Understanding the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012: A Guide for Schools

Adam Fox • 30 June 2023

whether you're the Duty Holder, Headteacher, Site Manager or Business Manager, you likely have responsibilities when it comes to asbestos management in your school!

Introduction to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012


Asbestos is a dangerous substance that can cause serious health issues, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. In the UK, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 was introduced to protect individuals from the risks associated with asbestos exposure. These regulations are particularly important for schools, as they often have buildings that were constructed before the ban on asbestos use.


Understanding the risks of asbestos in buildings in the UK


Asbestos can be found in various parts of school buildings in the UK. The most common types of asbestos found in schools include Asbestos Insulating Board, Asbestos Cement, Asbestos Ceilings, Asbestos Flooring, and Asbestos Roofing. These materials were widely used in the construction industry until their ban in 1999. However, many older buildings still contain asbestos, putting students, teachers, and other staff members at risk of exposure.


The dangers of asbestos in schools


Exposure to asbestos can have severe consequences on health. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, they release microscopic fibres into the air. These fibres can be inhaled and become lodged in the lungs, leading to various respiratory diseases. The effects of asbestos exposure may not be immediate, as it can take several years or even decades for symptoms to appear. However, the risks are very real, and schools must take proactive measures to protect their staff and pupils.


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


To mitigate the risks associated with asbestos, it is crucial for schools to have an Asbestos Management Plan in place. This plan outlines the procedures and protocols for identifying and managing asbestos within the school premises. It should include regular inspections, risk assessments, and a clear strategy for dealing with any identified asbestos-containing materials. By having a comprehensive plan in place, schools can ensure the safety of their staff and pupils.


Steps for keeping staff and pupils safe from asbestos exposure


The responsibility for asbestos management in schools falls on various individuals, including the Duty Holder, Headteacher, Business Manager, and Site Manager. Each of these roles has specific responsibilities outlined in the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. The Duty Holder, typically the school's governing body or owner, must ensure that an asbestos survey is conducted, and an Asbestos Management Plan is developed and implemented. The Headteacher, Business Manager, and Site Manager are usually responsible for ensuring that the plan is followed and that staff and pupils are protected from asbestos exposure.


Maintaining legal compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012


Compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 is not optional. Schools must adhere to these regulations to ensure the safety of their occupants and avoid potential legal consequences. Failure to comply with the regulations can result in fines, legal action, and damage to the school's reputation. Therefore, it is essential for schools to prioritise asbestos management and take the necessary steps to maintain legal compliance.


Developing an Asbestos Management Plan and conducting an Asbestos Management Survey


The first step in managing asbestos in schools is to conduct an Asbestos Management Survey. This survey involves a thorough inspection of the premises to identify any asbestos-containing materials. Once identified, an Asbestos Management Plan should be developed based on the survey findings. The plan should include details of the asbestos-containing materials, risk assessments, control measures, and procedures for regular monitoring and review. It is crucial to involve qualified asbestos professionals in conducting the survey and developing the management plan to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations.


Managing asbestos during refurbishment and maintenance work


Schools often undergo refurbishment and maintenance work, which can disturb asbestos-containing materials. It is essential to have a robust process in place for managing asbestos during these activities. This includes conducting a Refurbishment and Demolition Survey before any work begins, ensuring that contractors are aware of the presence of asbestos, and implementing appropriate control measures to prevent the release of asbestos fibres. Proper planning, communication, and coordination are vital to minimise the risks associated with asbestos during refurbishment and maintenance work.


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


Maintaining legal compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 is not just a matter of following rules; it is about protecting the health and safety of everyone within the school environment. Failure to manage asbestos properly can result in exposure of staff and pupils to asbestos fibres, leading to potential health issues and even prosecution. Schools must recognize the seriousness of asbestos risks and take proactive measures to ensure compliance and maintain a safe learning environment for all.


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


Failure to properly manage asbestos in schools can have severe consequences. Apart from the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, there can be significant disruptions to the school's operations. If asbestos is discovered during routine inspections or due to an incident, the affected area may need to be closed off for remediation, leading to lost teaching time and potential disruptions to the school's schedule. Moreover, failure to comply with asbestos regulations can result in legal action and potential prosecution, which can have long-lasting consequences for the school's reputation and finances.


Conclusion: The importance of prioritizing asbestos management in schools


Asbestos management is not something that schools can afford to overlook. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 provides clear guidelines on how to identify, manage, and control the risks associated with asbestos in schools. By developing and implementing an effective Asbestos Management Plan, schools can ensure the safety of their staff and pupils, maintain legal compliance, and protect their reputation. It is crucial for schools to take a proactive approach to asbestos management and prioritise the well-being of everyone within their premises.

Ensure your school is compliant with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.


Contact Consulo Compliance for your FREE asbestos compliance audit and take a proactive step forward 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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