Note: This guide is intended as an awareness-level resource only. It is not a legal document, procedural manual, or a substitute for professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals and refer to official regulations when managing asbestos-related risks.

When a building is part of a tender or scheduled for work, it’s vital to consider its historical context. Older structures may contain hidden hazards, and appropriate protection measures must be in place to ensure both safety and legal compliance.

Remember: The only silly question is the one you don’t ask. When in doubt, ASK. Safety always comes first.

1. Introduction

Asbestos remains one of the most persistent health risks in UK construction, refurbishment, and maintenance work. Although banned over two decades ago, it is still present in over 1.5 million buildings. This guide ensures that anyone working in or around buildings understands what asbestos is, why it remains dangerous, and what the law requires them to do,or not do.

This is not a guide for licensed asbestos removal. It is for tradespeople, staff, contractors, and site workers who may come across asbestos during routine work. If you encounter it: stop, isolate, report. Do not touch it.

Important: Asbestos may still be found in any building constructed before 2000. If in doubt, stop work immediately.

2. What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos refers to six naturally occurring fibrous minerals. The three most commonly used in the UK were:

• Chrysotile (white): Artex ceilings, cement boards, floor tiles
• Amosite (brown): Insulation boards, fire doors
• Crocidolite (blue): Spray insulation, pipe lagging

Type	Colour	Common Uses	Relative Risk
Chrysotile	White	Artex, cement boards, vinyl tiles, roofing felt	Common in UK, still harmful
Amosite	Brown	Insulation boards, ceiling tiles, fire doors	Higher risk (brittle fibres)
Crocidolite	Blue	Pipe lagging, sprayed insulation, marine panels	Highest risk (sharp fibres)

Note: These colours refer to raw asbestos fibres and may not match the finished product. Only qualified surveyors or laboratory testing can confirm asbestos. Do not rely on colour or appearance.

All types of asbestos are carcinogenic (cause cancer) and hazardous when disturbed.

3. History of Asbestos Use in the UK

Asbestos was first mined commercially in the 19th century. It gained widespread use during the Industrial Revolution due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties.

Key historical points:

• 1870s–1900s: Used heavily in shipbuilding, railways, and factories
• 1920s–1930s: First UK medical cases of asbestosis reported
• 1931: UK Asbestos Industry Regulations introduced (focused on dust control in manufacturing)
• 1940s–1980s: Peak use in UK construction, especially schools, housing, and power stations
• 1985: Blue and brown asbestos banned
• 1992: Early asbestos control regulations introduced
• 1999: All forms of asbestos banned in the UK
• 2012: Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR 2012) introduced, consolidating prior legislation

Despite mounting evidence of harm by the mid-20th century, asbestos use continued for decades due to its cost-effectiveness and versatility. Many public sector buildings and homes built before 2000 still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

Buildings constructed or refurbished before 2000 may still contain asbestos.

4. Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) include any product or building material that contains asbestos fibres. These materials become dangerous when disturbed and should never be handled without proper training and controls.

When disturbed, asbestos fibres become airborne and can be inhaled, embedding deep in the lungs. This may lead to serious and irreversible illnesses:

Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). It is almost exclusively linked to asbestos exposure and has a poor prognosis.

Asbestosis: A long-term, progressive lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibres, leading to scarring (fibrosis) of lung tissue and reduced lung function. It is not cancer, but it is disabling and irreversible.

Lung Cancer: A malignant tumour in the lungs that can develop as a result of asbestos exposure, especially in individuals who smoke. The latency period is often decades.

Pleural Thickening: A condition where the lining of the lungs (pleura) becomes thickened and stiff, which can cause chest pain and breathlessness. It is often an indicator of past asbestos exposure.

Because symptoms may remain hidden for decades, many affected individuals are unaware of their condition until it becomes severe.

Mortality and Public Health Impact

• In 2022, there were 2,257 mesothelioma deaths in Great Britain, according to the HSE.
• A similar number of deaths are estimated annually from asbestos-related lung cancer, particularly among smokers.
• In 2022, 493 deaths were attributed to asbestosis, excluding those also involving mesothelioma.
• Asbestos-related conditions remain one of the UK’s leading occupational health killers, exceeding fatalities from falls, electrocution, or traffic incidents.
• The long latency period means many individuals exposed between the 1960s and 1980s only developed symptoms decades later.

Why Smoking Multiplies the Risk:
Smoking damages the lungs ability to clear inhaled fibres, allowing asbestos particles to remain embedded for longer. This increases the risk of DNA damage and cellular mutation. Studies suggest that smokers exposed to asbestos are up to 50 times more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smokers without asbestos exposure.

