Do Schools Need Regular Asbestos Surveys?
Schools occupy a unique position in the asbestos landscape. A significant proportion of UK school buildings were constructed between the 1950s and the 1980s, the period during which asbestos-containing materials were in routine use. At the same time, schools are occupied by children and young people, who face greater long-term risk from asbestos exposure than adults due to their longer remaining lifespan.
The question of whether schools need regular asbestos surveys is answered by law: yes, they do. Schools are non-domestic premises and are subject to the full force of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
Who Is the Dutyholder in a School?
The identity of the dutyholder depends on the type of school and its governance structure.
For maintained schools, the local authority typically has responsibility for the building, making it the dutyholder for asbestos management purposes. However, where the school’s governing body or academy trust has been delegated control of the premises, they may share or hold the duty.
For academy schools, free schools, and independent schools, the duty typically falls on the academy trust or the governing body, which has control of the building.
All of these organisations are subject to the duty to manage under Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
What Does the Duty to Manage Require in Schools?
The duty to manage requires school dutyholders to:
Determine, as far as is reasonably practicable, whether asbestos-containing materials are present in the building. Carry out a management asbestos survey if asbestos is reasonably likely to be present. Assess the condition and risk of any materials found. Produce and maintain an asbestos register and asbestos management plan. Make this information available to anyone who may disturb the materials, including maintenance contractors, building works teams, and teaching staff who may fix things to walls or ceilings. Monitor the condition of ACMs regularly and review the management plan at appropriate intervals.
Do Schools Need a New Survey Every Year?
A school does not necessarily need a new asbestos survey every year. The legal requirement is to manage asbestos effectively, which includes monitoring the condition of any ACMs identified and keeping the management plan up to date.
The HSE guidance recommends that the condition of asbestos-containing materials in schools is inspected at a minimum of once every 12 months. If the condition of any material deteriorates between inspections, action should be taken sooner.
A new management survey is required when:
No survey has previously been carried out. A significant period has passed since the last survey and the building has changed. New areas of the building have become accessible that were not previously surveyed. The condition records show significant deterioration.
A refurbishment and demolition survey is additionally required before any building work begins that will disturb the fabric of the structure.
The Additional Complexity of School Buildings
Schools present particular survey challenges. They are occupied during the day by large numbers of vulnerable occupants. They often have complex building histories, with original structures extended, modified, and refurbished multiple times over several decades. Different sections may have different asbestos profiles.
Maintenance work in schools can pose particular risks if asbestos locations are not clearly communicated to all relevant parties. Teaching staff may fix displays or equipment to walls and ceilings without being aware that the material they are drilling into contains asbestos. Caretakers may carry out minor repairs in areas with known ACMs without appropriate controls.
A robust asbestos management plan that is communicated clearly to all staff, not just the site team, is essential. For broader guidance on selecting the correct survey type, see our guide to management vs refurbishment asbestos surveys.
What the HSE Expects From Schools
The HSE has published specific guidance for schools on managing asbestos, including the document ‘Managing and Working With Asbestos: Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012’ (L143). Key expectations include:
A documented asbestos management plan reviewed at regular intervals. A clear asbestos register accessible to those who need it. Training for staff who may encounter ACMs as part of their work. A system for ensuring contractors are informed of ACMs before work begins. A process for reporting and responding to incidents involving ACMs.
What Happens If a School Fails to Meet Its Obligations?
The HSE has the power to inspect, investigate, and prosecute organisations that fail to meet their asbestos management obligations. Schools have been subject to HSE enforcement action in the past, including improvement notices and prosecution.
Beyond regulatory consequences, the failure to manage asbestos properly in a school can expose children, teaching staff, and contractors to health risks that may not become apparent for decades. The consequences of getting this wrong are serious and long-lasting.
If you are responsible for a school, academy, or other education premises, Mid Essex Group provides professional asbestos surveys across Essex, London, and the surrounding counties. Contact our team for clear advice on your school’s asbestos management requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
My school was built in the 1970s – how likely is it to contain asbestos?
Very likely. Buildings from this period almost universally contain some asbestos-based materials. Common locations in school buildings include ceiling tiles, floor tiles, pipe lagging, boiler rooms, roofing materials, and partitioning. An asbestos survey is the only reliable way to establish what is present.
Who is responsible for notifying teachers about asbestos in the school?
The dutyholder, usually the governing body, local authority, or academy trust, is responsible for ensuring that the asbestos register is made available to those who need it. In practice, this means the site manager or facilities team should brief all staff who carry out activities that could disturb ACMs.
Are there grants available to help schools fund asbestos surveys and removal?</h3> <p>
Funding routes for school asbestos management vary depending on the school type and the local authority’s position. Some capital grants from the Department for Education can be used for asbestos work. Academy trusts should discuss funding with their trust finance team and explore whether condition improvement fund allocations apply.
Can school maintenance work continue while an asbestos survey is taking place?
A management survey can generally be carried out in an occupied building without disrupting normal school activity, as it is non-intrusive. A refurbishment and demolition survey, being more intrusive, typically requires the affected areas to be vacated.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Legal obligations for schools vary depending on governance structure and specific circumstances. Dutyholders should consult a qualified asbestos surveyor and legal adviser as appropriate. Mid Essex Group operates in full compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
