History of Asbestos Use in Public Buildings: What Modern Managers Need to Know

Scott Bradley
Dec 5, 2024
4 min read

In the early 20th century, asbestos was a marvel of modern engineering—a material that promised safety, efficiency, and progress. Public buildings like schools, hospitals, and government offices were constructed with asbestos woven into their very foundations. It was in the walls, ceilings, and floors, protecting against fire and insulating against heat. Few questioned its presence, and even fewer suspected its hidden dangers.

For decades, architects and engineers hailed asbestos as the ultimate building material, one that could withstand extreme temperatures and last for generations. But behind the scenes, health experts were beginning to sound the alarm. As early as the 1930s, reports of workers falling ill in asbestos factories were quietly ignored. By the 1960s, the link between asbestos fibres and deadly diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis could no longer be denied [1].

One former teacher, diagnosed with mesothelioma decades after working in a school built in the 1950s, described the chalky dust that would settle on desks after maintenance work. “We had no idea,” she said. “It was just part of the building.” Her story is a tragic reminder of the lasting human cost of a material once seen as a symbol of progress.

Today, public building managers inherit this legacy. Understanding the history of asbestos—and its role in construction—is essential to protecting their buildings' occupants and ensuring compliance with modern safety standards.

The Rise of Asbestos: A Material Ahead of Its Time

Asbestos has been used since ancient times, with the Greeks and Romans praising its fire-resistant qualities. By the Industrial Revolution, its use exploded as advances in construction demanded affordable, durable, and insulating materials.

From the 1940s to the 1980s, asbestos was a cornerstone of construction in the UK. It could be found in everything from roofing tiles and pipe insulation to sprayed coatings and floor tiles. Public buildings, designed to serve large communities, often relied on asbestos for its fireproofing and insulation properties [2]. However, these same properties made asbestos hazardous: when disturbed, it released microscopic fibres that could lodge in the lungs, causing irreversible damage.

When the Law Changed

For decades, asbestos’ dangers were an open secret in some industries, but its widespread use continued. The tide began to turn in the 1970s as public awareness grew and lawsuits emerged. In the UK, regulations tightened, beginning with the 1985 ban on blue and brown asbestos, followed by the prohibition of white asbestos in 1999 [1].

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 consolidated earlier laws, placing a legal obligation on building managers to actively identify, manage, and monitor asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) [2]. For public buildings, this law marked a significant shift, requiring greater accountability to protect both workers and the public.

Locating and Registering Asbestos

Managing asbestos begins with identifying it. A professional asbestos survey, conducted according to HSG264: Asbestos: The Survey Guide, is the first step. Surveys identify ACMs, assess their condition, and determine the risk of disturbance [3].

Once ACMs are identified, they must be recorded in an asbestos register, a live document that tracks their location, condition, and any actions taken. This register is essential for ensuring everyone—building staff, contractors, and inspectors—knows where asbestos is located and how to avoid disturbing it [3].

The Role of Building Managers During Renovations

Renovations or upgrades to public buildings often disturb ACMs, making careful planning essential. Building managers must:

Review the asbestos register and survey ACMs before any work begins [3].
Update the asbestos management plan (AMP) to reflect changes in the building’s structure or usage [2].
Ensure contractors receive asbestos awareness training and know how to handle ACMs responsibly [1].

Neglecting these duties not only endangers lives but also exposes building managers to legal and financial repercussions.

Practical Steps for Managing Asbestos Safely

Building managers can fulfil their duty of care by following these steps:

Schedule a professional asbestos survey.
- Ensure your building is inspected according to HSG264 [3].
Maintain and update the asbestos register.
- Record ACMs’ condition, location, and any actions taken to manage them [3].
Develop a robust asbestos management plan (AMP).
- Adapt the AMP whenever renovations or updates occur [2].
Provide asbestos awareness training.
- Train staff and contractors to minimise the risk of accidental exposure [1].
Monitor ACMs regularly.
- Conduct routine inspections to ensure ACMs remain undisturbed and in good condition [3].

Lessons from History

The story of asbestos is a cautionary tale of convenience at the cost of safety. Its widespread use—and eventual ban—highlight the consequences of ignoring early warning signs. By learning from history, modern building managers can adopt proactive measures to protect their occupants, comply with regulations, and avoid the severe consequences of negligence [1].

One key takeaway? Proactive asbestos management saves lives, prevents costly lawsuits, and protects reputations.

Take Action Today

Proper asbestos management isn’t just a legal obligation—it’s a moral one. By addressing asbestos risks head-on, you can safeguard lives and create a safe environment for future generations.

📞 Contact us today to schedule an asbestos survey or learn more about how we can help.

References:

Health and Safety Executive. (1999). The Asbestos (Prohibitions) Regulations.
Health and Safety Executive. (2012). Control of Asbestos Regulations.
Health and Safety Executive. (2012). HSG264: Asbestos: The Survey Guide.