Managing Asbestos in Your Care Home

Asbestos may seem like a problem of the past, but it remains a significant issue for care homes across the UK. Many older properties still contain asbestos, and failing to manage it properly can pose serious risks to health, safety, and compliance with regulations.

We understand the complexities of asbestos management and its impact on your insurance. By taking proactive steps, you can protect residents, staff, and your care home’s reputation while minimising risks and potential costs.

Why Is Asbestos a Concern?

Asbestos is a hazardous material commonly found in buildings constructed before 2000. While it is safe if left undisturbed, damaged or deteriorating asbestos can release fibres into the air, which can cause serious health conditions such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer when inhaled.

For care homes, the presence of asbestos not only poses a health risk but also brings regulatory and insurance implications. Failing to manage it effectively can result in penalties, claims, or even loss of cover.

Essential Steps for Asbestos Management

1. Asbestos Surveys

A professional asbestos survey is the first step to understanding whether your care home contains asbestos and, if so, where it is located. There are two main types of surveys:

• Management Surveys: For ongoing, non-disruptive maintenance and occupancy.
• Refurbishment or Demolition Surveys: For planned renovations or demolition work.

These surveys provide a detailed report on the location, type, and condition of asbestos in your building.

2. Removal or Making Safe

If asbestos is found, you have two main options:

• Removal: In cases where asbestos is damaged or could be disturbed, professional removal may be necessary.
• Making Safe: If asbestos is in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed, it can often be sealed or encapsulated to prevent fibre release.

All work must be carried out by licensed professionals to ensure safety and compliance.

3. Evidence and Documentation

After any asbestos-related work, it is crucial to obtain an Asbestos Make Safe Report. This document provides evidence that any asbestos risks have been addressed, which is essential for compliance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Insurers may also require this as part of your risk management documentation.

How Asbestos Impacts Insurance

Insurers take asbestos management seriously, as it directly affects the risk profile of your care home. Proper asbestos surveys, removal or mitigation, and documentation can:

• Reduce liability risks: Protect your home against potential claims from residents, staff, or visitors exposed to asbestos.
• Ensure compliance: Demonstrating proactive asbestos management shows insurers that you are meeting legal obligations, which can influence premiums positively.
• Minimise operational risks: Failing to manage asbestos can lead to enforcement actions, disruptions to your care home’s operations, or loss of insurance cover.

Risk Mitigation and Proactive Measures

To stay ahead of potential issues, care homes should:

• Conduct regular asbestos inspections to monitor its condition.
• Maintain clear records of all asbestos-related surveys, removal, and make-safe reports.
• Train staff on recognising and reporting potential asbestos hazards.
• Communicate with insurers to ensure they are aware of your efforts to manage asbestos risks.

Partnering with Quality Care Group

At Quality Care Group QCG, we’re committed to helping care homes navigate complex risk management challenges like asbestos, that's why we have been awarded 'Risk Mitigation Strategy of the Year' at the Claims Excellence Awards 2025. We provide advice on regulatory compliance, assist with finding the right insurance cover, and ensure you have the support you need to maintain a safe environment.

If you’re concerned about asbestos in your care home or want to understand its impact on your insurance, contact us today. Together, we’ll build a safer, compliant future for your care home.