The HSE have announced that they will be resuming their programme of inspections to primary and secondary schools in England, Scotland and Wales October 2023 onwards. The inspections will be assessing how schools are managing the risks from asbestos within the school estate and meeting their 'Duty to Manage' (DTM) requirements under Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR).

The regulations place duties on those with responsibility for the maintenance of work premises, including schools, to manage the risk from asbestos. For the maintained schools, this will be the council.

Who will be carrying out the inspections?

The visits will be carried out by HSE inspectors, who will contact the school before visiting to arrange a suitable date and time for the inspection.

They will need to speak to someone with knowledge of how asbestos is managed by the school and may also ask to see certain documentation in advance of the visit, for example your asbestos register and management plan. (ATLAS Web)

The HSE will also take the opportunity to as questions regarding RAAC inspections as the two are linked and also be auditing any construction works on site especially if it includes any asbestos removals.