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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Asbestos Safety and Risk Management Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline how {{org_field_name}} identifies, assesses, and manages asbestos-related risks in the context of home care operations to protect staff, contractors, visitors, and the people we support. This policy ensures compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, Regulation 12 – Safe Care and Treatment, and Regulation 15 – Premises and Equipment, and aligns with CQC’s expectations for robust environmental safety systems.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all premises under the control or partial responsibility of {{org_field_name}}, including any offices, storage areas, or service user accommodation where the organisation has influence over the safety and maintenance of the environment. It also applies to all staff, contractors, and others who may be at risk of exposure to asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) during the course of their work.

3. Related Policies

• CH11 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy
• CH15 – Regulated Activities Compliance Policy
• CH16 – Health and Safety at Work Policy
• CH18 – Risk Management and Assessment Policy
• CH22 – Handling and Disposal of Hazardous Substances Policy
• CH24 – Management of Accidents, Incidents, and Near Misses Policy

4. Policy Statement and Responsibilities

Understanding Asbestos Risk
Asbestos is a hazardous material that may be present in buildings constructed before the year 2000. When disturbed, asbestos fibres can be released into the air and inhaled, potentially leading to serious diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. The risk arises during maintenance, refurbishment, or repair work. As {{org_field_name}} operates primarily in home care, we must assess both our business premises and any service user environments where we are responsible for repairs or adaptations.

Organisational Responsibilities
{{org_field_name}} is committed to:

• Identifying any premises where we have control or influence that may contain asbestos
• Arranging for a competent person to carry out asbestos surveys (management or refurbishment surveys as appropriate)
• Maintaining an asbestos register and keeping it up to date
• Implementing and communicating an Asbestos Management Plan where ACMs are identified
• Ensuring safe working procedures for staff and contractors
• Preventing any untrained staff from disturbing or working on suspected ACMs
  The Registered Manager and Health and Safety Lead are jointly responsible for ensuring asbestos risk management procedures are followed.

Staff Responsibilities
All staff must:

• Familiarise themselves with any asbestos risk information relevant to the areas they work in
• Report any signs of damaged materials (e.g. ceiling tiles, pipe lagging) that may contain asbestos
• Never drill, sand, or damage surfaces suspected of containing asbestos
• Cooperate with asbestos surveyors and contractors
• Follow all instructions provided in the Asbestos Management Plan
  Staff are not permitted to carry out any works that may disturb building fabric unless trained and authorised.

Contractor Management
All contractors carrying out maintenance, repair, or refurbishment on {{org_field_name}} premises or areas we manage in service users’ homes must:

• Be vetted for asbestos awareness training and competence
• Be informed of the asbestos risk (including being provided with the asbestos register, if applicable)
• Agree not to disturb any known or suspected ACMs without proper licensing and control measures
• Follow the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and use appropriate PPE, controls, and disposal procedures
  We maintain records of contractor training, risk assessments, and method statements before work begins.

Training and Awareness
All relevant staff will receive basic asbestos awareness training as part of their health and safety induction. This includes:

• Understanding what asbestos is and where it may be found
• How to recognise signs of ACM damage
• Procedures for reporting concerns or potential exposure
  Refresher training is provided annually or when changes in regulations or service arrangements occur.

Risk Assessment and Management
Where {{org_field_name}} has maintenance responsibilities (e.g. in an office or owned building), we will:

• Conduct asbestos surveys through qualified assessors
• Maintain and review an Asbestos Management Plan detailing condition, risk level, and control measures
• Label known ACMs where appropriate and safe to do so
• Schedule inspections and maintenance to prevent deterioration of ACMs
• Update risk assessments following any incidents or property changes
  In situations where we do not own or manage service user property, we will record any asbestos concerns reported by staff and advise the person or their landlord appropriately.

Emergency Procedures
If asbestos-containing material is accidentally disturbed:

• Staff must stop work immediately and evacuate the area
• The incident must be reported to the Registered Manager and Health and Safety Lead
• The area must be secured and marked to prevent access
• A licensed asbestos contractor must be engaged to assess and remediate the area
• An internal investigation is carried out, and findings are logged under CH24 – Incident Management
  Exposure incidents are documented, and health advice is provided to affected staff.

Documentation and Record-Keeping
The following records are maintained securely and updated as required:

• Asbestos surveys and reports
• Asbestos register and locations
• Training records
• Contractor risk assessments and method statements
• Incident reports and action plans
  All records are reviewed annually and are available to CQC inspectors on request as evidence of our compliance with Regulation 15 – Premises and Equipment.

5. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or earlier in response to regulatory changes, identification of new ACMs, or after an asbestos-related incident. The Registered Manager is responsible for ensuring the review is completed and that any amendments are communicated to staff and contractors.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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