Do you manage or own a building that was built before 2000? Did you know that having an up-to-date asbestos register is actually a legal requirement?
Despite how important they are, a lot of duty holders are still unsure about what exactly an asbestos register is or how they should be maintaining one correctly.
In this blog, we will explain what an asbestos register includes, who should have one, and how they help you stay compliant and most importantly, protect those working in and around your building.
What Is an Asbestos Register?
An asbestos register is a specific document that includes the location, type, and condition of known or suspected asbestos in a building. Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 it is a legal requirement for non-domestic properties built before 2000.
The register is based on an asbestos survey and should be kept up to date, particularly if materials have been removed, damaged, or re-inspected. It helps duty holders manage risk and makes sure anyone who is working on the building is aware of potential asbestos.
Who Needs an Asbestos Register?
An asbestos register is required for all non-domestic buildings constructed before the year 2000. This includes:
- Offices and commercial buildings
- Shops and warehouses
- Schools, hospitals, and public buildings
- Shared areas in residential flats (e.g. stairwells, corridors, plant rooms)
It is important to note that the legal responsibility does fall to the duty holder. This is most often the building owner, landlord, or person in charge of maintenance. If you manage or control the property then you are required to have an up-to-date asbestos register in place to protect workers, visitors, and contractors from potential exposure.
When Is an Asbestos Register Required?
An asbestos register is required for all non-domestic buildings built before 2000, regardless of their current use or condition. You must have one in place if:
- The building was constructed or refurbished before 2000
- You manage or own the building
- Maintenance, repair, or refurbishment work may take place
Your asbestos register must be available on-site and kept up to date. This is even more important if asbestos has been removed, disturbed, or re-inspected. You will also have to make sure that asbestos-containing materials are not unknowingly disturbed before any refurbishment or demolition work takes place!
Even if no asbestos is found, the register should still confirm that a survey was carried out and that no ACMs were identified.
What Should an Asbestos Register Include?
A well-maintained register will typically include the following:
- The location of each ACM
- Type of asbestos, if known (e.g. chrysotile, amosite)
- Condition and risk level of the material
- Photographs or reference maps for clarity
- Date of the survey or inspection
- Details of any work carried out, such as removal, encapsulation, or repair
- Recommendations for future action, including monitoring or reinspection
How Does an Asbestos Register Help With Compliance and Safety?
An asbestos register plays a fundamental role in protecting people from the health risks associated with asbestos exposure. It will also ensure you meet your legal responsibilities under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Here is how:
- Keeps workers safe by clearly identifying where asbestos is present, helping prevent accidental disturbance during maintenance, repairs, or refurbishments.
- Supports legal compliance by demonstrating that you’ve taken reasonable steps to manage asbestos risks in the building.
- Improves decision-making by helping you plan safe work, maintenance schedules, and any necessary asbestos removal.
- Reduces liability by showing that information has been shared with contractors, staff, and anyone working in the building.
What’s the Difference Between an Asbestos Register and a Survey?
An asbestos survey is the process that is used to identify and assess asbestos-containing materials in a building. It’s carried out by a qualified surveyor and forms the basis for your asbestos register.
The asbestos register, on the other hand, is a working document that records the location, type, and condition of any asbestos found during the survey. This must be kept up to date and made available to anyone working on the property.
So to keep it simple, the survey finds the asbestos, and the register keeps track of it.
Overview
An asbestos register is a necessary part of managing asbestos safely and legally in any non-domestic building built before 2000. Its purpose is to help protect workers, support compliance with UK regulations, and give a clear record of any asbestos-containing materials on site.
If you are unsure whether your building needs a register or you think your current one could need updating, we’re here to help! Our experienced team can carry out surveys, create accurate registers, and guide you through every step of asbestos management.
Get in touch today for expert advice and straightforward support.
