Asbestos may seem like an issue of the past, but it remains a concern for many UK hotels. If your hotel was built or renovated before 2000, it may still contain asbestos. This is especially important during renovations, since work can disturb materials that were once safe.
Asbestos is not always dangerous, but it does require careful management. Knowing where it might be and how to handle it helps keep your guests, staff and contractors safe. In this article, we take a closer look at asbestos and whether hotel owners, managers and contractors should be concerned about it.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of tiny fibres. For decades, it was widely used in construction because it’s strong, heat-resistant, and provides excellent insulation. These qualities made it popular in hotels, particularly in fire protection, pipe insulation and structural materials.
The issue with asbestos is that its fibres are very harmful if inhaled. Exposure can cause serious illnesses such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma, sometimes many years after contact. Because of these dangers, asbestos was completely banned in the UK in 1999. Many buildings built or altered before then, including many hotels, may still contain asbestos.
Where might asbestos be found in a hotel?
Asbestos is usually within materials, so it’s not obvious whether it is present. In a hotel, asbestos may be found in a wide range of locations, including:
- Pipe lagging and boiler insulation
- Ceiling tiles and other textured coatings
- Floor tiles and adhesives
- Fire doors and partition walls
- Roof sheets and insulation boards
Areas such as plant rooms, bedrooms, corridors, reception areas, dining rooms and function spaces may all contain asbestos. When renovating a hotel, even small jobs such as drilling, rewiring or removing old fixtures can disturb asbestos if it has not been identified and managed first.
Should I be concerned about asbestos?
Materials containing asbestos only become dangerous when they’re disturbed, and fibres get into the air. If the materials are in good order, they’re usually less of a concern. But hotels often require regular maintenance and renovations, which can increase the risk of asbestos.
Renovating a hotel often involves removing walls, replacing ceilings and removing floor tiles, all of which may contain asbestos. This work can cause the fibres to break up and be released into the atmosphere, increasing the risk to contractors, staff and guests.
Even if your hotel has asbestos-containing materials, you can still renovate, but you’ll need to take precautions and comply with regulations to ensure it is managed properly.
What should hotels do to manage asbestos?
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, it is a legal requirement for businesses such as hotels to manage asbestos properly. It is the responsibility of the hotel owner, operator, or manager to ensure that the correct procedures are followed. Good asbestos management begins with understanding where asbestos may be found and planning ahead.
Key steps in good asbestos management include:
- Commissioning an appropriate asbestos survey for the building
- Keeping an up-to-date asbestos register
- Creating and maintaining a written asbestos management plan
- Making sure staff and contractors know where asbestos is located
- Reviewing asbestos information before any refurbishment or maintenance work
If you are renovating a hotel, you will typically need a refurbishment and demolition survey before work begins. This helps identify any asbestos and ensures it is handled safely before any work is disturbed.
What to do if you suspect asbestos
If you find something that may contain asbestos, do not touch or attempt to remove it. Stop work right away and keep people out of the area. Get a qualified asbestos professional to inspect the material and advise you on what to do next. If it needs to be removed, only licensed contractors should perform the work and follow proper safety protocols.
Contact us
If you’re planning on refurbishing a hotel or are unsure about your current asbestos arrangements, we can help. Our team of experts can help you manage your asbestos risk and guide you through every step of your hotel refurbishment.
Get in touch with us to discuss your requirements.
