A Guide to Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) in UK Highway Infrastructure

Asbestos has long been a concern in infrastructure due to its health risks. While the UK has imposed strict regulations to prevent exposure, older infrastructure, particularly in highways, may still contain asbestos. Managing these materials is essential for the safety of both workers and the public. In this guide, we’ll dive into the purpose of the General Asbestos Management Plan (GAMP) for UK highways, explore the locations and types of Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACMs) commonly found, and discuss the strategies for effectively managing these materials.

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What is Asbestos, and Why is it a Concern?

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Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral known for its strength, fire resistance, and insulation properties. However, when asbestos fibers become airborne and are inhaled, they can lead to severe health issues, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. The Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) in the UK sets out stringent guidelines to protect people from asbestos exposure, particularly in the workplace and public spaces like highways.

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The Role of the General Asbestos Management Plan (GAMP)

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The General Asbestos Management Plan (GAMP) is a strategic document designed by the Highways Agency to manage asbestos risks in the UK’s Strategic Road Network (SRN). The GAMP outlines the duties of the agency and its providers to identify, monitor, and manage ACMs in highway infrastructure. Its primary goal is to ensure compliance with CAR Regulation 4, which addresses the duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic premises, including highways and associated structures.

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Key Objectives of the GAMP:

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1. Identify and Record ACMs in highways and structures.
2. Monitor and Control the presence and potential disturbance of ACMs.
3. Provide Training and Resources to personnel working in areas where asbestos is present.
4. Ensure Compliance with CAR regulations to safeguard public health.

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Types of Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) in Highway Infrastructure

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The majority of UK highway infrastructure is over 20 years old and may contain ACMs, especially in components that were installed or manufactured before the asbestos ban in 1999. Here are some typical areas and materials in highway infrastructure where asbestos may be present:

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1. Bridges and Structures

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• Permanent Formwork: Often used in early motorway bridges.
• Filler Boards and Gaskets: Used between precast beams and joints.
• Bearings: Asbestos may be present in older bridge bearings.

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2. Drainage Systems

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• Pipes and Insulation: Asbestos was commonly used in drainage pipes and insulation beneath bridge decks.
• Bitumastic Coatings: Some buried culverts may have asbestos-containing bitumen coatings.

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3. Electrical and Communication Ducts

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• Panels in Electrical Cabinets: Asbestos may be found in back panels and fuse assemblies.
• Lighting Columns: Street lighting and other jointing cabinets may contain ACMs.

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4. Tunnels

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• Ventilation Systems: Asbestos cement ducts and panels were often used in tunnel ventilation.
• Fire Protection: ACMs were used in lining and lagging materials for fire protection around ducts and cables.
• Roofing and Cladding: Rope gaskets and other materials within tunnels may also contain asbestos.

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Excluded Assets in the GAMP

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The GAMP excludes certain assets from its asbestos management procedures, primarily those not under the direct control of the Highways Agency. These include properties like motorway service areas and other privately operated infrastructure where the duty to manage asbestos lies with the leaseholders.

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Typical Work Programmes in Asbestos Management for Highways

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To ensure that asbestos risks are minimized, the GAMP includes guidelines for various maintenance and improvement activities on highways. Here’s an overview of the typical programs involved:

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1. Major Project Schemes

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• Includes significant improvements, like road widening and junction upgrades.
• ACM management is integrated into project planning, especially in areas where disturbance of ACMs is likely.

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2. Routine Maintenance

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• Regular activities like cleaning signs, renewing road markings, and managing vegetation may expose ACMs in older infrastructure.
• These activities must follow strict asbestos management procedures.

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3. Emergency Response

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• Incidents like fires, road traffic accidents, or potholes may require emergency action in asbestos-affected areas.
• The plan requires rapid risk assessments and protective measures for these responses.

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Compliance and Process Control

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The GAMP outlines a rigorous process for achieving compliance, involving both Area Asbestos Management Plans (AAMPs) and Scheme Asbestos Management Plans (SAMPs). Providers are required to annually review their asbestos management practices to ensure alignment with CAR requirements. Here’s how compliance is structured:

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1. Regular Audits: The Network Delivery and Development Performance Audit Function (PAF) oversees compliance audits for asbestos management.
2. Documentation and Reporting: Providers must upload all Asbestos Action Plans (AAPs) to the Highways Agency databases (e.g., SMIS and HAPMS) for transparency.
3. Information Sharing: Providers are also expected to cooperate with other stakeholders, including local authorities and emergency services, to inform them about the presence of ACMs.

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The Importance of Training in Asbestos Management

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The success of the GAMP heavily depends on the expertise of the personnel involved. The Highways Agency mandates that all Asbestos Action Plan (AAP) Owners and other key personnel undergo thorough asbestos awareness training. This training ensures that workers recognize the risks associated with ACMs and adhere to safe working practices. Providers are responsible for ensuring their team’s training aligns with CAR regulations.

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Monitoring and Review

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The GAMP is not static; it undergoes regular reviews to ensure its effectiveness. The Highways Agency Asbestos Management Team (HAAMT) conducts an annual review based on audit findings, monthly monitoring, and feedback. This review addresses key questions, such as:

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• Are providers effectively managing ACMs?
• Are safe working practices being followed?
• Are there any new risks associated with ACMs?

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This iterative approach helps the GAMP evolve in response to changing needs and feedback from stakeholders.

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Record Keeping and Documentation

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Accurate and accessible documentation is crucial for effective asbestos management. All AAPs are required to be stored in PDF format on approved databases like SMIS, HAPMS, and TPMS. Standard templates for asbestos surveys and assessments are provided in the GAMP annexes to ensure consistency across providers. These records are vital for ongoing asbestos management and compliance verification.

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Future of Asbestos Management in UK Highways

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With the target to achieve full compliance by March 2025, the GAMP represents a proactive approach to managing asbestos risks in UK highways. The plan’s comprehensive framework and the commitment of the Highways Agency and its providers reflect a strong dedication to public and worker safety. As new technologies and methods emerge, there is potential for even more effective asbestos management practices in the future.

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Conclusion

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The presence of asbestos in UK highway infrastructure is a serious issue that requires careful and ongoing management. Through the GAMP, the Highways Agency has established a detailed framework to identify, manage, and mitigate the risks associated with ACMs. With structured plans, regular training, thorough documentation, and a commitment to compliance, the GAMP sets a high standard for asbestos management, ultimately protecting both workers and the public from potential exposure.

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By following the guidelines in the GAMP and staying informed about best practices in asbestos management, stakeholders involved in UK highway infrastructure can ensure a safer and healthier environment for everyone.