Asbestos Register
Asbestos Regulations in the UK
UK asbestos regulations set out clear legal duties for those responsible for managing buildings. Their purpose is to prevent exposure to asbestos fibres and protect the health of occupants, workers, and contractors.
Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) is the primary legislation governing how asbestos must be managed in the United Kingdom. It applies to non-domestic premises and to the common parts of residential buildings, such as stairwells, corridors, and plant rooms.
The regulations do not require asbestos to be removed automatically. Instead, they require asbestos to be identified, assessed, recorded, and managed so that the risk of exposure is properly controlled.
Duty to Manage
A central requirement of CAR 2012 is the duty to manage asbestos. This duty applies to property owners, landlords, and anyone with responsibility for the maintenance or repair of a building.
Duty holders must take reasonable steps to determine whether asbestos-containing materials are present, identify where they are located, and assess their condition. This information must be documented and kept up to date.
Asbestos Register
The regulations require an up-to-date asbestos register to be maintained. This register should include the location of asbestos-containing materials, their type, condition, and an assessment of the level of risk they present.
The asbestos register must be accessible to anyone who may disturb asbestos during their work, including contractors and maintenance teams.
Risk Assessment and Management Plan
In addition to maintaining a register, duty holders must carry out a risk assessment and prepare an asbestos management plan. This plan explains how the risks will be controlled, for example through regular monitoring, encapsulation, or removal where necessary.
The management plan must be reviewed regularly and updated whenever conditions change or new information becomes available.
Training and Licensed Work
CAR 2012 also sets requirements for training and competence. Anyone who may come into contact with asbestos during their work must receive appropriate asbestos awareness training.
Certain types of higher-risk asbestos work may only be carried out by licensed contractors and, in some cases, must be notified to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Record Keeping and Evidence
Duty holders are expected to keep clear records demonstrating that asbestos risks are being actively managed. This includes surveys, registers, risk assessments, management plans, and evidence of ongoing reviews.
Failure to maintain accurate records or control asbestos risks can result in enforcement action, financial penalties, and criminal liability.
How Asbestos Register Helps
Asbestos Register supports compliance with UK asbestos regulations by providing a structured system for recording asbestos data, managing risk, and maintaining a clear audit trail. This helps duty holders demonstrate ongoing compliance and meet their legal responsibilities with confidence.
Asbestos Regulations FAQ
Clear answers to common questions about UK asbestos regulations and duty to manage requirements.
The duty to manage is a legal requirement to identify asbestos-containing materials where reasonably practicable, assess their condition, record them in an asbestos register, and manage the risk to prevent exposure to asbestos fibres.
No. The regulations do not require automatic removal. The primary obligation is to manage asbestos safely. Removal may be required if materials are damaged, likely to be disturbed, or cannot be adequately controlled.
An asbestos register should record locations, material types, condition, risk assessment outcomes, and any control measures or actions taken. The register must be kept accurate and up to date.
Anyone who may disturb asbestos during their work must receive appropriate asbestos training. This typically includes asbestos awareness training for maintenance staff, contractors, and other relevant roles.
Record keeping demonstrates that asbestos risks are managed on an ongoing basis. Surveys, registers, reviews, actions and supporting evidence form a clear audit trail for internal governance, insurers and regulatory inspections.
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