Managing Asbestos in Commercial Buildings: Your Legal Responsibilities


Asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, but it still exists in many commercial buildings built before 2000. Materials such as insulation boards, ceiling panels, or even floor tiles may contain asbestos, often hidden in plain sight. The real danger comes when these materials are disturbed, releasing harmful fibres into the air. This is why UK law places a “duty to manage” asbestos risks on those responsible for commercial properties.

Who Is the Dutyholder?

The dutyholder is the person or organisation legally responsible for maintaining or repairing a commercial property. This could be:

  • The building owner or landlord

  • A tenant (depending on lease agreements)

  • A managing agent

It’s important to clearly identify who holds this responsibility in your property agreements.

What the Duty to Manage Involves

Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, dutyholders must:

  • Identify or presume asbestos – If your building was constructed before 2000, you must assume asbestos is present unless proven otherwise.

  • Keep a written record (asbestos register) – Note where asbestos is located, what type it is, and its condition.

  • Assess the risk – Work out how likely asbestos fibres are to be released if the material is disturbed.

  • Create and maintain a management plan – Detail how asbestos risks will be controlled, monitored, and reviewed.

  • Provide information – Make sure staff, contractors, or anyone working on the building are aware of the risks.

Following these steps helps protect people’s health and ensures compliance with the law.

Surveys You May Need

Surveys are essential for asbestos management:

  • Management Survey – Confirms a building is safe for everyday use and forms the basis of your asbestos register.

  • Refurbishment Survey – Required before intrusive works (e.g. drilling, strip-outs, refurbishments) to identify hidden asbestos.

Both surveys provide the information you need to plan safely, avoid project delays, and protect workers.

Confirming Asbestos with Lab Testing

A material may look asbestos-free, but the only way to be sure is through testing. Accredited laboratories can confirm the presence of asbestos with reliable results. These results then feed into your asbestos register and management plan.

Ongoing Management and Communication

Managing asbestos doesn’t stop after the first survey. Dutyholders must:

  • Keep asbestos registers up to date.

  • Inspect known asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) regularly.

  • Review and revise management plans as needed.

  • Ensure no intrusive work takes place without confirming asbestos risks.

Just as important is communication, making sure anyone who could disturb asbestos has the right information at the right time.

The Risks of Non-Compliance

Failing to manage asbestos can lead to heavy fines or even imprisonment. Enforcement is taken seriously, with property owners and contractors often prosecuted. Compliance not only protects people but also safeguards your reputation and financial interests.

Commercial and Residential Properties

While this guide focuses on commercial buildings, the duty to manage also applies to shared areas of residential buildings, such as stairwells or corridors. If you manage both commercial and residential spaces, you’ll need asbestos surveys for each.

How We Can Help

At Scopus Asbestos Compliance Ltd, we make asbestos compliance straightforward and cost-effective. Our services include:

  • Management and refurbishment surveys

  • Independent lab testing through accredited partners

  • Clear asbestos registers and management plans

  • Re-inspections and compliance reviews

  • Training and information sharing for staff and contractors

With our support, you can be confident your property is safe, compliant, and ready for inspection.

Final Word

Asbestos is a hidden risk in many UK buildings, but managing it doesn’t have to be complicated. By knowing your duty, carrying out the right surveys, and acting on the findings, you’ll protect people, avoid costly penalties, and keep your projects running smoothly.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What to Do If You Find Asbestos in Soil

Image
  Asbestos is widely recognized for its health hazards in buildings, but it can also pose a hidden danger beneath the ground. Asbestos contamination in soil is a serious concern for both residential and commercial properties. Whether you're planning a construction project, landscaping, or digging foundations, disturbing asbestos-tainted soil can result in severe health risks. If you come across, or even suspect, asbestos in the soil, it's crucial to approach the situation with care. This article will explain how asbestos contaminates soil, the dangers it presents, and the proper steps you need to take to ensure safety and legal compliance in the UK. How Does Asbestos End Up in Soil? Asbestos in soil often stems from past construction practices. Older buildings that were demolished without proper asbestos removal may have left contaminated debris buried on the site. Fly-tipping and historical industrial activities can also contribute to soil contamination. Common sources...
Read more

Things You Need to Know Before Working with Asbestos

Image
Although the use and import of asbestos were prohibited in 1999, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can still be found in many buildings, particularly those built before the year 2000. In some cases, it may even be present in newer constructions and in places you wouldn’t typically expect. If you're carrying out work on a building’s structure, you could risk disturbing asbestos and inhaling its fibres can lead to serious health issues, including lung disease and cancer. That’s why it’s crucial to understand the necessary safety measures and key facts before coming into contact with asbestos. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know to help safeguard your health and livelihood while working around asbestos. A] What Workers are Most Likely to Come Across Asbestos?  Certain trades and professions carry a higher likelihood of encountering asbestos. If you’re working on the fabric of a building, the following tasks may expose you to potential risk: Maintenance or...
Read more

Why Professional Asbestos Removal Services Matter

Image
  Asbestos was once widely used in construction for its heat resistance and durability. However, we now understand that it poses serious health risks, especially when disturbed. If your property was built before 2000, there’s a strong chance it may contain asbestos in some form. Managing it safely isn’t just important, it’s essential for both health and legal reasons. This is where professional asbestos removal services come in. Hiring qualified experts not only protects the health of occupants and workers but also ensures all legal procedures are properly followed during any removal or renovation. The Dangers of Asbestos Asbestos is most hazardous when its fibres become airborne usually through damage, deterioration, or during building work. Breathing in these fibres can lead to serious, often fatal diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. These illnesses develop slowly, with symptoms often appearing decades after exposure. Attempting to remove asbestos without ...
Read more