Essential Asbestos Safety Measures for Highway Contractors in the UK

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Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) remain a critical concern in managing highway infrastructure in the UK. Ensuring safety during construction, maintenance, and improvement projects is paramount to protecting workers, the public, and the environment. This blog outlines the essential asbestos safety measures for highway contractors, referencing the Highways Agency's General Asbestos Management Plan (GAMP).

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Understanding Asbestos in Highway Infrastructure

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1. Sources of Asbestos in Highways

• Permanent formwork in bridge decks.
• Gaskets between precast beams.
• Bitumastic coatings on buried culverts.
• Drainage pipes and electrical ducts.

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2. Legal Framework

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The Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2006 mandates the duty to manage ACMs, ensuring that any presence of asbestos is identified and managed appropriately.

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Planning for Compliance

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1. Asbestos Action Plans (AAPs)

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• Mandatory for highway lengths, excluding post-2000 installations.
• Target: 5% annual coverage to achieve 100% compliance by 2025.

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2. Priority Areas for Surveys

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• Older network segments.
• Areas with planned maintenance or known ACM presence.

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Process Control and Implementation

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1. Comprehensive Surveys

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Conduct detailed asbestos surveys during planning stages, particularly for:

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• Winter maintenance depots.
• Tunnels and associated structures.

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2. Coordinated Management Plans

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• Scheme Asbestos Management Plans (SAMPs) for major projects.
• Integration with the Technology National Asbestos Management Plan (TNAMP).

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Training and Awareness

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1. Training Requirements

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• Providers must train key staff on asbestos awareness and management responsibilities under CAR 2006.
• Continuous professional development ensures compliance and safety.

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2. HA Support

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Highways Agency (HA) offers guidance materials to assist providers in meeting regulatory requirements.

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Monitoring and Review

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1. Ongoing Assessment

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The HA requires annual reviews of asbestos management measures to ensure effectiveness and compliance.

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2. Reporting Protocols

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Regular reporting through the AAP system, ensuring all completed plans are uploaded to the relevant HA databases.

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Key Takeaways for Contractors

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• Familiarize yourself with the General Asbestos Management Plan and relevant regulations.
• Prioritize high-risk areas for asbestos surveys.
• Ensure all personnel involved are adequately trained in asbestos safety.
• Maintain and update records through HA-approved systems.
• Regularly review and refine safety measures to align with the latest standards.

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Conclusion

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Managing asbestos risks in highway infrastructure is an ongoing commitment requiring collaboration between contractors, regulatory bodies, and stakeholders. By adhering to these safety measures, contractors can safeguard health and ensure compliance with UK regulations.

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