Are you confident you're meeting your HSE requirements for Asbestos Priority Risk Assessments?
As a Duty Holder, ensuring you have undertaken an assessment of the risk posed by Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) on your site is a legal requirement under Regulation 4 of The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012). This assessment is comprised of two parts, the first is the material assessment which is usually completed by an asbestos surveyor using their experience and knowledge, the second part of the assessment is the Priority Risk Assessment (PRA) and it is your responsibility to complete/verify the PRA using your detailed knowledge of the building.
Chris Wood’s comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about Asbestos PRAs and how to maintain compliance.
What is an Asbestos Priority Risk Assessment?
The Approved Code of Practice L143 and HSE Guidance HSG 227 provide guidance on completing the PRA which is a crucial component of an asbestos register. Your asbestos register is simply a list of all known or presumed asbestos within a building which may have been identified during an Asbestos Management Survey or during an Asbestos Refurbishment & Demolition Survey and should also include a list of areas which have not been accessed . PRAs go beyond identifying ACMs – they provide a systematic approach to prioritising the management of known asbestos items, effectively creating a roadmap for addressing potential risks in order of importance.
The assessment process combines four key factors, each with their own sub factors scored between 0 and 3:
- Main type of activity in the area
- Likelihood of disturbance
- Human exposure potential
- Maintenance activity
The sub factors are then averaged for each key factor and the total of all 4 key factors are totalled together create an overall priority assessment score which when added to the material assessment score helps Duty Holders make informed decisions about asbestos management actions.
Context Is Key for a PRA
The most effective PRAs emerge from collaboration between the Asbestos Surveyor and Duty Holder. While surveyors bring technical expertise about the materials themselves, the Duty Holder contributes essential knowledge about:
- Day-to-day building operations
- Occupancy patterns
- Maintenance schedules
- Planned future activities
This partnership ensures that the final assessment accurately reflects both the technical aspects of the asbestos materials and the practical realities of how the building is used, creating a more comprehensive and useful management tool.
Understanding these assessments is fundamental to maintaining a safe environment for all building users.
Asbestos Legal Requirements and Compliance
Under HSG 227 guidance, Duty Holders must take an active role in the PRA process. While having a qualified surveyor complete initial assessments is important, it’s not sufficient on its own.
‘Although a surveyor may have some of the information which will contribute to the risk assessment and may be part of an assessment team, you, as the dutyholder […] are required to make the risk assessment, using the information given in the survey report and your detailed knowledge of the activities carried out within your premises. The risk assessment will form the basis of the management plan, so it is important that it is accurate’
The guidance specifically requires verification by someone intimately familiar with the building’s operations. This dual-approach ensures both technical expertise and practical knowledge inform the final assessment.
Who is responsible for completing Asbestos PRAs?
The legal responsibility for Asbestos PRAs ultimately rests with the Duty Holder even though surveyors can provide initial assessments.
Your detailed knowledge of building activities and operations is essential for creating accurate, compliant assessments. This collaborative approach ensures all risk factors are properly considered and evaluated.
How often should Asbestos PRAs be reviewed?
Regular review of your PRAs is essential for maintaining safety and compliance. Reviews should be conducted when the use of an area with known asbestos materials changes, maintenance patterns alter, or following any incidents. Additionally, periodic asbestos reinspections and the introduction of new activities should trigger a review. This proactive approach helps ensure your risk assessments remain current and effective.
What happens if PRAs aren’t properly verified?
The HSE has taken enforcement action against organisations for failing to verifiy and/or have input into their priority risk assessments. Beyond legal non-compliance, unverified PRAs can lead to increased risks for building occupants, significant financial penalties, and lasting reputational damage.
Recent cases have highlighted the importance of proper verification and input into the priority risk assessment by the duty holder in maintaining safety and compliance.
What does the PRA verification process involve?
The verification process combines technical expertise with practical knowledge through:
- Comprehensive review of each ACM
- Discussion of building/area usage patterns
- Assessment of maintenance activities
- Documentation of verification decisions
- Official sign-off by building representative
Asbestos PRA Services
Our expert team provides comprehensive support throughout the PRA process. We begin with initial assessments, guide you through verification, and ensure all documentation meets current requirements.
Our approach combines technical expertise with practical understanding, delivering peace of mind and full compliance.
Contact our experts today to arrange your verification session. Our team will guide you through the process, ensuring your assessments meet all current requirements while protecting your organisation and its occupants.