Source: Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and World Health Organisation (WHO) data on occupational cancer risk.

Airborne Limits: UK law sets a control limit of 0.1 fibres per cm³ of air (averaged over 4 hours). This is a maximum threshold, not a safety guarantee. All exposure should be kept as low as reasonably practicable.

“The control limit must not be regarded as a safe level for exposure. It is a maximum permissible concentration and should be reduced as far as reasonably practicable.” — HSE Guidance

Because of these serious health risks, strict laws now govern how asbestos must be managed in UK workplaces.

5. Legal Requirements: Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012

CAR 2012 outlines legal responsibilities:

• Regulation 4: Duty to manage asbestos
• Regulation 10: Mandatory asbestos awareness training
• Regulation 11: Prevent exposure during work
• Regulations 8 & 9: Licence required for high-risk work

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) enforces these laws.

Types of Asbestos Surveys

Management Survey

• For ongoing use and occupancy
• Locates ACMs without major disturbance
• Not suitable before building work

Refurbishment/Demolition Survey

• Required before demolition or refurbishment
• Involves intrusive inspection
• Identifies ACMs hidden within the structure

Survey results are stored in an asbestos register, which must be accessible to workers.

Under Regulation 4, the duty-holder must ensure an appropriate survey is carried out before any maintenance, refurbishment, or demolition work is undertaken.

6. Who Is the Duty-Holder?

The duty-holder is responsible for managing asbestos in non-domestic premises. This may include:

• Property owners
• Landlords or managing agents
• Maintenance contractors under lease or agreement

As per Regulation 4 of CAR 2012:

“The duty to manage applies to the person who has an obligation for the maintenance or repair of non-domestic premises through a tenancy, contract, or by ownership.”

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify asbestos through surveys
• Maintain an asbestos register
• Inform workers who may disturb ACMs
• Implement a management plan

If unsure who the duty-holder is, consult the health and safety file, supervisor, or facilities manager.

Summary of Roles and Responsibilities:

Role	Key Duties
Tradesperson	Stop work, report concerns, never disturb ACMs
Duty-Holder	Arrange surveys, keep register, share information
Employer	Provide legal training, ensure compliance with CAR 2012

7. Training Requirements

Types of Asbestos Work: Licensed vs Non-Licensed

Important Note: This guide provides general awareness about the categories of asbestos work. It is not a substitute for legal advice or a site-specific risk assessment. Readers must consult qualified asbestos professionals and refer to HSE guidance to determine the correct classification and legal requirements for any given task.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), there are three categories of asbestos work under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012:

1. Licensed Asbestos Work (High-Risk)

This involves work on higher-risk asbestos materials, such as:

• Sprayed coatings
• Loose-fill insulation
• Pipe lagging
• Asbestos insulation board (AIB) in poor condition (a common building material used from the 1950s to 1980s that is more friable and dangerous than asbestos cement)

These jobs involve friable materials and require extensive precautions. Only HSE-licensed contractors are legally permitted to carry out this work.

“Most asbestos removal work must be carried out by a licensed contractor. The licensing regime ensures that such work is done to the highest standards.” — HSE

2. Non-Licensed Asbestos Work (Lower Risk)

This includes short-duration or low-disturbance work on firmly-bound asbestos materials, such as:

• Asbestos cement
• Intact floor tiles
• Bitumen-based products

This work does not require a licence, but it must be carried out by workers who have received appropriate task-specific training and follow strict controls.

3. Notifiable Non-Licensed Work (NNLW)

This is a special category where the work:

• Disturbs asbestos more significantly than routine non-licensed work
• Still doesn’t require a licence, but must be notified to the HSE

“Some types of non-licensed work must be notified to the relevant enforcing authority. Employers must keep a record of the work and ensure health surveillance is in place.” — HSE

For official guidance, see the HSE page: https://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/licensing/index.htm

Who Can Carry Out Asbestos Work?

Only companies and individuals that hold a valid licence issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are legally permitted to carry out high-risk asbestos work, including removal, encapsulation, or repair of licensable asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

Why is licensing required?

Licensed asbestos work involves materials that are:

• Highly friable (easily crumbled)
• Likely to release fibres when disturbed
• Located in enclosed or hard-to-control environments

Licensing ensures that:

• Work is done by trained, competent professionals
• Approved methods, equipment, and personal protection are used
• Legal notifications and waste procedures are followed

Legal Basis:
Under Regulations 8 and 9 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, only licensed contractors can carry out high-risk work. A licence is granted by the HSE following a detailed assessment of the applicant’s competence, systems, and history.

