Key points to cover
- Asbestos was widely used in UK buildings constructed before 2000 — assume it may be present in any pre-2000 building
- You CANNOT identify asbestos by looking at it — only laboratory analysis can confirm it
- Common locations: insulation boards, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, pipe lagging, textured coatings (Artex), roof sheets, and soffits
- If you suspect asbestos: STOP work immediately, keep people away, and report to your supervisor
- Only licensed contractors may do licensable asbestos work — such as removing sprayed coatings or pipe lagging, and work on asbestos insulating board (AIB) that isn't short duration
- Duty holders must have an asbestos management plan and survey before any refurbishment or demolition work
Do's and don'ts
Do
- Check the asbestos register before starting work
- Attend asbestos awareness training and keep your certificate current
- Report any damaged or deteriorating suspect materials to your supervisor
- Follow the site-specific emergency procedure if asbestos is discovered
- Wash your hands and face before eating, drinking, or smoking on site
Don't
- Never drill, cut, sand, or scrape materials that could contain asbestos without confirmation they are asbestos-free
- Never use power tools on suspect materials
- Never sweep up asbestos dust or debris with a normal broom
- Never take contaminated clothing home — use disposable overalls where required
- Never ignore damaged asbestos-containing materials — even if they look small
Questions to check understanding
Q1: How many people die from asbestos-related disease in the UK each year?
Show the answer
Around 5,000 people per year, according to HSE figures. The main diseases are mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, and asbestosis.
Q2: Can you identify asbestos just by looking at it?
Show the answer
No. Asbestos fibres are too small to see with the naked eye, and many asbestos-containing materials look identical to non-asbestos alternatives. Only laboratory analysis can confirm the presence of asbestos.
Q3: What should you do if you accidentally disturb suspected asbestos?
Show the answer
Stop work immediately, move yourself and others away from the area, prevent access (close doors, put up barriers), do not try to clean up, and report it to your supervisor straight away.
Q4: In what year did it become illegal to use asbestos in UK construction?
Show the answer
Asbestos was fully banned in the UK in 1999. However, buildings constructed before 2000 may still contain asbestos-containing materials installed before the ban.
This is general guidance for UK construction sites. Check it against your own risk assessment, method statement and the site before you deliver it.