Asbestos Awareness In Schools And Public Buildings Across Kent

Asbestos might feel like an issue from the past, yet for many schools, community centres and public buildings across Kent, it is still very much a present-day responsibility. Any property built before 2000 can contain asbestos, and for education providers, councils and building managers, awareness is essential. In this blog, we share how asbestos awareness in buildings across Kent can be strengthened, what responsible management looks like and how the right approach helps safeguard staff, students and the wider public. 

All About Asbestos delivers specialist asbestos surveying and remediation services across Kent with over 30 years of experience, helping schools and public buildings maintain safe, compliant environments through professional management and removal solutions. If you need professional guidance or an asbestos survey for your property, speak to our team today. Call us on 01843 600765 or email info@allaboutasbestos.co.uk for expert support. 

Why Kent’s Public Buildings Need Enhanced Asbestos Awareness 

Kent’s architectural sector tells a story of decades past, and unfortunately, that story includes widespread asbestos use. Between the 1950s and late 1990s, asbestos was the wonder material, cheap, fireproof, durable, and perfect for everything from insulation to flooring. Today, many schools, hospitals, community centres, and government buildings across Canterbury, Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, and beyond still contain these materials. 

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 places a legal duty on those responsible for maintaining non-domestic premises to manage asbestos risks effectively. For schools and public buildings, this means identifying where asbestos exists, assessing its condition, and implementing management plans to prevent exposure. The challenge is that many building managers and maintenance staff lack proper awareness of what asbestos looks like, where it’s commonly found, or how to respond when it’s discovered. 

Here’s what makes schools and public buildings particularly vulnerable. These facilities undergo constant use, frequent maintenance, and periodic renovations. A well-meaning caretaker drilling into a wall to hang a notice board, contractors cutting through ceiling tiles during electrical work, or even natural wear and tear can disturb asbestos materials. Without proper awareness and training, these routine activities transform into potential health hazards. 

Kent’s local authorities and school trusts have made significant progress in asbestos management, but gaps remain. Some older buildings lack comprehensive asbestos registers, staff turnover means training needs refreshing, and budget constraints can delay necessary surveys or remediation work. This is where asbestos awareness in buildings in Kent becomes critical, not as a one-time exercise but as an ongoing commitment to safety. 

Strengthening Asbestos Awareness In Schools And Public Buildings Across Kent 

Each site has unique risks and responsibilities, yet the principles of strong asbestos management remain the same. Below, we explore the core points that matter most for property managers across Kent who want to ensure safe, practical and compliant asbestos control. 

1. Understanding Material Locations And Usage Patterns

Knowing where asbestos is likely to be located helps staff avoid accidental disturbance. Schools often have textured coatings, ceiling tiles, old window panels or boiler rooms that require careful monitoring. Public buildings may have plant rooms, storage areas or older extensions that contain hidden materials. Awareness of these areas reduces day-to-day risk.

2. Prioritising Clear And Updated Asbestos Registers

A register is only helpful if it is accurate and accessible. We often see outdated documents that no longer reflect the latest building changes. By keeping the register current, dutyholders ensure their teams, contractors and maintenance staff have the correct information before carrying out any task.

3. Training Staff To Recognise And Respond Safely

Training does not need to be technical, but it does need to be consistent. Staff who understand what asbestos looks like, where it may be found and what to avoid are far less likely to disturb hazardous materials. Awareness training is an investment in safer daily operations.

4. Ensuring Safe Maintenance And Refurbishment Planning

Any building works, from routine maintenance to complete refurbishment, must start with proper asbestos checks. This is where asbestos surveys play a vital role. Management surveys support day-to-day use, while refurbishment surveys are essential for intrusive works that could disturb hidden materials.

5. Implementing Strong Communication Protocols

Schools and public buildings often work with external contractors, from decorators to electricians. Clear communication ensures that everyone entering the premises understands where asbestos is located and how to work safely around it. This reduces the chance of accidental damage. 

6. Responding Quickly To Damage Or Deterioration

If a wall panel cracks, a ceiling tile becomes loose, or a boiler room component deteriorates, immediate action is essential. Swift assessment prevents exposure, ensures building users stay safe and keeps compliance on track. Our team frequently supports schools and public sites needing rapid asbestos testing or guidance.

7. Partnering With Qualified Professionals

The safest buildings are those that rely on proper expertise. From asbestos sampling and testing to removal and waste disposal, professional input ensures compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations. This builds confidence among teachers, caretakers, council staff and community members who rely on safe environments. 

By focusing on these core areas, schools and public buildings across Kent can achieve meaningful asbestos awareness that supports everyday safety and long-term compliance. 

Conclusion 

Strong asbestos awareness in buildings across Kent helps safeguard the people who rely on your site every day. At All About Asbestos, we bring over 30 years of industry experience, certified surveyors and a commitment to safe, accurate and approachable asbestos management. Whether you need detailed asbestos surveys, sampling and testing, removal, waste disposal or ongoing management plans, we are here to help you build safe environments that meet all legal requirements. 

If you are ready to strengthen asbestos awareness across your school or public building, call us on 01843 600765 or email info@allaboutasbestos.co.uk to request a quote or arrange a survey. 

FAQs 

1. What is the safest way to manage asbestos in active school buildings?

The safest approach is to maintain an up-to-date asbestos register, conduct regular surveys and ensure staff understand how to avoid disturbing known materials.

2. How often should asbestos surveys be updated for public buildings?

We recommend reviewing and updating surveys whenever building use changes or refurbishment work is planned. Regular inspections help maintain accuracy. 

3. What signs suggest asbestos-containing materials may need attention?

Damage, deterioration, water leaks or age-related wear can all indicate that a material requires assessment. Avoid disturbing it and seek professional guidance immediately.

4. Who is responsible for asbestos awareness in a school or public building?

The dutyholder, such as a headteacher, site manager, or council representative, is responsible for ensuring that asbestos is managed safely and in compliance with the law.

5. Can asbestos be safely removed during term time or building operation hours?

Yes, with proper planning and containment procedures. Our team carries out removals discreetly to minimise disruption and ensure complete safety.