Asbestos Management in the UK: What’s Being Discussed and What You Need to Know
The management of asbestos in UK buildings is once again under review, with renewed discussions across government, Parliament, and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). These discussions include proposals for a national asbestos register (sometimes referred to as an “Asbestos Census”) and a formal review of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012).
This renewed focus aims to ensure that asbestos management remains effective, transparent, and aligned with modern data and safety standards across the UK property sector.
Current Regulations
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) remain fully in force. These regulations apply to all those responsible for managing non-domestic buildings, such as offices, retail premises, schools, hospitals, and public sector sites.
Under CAR 2012, the duty to manage asbestos includes:
- Identifying whether asbestos is present
- Maintaining an up-to-date asbestos register
- Creating and implementing a management plan to reduce risk
- Monitoring the condition of asbestos-containing materials
- Sharing relevant information with anyone who may disturb asbestos
The HSE continues to actively enforce these duties and has increased inspections, particularly where asbestos records are incomplete or outdated. While the law itself has not yet changed, expectations around data accuracy, digitalisation, and compliance evidence are rising.
What Changes Are Being Considered
The government and the HSE, alongside industry stakeholders, are exploring a number of proposals as part of a wider review of asbestos management in the UK. These include:
- A National Asbestos Register (Asbestos Census)
- Parliamentary discussions have highlighted the need for a clearer national picture of asbestos remaining in UK buildings — especially in the public sector. A centralised or one-off data collection exercise could improve transparency, consistency, and long-term planning for asbestos management and remediation.
- Review of the 2012 Regulations
- CAR 2012 is under review to ensure it remains fit for purpose. Key themes include improving guidance, clarifying responsibilities, and modernising how asbestos data is recorded, stored, and shared.
- Better Use of Digital Records
- There is growing emphasis on digital asbestos registers for ease of use and data accuracy. Digital tools make it easier to update and share information, and proposals are being discussed for more accessible summary formats, such as a one-page asbestos summary sheet or dashboard that highlights location, condition, and responsible contact.
- Long-Term Management and Removal
- Policy discussions also include the possibility of a long-term phased removal strategy — potentially over a 40-year period — focusing first on higher-risk public buildings such as schools and hospitals. The emphasis remains on safe management rather than blanket removal, and there is currently no formal timeline or legislative proposal in place.
What You Should Do Now
While no legislative changes have yet been introduced, organisations can strengthen their compliance and readiness by:
- Keeping asbestos information accurate – Review your asbestos register and management plan to ensure they are up to date.
- Moving towards digital systems – Adopt electronic registers to improve consistency and accessibility.
- Improving communication – Consider developing a one-page Asbestos Information Summary to help contractors and maintenance teams access key details quickly.
- Maintaining training and awareness – Ensure all staff and contractors understand how to access and use asbestos data safely.
- Staying informed – Monitor government and HSE updates, particularly for changes affecting public and commercial properties.
Vantify can support you in developing and integrating these tools within your existing asbestos management system to help future-proof compliance.
Conclusion
There is growing momentum behind improving asbestos management practices across the UK. Although no immediate legal changes have been introduced, now is the time to ensure your organisation demonstrates best practice, strong governance, and transparent compliance.
By investing in accurate records, digital systems, and clear communication, you’ll be well positioned for any future regulatory changes — and help ensure a safer environment for building users and maintenance teams.
Vantify Asbestos Consultancy
Vantify’s asbestos inspection and surveying services are delivered to the highest recognised standards, demonstrated through UKAS accreditation and informed by years of technical expertise. Our consultants are responsive, responsible, and focused on helping clients make the most of their asbestos management strategies.
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