Page 23 - A National Asbestos Strategy

SUMMARY
STEPS TO ACHIEVING A NATIONAL ASBESTOS STRATEGY
STEP
STEP
STEP
1 5
3
STEP
STEP
2 4
IDENTIFY
PROPERTIES
PRESENT
THE DATA
PLANNING
FOR
THE FUTURE
RATIONALISE
THE DATA
IMPLEMENT
THE AIC
An alternative approach to asbestos
management is long overdue. In response
to significant shortcomings highlighted by the
November 2022 industry report and the Work
and Pension Committee, Asbestos Information
CIC advocates a five-phased programme. This
approach focuses on preventative measures,
including developing an Asbestos Information
Certificate (AIC), similar to Energy Performance
Certificates, to classify asbestos risk and establish
a national database.
Assessing and addressing the UK’s high
asbestos presence is also critical as part of the
broader agenda for Net Zero and infrastructure
maintenance. There are serious issues with the
current ‘leave and manage’ strategy concerning
cases of poorly maintained asbestos regularly
found. Data research has highlighted these issues
further, particularly the need for improved data
collection. A targeted asbestos removal plan is
necessary, particularly in buildings with the most
vulnerable occupants.
By adopting a risk-based approach, the AIC prioritises public health to help eliminate asbestos
exposure. Expanding this approach to sectors beyond education will provide a clearer pathway
for more effective asbestos management in the UK.
The proposed AIC will streamline asbestos data, inform national removal strategies, and aid compliance
tracking through a central database. Testing and implementing the AIC across the education sector will
enable an overall picture of the state of asbestos in a relatively short period. Critically, improvement
cannot be seen without strengthening regulatory frameworks and quality standards, especially mandatory
accreditation for completing asbestos surveys.
www.asbestosinformation.org.uk
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