Asbestos

TL;DR Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, asbestos work in Great Britain falls into three categories — not two. Licensed work covers high-risk removal requiring an HSE licence. Notifiable non-licensed work (NNLW) sits between the two extremes, mandating notification and medical surveillance without a licence. Standard non-licensed work applies to lower-risk tasks with bound … Read more

TL;DR An asbestos analyst is a qualified professional who samples, monitors, and analyses asbestos fibres in air and bulk materials, and certifies areas as safe for re-occupation following asbestos removal. In the UK, analysts must hold BOHS P403 and P404 qualifications — or RSPH equivalents — and work for a UKAS-accredited organisation. Independent of the … Read more

TL;DR The duty to manage asbestos, established under Regulation 4 of the UK’s Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, requires anyone responsible for the maintenance or repair of non-domestic premises to identify whether asbestos-containing materials are present, maintain a written register of their location and condition, prepare and implement a management plan to control exposure risks, … Read more

TL;DR I was called to a renovation project at an aging office complex — built in the late 1970s — where a maintenance crew had already ripped out ceiling tiles and stripped pipe insulation across an entire floor. The debris was piled in open heaps. No one was wearing respiratory protection. When I asked who … Read more

Asbestos exposure remains a hidden threat in many workplaces, particularly in older buildings, industrial facilities, and renovation or demolition environments. From the 1930s through the 1970s, asbestos was widely used in construction due to its durability, heat resistance, and fire-retardant properties. Although its dangers have been known for decades, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are still found … Read more

Asbestos has been a widely used material due to its durability and resistance to heat and chemicals. However, its association with serious health risks has led to increased regulation and efforts to manage and remove asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) from buildings and products. This article provides a comprehensive overview of what ACMs are, their common applications, … Read more

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral known for its fibrous composition and resistance to heat, electricity, and corrosion. For decades, it was hailed as a “miracle mineral” and was widely used in various industries, particularly in construction and manufacturing. However, as scientific understanding evolved, asbestos was found to pose serious health risks, leading to strict … Read more

Asbestos sheets were once a staple in the construction industry, valued for their durability, heat resistance, and affordability. However, the discovery of serious health risks associated with asbestos exposure has led to a decline in their use and increased efforts to remove existing asbestos materials safely. This article explores what asbestos sheets are, the health … Read more

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that was once celebrated for its durability, heat resistance, and insulating properties. From the early 20th century until the late 1970s, asbestos was widely used in construction, manufacturing, and various industrial applications. However, it was later discovered that asbestos fibers pose significant health risks when inhaled or ingested. … Read more

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in building materials due to its heat resistance and strength. However, it is now known to pose serious health risks when its fibers become airborne and are inhaled. If your home was built before the 1980s, there’s a possibility it contains asbestos. Testing is … Read more