HSE Asbestos Guide: Essential Tips for Tradespeople

Asbestos is a hidden danger in many buildings. As a tradesperson, understanding how to identify and deal with asbestos is crucial for your safety and the safety of others.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is campaigning to raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos and has produced a quick guide for anyone working in the trades. Keep reading our summary, or download the full guide here. This guide will give you practical advice and key steps to follow when working in environments where asbestos may be present.

Tradespeople who follow hse asbestos guides working safely

What Is Asbestos and Why Is It Dangerous?

Asbestos is a natural mineral once widely used in construction for its strength and heat resistance. However, it’s now banned in the UK because all types of asbestos fibres can cause serious diseases like mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer when breathed in.

Key facts about asbestos:

Around 5,000 people die each year from asbestos-related diseases.
Buildings built before the year 2000 may still contain asbestos.
There’s no cure for diseases caused by asbestos.

Where Can Asbestos Be Found?

Various forms of asbestos can hide in unexpected places. Here are some locations of asbestos you might encounter:

Residential Properties

Inside: Boiler insulation, ceiling tiles, vinyl floor tiles, sprayed insulation coating a boiler, or toilet cisterns.
Outside: Roof tiles, soffits, gutters, and downpipes.

tradespeople working on homes including working with asbestos

Industrial Premises

Inside: Fire door panels, sprayed coatings on beams, or pipe lagging.
Outside: Cement panels, roofs, or pipework.

Asbestos workers guide to where asbestos can be found in an industrial premises

Always assume the presence of asbestos unless proven otherwise by a professional survey.

Asbestos Materials: Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB)

Asbestos Insulating Board, or AIB, is a common source of asbestos exposure. It was used extensively in buildings before 2000 due to its fireproofing and insulation properties.

Where You Might Find AIB

Partition walls and bulkheads in ceilings.
Ceiling tiles and fire door panels.
Lift shaft linings and structural linings.

Risks and Handling

Even minor maintenance tasks on AIB can release asbestos fibres.
Some work on AIB can be done by trained non-licensed workers, but it must be properly risk assessed.
Never disturb AIB unless you have the correct training and equipment.

Asbestos Materials: Asbestos Cement

Asbestos cement is a common building material that was widely used before 2000. While it contains a lower concentration of asbestos compared to other materials, it can still release fibres if disturbed.

Where You Might Find Asbestos Cement

Inside: Water tanks and wall panels.
Outside: Roof tiles, gutters, downpipes, and soffits.

Handling and Risks

Work on asbestos cement is typically non-licensed but requires training and a risk assessment.
Cutting, drilling, or sanding asbestos cement can release dangerous fibres.
Always wear PPE and follow proper guidelines.

Asbestos Materials: Asbestos Pipe Lagging

Asbestos pipe lagging is one of the most dangerous forms of asbestos. It was used to insulate pipes, especially in older buildings.

Where You Might Find Asbestos Pipe Lagging

Around boilers and heating systems.
On pipework in basements, lofts, and utility areas.

Why It’s High Risk

Pipe lagging often contains friable asbestos, meaning it easily crumbles and releases fibres into the air.
Damaged pipe lagging is particularly hazardous and should never be disturbed.

What to Do If You Find It

Do not touch asbestos pipe lagging.
Any work on pipe lagging must be done by an HSE-licensed contractor.

What Should You Do Before Starting Work?

1. Check for Asbestos

Was the building constructed or refurbished before 2000?
Is there an asbestos register or survey available?
Plan your job to avoid disturbing asbestos.

2. Talk to Your Employer

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 is the primary legislation overseeing the management of asbestos in the workplace. It sets out the legal requirements and an approved code of practice for employers. So, talk to your employer about the asbestos risk assessment and ensure safety measures are in place. If you’re a sole trader, the Control of Asbestos Regulations say that you have the same legal responsibilities and you must take the same precautions.

What to Do If You Find Asbestos

If you suspect or find asbestos while working:

Stop work immediately.
Speak to your employer or the building owner.
Ensure a licensed asbestos contractor assesses and removes it if necessary.

Never work on any type of asbestos unless you’re trained and authorised. Removal of asbestos should only be handled by a professional with an asbestos license.

Licensed vs. Non-Licensed Asbestos Work

The category of asbestos work depends on the level of danger involved in the work. Non-licensed work includes tasks like removing asbestos-cement roofing, provided the material is intact. Licensed work, on the other hand, involves high-risk tasks such as removing asbestos pipe lagging or loose-filling asbestos.

Non-Licensed Work

For lower-risk materials like cement panels or vinyl floor tiles, you need:

A risk assessment.
Proper training in non-licensed asbestos work.

Licensed Work

High-risk materials, such as pipe lagging or loose-fill asbestos, must only be handled by HSE-licensed contractors.

Asbestos Essentials: HSE Tips for Every Job

Always wear the right protective equipment (PPE).
Avoid drilling, sanding, or breaking materials that may contain asbestos.
Follow the HSE Asbestos Essentials task sheets for step-by-step guidance.
Learn more about the risks and what to do at the Asbestos and You campaign.

Final Thoughts on Working with Asbestos

Asbestos is a silent killer, but with the right knowledge and precautions, you can stay safe from the risk of asbestos exposure. Always be aware of the risks and follow the steps outlined here. For more detailed guidance and resources, visit the Asbestos and You campaign.

This guide is designed to keep you informed and safe on every job. Share it with colleagues to spread awareness and prevent exposure to this hidden danger.

HSE Asbestos Guide for Tradespeople