Understanding the Role of Service Providers in the UK’s Asbestos Management Plan

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Asbestos, once hailed for its fire-resistant and insulating properties, is now recognized globally as a serious health hazard. In the United Kingdom, the strategic management of asbestos, especially across the nation’s vast network of roads and infrastructure, is governed by a structured and legally mandated framework. Central to this framework is the General Asbestos Management Plan (GAMP)—a document that outlines how the UK’s Highways Agency ensures compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2006.

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One of the most crucial elements in this nationwide asbestos management effort is the role of Service Providers. These organisations are not only responsible for maintaining and developing road infrastructure but also for ensuring that all assets are safely assessed and managed for asbestos-related risks.

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This blog delves deep into the GAMP, focusing on the pivotal responsibilities of Service Providers and how they contribute to the UK’s goal of complete asbestos compliance by 2025.

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What Is the General Asbestos Management Plan (GAMP)?

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The General Asbestos Management Plan (GAMP) is a strategic plan developed by the UK Highways Agency to manage the presence and risks of asbestos in the Strategic Road Network (SRN). It acts as a comprehensive framework that guides all related entities—especially Service Providers—in fulfilling their duties under Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2006.

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This plan is essential because a significant portion of UK road infrastructure was built before 2000, a time when the use of Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) was still legal and widespread.

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Legal Framework: Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2006

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CAR 2006 places a legal duty on those responsible for maintaining non-domestic premises to manage the risk of asbestos. Under Regulation 4, all duty holders must:

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• Determine the location and condition of ACMs.
• Assess the risk posed by these materials.
• Create and implement a plan to manage the risk.

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The GAMP serves as the Highways Agency’s structured response to this regulation and forms the foundation of compliance across all highway assets.

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The Role of Service Providers in Asbestos Management

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Service Providers are essential to implementing the GAMP. These include:

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• Managing Agent Contractors (MACs)
• Technology MACs
• Major Project Providers (MPD)
• Early Contractor Involvement teams
• Design & Build Contractors
• Private Consultants and Framework Contractors

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These Service Providers are responsible for delivering Asbestos Action Plans (AAPs), carrying out asbestos surveys, managing database uploads, and ensuring staff training and regulatory compliance.

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Their primary objective is to help achieve the Highways Agency’s long-term goal: 100% network coverage of asbestos management plans by March 2025, with a minimum annual target of 5% coverage.

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Responsibilities of Service Providers

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1. Developing AAPs

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Service Providers must prepare AAPs for every 5 km segment of highway infrastructure unless assets were constructed after 2000. These plans identify known or suspected ACMs and prioritise areas based on age and maintenance needs.

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2. Surveying and Risk Assessment

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They are required to conduct Management Surveys and Refurbishment/Demolition Surveys, especially for older assets or when significant maintenance is planned.

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3. Data Management

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All AAPs must be uploaded to Highways Agency databases—SMIS, TPMS, or HAPMS—in PDF format using standard templates.

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4. Cooperation and Communication

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Providers must collaborate with third-party stakeholders including utility companies, emergency services, Network Rail, and others to share asbestos-related data and ensure safety during maintenance or improvement works.

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What Assets Do Service Providers Cover?

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Service Providers manage asbestos compliance for a wide range of highway assets, including:

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• 7,500 km of roads
• 16,000+ bridges and structures
• 100,000+ electrical and communication items
• Depots, workshops, control centres, and picnic sites
• Tunnels and weather stations

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Excluded Assets: Properties managed under different contracts such as:

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• Motorway service areas (leased to private entities)
• Transmission stations
• HA staff offices (managed by Business Services Estates)
• Private finance initiatives not managed by HA

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Training and Compliance Monitoring

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Training is mandatory for all Provider staff likely to come into contact with asbestos, in line with Regulation 10 of CAR 2006. Each external provider must:

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• Appoint trained AAP Owners within their teams.
• Maintain training records for compliance audits.
• Ensure all field staff are asbestos-aware and trained accordingly.

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The Highways Agency’s Asbestos Management Team (HAAMT) conducts regular reviews, monthly monitoring, and audits through the Performance Audit Function (PAF). This process ensures that providers are aligned with the regulatory expectations and consistently improving.

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Road to 2025: Achieving Full Compliance

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To meet the 2025 deadline for full network coverage, the following measures are in place:

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• Minimum 5% annual progress in AAP development.
• Priority given to older infrastructure and areas with scheduled maintenance.
• Integration with major schemes through the Scheme Asbestos Management Plan (SAMP) process.
• Specialized management for technology assets through TNAMP (Technology National Asbestos Management Plan).

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Every year, Service Providers submit their performance reports to Area Performance Managers. This ensures a continuous feedback loop and timely updates to the GAMP.

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Conclusion

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The UK’s strategic approach to asbestos management through the GAMP demonstrates a commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and long-term sustainability. Service Providers are the operational backbone of this system. Their role in surveying, planning, reporting, and collaborating across various infrastructure projects ensures that the legacy of asbestos use is responsibly addressed.

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By 2025, with the dedicated work of Service Providers, the UK aims to have a fully compliant Strategic Road Network, safe for both workers and the public.

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