The best way to deal with asbestos is never to disturb it. Most accidents happen because a worker did not know the material was there. A few minutes of checking before you start can prevent a lifetime of illness.
Step 1: find out what is there
Before work starts, the people planning the job should:
- ask the building's dutyholder for the asbestos register and the latest survey;
- check that the survey covers the exact area and materials you will work on, including voids, risers and roof spaces;
- find out whether the register shows asbestos, the condition it is in and any labelling or markings;
- if there is no survey or the area was not covered, stop and ask for one. Do not assume the material is safe.
If the job involves major refurbishment or demolition, a refurbishment and demolition survey is needed before it starts.
Step 2: risk assessment and plan
Under regulation 6 of CAR 2012, the employer must make an assessment of work that exposes, or may expose, employees to asbestos, and in most cases prepare a written plan of work (regulation 7). For awareness-level workers the aim is simpler: plan the job so asbestos is not disturbed. That can mean choosing a different route for a cable, moving a fixing point or working from another side.
Step 3: tell people and set the right limits
- Make sure every worker on the job has seen the asbestos information for the area.
- If there is a known asbestos material nearby, keep it clear of work and protect it from knocks.
- Mark or barrier off the area so others do not walk in or start work.
- Keep other trades out until the question is settled.
Step 4: check on the day
- Read the permit, method statement or instruction you have been given.
- Look at the actual material in front of you. Is it damaged? Does it look the same as the register says?
- If the job needs you to drill, cut, break, sand or scrape something that may contain asbestos, and nobody has confirmed it is clear, do not start.
Do not do these things
- Do not use power tools, abrasive discs, wire brushes or jet washers on suspect material.
- Do not break or lift suspect ceiling tiles, boards or cement sheets.
- Do not sweep dry dust. Do not use a normal vacuum cleaner. Dry brushing and ordinary vacuums spread the fibres.
- Do not take suspect material home or put it in an ordinary bin.
When the answer is not clear
Sometimes the register lists a material as "presumed". Sometimes there is no sign either way. In both cases:
- Stop work on that item.
- Tell your supervisor or employer what you have found.
- Wait for the competent person to say whether it can be sampled, how it will be handled, and who will do the work.
Nobody should pressure you to carry on in a doubtful situation. You have the right to be told what is in the building and the duty to refuse to disturb a suspect material until it has been checked.
Remember
Check the register, check the area, plan around it. If in doubt, do not touch it.