Asbestos Management in 2026: Best Practices for UK Buildings

As we come into 2026, asbestos management continues to be a critical health, safety and compliance priority for property owners, managers and dutyholders across the UK. Although asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, millions of buildings constructed before that year are still hiding asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). This means the risk is still around and doesn’t disappear just because use has stopped.

Understanding the Regulatory Landscape

The cornerstone of asbestos legislation in the UK remains the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012). These regulations place a legal duty on building dutyholders, whether you are a landlord, employer, facilities manager, or contractor to:

• Identify any asbestos in non-domestic premises
• Assess and manage the risks it poses
• Maintain up-to-date records and written asbestos management plans
• Ensure that anyone who might disturb asbestos has correct training and supervision

With the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recently consulting on potential updates to CAR 2012, the focus in 2026 is on strengthening compliance and raising standards rather than rewriting the law overnight. Key areas under review include clarifying how asbestos surveys are conducted, improving independence in post-removal clearance testing and refining how certain work categories like Notifiable Non-Licensed Work are defined.

Although final changes are still pending government approval, the direction is clear: tighter guidance, accountability and risk-based control.

Why Asbestos Management Still Matters in 2026

You might think asbestos is an outdated issue but in reality:

• Buildings constructed before 2000 commonly contain ACMs. From insulation and textured coatings to pipe lagging and flooring.
• ACMs pose a health risk only if fibres become airborne, typically during maintenance, drilling, renovation, or demolition.
• Even intact asbestos can degrade over time or become damaged during routine works, leading to exposure risk if not properly managed.

Because of this, active asbestos management, not just awareness, is essential for protecting occupants, workers, contractors and visitors.

Best Practices for Asbestos Management in 2026

Here’s how dutyholders can stay compliant and proactive this year:

• Keep Asbestos Registers and Management Plans Up to Date - An asbestos register is only useful if it reflects the latest surveys and condition assessments. Review and revise your plan regularly, especially after refurbishment, change in building use, or any discovery of new ACMs.
• Commission Quality Surveys - Whether it’s a management, refurbishment, or demolition survey, always use competent professionals that follow guidance such as HSG264. Reliable surveys are the foundation of safe decision-making.
• Train Your Team - Anyone who may disturb asbestos including maintenance, construction and cleaning teams, should receive appropriate training on asbestos risks and safe work practices.
• Use Accredited Testing and Air Monitoring - Where asbestos removal or disturbance is involved, ensure all dust monitoring and clearance testing is UKAS accredited and meets HSE guidance for four-stage clearance.
• Engage Specialists for Remediation - Complex projects should involve asbestos specialists who can advise on risk mitigation, contractor oversight, method statements and regulatory compliance.

Summit Environmental: Your Compliance Partner

With regulatory pressure increasing and inspections by HSE becoming more thorough, now is the time to strengthen your asbestos management systems.

At Summit Environmental, we offer:

• Comprehensive asbestos surveys and re-inspections
• Expert compliance advice and guidance
• Tailored asbestos management plans
• Training programmes for dutyholders and staff
• Remediation and project management support across the UK

At Summit Environmental, we help organisations understand and act on their obligations. We ensure that asbestos risk is effectively controlled, not overlooked.

Asbestos management in 2026 isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about safeguarding health, maintaining legal compliance and embedding best practice into the way buildings are maintained and used. By embracing updated guidance, robust planning and specialist support, dutyholders can protect people and property now and in the future.

For help with surveys, plans, training, or remedial works, contact Summit Environmental where safety, compliance and care come first.