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The Role of the Highways Agency in Managing Asbestos on UK Roads and Infrastructure
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Asbestos, a once widely-used material known for its durability and heat resistance, is now recognized for its significant health risks. In the UK, managing asbestos on roads and infrastructure is critical to safeguarding public health. The Highways Agency (HA) plays a central role in ensuring asbestos is managed in compliance with regulations. This article explores the detailed processes, responsibilities, and strategies the HA employs to manage asbestos, referencing insights from the General Asbestos Management Plan (GAMP).
Understanding the Highways Agency's Duty
The Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2006 outlines the obligations that must be met to control asbestos risks. Specifically, Regulation 4, known as the "Duty to Manage," requires the HA to implement comprehensive measures across the strategic road network (SRN). The HA's strategic management of asbestos involves coordination among service providers, major projects teams, and Area Providers.
Key Definitions
- ACMs (Asbestos Containing Materials): Any material containing more than 0.1% asbestos.
- AAP (Asbestos Action Plan): A documented plan outlining asbestos risk management in specific areas.
- SAMP (Scheme Asbestos Management Plan): A plan tailored for major projects.
The General Asbestos Management Plan (GAMP)
The GAMP is the HA’s guiding document that establishes the framework for managing asbestos on roads and infrastructure. It provides clear directives for service providers and contractors, ensuring that responsibilities are met according to CAR 2006.
Objectives of GAMP
- To outline how providers produce Area Asbestos Management Plans (AAMPs).
- To define processes for asbestos action plans (AAPs).
- To monitor compliance and audit performance.
Scope of Asbestos Management
The scope of GAMP extends to various infrastructure assets, including:
- Roads (approximately 7,500 km of highway)
- Bridges and high structures (over 16,000 structures)
- Buildings (control rooms, depots, maintenance facilities)
- Electrical and communication equipment in tunnels and along highways.
Note: Assets constructed post-2000 are generally excluded from asbestos risks due to the UK's ban on asbestos use in 1999.
Asbestos Risks in Infrastructure
Asbestos risks in UK infrastructure are often found in:
- Bridge structures (permanent formwork, joint fillers)
- Drainage systems (asbestos-cement pipes)
- Tunnel ventilation and cladding (cement panels and rope gaskets)
These materials, if disturbed, can release harmful asbestos fibers, necessitating controlled management during maintenance or new works.
Key Components of Compliance
Planning and Implementation
The HA mandates that service providers develop AAPs covering at least 5% of their respective networks annually. This is part of a long-term strategy to achieve complete coverage by 2025. Priority is given to surveying older sections of the network and those known to contain ACMs.
Monitoring and Audits
The HA Asbestos Management Team (HAAMT) conducts regular audits and reviews to ensure compliance:
- Self-audits by service providers
- Performance audits as part of contract compliance
- Monthly reporting to track progress in AAP implementation
Typical Work Programs Involving Asbestos
The HA manages asbestos through various work activities, such as:
- Major project schemes (e.g., bypasses and carriageway expansions)
- Routine maintenance (e.g., sign cleaning, road marking)
- Emergency responses to damage or safety issues
Providers must adhere to specific processes, such as reviewing as-constructed records and informing stakeholders about potential ACMs.
Training and Knowledge Sharing
Proper training is vital for compliance. The GAMP specifies that service providers must nominate key staff responsible for managing AAPs. These individuals must be trained according to Regulation 10 of CAR 2006. Although the HA no longer directly provides training, materials can be requested for internal use.
Cooperation and Duty to Manage
Collaboration is essential for managing asbestos effectively. The HA ensures that providers:
- Coordinate with stakeholders, including utility companies and local authorities.
- Share asbestos information relevant to maintenance and project planning.
- Engage with emergency services and other parties working near highway assets.
Exclusions from GAMP
Certain assets fall outside the GAMP’s scope, such as:
- HA estate buildings managed by Business Services.
- Privately managed infrastructure, like motorway service areas.
In these cases, the Duty Holder—as defined in CAR 2006—retains responsibility for asbestos management.
Importance of Records
Maintaining records of AAPs in PDF format is required, with documents stored in databases like SMIS, HAPMS, and TPMS. These records are essential for tracking compliance and ensuring quick access during audits.
Challenges in Managing Asbestos
Complexity of Surveys
Surveying vast highway networks for ACMs can be complex, especially with older assets where records may be incomplete.
Resource Allocation
Ensuring consistent resources for training, survey activities, and compliance monitoring is an ongoing challenge.
Coordination Among Providers
Multiple providers and contractors involved in different regions necessitate a high level of coordination to avoid overlaps or gaps in asbestos management.
Conclusion
The Highways Agency's General Asbestos Management Plan (GAMP) represents a robust strategy for addressing asbestos risks on the UK’s strategic road network. By enforcing stringent compliance measures, facilitating cooperation, and ensuring comprehensive training, the HA plays a pivotal role in minimizing asbestos exposure. Through continued monitoring and adherence to regulation, the HA aims to maintain safe and asbestos-free roads and structures, protecting both workers and the public.
This proactive management approach, combined with regular reviews and updates, ensures that asbestos management remains effective and in line with evolving safety standards.