Unlicensed or non-notified work is a criminal offence.

Under Regulation 10, training is legally required for anyone who may encounter ACMs:

• Electricians, Plumbers, Joiners
• Maintenance teams, Decorators, Demolition workers
• Self-employed tradespeople

Training Types:

• Awareness Training: For those who may encounter but not disturb ACMs
• Task-Specific Training: For lower-risk, non-licensed work
• Licensed Training: Required for high-risk asbestos tasks

Awareness training must not only be delivered before work begins but also refreshed at regular intervals—typically at least annually, as recommended by the HSE—to maintain compliance and up-to-date knowledge (Regulation 10, CAR 2012).

“Every employer shall ensure that adequate information, instruction and training is given to those of his employees who are, or who are liable to be, exposed to asbestos, or who supervise such employees. The training shall be given at regular intervals and adapted to take account of significant changes in the type of work carried out or methods of work used by the employer.”

According to HSE guidance (L143 Approved Code of Practice):
“Refresher training should be given at least once a year.”

Above all else: Only licensed professionals can conduct high-risk asbestos work.

8. Where Might Asbestos Be Found?

Common locations in pre-2000 buildings:

Ceilings and Walls

• Ceiling tiles (especially in offices and schools)
• Textured coatings (e.g., Artex)
• Partition walls and wall panels
• Asbestos insulating board (AIB) used for fireproofing or lining
• Soffit boards (external overhangs under the roof)

Floors

• Floor tiles (thermoplastic or vinyl)
• Flooring adhesives and bitumen-based glue
• Linoleum backings in some cases

Roofs and Exteriors

• Corrugated cement roof sheets (garages, warehouses, farm buildings)
• Roof felt and damp-proof courses
• Guttering, downpipes, and rainwater hoppers
• Roofing shingles
• Soffits and fascias
• Roof void insulation or debris

Heating and Ventilation Systems

• Pipe lagging (thermal insulation)
• Boiler flues and heating ducts
• Cold water tanks (especially in lofts)
• Warm air heating systems
• Airing cupboard panels and ductwork insulation

Electrical Systems

• Electrical fuse boards and backing panels (containing AIB)
• Old switchgear and control panels
• Flashguards or arc shields behind switches

Other Building Areas

• Fire doors (containing AIB or insulation board)
• Lift shafts and motor rooms
• Sprayed insulation on structural beams or columns
• Service risers and under-stair areas
• Service ducts and voids
• Window putty (in rare cases)
• Fire blankets or old fireproof safes

It is not possible to visually confirm whether a material contains asbestos. Even experienced workers must not rely on appearance, always consult the asbestos register or survey documentation.

Understanding Friability

Friable materials (e.g., sprayed coatings, pipe lagging) easily release fibres and are more hazardous. Less friable items (e.g., cement sheets) may still pose a risk when broken or cut.

9. If You Suspect or Disturb Asbestos

• Stop work immediately
• Do not touch, clean, or move the material
• Prevent access to the area
• Report it to your supervisor or duty-holder
• Wait for trained professionals

Failure to stop work and report suspected asbestos may constitute a breach of CAR 2012 Regulation 11 (Prevention of Exposure).

10. Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

• Request asbestos awareness training
• Read the asbestos register before starting work
• Treat any suspicious material as asbestos-containing
• Follow site procedures and HSE guidance

Don’t:

• Drill, saw, sand, or break suspect materials
• Attempt personal repair or removal
• Ignore damaged materials or dust

11. HSE Supporting Documentation

The Asbestos Essentials (HSG210) guide from HSE provides safe work practices for professionals:

Key Sheets:

• EM1: What to do if asbestos is disturbed
• EM6: Using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• EM9: Safe asbestos waste disposal

Task-Specific A-Series Guides:

• A9: Drilling into asbestos cement (with dust suppression)
• A14: Removing AC roof sheets and gutters (manual handling with PPE)

These are for licensed professionals only. These task sheets do not permit untrained individuals to carry out work. They are included to show the standard that licensed professionals must follow, reinforcing why disturbance by untrained staff is unsafe and unlawful.

Familiarity with these documents helps workers recognise high-risk conditions and respond appropriately.

12. Final Reminders Before Starting Work

• Never start work without checking the asbestos register

CAR 2012 Regulation 4(9) requires that information about the location and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) be made available to anyone liable to disturb them.

• If the building is pre-2000, assume asbestos may be present unless proven otherwise
• Always follow site procedures and instructions
• Stop and report if you are unsure or discover suspicious material
• Do not rely on PPE alone unless working under controlled conditions
• Never attempt removal—only licensed professionals may do this

13. Real-Life Cases of Asbestos Exposure

Understanding the impact of asbestos is helped by examining real cases where exposure had life-altering or fatal consequences. These examples highlight the importance of following safety procedures and legal requirements.

