CLASP buildings and asbestos: What You Need to Know
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Summary of the blog –
- CLASP buildings were built between 1945 and 1980, often in schools.
- Most contain large amounts of asbestos, including asbestos insulating board (AIB).
- Health and Safety Executive (HSE) gave guidance in 2008 on sealing steel columns and managing asbestos safely.
- Duty holders must follow the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and keep surveys and management plans up to date.
- Many schools in Yorkshire still have unsealed asbestos and need urgent checks.
What Are CLASP Buildings?
- CLASP stands for Consortium of Local Authorities Special Programme.
- These are system-built structures used between 1945 and 1980.
- They were mainly built as schools but also used for housing and offices.
- Designed by Charles Herbert Aslin to quickly provide new schools after World War II.
- More than 100 were built in the 1950s alone.
Where asbestos Was Used in CLASP Construction
- Steel frameworks were packed with asbestos insulating board (AIB).
- Pebble-dashed external walls often had asbestos panels.
- Internal walls used asbestos packers around steel columns.
- Many of these buildings still exist in schools across the uk
These buildings were only meant to last 20 years — yet they are still used today.
Health and Safety Executive Guidance on CLASP Buildings
- In 2007, the HSE formed a CLASP working group.
- Guidance was issued in 2007 and updated in 2008.
- It explains how asbestos surrounds the steel columns in CLASP schools.
- Key actions recommended:
- Seal the tops of the columns with expanding foam
- Seal the column casings vertically with silicone
- Label all asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) clearly
📄 View the 2008 HSE CLASP Guidance PDF
📄 HSE Asbestos Checklist for Schools
Duty Holder Responsibilities Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
If you manage or maintain a school, you are the duty holder. You must:
- Have an up-to-date asbestos survey
- Maintain an asbestos management plan
- Share asbestos information with anyone who could disturb it
- Keep records updated and accessible
If you don’t, you are breaking the law.
We carry out asbestos surveys in Yorkshire to help schools and councils stay compliant.
HSE Inspections on CLASP Schools
- In 2009–2010, the HSE inspected CLASP schools through 45 local authorities.
- 32 authorities received advice on how to improve asbestos management.
- 10 authorities were issued enforcement notices.
- A total of 18 improvement notices and one prohibition notice were served.
We still see many CLASP-built schools in Yorkshire that have not followed this guidance.
- Columns remain unsealed.
- Asbestos is unlabelled.
- Staff are unaware of asbestos locations.
This puts people at risk of asbestos exposure every day.
Need an Asbestos Survey on a CLASP Building?
If you manage a CLASP or system-built school or office building in Yorkshire, get it checked.
We can:
- Identify asbestos in CLASP buildings
- Test asbestos insulating board (AIB) in walls and columns
- Create a management plan to keep staff and pupils safe
Frequently Asked Questions
What are CLASP buildings?
CLASP buildings are system-built structures used mainly for schools between 1945 and 1980. They have steel frames and often contain asbestos materials such as asbestos insulating board (AIB).
Why do CLASP buildings contain asbestos?
asbestos was widely used in construction during that period for its heat resistance and strength. It was built into wall panels, packers around steel columns, and ceiling boards in CLASP schools across the UK, including Yorkshire.
Are CLASP schools still used in Yorkshire?
Yes. Many CLASP-built schools are still in use today across Leeds, Bradford and Huddersfield. These buildings were originally intended to last around 20 years but remain occupied decades later.
What should duty holders do about asbestos in CLASP buildings?
Duty holders must follow the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. This includes having an asbestos survey, keeping an asbestos management plan, and sharing information with anyone who may disturb asbestos during work.
How can I check if my school has asbestos in its CLASP structure?
Book an asbestos survey with Complete Asbestos Surveys. Our team can inspect your CLASP building anywhere in Yorkshire, test for asbestos, and create a management plan to keep staff and pupils safe.
Further Reading
