Managing an industrial facility comes with more responsibilities than most people realise — from machinery to maintenance, safety protocols to compliance. But there’s one hidden hazard that still catches many facility managers off guard: asbestos.
At WestCross Environmental Services, we’ve seen our fair share of industrial sites where asbestos was lurking in plain sight — or worse, disturbed without anyone realising. Whether you’re overseeing a factory, warehouse, or processing plant, here’s what you need to know (and act on) when it comes to asbestos.
Why Asbestos Is So Common in Industrial Sites
During the post-war building boom, asbestos was the go-to material for insulation, fireproofing, and durability. Industrial buildings were prime candidates for its use, meaning:
- Older factories (pre-2000) are high-risk zones
- Even “upgraded” sites may still contain legacy ACMs
- Maintenance teams often disturb it unknowingly
💡 Did you know? Asbestos was often layered into industrial systems — meaning even buildings that have had partial renovations could still have hidden ACMs.
Common Places You’ll Find Asbestos in Industrial Facilities
- Lagging around industrial boilers and pipework
- Sprayed coatings on ceilings, beams, or walls for fireproofing
- Asbestos insulating board (AIB) in plant rooms or electrical cupboards
- Floor tiles and adhesives in old office spaces or welfare blocks
- Roof sheets, soffits, and wall panels in warehouses or outbuildings
- Old gaskets, ropes, and seals used in industrial equipment
And don’t forget the big one: asbestos cement roofs — still alarmingly common across older depots and storage units.
Why This Matters for Facility Managers
Facility managers are legally responsible for the safety of their sites. If asbestos is disturbed — during maintenance, renovations, or even accidental damage — it can:
- Trigger serious health risks for staff and contractors
- Lead to project delays and expensive clean-ups
- Expose you to legal penalties for non-compliance
🧠 Think about it: Do all your on-site contractors know what to look for? Are you confident no one’s drilling into a panel that contains AIB?
Your Legal Responsibilities
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, duty holders must:
✅ Identify and manage asbestos risks on site
✅ Provide access to an up-to-date asbestos register
✅ Ensure contractors are informed before starting work
✅ Take immediate action if suspected asbestos is disturbed
If you can’t answer “yes” to all of the above — it’s time for a professional asbestos survey.
How WestCross Can Help
We support industrial clients across the UK with:
- Management and refurbishment asbestos surveys
- Licensed and non-licensed asbestos removal
- Ongoing monitoring and re-inspection services
- Emergency response in the event of accidental disturbance
Our team operates discreetly, efficiently, and always in full compliance with HSE guidance — so you stay protected and fully compliant.
FAQs – Industrial Asbestos & Facility Management
1. Do all industrial buildings contain asbestos?
Not all — but any built before 2000 may contain it. The only way to be sure is with a professional asbestos survey.
2. What type of asbestos is most dangerous in industrial settings?
Sprayed coatings, pipe lagging, and AIB are especially hazardous due to their friability — meaning they can release fibres easily when disturbed.
3. Is it safe to work in a building with known asbestos?
Yes — if it’s undisturbed, well managed, and regularly inspected. But any planned works must factor in asbestos risks to avoid exposure.
4. Who is legally responsible for managing asbestos on-site?
The designated “duty holder” — often the facility manager, building owner, or employer — is legally responsible under UK asbestos regulations.
5. What should I do if asbestos has been accidentally disturbed?
Evacuate the area, seal it off, and call a licensed asbestos removal company like WestCross immediately. Do not attempt to clean it up yourself.
Call Us Today
If you’re managing an industrial facility and haven’t had an asbestos survey — or aren’t sure your current register is up to date — now’s the time to act.
📞 0330 043 9222
📧 info@westcross-es.co.uk
Your site’s safety and compliance depend on it — and WestCross is here to help you get it right.
