Asbestos In Schools UK
Asbestos In Schools UK
Asbestos in schools across the UK remains a topic of ongoing management rather than alarm. Many school buildings were constructed or refurbished before the year 2000, when asbestos was still legally used in construction materials. As a result, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can still be present in some school premises today.
Understanding how asbestos is managed in schools, what the legal responsibilities are, and when professional advice is appropriate helps schools, academies and local authorities make informed, proportionate decisions.
At London Asbestos, we provide clear, practical information to help schools understand asbestos in the UK education estate and the role of correct asbestos management.
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Is Asbestos Still Found in UK Schools?
Yes. Asbestos may still be present in UK schools, particularly in buildings constructed or altered between the 1950s and late 1990s. Common locations include:
Ceiling tiles and textured coatings
Wall panels and partition boards
Pipe insulation and boiler rooms
Floor tiles and adhesive materials
It is important to note that asbestos is not dangerous if it is in good condition and left undisturbed. Many schools safely manage asbestos every day through proper monitoring and maintenance.
Legal Responsibilities for Asbestos in Schools UK
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, the responsibility for managing asbestos lies with the dutyholder. In schools, this may include:
Local authorities
Academy trusts
Governing bodies
Building owners or facilities managers
Dutyholders are required to:
Know whether asbestos is present
Keep an up-to-date asbestos management plan
Ensure asbestos-containing materials are monitored and maintained
Provide relevant information to staff and contractors
There is no legal requirement to remove asbestos solely because it exists. Management, not removal, is often the most appropriate approach.
Very professional. Incredibly responsive office staff. All the right equipment and knowledge. Asbestos removal is not inexpensive but the cost was totally justified by the service we received and by the way in which this good service kept the tenants relatively happy through what was a major inconvenience for them. Thank you.
Great service and communication from first contact to completion
Great service from London Asbestos. We have textured ceilings and wanted to check if they contain asbestos before removing. The staff answering telephone to make an appointment were very polite and helpful and the person taking sample generously came out on bank holiday monday to ensure we get the result asap. Results came back the same day as they were submitted to the lab. Luckily we had a negative result so didnt have any further works carried out but im very pleased with the service provided.
I needed a asbestos report quickly due to a house purchase. I contacted Julia and within a couple of days the report was done and the results available. I am waiting to complete on the property and when done will be calling the team in to complete the work. Amazing customer service from Julia who explained everything in detail. Would definately recommend.
Free Quotation
London Asbestos will provide a no-obligation free quotation for all your asbestos work needed.
- 24hr Emergency Call out
- Asbestos Surveys
- Asbestos Removal
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- Full Company Insurance
- 48 Hour Testing Response Time
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Asbestos Management in Schools: A Practical Approach
Effective asbestos management in UK schools focuses on awareness, planning and proportionate action. This typically includes:
Maintaining an asbestos register
Ensuring contractors are informed before work begins
Monitoring the condition of known materials
Reviewing management plans regularly
Removal is only considered when asbestos is damaged, likely to be disturbed, or during major refurbishment or demolition works.
Do Schools Need Licensed Asbestos Contractors?
Certain types of asbestos work in the UK must legally be carried out by licensed asbestos removal contractors. However, not all asbestos-related services require a licence.
l0ndon asbestos is not a licensed asbestos removal contractor. We do not carry out licensed asbestos removal. Instead, our role is to:
Provide asbestos-related information and guidance
Support understanding of asbestos management requirements
Help schools navigate compliance and next steps
Assist with planning and decision-making
Where licensed work is required, we advise schools to engage appropriately licensed professionals.