Key facts
- The duty to manage asbestos applies to schools and public buildings.
- Work is normally planned for school holidays or out of hours.
- Areas are sealed off and checked before they are used again.
Who is responsible?
The duty holder depends on the type of school. It can be the local authority, an academy trust or the governing body. The duty holder should keep an asbestos register and a management plan, and share them with anyone planning work.
Where asbestos is found in school buildings
- Insulation board in ceilings, partitions and service ducts
- Cement roofs on older blocks, sheds and canopies
- Pipe lagging and boiler room insulation
- Floor tiles and adhesive
- Textured coatings on walls and ceilings
Planning around term time
- Work is booked for holidays, weekends or evenings wherever possible.
- Work areas are fenced off and clearly marked.
- Deliveries and waste movements are timed away from pupil arrival and leaving.
- Staff are told what is happening and what the safe routes are.
Some jobs need specialist contractors
Certain materials, such as insulation board or lagging, can require a contractor with an HSE licence. We will tell you at the quote stage whether your job needs one.
After the work
The area is cleaned, checked and handed back with the waste paperwork. Your asbestos register is updated so it stays accurate.