Why Asbestos Still Matters
Asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999 — but millions of buildings constructed before that date still contain it. Every year, around 5,000 people die from asbestos-related diseases in the UK, more than die in road accidents.
Plumbers, electricians, joiners and decorators are among the trades most at risk because they disturb asbestos during routine maintenance and refurbishment.
The 'Duty to Manage' vs. 'Notifiable Non-Licensed Work'
Asbestos law distinguishes between different types of work:
Non-Licensed Work
Low-risk activities where fibre release is minimal. Examples: drilling a small hole in an asbestos ceiling tile. Still requires a risk assessment and appropriate controls.
Notifiable Non-Licensed Work (NNLW)
Higher-risk activities that must be notified to the HSE but don't require a full licence. Examples: minor repairs to asbestos insulating board (AIB). Requires medical surveillance and record keeping.
Licensed Work
High-risk work that can only be carried out by a licensed asbestos contractor. Examples: removal of sprayed asbestos coatings, pipe lagging, large amounts of AIB. You cannot do this work without a licence.
The 'Refurbishment Rule'
Before any refurbishment or demolition work begins on a building that may contain asbestos, a refurbishment and demolition survey (R&D survey) must be carried out. This is a legal requirement under CAR 2012 (Control of Asbestos Regulations).
A management survey (which building owners typically have) is not sufficient for refurb work.
What to Do If You Suspect Asbestos
- Stop work immediately — do not disturb the material further
- Isolate the area and prevent others from entering
- Inform the site manager or building owner
- Arrange testing — a UKAS-accredited analyst must take a sample
- Do not resume work until the area is confirmed clear or properly managed
Your Legal Obligation
Every tradesperson working in premises built before 2000 must:
- Have completed asbestos awareness training (Cat A)
- Know the common locations and types of ACMs (asbestos-containing materials)
- Know what to do if they find or suspect asbestos
Ignorance is not a defence. If you disturb asbestos without proper controls, you face prosecution and unlimited fines.
Site Safety UK includes asbestos awareness guidance in your RAMS for any project in pre-2000 buildings.
