Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals that were used extensively across the UK until the late 20th century for fire protection, insulation, and durability until their prohibition in 1999. ACMs remain common in the built environment including homes, schools, hospitals, public buildings, industrial premises, and plant rooms, and any building constructed before 2000 should be presumed to contain asbestos unless strong evidence confirms otherwise.
Asbestos fibres can become airborne when materials are damaged or disturbed. Inhalation of these fibres can cause severe and often fatal diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. These illnesses have long latency periods, and current HSE statistics show over 5,000 asbestos-related deaths occur annually in the UK alone. Tradespeople and contractors who unknowingly disturb asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are especially at risk.
The three most commonly used types in the UK were:
- Crocidolite (blue)
- Amosite (brown)
- Chrysotile (white)
ACMs vary in risk depending on friability (The ease with which fibres can be released). Higher‑risk ACMs (friable) include:
- Sprayed coatings
- Pipe thermal insulation
- Asbestos insulation board (AIB)
Lower‑risk ACMs (bonded) include:
- Asbestos cement sheets and pipes
- Thermoplastic floor tiles
- Bitumen products
- Textured coatings (e.g., Artex)
- Reinforced plastics such as toilet cisterns
Asbestos can be found in a wide range of materials and building components, including:
- Roofing sheets, soffits, and rainwater goods
- Ceiling tiles, partition walls, and AIB panels
- Thermal insulation around pipes and boilers
- Floor tiles, adhesives, and bituminous layers
- Textured decorative coatings
- Plant rooms, risers, ceiling voids, ducts, underfloor voids
The Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012 is the principal UK regulation governing asbestos in the workplace. It sets minimum standards for protecting employees and others from asbestos exposure and places specific duties on employers, building owners, and those responsible for maintenance. Key requirements include:
- Reg. 4 – Duty to Manage: Identify ACMs, assess their condition, maintain an up‑to‑date asbestos register, and implement a written Asbestos Management Plan (AMP)
- Reg. 5–6: Identify asbestos before work starts and conduct suitable risk assessments
- Reg. 7–9: Prepare plans of work, follow licensing requirements, and notify certain types of work
- Reg. 10: Provide appropriate training for all who may disturb asbestos
- Reg. 11 & 16: Prevent or reduce exposure and prevent the spread of asbestos
- Reg. 19–22: Air monitoring, medical surveillance, and health record keeping
Surveys are essential to identifying ACMs and determining how to manage them. Two survey types are recommended:
- Management Survey (Non‑intrusive): Used to support safe day‑to‑day occupation of a building. Identifies ACMs that may be disturbed during normal use and routine maintenance. Produces the asbestos register, a core component of the AMP
- Refurbishment & Demolition (R&D) Survey (Fully intrusive and destructive): Required before any refurbishment or demolition work. Ensures ACMs are identified so they can be removed or controlled before work begins
Where asbestos is present or presumed to be present, the duty holder must prepare a written Asbestos Management Plan (AMP). The AMP is a live, ongoing document that describes how asbestos risks will be controlled throughout the building’s lifecycle. It must be reviewed at least annually or after significant changes.
Written by Daniel Prosser, MSc CMIOSH L4DipFRA OSHCR
Health, Safety and Wellbeing Professional