Asbestos fibres can be very damaging to human health and the environment. Asbestos is toxic and does not break down easily. As a result it remains in the environment for a long time.
Asbestos was used extensively in construction and building maintenance during the 1940s-1990s for its insulation and fire-proofing properties. The use of asbestos has been banned since 1999. It may be found in any building built or refurbished before 2000, in the floor, wall, ceiling or roofing materials, or in contaminated soils.
This guidance is relevant to you if you:
- work with asbestos materials
- are likely to come across asbestos during your work
- have asbestos waste to dispose of.
If you work in construction, demolition or building maintenance you are particularly at risk of exposure to asbestos. This includes plumbers, electricians, plasterers, roofers, heating and ventilation engineers and surveyors.
Quick start checklist
Asbestos quick start environmental checklist (Adobe PDF - 81KB)
In this guideline:
What is asbestos?
Identifying asbestos
Working with asbestos
Disposing of asbestos waste
Asbestos further information
Asbestos legislation