Case 1: School Caretaker’s Mesothelioma Settlement
Tony Hallas, a school caretaker, developed mesothelioma after years of asbestos exposure at his workplace. His family received compensation after legal action highlighted the dangers of asbestos in schools.
https://www.fieldfisher.com/en/injury-claims/case-studies/surveys-and-fois-help-settle-school-caretaker-s-me

Case 2: 16-Year-Old Worker Exposed During Refurbishment
In June 2024, two companies were fined after a 16-year-old worker was exposed to asbestos while breaking up cement sheets during a property refurbishment in Richmond, North Yorkshire.
https://press.hse.gov.uk/2024/06/20/companies-fined-after-16-year-old-worker-exposed-to-asbestos

Case 3: Contractor Sentenced for Uncontrolled Asbestos Spread
In March 2025, a self-employed roofing contractor was sentenced after improperly disposing of asbestos-containing materials during a garage roof replacement, contaminating a residential area.
https://www.hsmsearch.com/Contractor-sentenced-uncontrolled-spread-asbestos

Case 4: Housing Association’s Delayed Asbestos Action
A housing association delayed addressing asbestos-containing soffits in a tenant’s property despite being aware of the issue since March 2020.
https://www.housing-ombudsman.org.uk/decisions/sanctuary-housing-association-202224898

These cases underscore the critical importance of proper asbestos management, adherence to safety regulations, and prompt action when asbestos is identified.

14. Legal Consequences

Improper asbestos handling may result in:

• Site shutdowns
• Legal fines
• Criminal charges
• Health consequences for others and yourself

15. Summary Responsibilities by Role

This section outlines the legal duties and practical expectations for all roles involved in working with or managing the risk of asbestos exposure.

Role	Key Legal Duties and Responsibilities
Tradesperson	Do not disturb any suspected ACMs. Always check the asbestos register. Stop work and report concerns.
Site Supervisor	Enforce site procedures. Confirm asbestos surveys are completed and available before any intrusive work.
Duty-Holder	Maintain asbestos surveys, update the register, create a management plan, and inform those at risk (Reg. 4).
Employer	Ensure asbestos awareness training is provided and refreshed regularly (Reg. 10). Keep records and ensure compliance.

These roles all carry legal implications under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. Failure to fulfill responsibilities may result in regulatory enforcement, fines, or criminal liability.

16. Acronyms and Key Terms

This section provides a quick reference for common abbreviations and technical terms used throughout this guide.

• ACM – Asbestos-Containing Material: Any material that contains more than 1% asbestos by weight. These pose a risk if disturbed and must be managed or removed under legal controls.
• AIB – Asbestos Insulating Board: A common building material used from the 1950s–1980s, often found in ceiling tiles, fireproofing, and partitions. More friable and hazardous than asbestos cement.
• CAR 2012 – Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012: The main UK legislation governing asbestos use, training, handling, and removal.
• HSE – Health and Safety Executive: The national regulator for workplace health and safety in the UK, responsible for enforcing asbestos laws.
• NNLW – Notifiable Non-Licensed Work: Asbestos work that does not require a licence but must still be reported to the HSE and conducted under strict safety controls.
• PPE – Personal Protective Equipment: Gear such as gloves, coveralls, and footwear worn to protect workers from exposure to asbestos fibres.
• RPE – Respiratory Protective Equipment: Face masks and respirators designed to prevent inhalation of asbestos fibres.
• L143 – HSE Approved Code of Practice: Official guidance that accompanies CAR 2012, providing detailed interpretations of legal duties.

17. Further Reading

Citations and Regulatory References

Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (Full Legislation)
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/632/contents/made

HSE – Managing and Working with Asbestos (L143)
https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l143.htm

HSE – Asbestos Licensing Overview
https://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/licensing/index.htm

HSE – Non-Licensed Asbestos Work Guidance
https://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/licensing/non-licensed-work.htm

HSE – Notifiable Non-Licensed Work (NNLW)
https://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/licensing/notifiable-non-licensed-work.htm

HSE – Asbestos Training Requirements
https://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/training.htm

HSE – Asbestos-Related Disease Statistics (2024)
https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/assets/docs/asbestos-related-disease.pdf

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this site is for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current regulations or standards. Legislation, industry guidelines, and best practices can change over time, and it is the user’s responsibility to research and ensure compliance with the latest requirements for their specific situation. Always consult a qualified professional for advice tailored to your project or application.