Any building constructed or refurbished before 2000 could contain asbestos — that includes millions of homes and commercial premises across the UK. Understanding the facts and recognising the risks is essential to avoid putting yourself and others in danger.
Spend just five minutes reviewing the checklist below. It could protect your health and help keep the people around you safe.
1. Could asbestos be present on site?
If you’re working in a property built or refurbished before 2000, you should always ask for any available records relating to asbestos. In non-domestic buildings, the owner or the person responsible for maintenance has a legal duty to manage asbestos and must make this information available.
In domestic properties, it’s your responsibility to determine whether asbestos may be present. Checking the areas where asbestos was commonly used can help, and steps must be taken to prevent exposure to yourself and others.
2. Is the material asbestos?
Asbestos can vary greatly in appearance, coming in different forms, textures and colours. The three main types — blue, brown and white — were used in a wide range of construction materials. Because it was often mixed with other substances, it can be difficult to identify.
If you encounter a material you don’t recognise and suspect it could contain asbestos, consult asbestos image galleries and guides showing common locations where asbestos is found.
3. What type of asbestos is it, and how risky is it?
Each type of asbestos must be managed differently, so it’s vital to understand what you’re dealing with. Repeated exposure to even small amounts of asbestos dust can be fatal over time. Never begin work unless you are confident it can be carried out safely.
Tasks that may release large amounts of fibres are considered high risk and must be carried out by a licensed contractor. This typically includes work on asbestos insulation, sprayed coatings, lagging and asbestos insulating board (AIB).
Lower-risk, non-licensed work includes certain tasks involving asbestos cement and textured coatings. Risk levels depend not only on the type of asbestos but also on its condition.
4. Do you have the correct training?
Anyone whose work could disturb asbestos must receive appropriate training. The type of training required depends on the work involved and may include:
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Asbestos awareness training
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Training for non-licensed asbestos work
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Training for licensed asbestos work
Proper training can be lifesaving.
5. Do you have the correct equipment and protective clothing?
If minor maintenance work may disturb asbestos, precautions must be taken to reduce exposure, including:
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Wearing suitable respiratory protection (FFP3 masks) and protective clothing
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Using hand tools instead of power tools to limit dust creation
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Avoiding eating, drinking or smoking in the work area
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Never sweeping dust or debris — use damp cloths or a Class H vacuum cleaner
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Not reusing disposable personal protective equipment (PPE)
Asbestos waste must always be handled correctly:
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Double-bag and clearly label it as asbestos waste
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Contact your local authority or the Environment Agency to check disposal options (or SEPA if in Scotland)
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Dispose of all asbestos waste only at licensed disposal sites
For more detailed guidance, visit the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website.
