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
Sports facilities require regular maintenance of heating, ventilation, plumbing, and lighting systems, all of which may involve materials containing asbestos in buildings constructed before 2000. Swimming pool plant rooms, gymnasium heating systems, and stadium service areas are common asbestos locations.
Maintenance often occurs under time pressure between events or during brief off-season windows. This creates a risk of cutting corners on asbestos checks. Facilities must ensure that time pressure never overrides safety procedures when working near known or suspected asbestos materials.
What You Need
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
Is it safe to work in a facility that contains asbestos?
Asbestos is a hazardous material. Its fibres are extremely fine and can remain suspended in the air for hours; workers exposed to asbestos-contaminated air can inhale the fibres. If handled improperly, asbestos may cause serious chronic health problems and even death.
What are the first signs of asbestos exposure?
Asbestosis signs and symptoms may include: Shortness of breath. A persistent, dry cough. Chest tightness or pain.
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.
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