputation of the restaurant. It is essential to stay up to date with any changes or updates to the regulations and ensure ongoing compliance through regular inspections and risk assessments.


Developing an Asbestos Management Plan and conducting an Asbestos Management Survey


Developing an effective Asbestos Management Plan starts with a comprehensive Asbestos Management Survey. This survey should be conducted by a qualified professional who will inspect the premises, identify any asbestos-containing materials, and assess their condition. Based on the survey findings, an Asbestos Management Plan can be tailored to the specific needs of the restaurant, outlining the necessary control measures, maintenance procedures, and regular monitoring.


Managing asbestos during refit and refurbishment works


It is common for restaurants to undergo refit and refurbishment works to keep up with changing trends and customer expectations. During such works, it is crucial to consider and manage the risks associated with asbestos. Prior to any renovation, a refurbishment and demolition survey should be conducted to identify any asbestos-containing materials that may be disturbed during the works. Proper precautions and control measures should be implemented to minimise the release of asbestos fibres and protect the health and safety of all involved.


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 restaurant owners. Failure to do so can result in severe consequences, including fines, legal action, and potential closure of the establishment. Moreover, the failure to properly manage asbestos can lead to significant health risks for staff and customers, including the development of asbestos-related diseases. By prioritising asbestos management and compliance, restaurant owners can protect their business, staff, and customers from the devastating consequences of asbestos exposure.


The potential impact of failure to manage asbestos on the restaurant business - loss of trade and potential prosecution.


The failure to effectively manage asbestos in a restaurant can have detrimental effects on the business. If asbestos-related issues are discovered or reported, the restaurant may face reputational damage, leading to a loss of trade and revenue. Moreover, legal action resulting from non-compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 can result in fines, legal expenses, and potential prosecution. It is crucial for restaurant owners to prioritise asbestos management to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of their business.


Conclusion: The importance of prioritising asbestos management in restaurant establishments


In conclusion, understanding and complying with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 is essential for restaurant owners to ensure the safety of staff and customers. By familiarising yourself with the risks associated with asbestos, identifying asbestos-containing materials, and implementing an effective Asbestos Management Plan, you can protect your business, staff, and customers from the harmful effects of asbestos exposure. Maintaining legal compliance and prioritising asbestos management not only safeguards the health and safety of all involved but also preserves the reputation and long-term success of your restaurant.


Contact Consulo Compliance for your FREE asbestos compliance audit and take a proactive step forwards today to ensure you are not at risk.

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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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