While the use of asbestos has now been banned, any building that was built, or refurbished, before the year 2000 could contain asbestos.
Under the terms of the Control of Asbestos Regulations (2006), materials that contain asbestos have been divided into unlicensed and licensed materials.
Unlicensed asbestos materials
Unlicensed asbestos materials are not thought to be dangerous, but you should not work with them unless you have received adequate training and have the right protective equipment, such as a face mask.
Examples of unlicensed asbestos materials include:
- asbestos cement wall panels,
- asbestos cement roofs,
- asbestos floor tiles, and
- asbestos fire blankets.
Licensed asbestos materials
Licensed asbestos materials are thought to be dangerous, and only people who have obtained a licence from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are authorised to work with them.
Examples of licensed asbestos materials include:
- asbestos insulation on pipes,
- asbestos lagging on pipes,
- asbestos insulating board panels,
- asbestos insulated board ceiling tiles,
- sprayed asbestos coating on walls, ceilings, beams, and columns.
If you are unsure about whether the asbestos materials that you are working with might pose a risk to your health, you should stop working and seek advice from your employer.
If you are still concerned after speaking with your employer, contact the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), or your Trade Union representative (if you have one).
See the ‘useful links’ section for more information and advice about asbestos in the workplace.
