Routine maintenance in older buildings? Asbestos may be hidden in the materials you're about to disturb.
Routine building maintenance, plumbing repairs, electrical work, HVAC servicing, ceiling access, frequently disturbs materials that may contain asbestos. Pipe insulation, ceiling tiles, floor adhesives, cable ducts, and partition walls in pre-2000 buildings are all common locations.
Maintenance workers who are unaware of asbestos locations are at significant risk of accidental exposure. Before any invasive maintenance work in an older building, the asbestos register must be checked and workers must be informed of any asbestos-containing materials in the work area.
If no register exists, one must be created. If the planned work will disturb identified asbestos materials, specialist removal or management procedures must be implemented before maintenance can proceed.
The Problem
Government buildings are typically older properties with extensive asbestos presence. Maintenance teams servicing these buildings encounter asbestos in heating systems, electrical cabinets, floor adhesives, and ceiling panels on a regular basis.
Public sector maintenance must follow documented procedures with clear accountability. Every maintenance intervention in a pre-2000 government building should begin with an asbestos register check, and all contractors must receive asbestos awareness briefings specific to the building they are working in.
What You Need
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for managing asbestos?
The duty holder, typically the building owner, landlord, or managing agent of non-domestic premises, is legally responsible. Under CAR 2012 Regulation 4, they must identify ACMs, assess risk, prepare a management plan, and inform anyone who may disturb them.
How to manage asbestos in the workplace?
The HSE Approved Code of Practice L143 provides statutory guidance on managing asbestos. It covers the duty to manage, survey requirements, risk assessment, management plans, training, and emergency procedures.
How do I check if routine maintenance could disturb asbestos?
Before any maintenance work in a pre-2000 building, consult the asbestos register and management plan. If the register does not cover the work area, or if materials may be disturbed, a targeted survey should be conducted before work begins.
What training do building maintenance staff need regarding asbestos?
All maintenance workers who may encounter asbestos must complete asbestos awareness training covering: identification of common ACMs, understanding the asbestos register, procedures when ACMs are found or accidentally disturbed, use of appropriate PPE, and reporting requirements. This training must be refreshed regularly and is a legal requirement in most jurisdictions.
Can maintenance workers accidentally disturb asbestos?
Yes, routine maintenance activities such as drilling, cutting, cable routing, and accessing ceiling voids frequently disturb ACMs. Building managers must ensure all maintenance staff are asbestos-awareness trained and that the asbestos register is consulted before any intrusive work begins.
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