Exams / HS&E SAF / Managing asbestos in buildings
Managing asbestos in buildings questions for the Services and facilities maintenance (SAF) specialist test 5 free questions on Managing asbestos in buildings, from section E. Specialist: HVACE – services and facilities maintenance. Every question is original and explains why each option is right or wrong.
Last verified October 2026 against HSE guidance and the law ·How we write our questions
You look after the services in an office block and a shop.
Which premises does the duty to manage asbestos cover?
Choose one answer.
A A. Only buildings built before 1950B B. Only homesC C. Only buildings over 10 storeysD D. All non-domestic premisesShow the answer and explanation Answer: D
A. Wrong: Wrong. It covers all non-domestic premises.B. Wrong: Wrong. It covers non-domestic premises.C. Wrong: Wrong. It covers all non-domestic premises.D. Right: Right. HSE says the duty to manage asbestos covers all non-domestic premises, like factories or shops.Explanation The duty to manage asbestos applies to all non-domestic premises.
Study A building owner hires a managing agent to handle asbestos tasks.
Can the legal duty to manage asbestos be passed to the agent?
Choose one answer.
A A. No, only the tasks can be passed onB B. Yes, the agent takes on the whole dutyC C. Yes, if the agent signs a formD D. Yes, after a yearShow the answer and explanation Answer: A
A. Right: Right. HSE says a managing agent can take on tasks, but the legal obligation under the duty to manage cannot be passed to them.B. Wrong: Wrong. The legal obligation can't be passed on.C. Wrong: Wrong. The legal obligation can't be passed on.D. Wrong: Wrong. The legal obligation can't be passed on.Explanation Agents can do asbestos management tasks, but the legal duty stays with the dutyholder.
Study You are updating a building's asbestos register.
What does HSE say it should include?
Choose one answer.
A A. Only the colour of the wallsB B. Its location, type and conditionC C. Only the date the building opened and who opened itD D. Only the names of the cleanersShow the answer and explanation Answer: B
A. Wrong: Wrong. It needs location, type and condition.B. Right: Right. HSE says the asbestos register should include the location, type and condition of the asbestos found.C. Wrong: Wrong. It needs location, type and condition.D. Wrong: Wrong. It needs location, type and condition.Explanation An asbestos register records the location, type and condition of asbestos.
Study A contractor is coming in to run new cables above a ceiling.
What must the dutyholder do?
Choose one answer.
A A. Only tell them if they ask for it twice in writingB B. Tell them after the jobC C. Give them the asbestos informationD D. Keep it secret to avoid alarmShow the answer and explanation Answer: C
A. Wrong: Wrong. Share the information.B. Wrong: Wrong. Share it before work starts.C. Right: Right. HSE says provide information to anyone who might work on or disturb the asbestos.D. Wrong: Wrong. Share the information.Explanation Give asbestos information to anyone who might disturb it, before they start.
Study There is no clear agreement about who is responsible for maintaining a building.
Who has the duty to manage asbestos?
Choose one answer.
A A. Nobody, until it is agreedB B. The local councilC C. The last builder who worked on the premisesD D. Whoever has control of the premisesShow the answer and explanation Answer: D
A. Wrong: Wrong. Whoever has control is responsible.B. Wrong: Wrong. Whoever has control is responsible.C. Wrong: Wrong. Whoever has control is responsible.D. Right: Right. HSE says where there is no clear agreement, whoever has control of the premises, or part of them, is responsible.Explanation With no clear agreement, whoever controls the premises has the duty to manage asbestos.
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