Best Practices for Managing Asbestos in Public Infrastructure Projects in the UK

‍

Asbestos continues to pose serious health risks, especially in older public infrastructure projects across the UK. With many highway structures, bridges, tunnels, depots, and buildings constructed before the year 2000, the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) remains a significant concern. In line with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 12), and following the comprehensive guidance laid out in the General Asbestos Management Plan (GAMP), the UK’s approach to asbestos management has become increasingly structured and strategic.

‍

This blog delves deep into the best practices for managing asbestos in public infrastructure projects across the UK, based on GAMP and relevant national regulations.

‍

‍

Understanding Asbestos Risks in UK Public Infrastructure

‍

Asbestos was widely used in construction until its ban in 1999. Its durable and fire-resistant properties made it a common material in insulation, drainage, waterproofing, and structural components.

‍

In public infrastructure, asbestos can be found in:

‍

• Bridge deck formwork

• Drainage systems

• Joint fillers and mastics

• Pipe insulation under bridges

• Tunnel claddings, ventilation systems

• Electrical panels and street lighting columns

• Roofing and fuse assemblies in depots and control rooms

‍

Many of these structures remain operational today, making proactive asbestos management essential for safety and compliance.

‍

Strategic Framework: The General Asbestos Management Plan (GAMP)

‍

The General Asbestos Management Plan (GAMP) sets the foundation for asbestos management across the Highways Agency’s (HA) Strategic Road Network. It outlines the methodology for achieving compliance under Regulation 4 of CAR 2012, which places a Duty to Manage asbestos in non-domestic premises.

‍

Key highlights of the GAMP include:

‍

1. Long-Term Planning

‍

• The UK government has agreed on a 20-year compliance strategy ending in March 2025.

• Annual Asbestos Action Plans (AAPs) are required, covering at least 5% of the network each year.

• Priority is given to older infrastructure, planned maintenance areas, and known/suspected ACM locations.

‍

2. Categorization of Assets

‍

Asbestos management covers a wide range of infrastructure types:

‍

• Roads (7500+ km)

• Structures (16,000+ bridges, culverts, tunnels)

• Electrical equipment (100,000+ items)

• Buildings (depots, picnic sites, RCCs)

• Weather prediction stations and communication systems

‍

3. Area and Scheme Management Plans

‍

• Area Asbestos Management Plans (AAMPs) and Scheme Asbestos Management Plans (SAMPs) are created and updated regularly.

• These are critical for specific maintenance projects, emergency works, and any structural changes.

‍

Implementation Best Practices for Asbestos Management

‍

1. Comprehensive Surveying

‍

• Conduct Management Surveys and Refurbishment/Demolition Surveys based on risk assessments.

• Use accredited professionals to identify, document, and tag ACM locations.

‍

2. Structured Work Programmes

‍

GAMP recommends the integration of asbestos considerations into all forms of infrastructure activities, such as:

‍

• Major highway projects and realignments

• Maintenance of pavements and bridges

• Safety schemes and junction upgrades

• Winter maintenance, emergency response, and inspections

‍

3. Exclusions and Limitations

‍

Not all assets fall under the GAMP. Excluded entities include:

‍

• Properties under Major Projects Directorate (MPD)

• Buildings managed by Business Services Estate Team

• Private finance-controlled infrastructure

• Motorway service areas leased to third parties

Knowing which assets are outside the scope helps streamline responsibilities and legal obligations.

‍

Compliance and Quality Control

‍

1. Process Control

‍

• Annual plans must be signed off by Area Performance Managers (APMs).

• For major projects, SAMPs and AAPs are submitted at different Project Control Framework (PCF) stages.

‍

2. Regular Monitoring and Auditing

‍

• Monthly performance reports track AAP development and uploads.

• The Highways Agency Asbestos Management Team (HAAMT) conducts audits and evaluates provider compliance.

• Key metrics include timely uploads to databases like SMIS, TPMS, and HAPMS.

‍

3. Record-Keeping

‍

• All AAPs must be stored in PDF format using prescribed templates and properly tagged.

• This standardization ensures traceability and easy retrieval.

‍

Training and Roles

‍

1. Designated Personnel

‍

Each service provider must assign trained individuals as AAP Owners, responsible for implementing the plan and ensuring compliance.

‍

2. Staff Training

‍

• Training must align with Regulation 10 of CAR 2012.

• While the HA no longer provides direct training, it shares materials on request.

• Both asbestos awareness and duty-to-manage training are essential.

‍

Cross-Agency Cooperation

‍

One of the most crucial elements of asbestos management is cooperation between agencies, contractors, and third-party stakeholders. Under Regulation 4, the Highways Agency is required to:

‍

• Share ACM data with all relevant parties

• Inform emergency services, utility providers, Network Rail, and others if their assets intersect with highway infrastructure

• Collaborate with S278 developers and statutory undertakers

‍

Preparing for the March 2025 Deadline

‍

With the 20-year compliance window nearing its end, public bodies and contractors must expedite their efforts. Key recommendations include:

‍

• Completing pending AAPs

• Updating legacy records

• Prioritizing high-risk assets for re-surveys

• Ensuring all AAPs are uploaded to HA databases before March 31, 2025

‍

Conclusion

‍

Managing asbestos in public infrastructure in the UK is a vast and complex task, but with a clear regulatory framework like GAMP and CAR 2012, the process is structured and achievable. By adhering to best practices in planning, training, surveying, record-keeping, and inter-agency cooperation, the UK can minimize asbestos-related risks and ensure a safer infrastructure network for future generations.

‍

RoadVision AI is transforming infrastructure development and maintenance by harnessing artificial intelligence and computer vision AI to revolutionize road safety and management. By leveraging advanced computer vision artificial intelligence and digital twin technology, the platform enables the early detection of potholes, cracks, and other road surface issues, ensuring timely repairs and better road conditions. With a mission to build smarter, safer, and more sustainable roads, RoadVision AI tackles challenges like traffic congestion and ensures full compliance with IRC Codes. By empowering engineers and stakeholders with data-driven insights, the platform reduces costs, minimizes risks, and enhances the overall transportation experience.