Asbestos Management in Schools and Public Buildings

The History of Asbestos in Schools and Public Buildings

Asbestos was widely used in UK construction from the 1950s through to the 1980s. Valued for being cheap, fireproof and an excellent insulator, it found its way into roofing, flooring, wall panels, pipe lagging and ceiling tiles across a huge number of public buildings built or refurbished during this period. It is estimated that around 75% of schools in the UK still contain asbestos today.

Blue and brown asbestos were banned in 1985, with white asbestos following in 1999, bringing a complete ban on all asbestos use in UK construction. However, the legacy of those four decades of widespread use remains, and managing asbestos in schools and public buildings is still one of the most significant ongoing challenges facing the public sector.

Why Asbestos Remains in UK Schools and Public Buildings

Although asbestos was banned in 1999, the ban did not require its automatic removal from existing buildings. As a result, much of the public estate built or refurbished between the 1950s and 1990s still contains asbestos-containing materials.

Research suggests asbestos remains present in the majority of UK schools, particularly those constructed during post-war expansion programmes and system-build eras. The same applies to libraries, civic buildings and healthcare facilities.

Its continued presence is not unlawful. In fact, current legislation allows asbestos to remain in place where it is in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed. The challenge lies not in its existence, but in ensuring it is properly identified, documented and controlled over the lifetime of the building.

That is where legal responsibility becomes critical.

The Legal Duty to Manage Asbestos

Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, those responsible for maintenance of non-domestic premises carry a specific “duty to manage” asbestos.

In schools, the duty holder is typically the organisation responsible for the estate rather than the headteacher or site manager. This may be the local authority, an academy trust or a governing body, depending on the institution’s structure.

The duty is not simply administrative. It requires reasonable steps to determine whether asbestos is present, understand its condition, assess the risk of disturbance and ensure appropriate control measures are in place.

Regulators have been clear that management must be active and ongoing. Failure to comply can result in enforcement action by the Health and Safety Executive, including improvement notices and prosecution.

The Health and Safety Executive provides specific guidance for schools on asbestos management and has repeatedly highlighted the importance of accurate data, regular review and clear lines of responsibility across estates teams.

The regulatory framework permits asbestos to remain in situ. What it does not permit is ignorance, poor documentation or unmanaged risk.

What Effective Asbestos Management Should Demonstrate

Effective asbestos management in schools and public buildings should demonstrate:

• Clear identification of asbestos-containing materials
• Up-to-date documentation and accessible registers
• Formal risk assessment processes
• Defined responsibility within estates governance structures
• Robust contractor control procedures

The test of compliance is not the existence of a document, but whether asbestos information is actively used before maintenance or refurbishment work takes place.

Many enforcement cases arise not because asbestos was unknown, but because information was not properly communicated. 

When Management Alone Is Questioned

The concept of managing asbestos in situ relies on complete information, consistent inspection and strong governance. In complex public estates, this can be challenging.

Ageing buildings, budget constraints and frequent refurbishment works increase the likelihood of disturbance. In some cases, long-term strategies are shifting toward phased removal rather than indefinite management.

There is ongoing national debate around whether asbestos in schools should ultimately be eradicated rather than managed. While legislation currently permits management in situ, the practical reality is that deterioration, redevelopment and risk exposure must be carefully assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Where materials are damaged, deteriorating or likely to be disturbed, removal becomes the safer and more responsible option.

How H&S Asbestos can help

If your asbestos management review identifies materials that require licensed removal, or if planned works may disturb higher-risk asbestos, early specialist advice reduces both legal and operational risk.

At H&S Asbestos, we work alongside schools, local authorities and facilities teams to deliver licensed asbestos removal safely and with minimal disruption to occupied environments.

If you are unsure what applies to your site, contact our team for clear advice and we will manage the process properly from start to finish.