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

Adam Fox • 30 June 2023

This is a subtitle for your new post

Introduction to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012


As a veterinary practice owner in the UK, it is crucial to understand the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and the implications they hold for your business. These regulations were put in place to protect the health and safety of employees and customers by ensuring proper management of asbestos-containing materials. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the risks posed by asbestos in commercial buildings, the types of asbestos commonly found in veterinary practices, the importance of an Asbestos Management Plan, and the steps you can take to keep your staff and customers safe.


Understanding the risks of asbestos in commercial buildings in the UK


Asbestos, a group of naturally occurring minerals, was widely used in construction materials until the late 1990s due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties. However, it was later discovered that exposure to asbestos fibres can cause serious health issues, including lung diseases and cancer. Commercial buildings, including veterinary practices, constructed before 2000 may contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that could pose a risk to the health of those within the premises.


Types of asbestos commonly found in Veterinary Practices


In veterinary practices, several types of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) may be present. These include Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB), Asbestos Cement, Asbestos Ceilings, Asbestos Flooring, and Asbestos Roofing. Asbestos Insulating Board, in particular, was commonly used in construction for its fireproofing and insulating properties. Asbestos Cement was used in roofing and pipework, while Asbestos Ceilings and Flooring were used for their durability. It is essential to identify these materials in your veterinary practice to effectively manage the risks associated with asbestos exposure.


The dangers of asbestos in veterinary practices and employee welfare areas


Asbestos poses significant risks to the health and well-being of both your staff and customers within veterinary practices. When ACMs containing asbestos are disturbed, such as during renovation or maintenance work, microscopic fibres are released into the air. Inhalation of these fibres can lead to serious health conditions, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. It is not only the immediate staff who may be at risk, but also customers who visit the practice. Therefore, it is crucial to take appropriate measures to protect everyone within the premises.


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 vital to have an effective Asbestos Management Plan in place. This plan should include a comprehensive assessment of asbestos-containing materials, regular inspections, risk assessments, and training for employees. By having a well-documented plan, you can effectively manage the risks associated with asbestos exposure and take proactive steps to ensure the safety of all individuals within your veterinary practice.


Steps for keeping staff and customers safe from asbestos exposure


There are several steps you can take to minimise the risk of asbestos exposure in your veterinary practice.


Firstly, it is essential to conduct an Asbestos Management Survey to identify any ACMs present. This survey will provide you with the necessary information to develop an effective Asbestos Management Plan. Regular inspections, risk assessments, and training for employees should also be carried out to ensure ongoing compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.


Maintaining legal compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012


As a veterinary practice owner, it is your legal obligation to comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Failure to do so can result in severe consequences, including potential prosecution and financial penalties. By understanding and adhering to these regulations, you not only protect the health and safety of your staff and customers but also safeguard the reputation and longevity of your business.


Developing an Asbestos Management Plan and conducting an Asbestos Management Survey


To maintain legal compliance, it is crucial to develop a robust Asbestos Management Plan for your veterinary practice. This plan should outline the procedures for identifying and managing asbestos-containing materials, as well as the responsibilities of staff members. Additionally, conducting regular Asbestos Management Surveys will help you stay ahead of any potential risks and ensure that your practice remains free from the risk of exposure to asbestos fibre.


Managing asbestos during refurbishment and maintenance work


If you are planning any refurbishment or maintenance work in your veterinary practice, it is imperative to consider the presence of asbestos-containing materials. Before commencing any work, ensure that a thorough asbestos survey is carried out to identify any potential hazards. If ACMs are found, it is essential to engage licensed asbestos contractors to safely remove or manage the materials. By taking these precautions, you can protect both your staff and customers from the dangers of asbestos exposure.


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 veterinary practice owners. Failure to do so can have severe consequences, including the potential loss of revenue and reputation. In addition, non-compliance can result in prosecution and significant financial penalties. By prioritising asbestos management and following the necessary regulations, you demonstrate your commitment to the health and safety of your staff and customers.


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


Failing to effectively manage asbestos in your veterinary practice can have detrimental effects on your business. Inadequate asbestos management can lead to prolonged disruptions and lost time due to the need for emergency measures and remediation work. Moreover, if non-compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 is discovered, it can result in legal action and potential prosecution. By prioritising asbestos management and investing in appropriate measures, you can avoid these costly consequences and ensure the smooth operation of your business.


Conclusion: The importance of prioritising asbestos management in veterinary practices


In conclusion, as a veterinary practice owner, it is crucial to understand and comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. By being aware of the risks posed by asbestos-containing materials, developing an effective Asbestos Management Plan, and conducting regular surveys and risk assessments, you can prioritise the health and safety of your staff and customers. Failure to manage asbestos in your business can have serious consequences, including lost time, potential prosecution, and damage to your reputation.


Take a proactive step today by contacting Consulo Compliance for a free asbestos compliance audit, and ensure that your veterinary practice remains a safe and secure environment for all.

Contact Now
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?
by Adam Fox 13 January 2025
Compliance is no longer just about avoiding fines; it’s about creating workplaces where people can thrive.
by Adam Fox 6 December 2024
This is more than a regulatory issue—it’s a moral obligation
by Adam Fox 7 November 2024
Elevating health and safety from a compliance obligation to a strategic business focus offers immense benefits
by Adam Fox 4 September 2024
A groundbreaking solution to a long-standing problem
by Adam Fox 21 August 2024
More companies, sole traders and responsible individuals are now facing hefty fines or even custodial sentences for non-compliance
Show More