Once asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) have been identified within a building, it’s important to keep an accurate record of where they are located and what condition they are in. This information is recorded within an asbestos register, a key document used to support ongoing asbestos management.
An up-to-date asbestos register helps property owners and duty holders understand where asbestos is present, assess potential risks and ensure anyone carrying out work on the premises has access to the information they need.
What Is an Asbestos Register?
An asbestos register is a document that records the asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) identified within a building. It provides a central source of information about where asbestos is located, the type of material present and its condition at the time of inspection.
Typically, an asbestos register will include:
- The location of asbestos-containing materials
- The type of asbestos identified
- The condition of the material
- Any associated risk information
- Recommendations for ongoing management
The information contained within an asbestos register is used to support day-to-day asbestos management and help prevent accidental disturbance of asbestos-containing materials.
An asbestos register should be reviewed and updated regularly. If the condition of an asbestos-containing material changes, or if asbestos is removed, repaired or encapsulated, the register should be updated to reflect the latest information.
Why Is an Asbestos Register Important?
An asbestos register plays an important role in the safe management of asbestos within a building. By providing accurate and up-to-date information about the location and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), it helps reduce the risk of accidental disturbance during routine maintenance, refurbishment or other work activities.
The register also helps protect employees, contractors, visitors and anyone else who may come into contact with asbestos-containing materials. Before carrying out work, contractors can refer to the register to understand whether asbestos is present and take the appropriate precautions.
For duty holders, an asbestos register supports compliance with current asbestos regulations by providing a clear record of identified asbestos-containing materials and their condition. It also serves as a central source of asbestos information, helping to support inspections, risk assessments and ongoing asbestos management activities.
Without an up-to-date asbestos register, it can be difficult to effectively monitor asbestos-containing materials and ensure they are being managed safely.
Who Needs an Asbestos Register?
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, those responsible for managing non-domestic premises have a legal duty to identify and manage asbestos risks. As part of this duty, an asbestos register is used to record the location and condition of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within a building.
An asbestos register is commonly required by:
- Commercial property owners
- Landlords of non-domestic properties
- Facilities managers
- Schools, colleges and universities
- Local authorities
- Healthcare facilities
- Industrial and manufacturing site operators
The register helps ensure that anyone responsible for the building has access to accurate asbestos information and can take appropriate steps to manage asbestos safely. It also provides important information for contractors and maintenance teams who may be carrying out work in areas where asbestos-containing materials are present.
By maintaining an up-to-date asbestos register, duty holders can demonstrate that asbestos risks are being monitored and managed in line with their legal responsibilities.
What Information Is Included in an Asbestos Register?
An asbestos register is designed to provide a clear and accurate record of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within a building. The exact information included may vary depending on the property and the findings of the asbestos survey, but most registers contain details that support the safe management of asbestos on an ongoing basis.
Typically, an asbestos register will include:
- The location of asbestos-containing materials within the building
- The type of asbestos-containing product identified
- The condition of the material at the time of inspection
- Risk assessment information and priority ratings
- Photographs of identified materials, where applicable
- Records of previous inspections and monitoring activities
- Recommendations for management, repair, encapsulation or removal
Having this information in one place makes it easier to monitor the condition of asbestos-containing materials and identify when further action may be required. It also provides contractors, maintenance teams and duty holders with the information they need before carrying out work that could potentially disturb asbestos.
By keeping the register up to date, property owners and duty holders can support effective day-to-day asbestos management and ensure important asbestos information remains accessible whenever it is needed.
How Is an Asbestos Register Created?
An asbestos register is typically created following an asbestos management survey. The information gathered during the survey is used to identify asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), assess their condition and record key details needed for ongoing asbestos management.
Asbestos Survey
The process begins with an asbestos management survey, which is carried out to identify any asbestos-containing materials within the building. During the survey, information is gathered about the location, type and condition of any suspected ACMs.
Identification of Asbestos-Containing Materials
Once asbestos-containing materials have been identified, their locations are recorded along with details of the material type and any relevant survey findings. This helps create a clear record of where asbestos is present throughout the property.
Assessment and Documentation
Each identified material is assessed and documented as part of the survey process. Information relating to its condition, accessibility and potential risk is recorded to support future asbestos management activities.
Register Creation
The survey findings are then compiled into an asbestos register. This creates a central document containing information about identified asbestos-containing materials, their locations and any recommendations for ongoing management.
