HSE inspections of schools to assess the management of asbestos

The findings of their 2023 to 2024 inspections show that most schools are complying with their legal duties and have effective systems in place to manage and monitor the condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).  However, there are some common areas where schools continue to require improvements. Most of these relate to failings in management systems:

• Ensure staff and organisations have clear roles and responsibilities for managing asbestos and have deputies or contingency plans in place to cover for absences.

• Check that when contractors tender for work that there is a permit-to-work or similar safe system of work in place.

• Have clear asbestos management plans including how information is provided to emergency services who attend site.

• Include photographs of ACMs in their asbestos registers to assist with identifying their locations and condition.

• Check that in-house staff carrying out maintenance work on or near asbestos have a method statement, also known as a plan of work.

• Provide appropriate asbestos training for in-house staff and ensure that external contractors are appropriately trained.

Voluntary Controlled and Community schools should review and follow KCC’s asbestos policy, asbestos docubox, and asbestos management plan template guidance available on KELSI.

For health and safety support or advice contact the Health and Safety Team

Advice Line: 03000 418456 or email: healthandsafety@kent.gov.uk