Asbestos Safety for Small Businesses

Do you work with, or come into contact with asbestos?

Asbestos is the largest single cause of work-related fatal disease and ill-health in Great Britain. Almost all asbestos-related deaths and ill health are from exposures several decades ago, but if you work with asbestos, or come into contact with it during repair and maintenance work, you are at risk. You should avoid working with asbestos if possible, but if not you must do it safely.
Asbestos can be found in buildings built from 1950 to 1985 in many forms. It may also be found in some vehicle brake pads and clutch linings.

Does this concern me?

Do you know whether there is asbestos in your premises? It is often found in roofs and exterior walls, on boilers, vessels and pipework, ceilings, interior walls and panels, flooring materials, air handling systems, domestic appliances, brake/clutch linings, fire blankets etc
Does your work involve maintenance and repair of premises? You might disturb asbestos while doing routine work. You will need to pay specific attention to the identification and effective management of the risks from asbestos materials.
Do you know what the rules are about removing asbestos? In most cases, you will need to use a contractor licensed by HSE to work with asbestos.
Would you know how to find someone licensed to do this work?
Do you know whether there is asbestos in any of the materials you work with?

If you have responsibility for the maintenance and/or repair of non-domestic premises you will need to pay specific attention to the identification and effective management of the risks from asbestos materials.

How and where you can get more help

Visit the Health & Safety Executive website and type the word "Asbestos" in the left hand box. You will then be able to obtain up to date information on asbestos management and control.

You should also use the above website to find out about any other health and safety issue that could affect your business.

Further information on asbestos can also be obtained by clicking on the appropriate downloads on this page.

If you are unsure on how you should comply with your legal obligations, please contact our Environmental Health Officers (Health & Safety) on 08452-304040 or at customer.services@midbeds.gov.uk.