What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a dangerous fibre that is produced naturally.

Although the use of asbestos dates back centuries, it wasn’t until the industrial revolution that asbestos manufacturing became widespread. The material’s resistance to heat, electricity, chemicals and water meant it was very versatile as well as being inexpensive to use.

Between the 1950s and 1980’s it was mixed with other manufacturing materials and used in thousands of building materials including insultation, cement and roofing.

As a result if you live or work in a building constructed before 2000, there is a chance that some parts of it, will contain asbestos. However because of the danger it poses to health the use of asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999.

Asbestos is a dangerous fibre that is produced naturally.

Between the 1950s and 1980’s it was mixed with other manufacturing materials and used in thousands of building materials including insultation, cement and roofing.

If asbestos is disturbed or damaged the fibres can become airbourne which is dangerous. Inhaling asbestos fibres can overtime cause four potentially deadly forms of lung disease, including: lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis and pleural thickening.

The Health and Safety Executive estimates that there are approximately 2,500 asbestos related lung cancer deaths in the UK every year.

Under health and safety law, if you are responsible for the management and maintenance of a non-domestic building containing asbestos you have a duty of care to both manage the risk and provide asbestos management training.

Health and safety law means that all work with asbestos in the UK must comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

Asbestos: Frequently Asked Questions

How dangerous is asbestos?

Asbestos is a hazardous substance that can cause ill-health to anyone who inhales the airborne asbestos fibres. Asbestos is only dangerous if it is damaged or disturbed, such as during demolition or maintenance work, or due to deterioration of the material over time. If left alone, asbestos is not dangerous. Exposure to asbestos is only dangerous if the airborne fibres are inhaled regularly or for a prolonged period of time: one, short exposure is unlikely to cause much harm.

Where can you find asbestos?

In the UK, asbestos can be commonly found in any material that was manufactured before November 1999. This building and construction materials, packaging materials, fabrics, textiles and car parts.

How do I identify asbestos?

It can be difficult to identify asbestos, as it is often mixed with other materials. The HSE asbestos image gallery shows a number of common materials that contain asbestos; however the best method of identification is to have a sample taken and analysed by a professional.

Are asbestos fibres visible?

No, asbestos fibres are not visible to the naked eye. Fibres are around 3–20 µm wide: 10 times smaller than the width of a human hair, and are only released when the material is disturbed or damaged; if left undisturbed they will do no harm.

What is the ‘duty to manage’ asbestos and who has it?

The duty to manage asbestos is a legal requirement under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (Regulation 4). It applies to the owners and occupiers of commercial premises (such as shops, offices, industrial units etc) who have responsibility for maintenance and repair activities. In addition to these responsibilities, they also have a duty to assess the presence and condition of any asbestos-containing materials. If asbestos is present, or is presumed to be present, then it must be managed appropriately. The duty also applies to the shared parts of some domestic premises. (Source: HSE.gov.uk)

What is an asbestos survey and do I need one?

An asbestos survey is an effective way to help you manage asbestos in your premises by providing accurate information about the location, amount and type of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). The person responsible for maintenance of non -domestic premises must either arrange a survey if it is suspected there could be ACMs in your premises or, the duty-holder may instead choose to presume the worst case of widespread asbestos in the premises and would then need to take all appropriate full stringent precautions for any work that takes place. However, it is often less troublesome and more proportionate to have an asbestos survey carried out so it is absolutely clear whether asbestos is present or not and what its condition is. You need to find out if you are responsible for maintenance and are the duty holder for the asbestos.

The asbestos survey can help to provide enough information so that an asbestos register, a risk assessment and a management plan can then be prepared. The survey will usually involve sampling and analysis to determine the presence of asbestos so asbestos surveys should only be carried out by competent surveyors who can clearly demonstrate they have the necessary skills, experience and qualifications.

An asbestos survey will identify:

- the location of any asbestos-containing materials in the building
- the type of asbestos they contain
- the condition these materials are in

Following a survey, the surveyor should produce a survey report which details the findings. This information can help you prepare an asbestos risk register.

(Source: HSE.gov.uk)

What should I do if I come across asbestos during my work?

You should stop work immediately, confirm what it is or assume it is asbestos and carry out a risk assessment. This will help determine if the work requires a trained contractor. You should only carry out work on asbestos if you have had the appropriate training and/or relevant licence.

What do I do if I find asbestos in my house?

If the asbestos in your house is in good condition (i.e. not damaged, disturbed or deteriorated) then it doesn’t pose a risk to health and it is safe to leave it alone. Never try to remove asbestos yourself. Asbestos only becomes harmful to health when it is damaged or disturbed and the fibres become airborne. If you suspect that your house contains asbestos or know that asbestos is present and in poor condition, you should arrange for the material to be tested and/or removed by a trained contractor.

Do asbestos fibres wash out of clothes?

If your clothes are contaminated with asbestos fibres because you have been working around asbestos containing materials (ACMs) then ideally the clothes should be disposed of. Clothes that are contaminated with asbestos fibres should not be put in a conventional washing machine as they may contaminate other clothing, or the fibres may become airborne.