Things You Need to Know Before Working with Asbestos

Although the use and import of asbestos were prohibited in 1999, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can still be found in many buildings, particularly those built before the year 2000. In some cases, it may even be present in newer constructions and in places you wouldn’t typically expect. If you're carrying out work on a building’s structure, you could risk disturbing asbestos and inhaling its fibres can lead to serious health issues, including lung disease and cancer.

That’s why it’s crucial to understand the necessary safety measures and key facts before coming into contact with asbestos. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know to help safeguard your health and livelihood while working around asbestos.

A] What Workers are Most Likely to Come Across Asbestos? 

Certain trades and professions carry a higher likelihood of encountering asbestos. If you’re working on the fabric of a building, the following tasks may expose you to potential risk:

• Maintenance or repair work

• Renovation or retrofitting projects

• Demolition activities

• Installation of fixtures or systems

The risk increases significantly if the area hasn’t been checked for asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), or if you lack the proper training to identify and handle asbestos safely.

Professions commonly at risk of disturbing asbestos include:

• Electricians, plumbers, gas engineers, shopfitters, and heating and ventilation specialists

• Construction personnel such as labourers, roofers, and plasterers

• Surveyors, general maintenance staff, painters, and decorators

• Telecommunications and data engineers, as well as alarm system installers
  

B] Steps to Take If You Think You Have Found Asbestos 

If you suspect that you’ve discovered asbestos or come across materials that might contain it, you must:

• Cease work straight away and prevent others from entering the area.

• Take steps to limit the spread of any potential asbestos contamination to surrounding spaces.

• Inform your employer or the property owner, and seek guidance on the appropriate next steps.

C] Necessary Actions Before Starting Work 

It’s essential to have a thorough discussion with your employer before starting any job to ensure you’re clear on the necessary safety procedures.

1. Employer Responsibilities

Your employer has a duty to take the following steps to safeguard you and others from the dangers of asbestos:

• Confirm whether the building was constructed or renovated prior to the year 2000.

• Obtain the building’s asbestos register and ensure both you and your employer understand its contents and that it accurately covers the areas where work is planned.

• Properly organise the work to minimise the risk of disturbing asbestos and to maintain a safe working environment.

• Provide asbestos awareness training so you know how to respond if asbestos is accidentally discovered or disturbed. If you're doing low-risk (non-licensed) work, you should also receive specific training suitable for those tasks.

• Verify that a suitable asbestos survey has been carried out to identify the presence and condition of any asbestos in the work area.

• Ensure that any asbestos is either safely removed or adequately protected – this must be carried out by a licensed asbestos contractor.
  

Important: High-risk tasks should only ever be undertaken by licensed asbestos professionals. Employers must not ask unlicensed workers to perform jobs such as removing or repairing asbestos insulation, handling asbestos insulating boards, or clearing up significant amounts of asbestos debris.

2. Your Responsibilities as a Worker

You should not carry out any high-risk asbestos work unless you are fully licensed to do so. If you are undertaking lower-risk, non-licensed work and have received the correct training, you must:

• Work with your employer to plan the job properly and make sure you understand what to do if asbestos is unexpectedly disturbed.

• Adhere to all control measures set by your employer to prevent the release of asbestos dust.

• Use the correct protective gear, including a well-fitting respirator (RPE) that has passed a face-fit test for the model and size you're using.

• Wear suitable disposable overalls specifically designed for asbestos-related tasks.

• Ensure any asbestos waste is double-bagged and disposed of correctly, with your employer responsible for arranging safe disposal.

• Never use power tools unless effective dust control measures, such as shadow vacuuming, are in place.

• Use a Type H vacuum cleaner or damp cloths to clean up any dust or debris.

• Do not eat or drink in the area where asbestos work is being carried out.
  

If you're self-employed, you must comply with the same obligations as both an employer and a worker.

By following these guidelines and taking full responsibility, you can help ensure a safe working environment for yourself and others, while reducing the risks associated with asbestos exposure. If you require assistance in managing asbestos or meeting compliance requirements, Scopus Asbestos Compliance is here to support you.

We offer a wide range of services, including asbestos inspections, detailed surveys, air monitoring, awareness training, and safe removal. With in-depth knowledge of asbestos management, our goal is to help clients reduce asbestos-related fatalities while fostering a safer, more informed workplace.

Get in touch with us for expert advice on asbestos consultancy, compliance, and ongoing management. Together, we can protect your property or business from the dangers of asbestos and build a clear path toward a safer environment.