The Management Plan needs to recognise that ACMs can usually be divided into two groups. There are High Risk materials such as asbestos insulating board, spray coatings and thermal lagging, where asbestos fibres can be relatively easily released into the air. Secondly, there are Low Risk materials, such as corrugated asbestos cement sheets, floor tiles and textured ceiling coatings, where the asbestos is only present in small quantities and tightly bound into the base material. These materials are much less likely to release airborne asbestos fibres that can be breathed into the lungs, where they might cause cancer.

Where the ACMs are in good condition the Management Plan usually calls for them to be protected from disturbance and left in-place. This will require all maintenance and modification activities to be controlled so that ACMs are not inadvertently disturbed.

When it is decided to remove or demolish ACMs, then specialist contractors are usually needed to conform to the detailed procedures set out in the CAR 2012. These procedures were described by Stewart so that H&S professionals might recognise the good working practices that should be used by contractors.

Stewart finished this comprehensive review with a Q&A session. Should any future queries arise, then Stewart has offered to be provide a free advice and explanation service to LHSG members. His contact details are on the last slide of the presentation where one can find his website, email and phone number 07920 025560.