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

Adam Fox • 30 June 2023

Shops in the UK that were constructed before the year 2000 are likely to contain asbestos

Introduction to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012


Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was widely used in the construction industry until the late 20th century for its fire-resistant properties. However, it was later discovered that exposure to asbestos fibres can cause serious health issues, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. In order to protect the public from the dangers of asbestos, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 was introduced in the United Kingdom. These regulations impose a legal duty on shop owners to manage asbestos within their premises.


Understanding the risks of asbestos in commercial buildings in the UK


Commercial buildings, including shops, in the UK that were constructed before the year 2000 are likely to contain asbestos. Asbestos was commonly used in the construction of buildings due to its affordability and durability. However, when materials containing asbestos age or are disturbed, they release microscopic fibres into the air that can be easily inhaled. This poses a significant risk to the health of shop owners, staff, and customers.


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


Asbestos can be found in various forms within shops, including Asbestos Insulating Board, Asbestos Cement, Asbestos Ceilings, and Asbestos Flooring. Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB) was commonly used in the construction of walls, partitions, and ceilings. Asbestos Cement, also known as "fibro" or "AC sheeting," was widely used in the construction of roofs, walls, and pipes. Asbestos Ceilings were commonly used as a fire-resistant material, while Asbestos Flooring materials were often used for their durability and insulation properties.


The dangers of asbestos in shop floor and backup areas


Shop floors and backup areas are particularly vulnerable to asbestos contamination. Over time, wear and tear, as well as maintenance or renovation work, can cause the release of asbestos fibres. If these fibres are breathed in, they can become lodged in the lungs, leading to serious health problems. Asbestos within electrical switchgear is also a concern, as it can deteriorate and release fibres when disturbed. It is essential for shop owners to be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their staff and customers.


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


To protect the health and safety of everyone within a shop, it is crucial to have a comprehensive Asbestos Management Plan in place. This plan should outline the steps that will be taken to identify, assess, and manage asbestos within the premises. It should also include procedures for monitoring the condition of asbestos-containing materials and ensuring that any necessary remedial work is carried out promptly.


By having a robust Asbestos Management Plan, shop owners can demonstrate their commitment to keeping staff and customers safe.


Steps for keeping staff and customers safe from asbestos exposure.


  1. Identification and Assessment: The first step in managing asbestos is to identify its presence within the shop. A thorough survey should be conducted by a qualified professional to determine the location and condition of asbestos-containing materials. This will enable shop owners to assess the level of risk and prioritise any necessary remedial actions.
  2. Risk Management: Once asbestos has been identified, appropriate control measures should be implemented to minimise the risk of exposure. This may include encapsulation or removal of asbestos materials, as well as implementing strict procedures for working with or around asbestos.
  3. Training and Awareness: It is essential to provide training to staff members on how to identify asbestos materials and the proper procedures to follow to avoid exposure. Regular awareness campaigns and reminders can also help to reinforce safe practices and ensure that everyone remains vigilant.


Maintaining legal compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012


The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 sets out clear legal obligations for shop owners in relation to asbestos management. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in severe consequences, including fines and potential prosecution. It is, therefore, essential for shop owners to understand their legal responsibilities and take the necessary steps to ensure compliance.


Developing an Asbestos Management Plan and conducting an Asbestos Management Survey


To meet the requirements of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, shop owners must develop a robust Asbestos Management Plan. This plan should be tailored to the specific needs of the shop and should cover all aspects of asbestos management, including identification, assessment, risk management, and ongoing monitoring. Additionally, an Asbestos Management Survey should be conducted by a qualified professional to identify and assess any asbestos-containing materials within the premises.


Managing asbestos during refit and refurbishment works


During refit and refurbishment works, the risk of asbestos exposure can significantly increase. Asbestos-containing materials may be disturbed or damaged, releasing dangerous fibres into the air. It is essential to plan and manage these works carefully to ensure the safety of everyone involved. This may include conducting a pre-refurbishment/demolition survey, implementing appropriate control measures, and ensuring that contractors are aware of the presence of asbestos and follow safe working practices.


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 shop owners. Failure to comply with these regulations can have serious consequences, both in terms of health and safety and legal repercussions. Shop owners may face fines, imprisonment, and damage to their reputation. Additionally, failure to manage asbestos properly can result in the loss of trade as customers may be deterred from visiting a shop that is not taking appropriate measures to ensure their safety.


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


The failure to manage asbestos properly can have a significant impact on a retail business. Beyond the potential legal consequences, the loss of trade can be detrimental to the financial stability and reputation of the shop.


Customers are increasingly aware of the dangers of asbestos and are more likely to choose establishments that prioritise their safety. By neglecting asbestos management, shop owners not only risk the health and safety of their staff and customers but also the success and longevity of their business.


Conclusion: The importance of prioritising asbestos management in retail establishments


Asbestos poses a serious health risk, and it is the responsibility of shop owners to ensure the safety of their staff and customers. By understanding the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and implementing a comprehensive Asbestos Management Plan, shop owners can effectively manage the risks associated with asbestos. It is crucial to prioritise asbestos management and take proactive steps to ensure legal compliance.


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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