Why asbestos management in schools, universities, colleges and preschools is too important to get wrong
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral once widely used in construction for its fire-resistant and insulating properties. However, it’s now well established that asbestos fibres, when disturbed and inhaled, can cause serious health issues, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma—a particularly aggressive cancer. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that asbestos-related conditions are responsible for around 5,000 deaths each year in the UK alone.
This is not a historic issue—it remains a real and present danger in many of the UK’s educational buildings, especially those built before the year 2000. Property and facilities managers have a legal responsibility under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 to manage the risk and ensure a safe learning and working environment.
The particular risks of asbestos in schools, universities, colleges and preschools
The dangers of asbestos are well established, yet across the UK, many older educational buildings still contain asbestos materials — often undisturbed and unknown. When materials containing asbestos are disturbed or damaged, tiny fibres can be released into the air and inhaled.
Asbestos can still be found in a wide range of materials used in educational buildings constructed or refurbished before the year 2000. This includes pipe lagging, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, textured coatings, partition walls, insulation boards and boiler flues.
Although asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, contractors were still legally permitted to use up their existing stock. This means buildings refurbished up to and including the early 2000s may still contain asbestos – even if they were completed after the ban came into force.
Older buildings are particularly at risk. As schools and universities age, wear and tear, refurbishment or accidental damage can all disturb asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), releasing fibres into the air and putting everyone in the vicinity at risk — especially young lungs.
Frequent refurbishment cycles and maintenance works during holidays also increase the potential for exposure if asbestos is not properly managed.
What does effective asbestos management in educational institutions involve?
An effective asbestos management plan is a legal requirement for all non-domestic premises built before 2000. It includes:
- A full asbestos survey to identify the location, condition and type of ACMs
- An assessment of the risk of exposure
- A clearly written plan for managing those risks
- Regular monitoring and re-inspection
- Information sharing with contractors and maintenance staff
The goal is not always to remove asbestos — in many cases, it is safer to leave ACMs in place if they are in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed. The key is knowledge and control. A proactive plan helps ensure that staff, students and contractors stay safe — and that the school or trust remains compliant with regulations, as well as reducing the risk of costly emergencies during maintenance works or inspections.
Why the school holidays are the perfect time for ensuring your asbestos management plan is up to date
The school holidays, particularly the summer break, are the ideal time to review and refresh your asbestos management strategy. With pupils off-site and reduced staff presence, consultants can safely conduct intrusive surveys, sampling, and remedial works with minimal disruption.
This is also when most building maintenance and renovation takes place — precisely the time when previously hidden ACMs are most likely to be disturbed. Getting a comprehensive, up-to-date asbestos survey ahead of scheduled works ensures that you’re not putting contractors or occupants at risk. It also allows you to plan and budget for any necessary remediation before the new academic year begins.
The best way to manage asbestos risk in schools is to get ahead of it — and the school holidays are your window to act.
For expert support to maintain the safety of your facilities, get in touch.
