Raising Awareness of Asbestos

Workers in skilled trades are at a higher risk of asbestos exposure than most. Whether you’re drilling, cutting, repairing or refurbishing, asbestos can be disturbed during routine tasks – often without any warning.

Unlike ordinary dust, asbestos fibres cannot be seen, smelt or felt. Once released into the air, they can be inhaled or carried on clothing, potentially putting both workers and occupants at risk.

Despite being banned years ago, asbestos remains a major safety issue today. It can be found in any building built or refurbished before the year 2000, with properties from the 1950s, 60s and 70s particularly likely to contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

The consequences can be severe. Around 5,000 people die every year from diseases caused by past exposure to asbestos. Raising awareness and managing the risk properly is critical to preventing future harm.

Fire Safety and Security

For those working in fire safety and security, the risk is particularly relevant. Installing alarms, detectors, access control systems or CCTV often involves drilling into walls, ceilings and service risers, running cables through voids, and accessing plant rooms or electrical cupboards. These are exactly the locations where asbestos-containing materials may be hidden. Even minor tasks, such as fixing brackets or pulling cables, can disturb asbestos if the risks are not properly identified and managed beforehand.

Where Is Asbestos Commonly Found?

Asbestos may still be present in many everyday locations, including:

• Fireplaces and their surrounds
• Roof eaves and gable ends
• Textured coatings (such as older ceiling finishes)
• Electrical and boiler cupboards
• Flooring materials
• Garage roofs

With the new year being a popular time for home improvements and refurbishment projects, tradespeople must plan work carefully and check for asbestos before starting.

Legal Responsibilities and Regulations

Control of Asbestos Regulations

The Control of Asbestos Regulations set out the main rules for safely managing and working with asbestos. They define:

• Which types of work require a licence
• Requirements for licensed and non-licensed asbestos work (including notifiable work)
• Requirements for designated work areas, medical surveillance and record keeping

COSHH and the Health and Safety at Work Act

In people’s homes, the duty to manage asbestos does not apply, but COSHH regulations do. Employers must prevent or control exposure to hazardous substances, including asbestos, using effective risk management.

The Health and Safety at Work Act also places duties on employers, landlords and some self-employed people to do what is “reasonably practicable” to protect anyone affected by their work. This ensures consistent safety standards, even where the duty to manage asbestos does not apply.

In owner-occupied domestic properties, homeowners are not legally responsible for contractor exposure, but tradespeople must still protect themselves by working safely.

Staying Safe

Asbestos awareness is about planning, caution and communication. Before starting any job:

• Check the age and history of the building
• Assume asbestos may be present
• Never disturb suspect materials
• Stop work and seek professional advice if asbestos is found

By understanding the risks and following the regulations, workers can protect themselves, their colleagues and the people who live and work in the buildings they maintain.

Raising awareness about the dangers of asbestos is essential for safeguarding the health and safety of workers in skilled trades and anyone who may be exposed to this hazardous material. Despite being banned years ago, asbestos remains a significant risk. Understanding where asbestos can be found, following proper regulations, and taking the necessary precautions are key to preventing harmful exposure. By staying informed and working safely, tradespeople can protect themselves, their colleagues, and the public from the long-term consequences of asbestos-related diseases. Let’s continue to work towards a healthier future for all.

Fire safety and security professionals play a vital role in protecting lives and property, but that work should never come at the expense of their own health. Proper asbestos awareness supports safer work and safer buildings overall. By understanding where asbestos may be present and taking appropriate precautions before drilling, fixing or routing cables, workers can ensure their essential safety systems are installed without introducing long-term health risks.