School Unexpected Asbestos Discovery Stop-Work Procedure

Purpose and applicability

Use this procedure during maintenance, construction, refurbishment or demolition work where additional asbestos or suspected asbestos is found unexpectedly. It applies where the work is being carried out under the school’s arrangements for authorised work.

Stop work

If additional asbestos or suspected asbestos is uncovered, stop the work immediately. Do not continue the affected work while the discovery is being dealt with.

Make the area safe

Make the area safe in accordance with [site area control arrangement]. Maintain the area in that safe condition while the discovery is assessed.

Record and report the discovery

Record the discovery using [discovery record name] and report it to [responsible role]. Include the location, the work being undertaken and the material found, using the information available at the time.

Reassess the work

Before any work continues, reassess the work in response to the discovery. Review the relevant assessment and method statement and update them where necessary.

Authorise restart

Do not restart the affected work until the reassessment has been completed and restart has been authorised by [restart authorising role].

Restart

Once the work has been reassessed and appropriately authorised, restart only in accordance with the reviewed assessment and method statement.