The hidden killer, urgent call for awareness
Asbestos remains a widespread and often overlooked threat in older UK buildings, and this article outlines why stronger awareness, training and compliance are urgently needed to protect workers and the public, as set out by UKATA
Despite asbestos being banned in the UK for over 25 years, it is still posing life threatening risks to the public and those in government owned buildings, which have been built or refurbished prior to the ban.
It is estimated that asbestos can be found in over 1.5 million buildings in the UK.
Before asbestos was recognised as a health risk, it was used in over 4,000 products due to its qualities as a strong, insulating, fire-resistant, heat-resistant and sound proofing product.
It is not always easy to identify due to it often being mixed with other materials, such as cement. Whilst considered harmless if undisturbed, the lack of awareness surrounding asbestos and asbestos management means the lives of building users are being put at risk every time a building undergoes renovations or minor repairs.
Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012 specifically requires the duty holder of non-domestic premises to assess whether premises contain asbestos, assess the risk and subsequently take action to manage the risk. A written record of the location and the condition of the asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) is required, which should be kept up to date and reviewed regularly, including monitoring of the ACMs and those products presumed to contain asbestos. This information should be cascaded to any persons liable to disturb the fabric of the building during their work activities, including employees and building or maintenance workers.
Awareness
In June 2025, HSE published news of a site supervisor being fined after exposing school pupils to asbestos. The worker cut through asbestos insulating board using a circular saw. His actions resulted in asbestos fibres spreading throughout the school hall, which was subsequently used for two days by pupils and staff. An investigation by the HSE found that the individual failed to follow his asbestos awareness training, including clear instructions not to disturb the wall. Following an asbestos survey, the wall was due to be checked by a licensed asbestos contractor prior to removal to clarify if asbestos was present. The defendant pleaded guilty to breaching Section 7(a) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. He was fined £1,800 and ordered to pay a £720 victim surcharge and £4,000 in costs at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on 12 June 2025 – a total financial penalty of £6,520.
Along with exposing individuals to asbestos, these acts can destroy trust, reputation and can lead to preventable suffering.
Craig Evans, chief operating officer of UKATA says “With the death toll from asbestos exposure over 5000 per year, UKATA is calling on all employers to ensure asbestos awareness training is conducted as soon as possible.
It is never too early to provide asbestos awareness training to your workforce. The earlier in a person’s career they receive the appropriate training, the better protected they are against developing asbestos related diseases in later life. A three-hour awareness course could prevent them from contracting a deadly disease and ensure they do not expose others to the dangers of asbestos.”
Health
Health implications of asbestos exposure include mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining that covers the outer surface of some of the body’s organs, most commonly of the lungs or abdomen, for which there is no cure. Up to 60 per cent of patients die in the first year after diagnosis, and just over five in 100 survive their mesothelioma for five years or more.
According to the HSE, Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety, the UK has the highest rate of mesothelioma deaths per capita in the world. The cancer has a long latency period of 15-45 years, with some prolonged cases of 60 years before symptoms show.
Government guidance states the presence of asbestos in the environment does not always lead to exposure as you must come into contact with the fibres. You may be exposed by breathing, eating, drinking the substance or by skin contact. Following exposure to any hazardous chemical, the adverse health effects that you may encounter depend on several factors, including the amount to which you are exposed (dose), the duration of exposure, the way you are exposed, the form of asbestos and if you were exposed to any other chemicals.
All forms of asbestos fibres are hazardous to health and can cause cancer when inhaled. However, the amphibole forms of asbestos (blue and brown asbestos) are more hazardous than chrysotile (white asbestos). This is because amphibole fibres are straighter, sharper and more brittle, meaning they can penetrate deeper into the lungs and remain there for longer. In addition, products containing amphibole asbestos tend to be more friable, meaning they more readily release fibres into the air when disturbed, increasing the likelihood of inhalation exposure.
Breathing in high concentrations of asbestos for a long period of time mainly affects the lungs, causing a disease called asbestosis where breathing becomes difficult and the heart enlarges. Asbestosis may take decades to develop. Asbestosis sufferers are at an increased risk of cancer. Exposure to lower concentrations of asbestos over time may result in a general (diffuse pleural thickening) or localised (pleural plaques) thickening of the lung lining.
Warts and corns may form around asbestos fibres that become embedded in the skin.
Training
Every individual working in an environment that may contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) must, by law, receive asbestos awareness training as a minimum, delivered by a competent source before any works commence. This training is designed to provide general information on the history of asbestos, its health risks, the types of products it was used in, typical uses within buildings, and a basic understanding of the legislation and its requirements. Importantly, asbestos awareness training is not sufficient for carrying out any work that will intentionally disturb asbestos fibres – think of it as ‘avoidance training’.
It is aimed at supervisors and trades personnel, including trainees such as but not limited to demolition workers, construction workers, general maintenance staff, electricians, plumbers, gas fitters, painters and decorators, joiners, plasterers, roofers, heating and ventilation engineers, telecommunication engineers, fire and burglar alarm installers, computer installers, building surveyors, shopfitters and other such professionals.
Some learners may require a more developed course which is specific to their area of work such as but not limited to architects and designers, groundworkers, waste and civic amenity site personnel, and marine and offshore workers.
It is also essential to note that a higher level of training is required for anyone undertaking work that involves direct contact with or disturbance of ACMs, to ensure both safety and compliance with legal regulations.
Furthermore, any contractors coming onto site must be able to provide evidence of the relevant asbestos training before beginning any work.
UKATA is dedicated to enhancing the quality and standards of asbestos training with the aim to shield workers and the public from the hazards of asbestos exposure.
The association collaborates closely with its members to guarantee that they have access to the latest information, training resources and industry updates. They provide a suite of support services to assist them in accomplishing their training objectives. Their membership encompasses a diverse array of organisations involved in asbestos training, including training providers, asbestos removal contractors, consultants and equipment suppliers.
UKATA is fervent about promoting safe and responsible working practices, committed to working with members and partners to realise a shared vision of protecting workers and the public from the hazards linked with asbestos exposure.
To find a UKATA-approved asbestos training provider near you, visit www.ukata.org.uk or for free advice call our team on 01246 824437.
