Asbestos Policy

Purpose of the policy

The purpose of this policy is to provide governance, control and instruction for the management of Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) on the University of Bristol estate. It is not intended that this policy replaces Regulation, Approved Codes of Practice and Guidance Notes. This policy should be read in conjunction with the Asbestos Management Plan (PDF, 1,039kB) and Asbestos Register information. These detail the actions that are in place as part of our control and management of asbestos. Currently only trained University staff can access the Asbestos Register.

The Asbestos Policy, Asbestos Management Plan, and supporting procedures outline how Campus Division manages the risks from ACMs in University premises. They also detail the approach taken during maintenance and works carried out by the Campus Division.

This policy has been designed to be read in conjunction with the legal framework and details the Campus Division interpretation and strategy for compliance. The policy is intended for all staff involved in the management of ACMs. It applies to those whose work may bring them into contact with ACMs. It also includes those who manage and supervise such work, including contractors. The policy is applicable to all parts of the University estate, without exception where asbestos is present or is liable to be present.

Scope

These assessments will identify where the asbestos is contained. They will determine its condition, extent, and type. The assessments will also outline the necessary management or control actions. These actions aim to reduce or prevent exposure.

The Duty Holder for the University has ultimate responsibility for the management of asbestos as required by CAR Regulation 4 and is named as the University's Vice-Chancellor and President.

The management of ACMs is delegated to Campus Division by the University's Chief Property Officer, who is the Responsible Person for the management of asbestos risks. An Authorised Person, who manages ACMs, will be appointed within Campus Division with the role of Asbestos Compliance Officer. The Authorised Person shall hold sufficient competency, be sufficiently qualified and knowledgeable to undertake the role.

Policy statement

The University of Bristol is required by law to manage the risks of ACMs on their premises and acknowledges the health hazards arising from exposure to asbestos. Campus Division is fully committed to complying with all legislative and regulatory requirements. It also adheres to Approved Codes of Practice (where applicable) to buildings owned or leased by the University. This ensures that ACMs do not pose a health or safety risk to staff, students, contractors, visitors, and members of the public.

Campus Division will take a positive approach to controlling and reducing any potential exposures to asbestos fibres within premises under their control or where work is undertaken on their behalf. This will be achieved by:

• proactively identifying asbestos in buildings
• undertaking assessment of potential exposure during normal working routines
• having in place effective management controls to reduce the risk of exposure to asbestos fibres ALARP. 

Where remediation is required, Campus Division will ensure appropriately competent, licensed, insured, and experienced organisations are appointed.

The Asbestos Policy, Management Plan, and supporting standard operating procedures apply to all areas of the University estate where Campus Division has a duty. This applies, without exception, wherever asbestos is present or liable to be present.

The Campus Division policy is:

• To provide a safe environment for employees, students, contractors, visitors, and members of the public. This is done by preventing exposure to the hazards associated with ACMs.
• To promote awareness of the hazards of ACMs and the Asbestos Management Policy, Management Plan and supporting procedures. This is done through effective training and communication with employees and contractors.
• To provide and maintain an asbestos register for each premises within the University estate, under the remit of Campus Division. This is accessible to staff, contractors, stakeholders, and any other party that undertakes work on the University estate which are liable to disturb asbestos, including emergency services.
• To implement an effective asbestos management plan. This is to ensure that appropriate control measures, such as monitoring, encapsulation, sealing, labelling, inspection, or removal of the material are undertaken.
• To regularly review the Asbestos Policy, Asbestos Management Plan and supporting standard operating procedures to assess the appropriateness and effectiveness of the arrangements detailed within.
• To ensure that only appropriately competent, insured, and experienced organisations are to remediate or remove asbestos. Also to make sure, where required, the organisation holds a License from the HSE in order to undertake such work.
• To provide clear and concise emergency response procedures should there be an uncontrolled disturbance of asbestos containing materials.

ISO clause reference

This policy has been written in line with ISO45001:2018, clause 5.2 OH&S Policy.

Version controlled document

A controlled document is managed through version control, ensuring all changes are tracked and a single, consistent version is used across teams. Campus Division staff can find a controlled version of the Asbestos Policy on the Integrated Management System.