Emergency Response and Asbestos Management in UK Road Traffic Incidents

In the United Kingdom, managing road traffic incidents involves more than just traffic control and emergency medical assistance. A hidden but critical risk often lies in the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within roadside infrastructure. To protect both emergency workers and the public, the UK Highways Agency has implemented a detailed General Asbestos Management Plan (GAMP) that outlines specific procedures for asbestos assessment and control, particularly during emergencies.

This blog explains how asbestos management is integrated into emergency responses on the UK Strategic Road Network (SRN)- from preparation and risk identification to post-incident handling and legal compliance.

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Understanding the Risk: Asbestos in Road Infrastructure

The UK’s SRN includes over 7,500 km of roads and more than 16,000 structures, many of which were constructed before the 2000 asbestos ban. These assets may contain ACMs in:

• Bridge formwork and joints
• Drainage systems
• Electrical ducting and control panels
• Tunnel claddings and ventilation ducts
• Shelter roofs and utility cabinets

In incidents involving damage to such infrastructure - like collisions, fires, or structural collapse - asbestos fibres can become airborne, posing a serious health risk if not properly managed.

Emergency Response Protocols and GAMP Compliance

As detailed in the GAMP (General Asbestos Management Plan), the Highways Agency mandates protocols that service providers must follow in emergencies involving potential asbestos exposure.

Key Emergency Response Measures:

1. Initial Risk Assessment
   Incident responders must evaluate if any affected assets fall under known ACM categories.
2. Asbestos Action Plan (AAP) Reference
   Each asset should have a predefined AAP detailing known ACMs and control actions, stored in databases like SMIS, TPMS, and HAPMS.
3. Notification and Coordination
   Emergency services, including police and fire brigades, are alerted about potential asbestos hazards. Local authorities, Network Rail, and utility companies are also informed as needed.
4. Containment Measures
   If asbestos is suspected, responders must seal off the area, wear protective gear, and avoid disturbing the material until specialists arrive.
5. Specialist Intervention
   Accredited contractors handle removal or containment under Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2006/2012, ensuring legal compliance and safe handling.

Roles and Responsibilities in Incident Management

Under GAMP, several parties have specific responsibilities:

• Highways Agency: Provides national-level strategy, regulatory compliance oversight, and updates to the GAMP.
• Managing Agent Contractors (MACs): Coordinate on-ground emergency asbestos handling and reporting.
• Area Providers & Technology MACs: Maintain updated Asbestos Action Plans and asset information.
• Emergency Services: Follow defined protocols for responding to incidents involving suspected ACMs.
• Duty Holders (e.g., local authorities or police centres): Ensure building-level asbestos control where HA is not directly responsible.

Training and Preparedness for Emergency Scenarios

GAMP stipulates that all external providers must:

• Designate trained personnel to handle asbestos-related duties
• Maintain ongoing asbestos awareness training
• Understand and execute the Duty to Manage under CAR Regulation 4

This ensures that, even in high-pressure emergency scenarios, personnel can identify, respond to, and report asbestos threats appropriately.

Real-World Examples of Incident-Driven Asbestos Response

According to GAMP, asbestos management is a part of emergency responses to:

• Traffic collisions affecting old tunnels or bridges
• Vehicle fires near ACM-lined ducts or cladding
• Fly tipping involving illegal disposal of asbestos waste
• Structural collapse after extreme weather or impact damage

These are considered priority scenarios requiring immediate asbestos risk evaluation and appropriate action.

Post-Incident Review and Reporting

After every incident involving asbestos, a full review must be conducted. Providers must:

• Submit updated reports to HA databases
• Update or revise existing Asbestos Action Plans
• Participate in performance audits by the Network Delivery and Development Performance Audit Function (PAF)

This ongoing monitoring helps improve protocols and reduce future risks.

Conclusion

Asbestos may no longer be used in new construction, but its legacy continues to pose risks on the UK’s ageing infrastructure. Through the GAMP framework, the UK ensures that emergency responses to road traffic incidents include robust asbestos management - safeguarding health, upholding regulations, and maintaining the operational integrity of the Strategic Road Network.

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