RR1217: The use of control measures during licensed asbestos removal

The importation and use of all asbestos in Great Britain (GB) was banned by 1999. However, asbestos can be present in buildings constructed or refurbished before 2000 and continues to be removed as part of ongoing risk management. Only HSE licensed contractors can undertake higher-risk removal work.

This research aimed to assess compliance of work practices and exposure control measures with HSE guidance during licensed asbestos removal in GB. HSE scientists visited eight removal sites between 2016 - 2019. The scientists monitored airborne fibre concentrations and observed working practices during the removal of asbestos insulating board, insulation and sprayed coating.

Removal contractors participated voluntarily; as the findings below represent work under HSE observation they may not be representative of the licensed asbestos industry as a whole:

  • Fibre suppressant was not used consistently when dismantling polythene enclosures.
  • Wetting of material prior to removal was observed on seven sites.
  • On one site, sections of an enclosure being dismantled were re-used in a new enclosure.
  • Enclosure materials should not be re-used but disposed of as asbestos waste.
  • Smoke tests were not consistently undertaken after either work breaks or when repairing enclosure leaks.
  • Power tools were used on or near asbestos-containing material on one site.
  • Equipment used during asbestos removal was removed from the enclosure without adequate containment to prevent the spread of asbestos.

These findings will help inform HSE site interventions.

Visit the RR1217 report (PDF) [12]

This report and the work it describes were funded by the Health and Safety Executive. Its contents, including any opinions and/or conclusions expressed, are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect HSE policy.

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Updated 2024-12-02