Managing The Ongoing Risks Of Asbestos

Understanding the danger

Asbestos remains one of the most significant occupational health risks in the United Kingdom. Despite being banned more than two decades ago, it continues to affect approximately 5,000 workers each year, with an average of 20 tradesmen being affected every week due to past exposure.

Importantly, asbestos is not solely a legacy issue. It may still be present in any building constructed or refurbished before the year 2000, meaning the risk persists across a wide range of properties.

When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged, microscopic fibres are released into the air. Once inhaled, these fibres can cause severe and often fatal diseases. These conditions typically take many years to develop, and once diagnosed, treatment options are limited.

Types of asbestos

• Serpentine (chrysotile or white) – softer, flexible, less hazardous.
• Amphiboles (crocidolite-blue, amosite-brown, tremolite, actinolite, anthophyllite) – brittle, needle-like, more dangerous.

   

Health effects of exposure

Exposure to asbestos fibres can result in a range of serious diseases:

• Mesothelioma: An aggressive and fatal cancer of the lining of the lungs (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum).
• Asbestos-related lung cancer: Comparable to smoking-related lung cancer; for every mesothelioma death, there is typically one lung cancer death.
• Asbestosis: Scarring of lung tissue following heavy exposure, leading to breathlessness and potentially fatal outcomes.
• Pleural thickening: Thickening and swelling of the lung lining, restricting breathing capacity.
• Compounding risk: Smokers exposed to asbestos face a significantly higher likelihood of developing lung cancer.

How our framework supports organisations

The Asbestos Inspection and Removal Services framework has been designed to help organisations manage these risks effectively and responsibly. Key benefits include:

• Professional surveying and monitoring to identify asbestos before it becomes a hazard.
• Safe removal and encapsulation to prevent fibre release during refurbishment or demolition.
• Compliance with UK legislation, ensuring organisations meet their duty of care under the Control of Asbestos Regulations.
• Cost-effective procurement routes (direct award or further competition), saving both time and money.
• Expert consultancy and tailored management plans aligned to each organisation’s property portfolio.

Asbestos remains a serious and ongoing risk to health and safety. Organisations must take proactive steps to identify, manage, and remove asbestos from their estates. By utilising the Asbestos Inspection and Removal Services framework, organisations can ensure compliance, protect their workforce and the public, and save costs through a trusted procurement route.

To find out more about our framework and how you can access it, visit here! 

References

Why is asbestos dangerous? - HSE

Asbestos: general information - GOV.UK