Legal alert for schools: HSE’s intention to carry out further inspections of schools to assess the management of asbestos

From previous inspections of schools in 2023-24, the HSE has identified some common themes which require improvement. Those are:

• Schools should ensure staff and organisations have clear roles and responsibilities for managing asbestos and have deputies or contingency plans in place to cover for absences
• Schools should check when contractors tender for work that there is a permit to work or similar safe system of work in place
• Schools should have clear asbestos management plans including how information is provided to emergency services who attend site to identify the location and presence of asbestos
• Asbestos registers should include photographs of ACMs to assist with identifying their locations and condition
• Schools should check that in-house staff carrying out maintenance work on or near asbestos have a method statement, also known as a plan of work
• Schools should provide appropriate asbestos training for in-house staff and ensure that external contractors are appropriately trained

There are a variety of resources to assist you in managing the risks of ACMs. Please see the following:

• HSE's Asbestos – Your Duty campaign
• HSE's Asbestos in schools website
• HSE's Asbestos management checklist for schools
• HSE's Duty to manage asbestos in buildings: Overview
• HSE's Asbestos - FAQs (including RIDDOR guidance)
• Updated DfE guidance: Managing asbestos in your school or college

Please note potential exposure to ACMs is often reportable incidents under RIDDOR.

If you require any further advice or assistance regarding the management of ACMs please do not hesitate to contact the Eversheds Sutherland health and safety team: