Asbestos Regulations

Asbestos Regulations


From the 1950s to the 1980s, asbestos was widely used in the building trade. This naturally occurring mineral was popular because of its resistance to heat, electricity and sound.

Today, we know much more about the affects of asbestos and the trade is governed by the Asbestos Regulations.

Different Types of Asbestos

There are basically three different types of asbestos, namely white asbestos, brown and blue asbestos. From 1985, the blue and brown forms were prohibited in the UK. White asbestos followed, with a ban put in place in 1999.

The asbestos regulations were introduced in 2006, banning all forms of asbestos. These regulations prohibit its importation, supply and use. The strict guidelines apply to new asbestos.

Asbestos Risks

The risks associated with asbestos, include:

Asbestosis (scarring of the lungs caused by minute asbestos fibres)
Lung cancer
Pleural thickening (asbestos fibres that have lodged in the membrane around the lungs, known as the pleura)
Mesothelioma (a malignant tumour of the pleura or lining of the abdominal cavity).
Many older buildings still contain asbestos, including hospitals, schools and homes that were built before the asbestos regulations came into force. Since the late 1980s, asbestos removal specialists have been drafted in to ensure the safety of public buildings.

If you already have asbestos in your home or property, don't worry!

As long as it is in good condition, it can remain in place. But you must continue to monitor the asbestos and maintain it to ensure that it is left undamaged.

Monitoring asbestos should not be done in a hap-hazard way. An asbestos survey should be carried out by an expert who will be able to locate and assess the asbestos. It will then be registered and a management plan will be put into place, and the asbestos will be monitored regularly. If you are doing renovations on the building, a more extensive asbestos survey should be carried out to make sure that the asbestos will not be affected.

Asbestos Removal

Given the risks associated with asbestos, you may wish to make sure that it is removed from your property altogether. An asbestos removal expert will know his asbestos regulations and will be able to help you safely remove asbestos from your home.

Under the regulations, asbestos removal must be carried out under a license that is issued by the Health and Safety Executive. There are only a few exceptions to this rule. An asbestos removal company will be able to advise you on your options. Remember, asbestos is still safe to use if it is undamaged. An asbestos survey will set your mind at ease and identify any problems.  As always, with any kind of tradespeople, remember to get at least three quotes for your asbestos removal services.

Disclaimer: Top Tradespeople accept no responsibility for the validity of this information. You should always seek expert advice on DIY, home improvement, building regulations and planning permission.