The Health and Safety Service will become involved in situations where we are notified that asbestos is to be removed from premises where we are the enforcing authority. If we come across premises that contain asbestos or are suspected to contain asbestos, and no action has been taken to manage it, then enforcement action may be taken including prosecution.
General information
Asbestos fibres can lead to asbestos related diseases when breathed in. These are mainly cancers of the lungs and chest lining.
Thousands of people die each year from past exposure to asbestos and there is no cure for asbestos related diseases. The onset of asbestos disease can occur between 15 to 60 years after exposure.
Asbestos is no longer used in the construction or refurbishment of any premises but as many thousands of tonnes were used in the past, much of it is still in place.
There are 3 types of Asbestos
- Blue Asbestos – Crocidolite
- Brown Asbestos – Amosite
- White Asbestos – Chrysotile
All of them are dangerous but blue and brown asbestos are the most harmful and they can not be identified just by the colour as they were often used together with other materials.
Managing asbestos in premises
Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) may be in a building if it was constructed or refurbished before blue and brown asbestos were banned in 1985. Some ACMs such as asbestos cement were used up until 1999.
In order to ensure that risks from asbestos within the workplace are minimised you must follow the five steps outlined below
1. Identify whether your premises contains ACMs
- look at building plans, old invoices, plans of work etc, which may give you clues.
- inspect your premises inside and out to identify materials that are or may be asbestos.
- consult others such as architects, employees and safety representatives.
To be safe, if you identify materials that may be asbestos you should assume that they are. If a material needs sampling to check whether it is an ACM you should use a suitable contractor or suitably trained people.
2. Assess the condition of ACMs
- is the surface damaged, frayed or scratched?
- are surface sealants peeling or breaking off?
- has it become detached from its base?
- are protective coverings missing?
- is there asbestos dust or debris near the material?
If the ACMs are in poor condition they should be repaired, sealed, enclosed or removed.
3. Record where the asbestos (or presumed asbestos) is and its condition.
- prepare a drawing or some other record.
- identify its type (if known).
- identify its form, amount and condition.
If there are any areas in your premises you cannot look at for example, the roof you should record this.
4. Assess the risk from ACMs.
- are people working at or near the ACMs?
- are they likely to disturb the ACMs?
- what action is required to manage and control the potential risks?
5. Prepare and implement an asbestos management plan to manage the risks.
As a general guide, if the ACM is in good condition, is not likely to be damaged and is not likely to be worked on or disturbed, it is usually safer to leave it in place and manage it. If the ACM is in poor condition or is likely to be damaged or disturbed, you will need to decide whether to repair it, seal it, enclose it or remove it.
If you are unsure seek specialist advice from an asbestos surveyor, a laboratory or a licensed contractor.
Information leaflets – access via Health and safety executive (HSE) home page.