Ongoing Updates
An asbestos register should be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure it remains accurate. If asbestos-containing materials deteriorate, are repaired, encapsulated or removed, the register should be updated to reflect any changes. Regular inspections can also help ensure the information remains current and supports effective asbestos management.
Asbestos Register vs Asbestos Survey: What’s the Difference?
Although the terms are often used together, an asbestos survey and an asbestos register are not the same thing.
An asbestos survey is carried out to identify asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within a building. The survey records information such as the location, type and condition of any asbestos found and helps determine whether further action may be required.
An asbestos register is the document used to record and manage this information. It provides an ongoing record of identified asbestos-containing materials and can be updated as inspections are carried out or changes occur within the building.
In many cases, the information contained within an asbestos register originates from an asbestos management survey. The survey identifies and assesses the asbestos, while the register provides a central record that can be used to support ongoing asbestos management.
Together, asbestos surveys and asbestos registers help property owners and duty holders understand where asbestos is located and how it should be managed safely.
Asbestos Register vs Asbestos Management Plan
An asbestos register and an asbestos management plan are closely linked, but they serve different purposes.
An asbestos register records information about the asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) identified within a building. This includes details such as their location, condition and any relevant risk information. The register acts as a central record that can be referred to by duty holders, contractors and maintenance teams.
An asbestos management plan outlines how those asbestos-containing materials will be managed on an ongoing basis. It sets out the procedures, responsibilities and control measures needed to minimise the risk of asbestos exposure and ensure compliance with current regulations.
In simple terms, the asbestos register records what asbestos is present, while the asbestos management plan explains how it will be managed. The two documents work together to support the safe and effective management of asbestos within a building.
What Happens If You Don’t Have an Asbestos Register?
Without an asbestos register, it can be difficult to identify where asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are located within a building and what condition they are in. This increases the risk of asbestos being accidentally disturbed during maintenance, refurbishment or other work activities.
A lack of accurate asbestos information can also make it more challenging for duty holders to meet their responsibilities under the Control of Asbestos Regulations. Contractors and maintenance teams may not have access to the information they need before carrying out work, which can create unnecessary risks and delays.
In some cases, failing to maintain an asbestos register could lead to compliance issues and potential enforcement action where asbestos management responsibilities are not being met. Keeping an up-to-date register helps ensure asbestos risks can be identified, monitored and managed effectively.
Why Choose Malrod?
Managing asbestos requires accurate information, clear documentation and practical advice. At Malrod, we’ve been helping property owners and duty holders manage asbestos safely since 1975.
Here’s why clients across the UK choose Malrod:
- Nearly 50 years of experience in asbestos management and removal
- Qualified asbestos professionals with extensive industry knowledge
- Clear, detailed documentation and reporting
- Support with asbestos surveys, registers and management plans
- Nationwide coverage for domestic, commercial and industrial properties
- Family-run business committed to high standards of service
Whether you need a new asbestos register or support updating an existing one, our team can provide the advice and expertise you need to manage asbestos safely and effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an asbestos register a legal requirement?
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, duty holders are required to identify and manage asbestos risks in non-domestic premises. While the regulations do not specifically refer to an “asbestos register”, maintaining an up-to-date record of asbestos-containing materials is an important part of meeting these responsibilities.
Who is responsible for maintaining an asbestos register?
The responsibility usually falls to the duty holder. This may be the building owner, landlord, facilities manager or another person responsible for the maintenance and management of the premises.
How often should an asbestos register be updated?
An asbestos register should be reviewed and updated whenever there are changes to the condition of asbestos-containing materials or following any repair, encapsulation or removal work. Regular inspections should also be carried out to ensure the information remains accurate.
Can asbestos be managed without removal?
Yes. If asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed, they can often remain in place and be managed safely through regular inspections, monitoring and appropriate control measures.
What is the difference between an asbestos register and an asbestos management plan?
An asbestos register records information about identified asbestos-containing materials, including their location and condition. An asbestos management plan sets out how those materials will be monitored and managed to minimise the risk of exposure.
Do domestic properties need an asbestos register?
The duty to manage asbestos generally applies to non-domestic premises and the common areas of certain residential buildings. Most private domestic properties are not legally required to maintain an asbestos register, although asbestos surveys may still be recommended before refurbishment or demolition work takes place.