Understanding the UK’s General Asbestos Management Plan: What You Need to Know

In the UK, asbestos management is essential for ensuring the safety of workers and the public, especially on infrastructure projects that involve older structures. The Highways Agency’s General Asbestos Management Plan (GAMP) outlines a comprehensive approach to handling asbestos on the strategic road network, safeguarding against the risks of asbestos exposure. This blog will walk you through the core elements of the GAMP and its implications for highway management, contractors, and public safety.
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What is the General Asbestos Management Plan (GAMP)?
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The GAMP is the UK’s strategic plan for managing asbestos on highway infrastructure, particularly assets over 20 years old that may contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). The plan sets out a framework for compliance with Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2006, ensuring that asbestos management is effectively integrated across road and infrastructure projects. The Highways Agency oversees this plan to help prevent exposure to hazardous asbestos in areas where it may still exist in older infrastructure.
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Key Elements of the GAMP
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The GAMP focuses on several main areas to ensure comprehensive asbestos management:
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1. Scope and Definitions: The GAMP applies to various assets on the strategic road network, including roads, bridges, tunnels, electrical equipment, control rooms, and maintenance depots. The primary goal is to assess and manage ACMs in these structures and ensure all providers adhere to established asbestos management procedures.
2. Asbestos Action Plans (AAPs): Providers responsible for the maintenance and improvement of highway assets must develop annual Asbestos Action Plans. These AAPs ensure consistent compliance across different types of assets, with priority given to areas with high risks of asbestos exposure. For example, older bridge structures, tunnels, and drainage systems may contain ACMs that require routine assessment and mitigation.
3. Risk Reduction Targets: To systematically address asbestos risks, the GAMP sets specific percentage targets for coverage and inspections. Providers are required to achieve at least 5% of their coverage target annually, working towards full compliance by March 2025. This approach ensures a gradual, manageable reduction of asbestos hazards across the entire network.
4. Monitoring and Review: The Highways Agency Asbestos Management Team (HAAMT) is responsible for an annual review of the GAMP. This includes monitoring the plan’s effectiveness, ensuring providers are compliant, and adjusting strategies as necessary. HAAMT also uses audit findings and monthly reports to track asbestos management progress and evaluate the safety practices of contractors.
5. Training and Compliance: The GAMP mandates that contractors and service providers maintain a trained workforce to handle asbestos management duties. This includes designating a knowledgeable “AAP Owner” within each contractor team and ensuring they meet all legal training requirements. Training is vital for preparing contractors to safely manage ACMs, report findings, and cooperate with other stakeholders who may have responsibilities tied to the asset.
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‍How Does the GAMP Protect Public and Worker Safety?
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The primary objective of the GAMP is to mitigate asbestos exposure risks by enforcing structured asbestos management practices. By ensuring that older assets are regularly inspected and that necessary precautions are taken, the GAMP helps minimize risks to workers, contractors, and the public. In cases where ACMs are identified, the plan requires that all parties in proximity to these materials, such as local authorities and emergency services, are informed to facilitate safe and coordinated handling.
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Conclusion
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The General Asbestos Management Plan is an essential tool in the UK’s approach to maintaining safe, compliant infrastructure on its highways. By focusing on thorough asbestos inspections, action plans, and ongoing monitoring, the GAMP aims to safeguard public health while keeping the country’s road network efficient and well-maintained. With consistent review and dedication from the Highways Agency and its partners, the GAMP represents a proactive approach to asbestos management that prioritizes safety in every aspect.