Many schools built before 2000 still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). In many cases, these materials can remain safely in place if they are in good condition and properly managed.
However, it’s important that schools understand where asbestos is located, the risks it may present and their responsibilities for managing it.
Effective asbestos management helps protect staff, pupils, contractors and visitors, while ensuring schools remain compliant with current regulations.
Why Is Asbestos Found in Schools?
Asbestos was widely used in the construction of schools throughout much of the twentieth century due to its strength, durability and fire-resistant properties. It was commonly incorporated into a range of building materials, particularly in schools built or refurbished before the use of asbestos was prohibited in the UK.
Although asbestos is no longer used in construction, many older school buildings still contain asbestos-containing materials. Providing these materials remain in good condition and are not disturbed, they can often continue to be managed safely without the need for immediate removal.
Where Is Asbestos Commonly Found in Schools?
The location of asbestos will vary depending on the age, design and construction of the building. It may be found in both occupied areas and service spaces that are only accessed during maintenance work.
Common locations include:
- Ceiling tiles
- Pipe lagging
- Boiler rooms
- Asbestos insulation board (AIB)
- Vinyl floor tiles
- Wall panels
- Service ducts and risers
- Roofing sheets and soffits
The presence of asbestos cannot usually be confirmed by sight alone. An asbestos survey is the most reliable way to identify asbestos-containing materials and determine their location and condition.
What Are the Risks of Asbestos in Schools?
The presence of asbestos within a school does not necessarily mean there is an immediate risk. Asbestos-containing materials are generally considered safe if they remain in good condition and are not disturbed.
The main risk arises when asbestos fibres are released into the air. This can happen if asbestos-containing materials become damaged or are disturbed during maintenance, refurbishment or demolition work.
Damaged Asbestos-Containing Materials
Over time, some asbestos-containing materials may deteriorate due to age, accidental impact or water damage. If materials become damaged, they should be assessed to determine whether repairs, encapsulation or removal are required.
Maintenance and Refurbishment Work
Routine maintenance is one of the most common situations where asbestos may be disturbed. Drilling, cutting or carrying out building work without first checking asbestos records can increase the risk of fibre release. This is why asbestos information should always be made available to anyone carrying out work within the school.
Everyday Wear and Tear
In areas with high levels of footfall, asbestos-containing materials may deteriorate gradually over time. Regular inspections help identify any changes in condition before they become a more significant issue.
Potential Exposure to Staff, Contractors and Pupils
The purpose of asbestos management is to minimise the risk of exposure for everyone who uses the building.
By identifying asbestos-containing materials, monitoring their condition and ensuring appropriate control measures are in place, schools can continue to manage asbestos safely while protecting staff, contractors, pupils and visitors.
What Are a School’s Legal Responsibilities?
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, those responsible for managing non-domestic premises have a legal duty to manage asbestos. This includes schools, academies, colleges and other educational buildings where asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) may be present.
Managing asbestos involves more than simply identifying where it is located. Schools should ensure asbestos-containing materials are monitored, their condition is regularly assessed and appropriate measures are in place to prevent accidental disturbance.
As part of this duty, schools should:
- Identify asbestos-containing materials within the building
- Maintain an up-to-date asbestos register
- Carry out asbestos risk assessments where appropriate
- Implement and review an asbestos management plan
- Provide relevant asbestos information to contractors before maintenance or refurbishment work begins
By keeping asbestos information accurate and up to date, schools can make informed decisions about managing asbestos safely and meeting their legal responsibilities.
Does Asbestos Have to Be Removed from Schools?
Not necessarily. Finding asbestos within a school does not automatically mean it needs to be removed. If asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and are unlikely to be disturbed, they can often remain safely in place as part of an effective asbestos management plan.
However, if asbestos-containing materials become damaged or are likely to be disturbed during maintenance, refurbishment or demolition work, repair, encapsulation or removal may be the most appropriate course of action.
The decision should always be based on the type of asbestos-containing material, its condition, the level of risk it presents and the nature of any work planned within the building.
How Is Asbestos Managed in Schools?
Effective asbestos management is an ongoing process. Rather than relying on a single document or inspection, schools should maintain accurate records and regularly review the condition of asbestos-containing materials throughout the building.
Asbestos Surveys
An asbestos management survey identifies the location, type and condition of asbestos-containing materials within the school. This provides the information needed to manage asbestos safely and forms the basis of other asbestos management documents.
Asbestos Registers
An asbestos register records the asbestos-containing materials identified within the building and provides an up-to-date record of their location and condition. This information should be available to anyone who may need it, including contractors carrying out maintenance work.
Risk Assessments
Asbestos risk assessments help determine the level of risk posed by identified asbestos-containing materials. They take into account factors such as the condition of the material, the likelihood of disturbance and how different areas of the building are used.
Asbestos Management Plans
An asbestos management plan sets out how asbestos-containing materials will be monitored and managed over time. It includes procedures for inspections, communication and any actions required to minimise the risk of asbestos exposure.
Regular Inspections
Routine inspections help ensure asbestos-containing materials remain in good condition and that asbestos records continue to reflect the current state of the building. Where changes are identified, records and management plans should be updated accordingly.
What Should Schools Do Before Refurbishment or Maintenance Work?
Before any maintenance, refurbishment or demolition work takes place, schools should ensure asbestos information is reviewed and made available to anyone carrying out the work. This helps reduce the risk of asbestos-containing materials being accidentally disturbed.
Where work is planned in areas that may contain asbestos, a refurbishment and demolition survey should be carried out to identify any potential risks before work begins.
Contractors should also have access to the school’s asbestos register and any other relevant asbestos records so they can work safely and in accordance with current regulations.
Taking these steps before work starts helps protect staff, contractors, pupils and visitors while supporting effective asbestos management throughout the project.
Need Professional Asbestos Support for Your School?
If your school needs support with asbestos surveys, asbestos management plans, inspections or licensed asbestos removal, our experienced team is here to help.
We work with schools, academies, colleges and public sector organisations across the UK, providing practical advice and professional asbestos management services.
To discuss your requirements, call us today on 01942 811591 or complete our contact form and a member of our team will be in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is asbestos still present in schools?
Yes. Many schools built before 2000 still contain asbestos-containing materials. Where these materials are in good condition and managed appropriately, they can often remain safely in place.
Is asbestos dangerous if left in place?
Not necessarily. Asbestos-containing materials generally only present a risk if they become damaged or disturbed, allowing fibres to be released into the air. This is why regular inspections and effective asbestos management are so important.
Are schools legally required to manage asbestos?
Yes. Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, those responsible for managing school buildings have a legal duty to identify and manage asbestos-containing materials within non-domestic premises.
How often should asbestos in schools be inspected?
Inspection frequency will depend on the type, condition and location of the asbestos-containing materials. Regular inspections should form part of the school’s asbestos management plan to ensure any changes are identified promptly.
When should asbestos be removed from a school?
Asbestos does not always need to be removed. If it remains in good condition and is unlikely to be disturbed, it can often be managed safely. Removal may be appropriate where materials are damaged or where planned building work could disturb them.
What type of asbestos survey does a school need?
The type of survey depends on the circumstances. An asbestos management survey is generally used to support the ongoing management of asbestos within occupied buildings, while a refurbishment and demolition survey is required before intrusive building work takes place.