Managing asbestos exposure in the workplace is one of the most important responsibilities for employers and duty holders in the UK. Asbestos exposure remains a leading cause of occupational disease, despite the material being banned for new use over two decades ago. Understanding where asbestos may be found, how to test and control it, and what the law requires ensures legal compliance and the protection of workers and building users.
Where is asbestos found?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in construction, insulation, and manufacturing due to its strength and resistance to heat and chemicals. A common example is asbestos cement, often found in roofing sheets, floor tiles, and pipe lagging.
Buildings constructed before 2000 may still contain asbestos. It is often found in insulation materials, ceiling panels, cement sheets, boilers, ductwork, and sprayed coatings. Asbestos can also appear in older vehicle components such as brake pads and gaskets. While asbestos-containing materials are generally safe when intact and undisturbed, any cutting, drilling, or damage can release microscopic fibres into the air, creating serious health hazards.
How much asbestos exposure is acceptable, and how long does it take for asbestos to cause harm?
There is no safe level of asbestos exposure. Even brief or low-level exposure can cause harm, while repeated contact dramatically increases the risk of developing diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. These illnesses typically develop between 10 and 50 years after exposure, meaning that symptoms may not appear until decades later.
Once inhaled, asbestos fibres can remain lodged in the lungs indefinitely, causing chronic inflammation and scarring. They can also affect the pleura (the lining of the lungs) and, in some cases, the abdominal cavity. Because of these delayed effects, early identification, reporting, and medical monitoring is essential to managing long-term health risks.
Is it illegal to have asbestos in the workplace?
In the UK, it is illegal to import, supply, or use new asbestos. However, many older buildings still contain asbestos from previous construction work. It is not illegal to have existing asbestos in a workplace provided that it is safely managed and does not pose a risk of asbestos exposure.
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, employers and building owners must identify asbestos-containing materials, assess their condition, and implement management plans to prevent fibre release and asbestos exposure. Failure to comply with these legal duties can lead to enforcement action, significant fines, or imprisonment.
Identifying asbestos requires professional expertise. Testing should only be carried out by trained and licensed specialists who collect samples from suspected materials. These samples are then analysed in accredited laboratories to determine whether asbestos is present and what type it is. Testing is an essential first step before carrying out maintenance, refurbishment, or demolition work on any structure that may contain asbestos.
What should be done if employees are working around asbestos?
If employees must work in areas where asbestos may be present, safety measures must follow the risk management hierarchy. The first step is elimination: avoiding exposure wherever possible or arranging for asbestos removal by a licensed contractor.
Where elimination is not feasible, engineering controls should be applied. These include sealing or encapsulating asbestos materials, using wet methods to suppress dust, and providing local ventilation or extraction systems.
Administrative controls are also essential. Employers must carry out risk assessments, establish safe work procedures, deliver asbestos awareness training, and ensure all employees understand how to minimise exposure.
Finally, personal protective equipment (PPE) provides the last line of defence. Respirators, disposable overalls, gloves, and boots reduce the risk of inhaling or carrying fibres from the site. Adhering to these layered controls ensures maximum protection and compliance with UK health and safety legislation.
How can iCOR support businesses in managing asbestos regulations and obligations?
iCOR helps organisations stay compliant with asbestos regulations through its integrated Health and Safety module. The platform allows businesses to audit legal compliance, manage asbestos risk assessments, upload training records, and maintain evidence of safe work practices.
Book a demo here to learn how iCOR can support you in identifying risks, documenting control measures, and demonstrating due diligence.