Artex and Textured Coating Removal

Textured coatings such as Artex applied before the mid-1980s may contain chrysotile (white asbestos).
Disturbing asbestos-containing textured coatings releases fibres that cause mesothelioma and lung cancer.
A sample must be analysed by an accredited laboratory before any removal or disturbance takes place.
If the coating contains asbestos, removal is usually non-licensed work (NNLW) but requires notification and controls.
Wetting the coating, careful scraping, and immediate bagging minimises fibre release during removal.
Dry sanding or power tool removal of asbestos-containing Artex is strictly prohibited.
Workers must wear RPE with a minimum P3 filter and disposable coveralls during removal.
The work area must be enclosed and warning signs posted to prevent entry by other workers.
All waste must be double-bagged in labelled asbestos waste bags for licensed hazardous disposal.
Overcoating with sealant or plasterboard is sometimes preferable to removal where the coating is in good condition.

Asbestos exposure	Disturbing asbestos-containing Artex releases carcinogenic fibres causing fatal diseases decades later.
Legal duty	The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 require testing, notification, and controlled removal procedures.
Worker and occupant safety	Uncontrolled removal in occupied or shared buildings exposes many people to asbestos fibres.

Do

Don't

Sample and test the textured coating for asbestos before any disturbance or removal
Notify the enforcing authority if the coating tests positive for asbestos (NNLW notification)
Wet the coating thoroughly before scraping to suppress fibre release
Wear RPE with a P3 filter and disposable coveralls throughout the removal process
Enclose the work area with polythene sheeting and post asbestos warning signs
Bag all removed material immediately into labelled asbestos waste bags
Dispose of all waste through a licensed hazardous waste carrier and disposal site
Clean the area with a damp cloth and H-class vacuum after removal is complete
Consider overcoating as an alternative to removal where the coating is in good condition
Brief all workers in the area about the asbestos work and access restrictions

DON'T scrape, sand, or disturb textured coatings without laboratory testing for asbestos first
DON'T dry sand or use power tools on asbestos-containing Artex under any circumstances
DON'T remove asbestos Artex without notification and the required NNLW controls in place
DON'T allow other trades into the enclosed work area during asbestos removal
DON'T take contaminated clothing or equipment out of the enclosed area without decontamination
DON'T assume textured coatings are asbestos-free because the building looks modern
DON'T dispose of asbestos-containing waste with general construction waste
DON'T remove RPE until the work area has been cleaned and the enclosure dismantled
DON'T ignore chest tightness, coughing, or breathing difficulty during or after removal work
DON'T overcoat without testing — the duty to manage requires knowing what is present

See also: Asbestos Awareness | Non-Licensed Asbestos Work (NNLW)

Presenter		Project
Location		Date

Toolbox Talk Record