Management Information Sheet

Damaged asbestos containing materials (ACMs) were recently discovered in two Norfolk schools and had to be reported to the HSE as Dangerous Occurrences under RIDDOR.

In both cases asbestos was released as a result of materials being damaged by pupils - by kicking a ball against ceiling panels that contained asbestos; and by damage to a door panel containing ACMs.

In each case local defect reporting procedures failed to identify the damage and routine inspections of ACMs had not been carried out by the premises manager. As a result there was no way of knowing when the damage had occurred and how many people had been exposed.

Actions

These two incidents highlight the need for all premises to:

	have in place effective defect reporting procedures
	carry out local inspections of ACMs
	create a local Asbestos Management Plan

Although NPS Property Consultants Ltd (NPS) carry out annual checks on ACMs, it is essential that premises managers carry out local checks so that damaged ACMs can be identified promptly and suitable remedial action taken.

The Asbestos Management Plan for your premises, contained in the Management of Asbestos guidance, should include:

	Who is responsible for managing asbestos
	The Asbestos Register
	Plans for work on asbestos materials
	Ensuring that, where the need for work has been identified, works are undertaken to comply with this
	The schedule for monitoring the condition of low and medium risk materials Low risk - six monthly Medium risk - quarterly
	Procedures to monitor and review the plan and the arrangements to act on it so that the plan remains relevant and up-to-date.