Accidental disturbance of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can happen unexpectedly during maintenance, renovations, or DIY—particularly in buildings built before the 1999 UK asbestos ban. When ACMs are damaged, hazardous asbestos fibres may be released, posing serious long-term health risks such as mesothelioma or asbestosis.
UK regulations under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR2012) require immediate, decisive action. This guide explains the key response steps—from halting work and securing the area to involving licensed professionals and updating management plans—to maximise safety during the removal process and ensure full legal compliance.
Stop Removing Asbestos Immediately
At the first sign of disturbed asbestos—whether visible dust, cracked panels, or crumbling insulation—all work must cease immediately. Continuing puts everyone at risk by releasing microscopic asbestos fibres, which, if inhaled, can lead to serious diseases, such as mesothelioma.
Legally, failure to halt work upon discovering asbestos-containing materials can result in regulatory penalties and civil liability. Immediate stoppage preserves air quality and limits contamination.
Evacuate and Secure the Area Contaminated by Asbestos
Evacuate non-essential personnel from the asbestos-affected area and prevent re-entry until clearance is confirmed. Close all doors, windows, and ventilation grilles, and shut off HVAC systems to prevent asbestos fibre dispersal.
Establish a clearly marked exclusion zone using tape, barriers, and prominent warning signs. Only trained personnel wearing PPE should remain inside until asbestos containment measures are in place and the area is declared safe.
Prevent Further Asbestos Spread
To control contamination and limit fibre release, follow these key containment steps:
- Do not disturb debris – Avoid sweeping, brushing, or vacuuming with standard equipment.
- Mist the area – Use amended water to suppress airborne fibres before handling materials.
- Contain with sheeting – Lay impermeable polythene (minimum 6 mil) beneath the spill zone.
- Seal contaminated materials – Fold sheeting inward and double-bag securely for hazardous waste disposal.
Personal Asbestos Decontamination
Set up a zoned asbestos decontamination route for the personnel involved, starting with a dirty room, where workers remove coveralls, gloves, and footwear, placing them in sealed asbestos waste bags. Next, the workers should take a shower to thoroughly clean their hair, face, and body from any leftover asbestos before entering a clean room to put on uncontaminated clothing.
This prevents asbestos fibres from being carried into clean areas. Provide water or saline eyewash stations if asbestos fibre contact in the eyes is suspected, and ensure medical review for any skin irritation or exposure that occurred.
Notify the Duty-Holder and Site Manager Regarding the Release of Asbestos
Immediately inform the duty-holder (typically the building owner, landlord, or principal contractor) that asbestos-containing materials have been disturbed.
Provide clear details—such as location, extent of damage, timing, and personnel present. Follow up in writing to formally document the incident and record receipt. Prompt and documented notification of asbestos release demonstrates diligence and can limit liability downstream.
Assess Professional Intervention Needs Regarding Asbestos Removal
Review the type and condition of the disturbed asbestos-containing material. If the material is friable (e.g., sprayed coatings, pipe lagging) or if contamination is extensive, licensed asbestos removal may be required under CAR2012.
Even bonded materials may need professional asbestos handling if disturbed in large areas. Engage accredited contractors (via UKATA or ARCA) to assess the scope and advise on safe asbestos remediation. Quick expert involvement ensures legal compliance and speeds recovery.
Commission an Emergency Asbestos Survey
Urgently commission a refurbishment/demolition survey to map ACMs, evaluate damage, and update the asbestos register.
This survey identifies hidden asbestos materials that may pose further risk and refines the asbestos decontamination plan. Including laboratory sampling and condition assessment, the asbestos survey report lays the groundwork for a targeted removal or management strategy.
Conduct Air Monitoring and Clearance Testing of Asbestos Contamination
During cleanup, deploy real-time air monitors to track asbestos fibre levels and ensure safe working conditions. After cleanup, perform static air asbestos sampling at key points and heights.
Results must demonstrate asbestos fibre levels are below the legal clearance limit of 0.01 fibres/ml. A UKAS-accredited asbestos analyst reviews the samples and issues a Certificate of Reoccupation only if results are compliant.
Update the Asbestos Management Plan
Incorporate the incident and follow-up actions into your asbestos management plan. Update the risk register, revise control measures (e.g., re-label hazardous zones, install permanent barriers), and clarify future monitoring or asbestos removal timelines.
Retrain staff and contractors on emergency protocols, and require refresher sessions on identifying and responding to asbestos incidents.
Document the Incident and Review Controls of Asbestos Management
Ensure full compliance and prepare for future asbestos audits by completing the following documentation steps:
- Compile an incident report – Include time-stamped photos, surveyor notes, air monitoring data, and clearance certificates.
- Maintain centralised records – File all documentation with existing asbestos registers, past surveys, and waste transfer forms.
- Meet legal retention requirements – Retain all asbestos-related records for a minimum of 40 years, as required by CAR2012.
- Review and improve controls – Assess how the incident occurred, revise internal procedures, and address any weaknesses in site management or training.
Implement Asbestos Preventive Best Practices
To reduce future risks, schedule regular site audits focusing on asbestos-containing materials locations, signage, and containment barriers.
Introduce mandatory pre-work asbestos briefings for contractors and in-house teams working in older buildings. Map all ACMs digitally—via software or annotated plans—and establish routine toolbox talks around disturbance awareness.