Asbestos was historically used in the UK for insulation and construction (flooring, roofing, and more), including in residential and industrial buildings, due to its known fire-resistant properties. The dangers of asbestos became more widely known in the 1960s and 70s, leading to the Asbestos Regulations 1969, which aimed to manage asbestos use and minimise associated risks. In 1999, white asbestos (chrysotile) was banned from use and import into the United Kingdom. Despite this, asbestos can still be found in many UK buildings and homes built or refurbished before the year 2000.
The Dangers of Asbestos
Asbestos is still a major health concern in the UK, especially for construction workers and tradesmen – leading to the deaths of around 5000 workers each year. When materials containing asbestos are disturbed, asbestos fibres are released into the air. If inhaled, these fibres can cause serious and even fatal diseases, including:
- Mestothelioma – a cancer affecting the lining of the lungs and the lower digestive tract.
- Asbestos-related lung cancer – this appears the same as lung cancer caused by smoking and other root causes.
- Asbestosis – a scarring condition of the lung leading to shortness of breath and, in severe cases, death.
- Pleural thickening – a condition whereby the lining of the lung thickens and swells, leading to shortness of breath and discomfort in the chest.
The above diseases generally develop over time and as a result of long-term asbestos exposure. It’s important to reduce or prevent exposure to asbestos fibres, as the above conditions can be difficult to manage and, in some cases, fatal.
PPE for Asbestos Removal
Where possible, asbestos should not be disturbed or damaged, and every effort should be made to avoid fibres being released into the air. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the last line of defence for minimising exposure to asbestos fibres when working with or around materials containing asbestos. Only carry out work if you are properly trained and have the right equipment to do so safely.
Respiratory Protection
Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is the most important thing to consider when working with asbestos. Ensuring the correct protective mask is crucial to preventing the inhalation of asbestos fibres. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises one of the following types of RPE:
- Disposable respirator to standards EN 149 (type FFP3) or EN 1827 (type FMP3).
- Half mask respirator to standard EN 405 with P3 filter.
- Semi-disposable respirator to EN 405 with P3 filter.
It is important to note that the above respirators require professional face fit testing and are not suitable for those with facial hair. Hooded respirators and Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPR) should be used for those who cannot meet face fit testing standards. You can read more about PAPR in our ‘Choosing the Right Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)’ article.
RPE users must be prepared for emergency scenarios where their RPE fails or becomes damaged and must be trained on how to wear their equipment safely. Disposable RPE is required to be thrown away as asbestos waste after one use.
Overalls
Overalls/coveralls protect your arms, torso, legs, and head from asbestos contamination. Again, disposable coveralls (Type 5 (BS EN ISO 13982-1+A1)) are suitable but must be disposed of as asbestos waste after a single use. You should follow the below guidelines regarding your overalls/coveralls:
- Waterproof overalls may be required for outdoor work.
- Size up to prevent ripping at the seams (i.e., if you are normally a medium, wear a large).
- Seal loose cuffs with tape.
- Avoid wearing long-sleeve shirts under your overall as they are difficult to cover properly.
- Wear overall legs over your footwear (do not tuck them in).
- Wear the overall hood over the straps of your RPE.
Gloves
As Type 5 coveralls do not include a glove attachment, you must wear separate protective gloves in order to protect your hands from asbestos exposure. The following glove types are suitable:
- Single-use (non-latex) gloves
- Low-protein, powder-free latex gloves
Disposable gloves must be discarded as asbestos waste after one use.
Footwear
Disposable overshoes can be used; however, these are not advisable as they reduce the grip the soles of shoes give you. This could lead to slipping, resulting in injury or damage to other PPE, exposing you to asbestos.
Safety boots are preferable as they provide adequate protection to your feet while minimising the risk of slipping. Choosing boots without laces is advisable as this ensures cleaning can be carried out easily and more effectively, as removing dust from laces can be difficult.
Eye Protection
It’s possible for airborne fibres such as asbestos to become lodged in the soft tissue of your eyes, which can cause health issues such as irritation. This isn’t the most dangerous risk associated with asbestos exposure, but it’s a good idea to protect yourself regardless.
The easiest way to prevent this is to wear a pair of safety goggles – these should be sealed to your face with no gaps (i.e., not safety glasses) so there is no way for the dust particles to come into contact with your eyes.
It’s worth noting that many PAPR devices will cover your entire face, including your eyes, so safety goggles are not necessary in this case. Be sure to clean your safety goggles after use.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations in the UK
The handling and removal of asbestos in the UK are strictly regulated under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). These regulations set clear guidelines for employers and workers to prevent exposure and ensure safe asbestos management.
Key requirements include:
- Risk Assessments & Surveys – Before any work begins, an asbestos risk assessment must be conducted to identify the presence and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
- Licensing & Training – Certain asbestos removal tasks require a licensed contractor, while all workers must receive adequate training on asbestos risks and safe handling procedures.
- Control Measures – Employers must implement measures to limit asbestos fibre release, including controlled removal techniques, enclosures, and appropriate PPE/RPE.
- Air Monitoring & Clearance Testing – Airborne asbestos levels should be monitored to ensure they remain below the control limit, and clearance testing is required before reoccupation.
- PPE & RPE Compliance – The correct selection, use, and disposal of PPE and RPE are mandatory. Employers must provide properly fitted respiratory protection and ensure PPE is disposed of as hazardous waste.
Non-compliance with these regulations can lead to significant legal penalties, including fines or prosecution. More importantly, non-compliance puts workers at serious risk of asbestos-related diseases. For more detailed guidance, refer to HSE’s official asbestos management resources.
Conclusion
Asbestos remains a serious health hazard in the UK, with thousands of workers still at risk of exposure each year. Safe removal and handling require strict adherence to regulations, proper training, and the use of high-quality PPE. Respiratory protection, disposable coveralls, gloves, and safety goggles all play a vital role in preventing asbestos fibre inhalation and contamination.
By following the correct procedures and using the right protective equipment, workers can significantly reduce their risk of exposure. Employers and individuals must stay informed, comply with legal requirements, and take all necessary precautions to ensure a safe working environment.
For further information on asbestos safety, refer to HSE guidance and industry best practices.
