Asbestos - Where is it found?

Where is asbestos found?

Asbestos could be present in any building that was built or refurbished before the year 2000. Search the house using asbestosvision to see where asbestos could be hiding.

Water Tank:
Is usually made of asbestos cement and is often found in older houses (pre 1980).
Pipe Lagging:
Asbestos insulation on pipes. Used to keep heat in or cold out. Often painted over or protected by outer coating so not obviously asbestos.
House Insulation:
Loose asbestos can be found as insulation in wall and floor cavities and in lofts.
Textured coating (eg artex):
Can be found throughout house on ceilings and sometimes walls.
Soffit Board (roof overhang):
Soffit board sits behind fascia at eaves level. Board can be made from asbestos cement or asbestos insulating board.
Toilet cistern:
Toilet cisterns can contain asbestos-reinforced resin composite materials.
Wall Panelling:
Asbestos can be found as external wall cladding and as internal wall panelling both particularly around windows.
Fuse box:
Often found in hall or under stairs. Each fuse wire has an individual asbestos flash guard. Panel behind fuse box can be asbestos.
Heater Cupboard:
Heater cupboard around domestic boiler often contains asbestos insulating board.
Floor tiles:
Vinyl and thermoplastic floor tiles can contain asbestos. The tile backing may also contain asbestos paper.
Rainwater items:
Roof gutters and down pipes can often be made of asbestos cement.

How should I handle it?

Know your rights! What you should be told before starting work

What is the danger?

Asbestos can cause four main diseases, including mesothelioma which is always fatal

HSE's Infoline
0845 3450055

Asbestos Training Association
Independent Asbestos Training Providers
Other organisations offer training
Asbestos Essentials
Information leaflets [PDF]
Workplace posters [PDF]

Where is asbestos found?

How should I handle it?

What is the danger?

HSE's Infoline0845 3450055

HSE's Infoline
0845 3450055