Working with Asbestos

The links on this page will take you directly to the appropriate work sheets from the Health and Safety Executive.

These sheets explain how to work with asbestos. Before working with asbestos containing materials, please ensure that you have followed the correct safety procedures.

Before considering working on any asbestos containing material, check that such work does not need to be carried out by a licenced contractor.

 Tasks

Asbestos Insulation Board	Asbestos Cement	Other ACM's
Drill Hole (AIB)	Drill Hole (AC)	Enclose to Prevent Damage
Remove Ceiling Tile	Clean Guttering	Remove Paper Linings
Remove Fireproofed Door	Remove Debris	Remove Friction Linings
Remove 1m sq screwed board	Clean Old Roof Cladding	Cable Laying (Undamaged Asbestos)
Clean Light Fittings	Repair Damaged Sheet	Remove Cladding with Bitumen
Repair Minor Damage	Removal of Sheets, Gutters, etc	Remove Floor Tiles
Paint Undamaged Board	Removal of flues, tanks, etc	Textile Duct Connector
	Painting	Remove Fire Gasket or Rope Seal

Equipment and Methods

Methods	Equipment
Asbestos Discovery	Type H Vaccuum Cleaner
Training	Personal Protective Equipment
Mini-Enclosure	Cleaning Rags
Wetting
Personal Decontamination

Precautions

When working with asbestos containing materials, it is important to follow basic safety precautions.

DO NOT:

• Use methods that create a lot of dust like using power tools
• Sweep up dust & debris – use a Type H vacuum cleaner or wet rags
• Take home overalls used for asbestos work
• Reuse disposable clothing or masks
• Smoke
• Eat or drink in the work area