Breathing in air containing Asbestos fibres can lead to asbestos related diseases, mainly cancers of the lungs and chest lining.

These diseases will not affect you immediately as there is usually a long delay between first exposure to asbestos and the onset of disease. This can vary from 15 to 60 years. So there is a need to protect all employees by ensuring that any existing asbestos containing materials are managed to ensure that they are in good condition and not damaged in anyway. It is recognised that trades such as joiners, plumbers and electricians are particularly at risk during maintenance or installation work.

The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2006 imposes a legal duty on all who own, occupy or manage premises which may contain asbestos to manage the risk. That is why it is important that asbestos containing materials (ACMs) are identified and that everyone whose work may bring them in contact with them, take appropriate precautions.

ACMs may be present if the building was constructed or refurbished before it was banned. In some cases ACMs, such as asbestos cement, were used up until 1999. You need to do all you reasonably can do to identify ACMs and if in doubt, always presume they are present until confirmed otherwise.

Remember asbestos cement products are defined as "special waste" and must therefore be consigned under the relevant waste rules which include a "duty of care". That duty of care means, amongst other things, that as the dutyholder, you must prevent the escape of fibres from the waste whilst it is in their control.