Introduction to asbestos

Asbestos is the single greatest cause of work-related deaths in the UK.

As long as asbestos is in good condition and is not disturbed or damaged there is negligible risk. However, if it is disturbed or damaged, it can become a danger to health, because asbestos fibres are released into the air and people may breathe them in.

Why asbestos is dangerous

Although it is now illegal to use asbestos in the construction or refurbishment of any premises, many thousands of tonnes of it were used in the past in such things as:

• lagging on plant and pipework
• insulation products such as fireproof panels
• asbestos cement roofing material
• sprayed coatings on structural steel work to insulate against fire and noise

Much of this material is still in place. However, buildings constructed after 2000 are unlikely to contain asbestos materials.

• Where can you find asbestos?
• Asbestos analysis and measurement

Managing asbestos in buildings

If you are responsible for the maintenance and repair of non-domestic premises, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 require you to:

• take reasonable steps to find out if there are asbestos-containing materials present and, if so, how much material, where it is, what type it is (for example, tile, boards, lagging) and what condition it is in
• make, and keep up-to-date, a record of the location and condition of the asbestos-containing materials (or materials which are presumed to contain asbestos)
• clearly identify any areas that have not been accessed/surveyed
• prepare a plan that sets out how the risks from these materials will be managed
• take the necessary steps to put the plan into action
• provide information on the location and condition of any asbestos-containing materials to anyone who is liable to work on or disturb them

Do not:

• disturb asbestos - it’s only dangerous when disturbed and if safely managed and contained, it’s not a health hazard
• remove asbestos unnecessarily - this can be more dangerous than leaving it in place and managing it

• The duty to manage asbestos
• A step-by-step guide to the duty to manage asbestos

Working with materials containing asbestos

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 apply to all types of work involving asbestos and materials containing asbestos. They place specific duties on employers and the self-employed.

You must find out if materials containing asbestos are present. If possible, before you start, plan any work to avoid disturbing these materials.

If you have to carry out work which may disturb materials containing asbestos, you must prevent exposure to asbestos fibres. Or where this is not reasonably practicable, reduce any exposure to as low as reasonably practicable by using appropriate control measures and having management systems in place.

Anyone who is going to work on material containing asbestos must be suitably trained and supervised.

Higher-risk work, such as most asbestos removal, must only be undertaken by a licensed contractor, but any decision on whether particular work is licensable is based on an assessment of the risk.

Working safely with asbestos