What to Do If You Find Asbestos at Work – Stay Safe and Comply with Regulations

Discovering asbestos in your workplace can be concerning, but knowing how to respond correctly is crucial for maintaining safety and compliance with regulations.

Surveyor inspecting a commercial building’s heating system for asbestos during a management survey

Asbestos-related diseases take years to develop, but exposure to airborne fibers can pose serious health risks. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to take if you suspect or find asbestos while at work, the legal responsibilities of employers, and why removing asbestos without proper training is dangerous.

Step 1: Stop Work Immediately

If you come across a material that you suspect contains asbestos, the first and most important step is to stop work immediately. Continuing to disturb the material could release harmful fibers into the air, putting yourself and others at risk.

Step 2: Report It to Your Employer or Health & Safety Officer

Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012), employers have a duty to manage asbestos risks in the workplace. Report your discovery to your supervisor, employer, or designated health & safety officer as soon as possible so they can take the appropriate action.

Step 3: Restrict Access to the Area

Until a professional assessment is carried out, the suspected asbestos-containing material (ACM) should not be disturbed. If possible, seal off the area and ensure that no one enters without proper authorisation.

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Step 4: Arrange for a Professional Asbestos Survey

A qualified asbestos surveyor should inspect the material and, if necessary, take samples for laboratory testing. This will determine whether asbestos is present and what type it is. Results typically take 24-48 hours.

Surveyor performing a homebuyer survey, checking for asbestos in the flooring of a domestic property

Step 5: Follow Employer Responsibilities Under CAR 2012

Employers have a legal duty to protect employees from asbestos exposure. Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, employers must:

Conduct an asbestos risk assessment before any work that could disturb ACMs.
Maintain an asbestos register for the workplace, detailing known or suspected ACMs.
Implement an asbestos management plan to prevent accidental disturbance.
Ensure that any work involving asbestos is carried out by licensed professionals when required.

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in heavy fines, legal action, and serious health risks for employees.

The Dangers of Removing Asbestos Without Training

It may be tempting to handle the situation yourself, but removing or disturbing asbestos without the right training is extremely dangerous and illegal. Here’s why:

Health Risks – Inhaling asbestos fibers can lead to fatal diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
Legal Consequences – Only licensed asbestos removal contractors are permitted to remove high-risk ACMs. Unauthorized removal can result in prosecution and fines.
Spread of Contamination – Without proper containment measures, asbestos fibers can spread throughout the workplace, putting more people at risk.

Professional surveyor conducting an asbestos management survey in a retail store to ensure workplace safety

Step 6: Implement a Safe Plan Based on Expert Recommendations

If asbestos is confirmed, a licensed asbestos contractor must be hired to remove or manage it safely. In some cases, asbestos may not need to be removed and can be sealed or encapsulated to prevent fiber release.

Final Thoughts – Stay Safe & Stay Compliant

Finding asbestos in the workplace is a serious matter, but by following proper procedures and legal requirements, you can ensure the safety of yourself and your colleagues.

If you suspect asbestos in your workplace, don’t take risks—contact our expert asbestos survey and testing team for safe, compliant, and professional guidance.